INN & OUT: NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE
Have a few days to explore Music City? Here is what I’d do…
RESTAURANTS:
Kayne Prime: Arguably my favorite steakhouse in the United States. Here are a few things NOT to miss: Cotton Candy Bacon & Creme Corn Brulee, both extremely unique. Also, don’t forget to ask for the Pop-Overs… they come with your meal and are epic!
5th & Taylor: Are you a foodie? Dig southern-American flare? This is for you! Swanky spot, great bar and easy to share!
Monell’s: No menu, you won’t need it. Food just comes (and its EPIC), pass what you don’t want. Oh, when you hear the word’s family style… they mean it. You’ll be seated next to people you’ve never met… trust me, its all part of the experience and its some of the best southern cooking I’ve ever had. Just go with it! I recommend breakfast, get there before 10A to avoid lines.
Edleys BBQ: This was always my favorite in town… brisket, ribs and pulled pork are all GREAT.
Tip: Get the Chess Pie for dessert. Its simple, but so good and appropriate.
Peg Leg Porker BBQ: This one came around shortly before I moved out of Nashville… its now hard to tell which one I like best?!
HOTELS:
Union Station Hotel: Originally, Nashville’s train station from 1900-1979, now a Marriott Bonvoy Autograph Collection hotel. There are so many nod’s to the hotels’s past and they’ve recently renovated their bar. Nice collection of bourbons!
Hermitage Hotel: Nashville’s original million-dollar hotel. It’s been serving guests, meals and cocktails since 1910.
Tip: Go eat or drink in the Oak Room and be sure to use the bathroom. Enjoy the trip to the Deco era!
LIBATIONS:
The Patterson House: Located in Midtown Nashville, this was a speak easy before being a speak easy was cool. Aside from an amazingly unique cocktail menu, they also have fantastic small plates.
Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask for a classic cocktail or even challenge the mixologist to make you something custom.
The Fox: A quaint little cocktail bar in East Nashville. The mixologists were really nice!
Roberts Western World: If you’re going to hit any of the Broadway Honky Tonk live music bars, this is my suggestion. Its a lot of classic and rockabilly country where you’ll see some of Nashville’s best performers play unique instruments like the upright bass. Plus, they have a solid late night bar burger for the munchies!
Santa’s Pub: One of the most iconic dive bars in the USA (in my opinion) which hosts late night karaoke and crap beers now for decades. This place is 'shitty,’ yet, awesome all at the same time. You’ll need to uber here as its a bit outside town, but worth it. You might have seen Ed Sheeran’s videos of doing BSB karaoke with fans and patrons alike, he frequently goes out locally after his shows and made Santa’s his stop in Nashville.
Winners & Losers: This is in midtown, a short uber ride or walk from downtown / Broadway. This is where you’ll see Nashville locals as well as Vanderbilt students combine to chill and experience some fun live music. They are 2 different bars, right next to one another and its home to “Whiskey Jam,” an infamous event where celebs play this small and divey venue. I personally like ‘Losers’ even better, ironically.
Tip: You might see some celebrities just hanging out among the common folk. Don’t bug them for photos! It will ruin it for all.
ACTIVITIES:
12 South: Want to do a little shopping? This is where I go every time. Aside from great brands like Buck Mason, Marine Layer and Krewe, they also have local brands like Imogene & Willie’s, Vinnie Louise and White’s Mercentile.
Tip: Grab coffee at the Frothy Monkey. Bring your laptop and work from there for the morning?
Ryman Auditorium: See a show here, period. Since 1892, the Ryman (once the Union Gospel Tabernacle) has been hosting crowds of worshipers from either Christianity to music giving it the name ‘Mother Church.’ It has hosted performers like Elvis Presley & Johnny Cash to Harry Styles and the Foo Fighters in its history… the question is, will you be part of it?
Cheers, gents!
By, Brian McAleer
CEO & Co-Founder
Gent Life
