Nashville enjoys its newfound reputation as the best foodie city in the US. With iconic restaurants like Prince's Hot Chicken Shack, Loveless Cafe, and Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, it's no wonder why. The city has ranked up its global food appeal and after giving a home to iconic flavours, it has become a melting pot of cultures and cuisines.
Here you will get to see an orchestrated play of Northern and Southern cuisines combining and filling up everyone's requirements. Whether you prefer a subtle taste or want to enjoy an adventurous spicy feast, these restaurants will serve up to everyone's expectations.
Know what made these famous restaurants in Nashville so special and how they became a cultural landmark in the city.
7 Iconic Eateries In Nashville To Dine In
1) Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
Image Credit: Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
When talking about the iconic hot chicken in Nashville, the name Prince’s Hot Chicken comes up first all the time. This family restaurant has perfected its hot chicken recipe and spread their hot chicken empire to new heights. Here you will get eight sauces, ranging from plain to XXX hot, and traditional sides like baked beans and coleslaw with your hot chicken. The place also serves exceptional potato salad, red velvet cake, black beans and ranch that you should try when visiting.
Location: 5814 Nolensville Pk #110, Nashville, TN 37211
Timings: Sun: Closed; Mon-Sat: 11 am–10 pm
Must Try: Hot Chicken Tenders, Potato Salad, Baked Beans, Red Velvet Cake, Ranch, Chicken Sliders
Price for 2: $30 approx.
2) Loveless Cafe
Image Credit: The Loveless Cafe
Loveless Cafe is known for its exceptional breakfast treats that make the experience unforgettable. This iconic cafe is famous for its homemade jams, flaky biscuits and kicked-up breakfast treats that mark the start of the day for many Nashvillians. Located off Highway 100, this restaurant maintains its southern roots and home-like appeal. Don't miss the hashbrown casserole, and make sure to try other mouthwatering dishes like pimento cheeseburgers and on-site smoked pork.
Location: 8400 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221
Timings: Mon-Fri: 8 am–8 pm; Sat-Sun: 7 am–8 pm
Must Try: Hashbrown Casserole, Pimento Cheeseburgers, Smoked Pork, Red Eye Gravy
Price For 2: $40 approx.
3) Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
Image Credit: Andrew Chang via Google Maps
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is another hot chicken giant in Nashville that is in tight competition with Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack. Many people are divided over which of these places serves the best hot chicken in Nashville, yet everyone can agree that no other restaurant can be close to their prominence. On the menu, you will get a variety of chicken options like wings, thighs and legs. You can also choose your level of spice with each dish. The chicken is available with a platter option paired with sides, coleslaw, baked beans and black-eyed peas. Try the ‘Dirty Bird Fries' - crinkle-cut fries with pimento mac and cheese, dark meat chicken tenders, special sauce, and pickles as well.
Location: 112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Timings: Mon-Thu: 11 am–10 pm; Fri-Sat: 11 am–12 am; Sun: 11 am–4 pm
Must Try: Chicken Wings, Chicken Thighs, Chicken Legs, Sides, Coleslaw, Baked Beans And Black-Eyed Peas
Price for 2: $30 approx.
4) Bastion
Image Credit: Bastion
Bastion is a small eatery with a huge reputation all across the country that requires reservation if you want to get a perfect dining experience. The chef and owner, Josh Habiger, who is known for his work at The Catbird Seat, creates an intimate environment where his chefs serve all the food. The menu is well described and gives you a lot of insights about the dishes. The portion sizes are small but you will not complain about it after tasting it. There is a special cocktail and craft beer menu as well to complement the dishes. Try the recommended Chess Pie, nachos and the exquisite tasting menu.
Location: 434 Houston St STE 110, Nashville, TN 37203
Timings: Sun-Thu: 5 pm–12 am; Fri-Sat: 5 pm–1 am
Must Try: Grilled Oyster, Duck Breast, Wine Pairing, Chess Pie, Nachos
Price for 2: $100 approx.
5) Henrietta Red
Image Credit: Henrietta Red
Hailed by the same group behind the famous Catbird Seat and Bastion, Henrietta Red is the only place where you will get the best seafood in Nashville. This restaurant has a raw oyster bar with over 14 varieties of oysters which is popular among the locals and nearby towns. While the menu is small, it's well-conceived and includes shareable plates like sunchoke salad and smoked mackerel toast. Try the complimentary cocktails too for an amazing dinner experience.
Location: 1200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
Timings: Mon: Closed; Tue-Fri: 5–10 pm; Sat: 10 am–2 pm, 5–10 pm; Sun: 10 am–2 pm, 5–9 pm
Must Try: Oysters, Sunchoke Salad And Smoked Mackerel Toast
Price for 2: $70 approx.
6) Butcher & Bee
Image Credit: Butcher & Bee
Butcher & Bee serves up Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-style cuisine that has become a style icon in Nashville. If you are looking for a place that serves fresh and shareable food that brings people together, Butcher & Bee is the spot. The vibes are cosy and the food is remarkably delicious, that’s enough excuse you'll need to dine here. The whipped feta is a neighbourhood favourite, and the green garlic papas bravas and shakshuka are highly recommended. You will also get a wide selection of spirits including whiskeys, wines, beers, and ciders.
Location: 902 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206
Timings: Mon-Thu: 5–9:30 pm; Fri: 5–10 pm; Sat: 10 am–2 pm, 5–10 pm; Sun: 10 am–2 pm, 5–9:30 pm
Must Try: Green Garlic Papas Bravas And Shakshuka, Fried Chicken. Bacon Wrapped Dates
Price for 2: $70 approx.
7) Swett’s
Image Credit: Lynn Lawson
Swett’s has been serving delicious Southern cuisine for more than 70 years now and the taste only seems to get better over the years. Swett truly knows what Nashville needs and asks for when it comes to Southern classics that everyone loves. This spot is popular among locals, tourists and politicians alike and it's one of the best meat-and-three eateries in town. The cafeteria-style menu features dishes like country-fried steak, meatloaf, pork chops, and sides such as candied yams, fried cornbread, and macaroni and cheese. Their famous peach cobbler and chess pie are perfect to end the meal.
Location: 2725 Clifton Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
Timings: Mon-Sun: 11 am–8 pm
Must Try: Country-fried steak, Meatloaf, Pork Chops, And Sides Such As Candied Yams, Fried Cornbread, And Macaroni And Cheese
Price for 2: $50 approx.
Dine in these essential Nashville restaurants and savour the city’s iconic eats that attract huge crowds. For the taste of Nashville Hot Chicken, choose Prince’s or Hattie B’s, for exquisite eats reserve a seat at Bastion. For something adventurous, go for Butcher & Bee, Swett’s or Henrietta Red and if you want to start your day with good vibes, taste the treats from Loveless Cafe.