The Best of East Nashville: A 3-Day Guide

Depending on what time you arrive, you are going to be hungry either way so I would recommend getting lunch or dinner. (Pro Tip: East Nashville restaurants are some of the best around so I highly recommend making reservations ahead of time!) There are too many good options to just name just a lunch and dinner option so here are a few good ones.

LUNCH

Red Headed Stranger: Com here for good Tex-Mex grub!

Hearts: Known as the spot with all-day Australian-inspired breakfast, brunch and lunch with great coffee (vegetarian and vegan options available.)

The Wild Cow :(Vegan) This is one of my personal faves with a great outdoor deck if it feels good outside. Their patio is also dog-friendly for those traveling with their fur babies.

DINNER

Peninsula: My absolute fave spot with incredible Iberian dishes and by far the best G&T menu in the whole of Nashville (I highly recommend reservations.)

Margot Cafe & Bar: French-inspired cafe with southern influences located in the Five Points area of East Nashville (I highly recommend reservations.)

Lockeland Table: A space where the focus is farm-to-table and seasonal produce but make it elevated!

If you are up for some fun after dinner I recommend going for a boogie at The 5 Spot, one of East Nashville's music venues know for its 80's nights dance parties (every first Friday of the month) and Motown Mondays (every Monday). Fun Fact: The 5 Spot was on the Nashville TV series!

Brekkie is the most important meal of the day:

Cafe Roze is very similar to Hearts and I love their interior! From shakes to bowls, they have an all-day cage menu that is delish.

Sky Blue Cafe is one of East side's OG brekkie spots! Super cute diner-styled space with local coffee and a great breakfast menu.

If your tummy is full and you have gained the energy for the day I would recommend strolling around the local stores in East and take cute pics at some funky murals.
Some of my fave stores and areas to shop include the shops on Fatherland and Porter East, The Book Shop (next to Hannah Bee Coffee Shop that have my fave coffee in East,) Natalie Busby, a women's clothing store that have the prettiest, sustainably made clothes bust be warned it may leave quite the dent in your wallet and Vinnie Louise, another darling women's boutique. I love supporting the small business!

Murals

• Kelsey Mountague Hot Air Balloon mural

• East Nashville Mural at Donut Distillery

• Dolly Parton Mural next to The 5 Spot

• The Rainbow Pizza next to 5 Points Pizza (grab a slice while there - it is a East Nash staple)

• Flower Balm mural

• Stay Tuned mural

When your ready to give up on the shopping and selfies, it is time for an ice cold something and lunch:

East Nashville Beer Works are great for groups and is dog-friendly with a great outdoor area. They have live music some weekends and have great beer and pizza!

5 Points Pizza is a classic.

Mas Tacos Por Favor for the best tacos in Nashville! If it is rainy I recommend getting the Tortilla Soup. (Pro-tip: They only take cash but there is also an ATM inside to draw money.) After lunch, if you haven't stuffed yourself and have room left, I would recommend getting an ice cream ate Jeni's.

Dinner

Lyra is a neighborhood fave and is where your middle eastern cuisine dreams will come true. They have the freshest pita's and hummus! (Veggie friendly)

Pelican & Pig is a farm-to-table set-up where they cook what's in season and love celebrating cooking on open fire.

Once Upon A Time In France: Think French bistro, hearty meals and an off charts wine list (Pro-tip: If you cannot manage to get a reservation you can go to there sister property across the street called The Authentique for pre-dinner drinks and they will get you on the waiting list!)

Drinks

The Fox Bar gives speakeasy feels and have swanky craft cocktails that are to-die for

If you up for some more music go check out the Basement East for good live music. You can check their calendar on their website ahead of time to see who is performing. The Basement East got destroyed in Nashville's 2020 Tornado and it is great to see them back again!

Late Night Eats

Dinos Dive Bar & Burger is East Nashville's oldest dive bar and has been around since the 70's and a true classic. Dinos is known to have one of the country's best cheese burgers! This is an absolute must any time of the day! Definitely not to missed y'all!

Dukes for a sandwich! Dukes is one of the more smaller bars in the neighborhood but not to be overlooked! Definitely one of the bars in town that have affordable drinks and amazing sandwiches.

Nothing beats a Sunday Brunch an I highly recommend the Butcher and Bee brunch over any other brunch spot in East! Make reservations or you will be highly disappointed and 100% order the Whipped Feta or you will be even more disappointed.

After brunch go walk off the food at Shelby Bottoms Nature Centre and Greenway where there are scenic river outlooks and you might even spot some wildlife or visit the Red Arrow Gallery to buy a local artisan keepsake before you leave or some souvenirs from the IDEA hatchery located at the Five Points Alley Shops.

For the music fans, I highly recommend shopping for some records at Grimey's, a classic East Nashville record store with new and preloved options.

Last but not least have a safe trip home y'all!