Treat Your Taste Buds at One of the Best Downtown Nashville Restaurants!

Hot chicken, buttery biscuits, and finger-licking barbecue—oh my! There’s a reason Nashville is one of the best cities in the South for foodies. If you have a hankering for something sweet, savory, or simply Southern, you’ll find it in Music City. Whether you’ve never stepped cowboy boot-clad foot here or want to expand your collection of go-to Tennessee eateries, we can help! Below, we’ve listed some of our favorite downtown Nashville restaurants. Hungry for more local advice? Be sure to access our complimentary Travel Guide to Music City!

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Some of the Best Downtown Nashville Restaurants

The Southern Steak and Oyster

If you’re looking for a delicious date-night steak dinner in Nashville, head to The Southern Steak and Oyster. With wood-fired meats, fried staples, and an oyster bar, The Southern is in the heart of downtown Nashville’s up-and-coming SoBro district. This unique and lively eatery features authentic Southern fare with a New American twist. Happy hour here features $1 off draft beer, $5 well cocktails, and $5 fried green tomatoes. After cocktails, indulge in a delicious dinner of braised beef brisket, rack of lamb, or shrimp n’ grits.

Pinewood Social

If your vision of dinner in Nashville feature somewhere trendy and unique, Pinewood Social is for you! This New American hangout has it all: Creative cuisine, cocktails, and bowling—all housed in industrial-chic digs. Come for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and discover a variety of scrumptious meals (and plenty of fun). At brunch, try the avocado toast or ricotta pancakes. If you’re coming for dinner, start with pimento cheese dip or gazpacho soup. Then, indulge in lobster mac n’ cheese, beer battered fish and chips, or the spring pasta. Yum!

The Stillery

Looking for a modern space with live music and tasty food? Try The Stillery! You’ll love the mason jar cocktails, burgers, and brick-oven pizzas. This relaxed eatery is a go-to for locals who crave comfort food and high-quality whiskeys. Try the sriracha deviled eggs, jalapeno bacon rangoons, or pretzels as an appetizer. Then, move to a rustic pizza pie! Choose from tomato and pesto, BBQ chicken, and much more. Top off your ‘za with the “Smokin’ Mule” cocktail featuring ginger beer, amaretto, and lime.

WHISKEY KITCHEN

A favorite watering hole with warm wood decor, tavern grub, and global whiskeys is WHISKEY KITCHEN on 12th Avenue South. This rock n’ roll hotspot sports crocodile leather walls, large convertible windows, and an expansive patio. WHISKEY KITCHEN even serves up classic pub grub after hours (to soak up all the good times you’ve had downtown). Try the Nacho Nirvana, jalapeno fried pickles, or build-your-own pizza.

Skull’s Rainbow Room

If visiting a true Nashville classic tickles your fancy, then you must include Skull’s Rainbow Room on your dining itinerary! This established spot is known for its vibrant nightlife and bodacious burlesque show, but the food is top-notch, too. The menu features all manner of burgers, prime rib, crab cakes, and more.

Bakersfield Tacos

Looking for some Southwestern fare with street flair? Try Bakersfield Tacos for tasty tortilla-wrapped goodness and a huge selection of over tequilas and whiskeys. From unique boot-shaped pint glasses to the hip, low-light atmosphere, this chain is both quirky and delicious. Try the corn truffles with roasted poblano, corn, cotija cheese, and cilantro. Seafood lovers enjoy the crispy Mahi tacos with Tabasco lime sauce, citrus slaw, and cilantro. Or, go with a classic and try the Mole with braised chicken, pickled red onion, and queso.

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

Ask any local and they’ll tell you: Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint is one of the best local spots for the ‘cue. Meat-seekers adore pitmaster Pat Martin’s no-frills plates of pulled pork, ribs, and more. Don’t forget to ask for a few of the delicious Southern sides!

Stay Within Walking Distance of the Best FoodPosh Pad, near the best downtown Nashville restaurants

Stay within walking distance of all of the best downtown Nashville restaurants when you book a Playlist Properties vacation rental! Our downtown properties feature unique and stylish decor, scenic views, free parking, convenient keycode entry, and so much more. There’s nothing finer than being within walking distance of everything Music City has to offer! After you’ve had your fill of eating out, satisfy that craving by cooking up a delicious meal in your rental’s fully-stocked kitchen. You won’t find that in a hotel room!

Ready for a taste of Nashville? Check our availability today and start planning your trip!