Nourished in Nash: A guide to eating and drinking in The South
The time has come for a vegan to take a stab at Nashville’s food scene. This past month I took a visit (or two) to Nashville and what I found made me fall head over heels for the South. When you think of Nashville you may think of barbecue, Honkey Tonks, NashVegas, and good Ol’ country music. While this guide has many of those things, barbecue was not in this veggie lovers itinerary. Yes, it’s possible to eat healthy in the south and not as hard as you may think.
While I was quite lucky to have my own personal tour guide, I hope this guide can act as your own. From the best places to see live music to farm to table eateries, this guide will ensure you get the most out of NASH while still leaving you coming back for more (I know I will).
Eateries
In my 24 years of eating, Mocking Bird was the best dining experience my taste buds have yet to experience for dinner. This old-fashion cruise boat dinner serves a unique twist on American cuisine. The awe goes farther than the food, the extensive wine list, craft cocktails, and unique menu’s were just some of the many things we loved about The Mocking Bird. The brussels sprouts are an absolute must for an appetizer. Make sure you make reservations as this place is quite popular for foodies and non-foodies alike. One very important note: they have a specific menu JUST FOR VEGETARIANS (can you see why I’m their biggest fan?).
Farm to Table has never tasted so fresh. Located in trendy German Town, Nashville, this sought after eatery is famous for good reason. A reservation-must, they offer an outdoor patio, bar seating, and communal tables. They only reserve part of the restaurant to ensure seats are available for the ‘neighbors’ and like. The toast stracciatella app and cecemariti pasta alone is worth writing home about.
Elegant Japanese cuisine may be the last thing I would have imagined to be hidden in Nashville. The restaurant in itself is a work of art and the food falls nothing short. A perfect date setting, the huge windows allow you to watch the sunset while looking over the Ascend Amphitheater. Start with the tsukemono (cucumber, shiozuke, kojizuke, shoyuzuke). The plates are small but packed with flavor. I would recommend sharing about 3-4 small plates.
Located in the Gultch, (my favorite Nashville neighborhood) lays Adele’s. If I had more time here, I would have spent my whole day watching the cooks in the open concept kitchen all day. The design, layout, service, presentation, and FOOD was the best lunch I have ever had the pleasure of devouring. Since my return to California, there has not been a single second where I have not thought about their crispy potatoes and cauliflower salad. My first item on my next Nashville itinerary will be coming here for dinner and sitting on their patio.
Sipperies
This speak easy feels as if you have stepped through time. Their menu is organized by alcohol type which makes it easy to find the exact drink you are looking for. The dimly lit tables makes a perfect pre or post dinner destination. We tried all of the tequila cocktails starting from light to dark – safe to say we pre gammed our dinner (no judgment please).
The wine destination in Nash. Their food pairs perfectly with their extensive wine list and their sunsets will entertain you throughout Happy Hour (everyday 3-6pm). If you are needing a delectable weekday treat – this is your spot.
Don’t let the name fool you. This farm to table has inspo everywhere. From vegan options, interior decor, and extensive bar – Buchertown Hall has my heart. We continued to try drink after drink, getting amazing recommendations from the bartenders. We were introduced to Mead, an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water, sometimes with various fruits, spices, grains, or hops. Similar to honey, it was a one-of-a-kind experience.
Nashville has so much to offer it’s a bit overwhelming. Their rooftop bars (La Jackson and The Bobby are my favorites), everyday market, Walking Bridge, and the Parthenon are some amazing day-time adventures to go see. Broadway is your night-life destination for Honkey Tonks and Demonbreun for live music. You may even get to see your favorite country star surprise you with a performance on stage!
