When visiting Nashville, be sure to try the city's signature Hot Chicken, Barbecue, and Southern Comfort Food, which showcase the city's rich culinary heritage and blend of regional flavors.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Nashville's cuisine is defined by its Southern roots, with a strong emphasis on meat-and-three restaurants, which serve a protein with three sides. The city's food scene is also influenced by its Music City reputation, with many restaurants and bars featuring live music performances. Regional variations within Nashville include the Germantown neighborhood, known for its upscale restaurants and artisanal shops, and the 12 South neighborhood, which features a mix of casual eateries and trendy bars.
Nashville's culinary identity is closely tied to its barbecue and hot chicken traditions, with many local restaurants serving their own versions of these dishes. The city is also home to a thriving food truck scene, with many vendors offering creative twists on classic Southern cuisine. From biscuits and gravy to fried green tomatoes, Nashville's food culture is a rich and flavorful reflection of its Southern heritage.
In recent years, Nashville has experienced a surge in new restaurant openings, with many chefs and restaurateurs drawn to the city's vibrant music scene and thriving food culture. This has resulted in a diverse range of dining options, from fine dining establishments to casual eateries and food halls. Whether you're in the mood for traditional Southern comfort food or something more adventurous, Nashville has a wide range of culinary options to suit every taste and budget.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hot Chicken | Fried Chicken | Breaded and fried chicken served with local spices and sides | Hattie B's, Prince's Hot Chicken Shack |
| Barbecue Ribs | Barbecue | Slow-cooked pork ribs with a variety of sauces | Jack's Bar-B-Que, Edley's Bar-B-Que |
| Meat-and-Three | Southern Comfort | A protein served with three sides, such as mashed potatoes and green beans | Arnold's Country Kitchen, Elliston Place Soda Shop |
| Biscuits and Gravy | Breakfast | Flaky biscuits served with a rich sausage gravy | Loveless Cafe, Biscuit Love |
| Fried Green Tomatoes | Southern Comfort | Thinly sliced green tomatoes breaded and fried | The Catbird Seat, The 404 Kitchen |
| Goo Goo Clusters | Dessert | A classic Southern candy made with peanuts, marshmallows, and chocolate | Goo Goo Shop, The Arcade |
| Nashville-Style Steak | Steak | A cut of beef served with a signature Nashville seasoning blend | Kayne Prime, The Capital Grille |
| Sweet Potato Pie | Dessert | A sweet and creamy pie made with cooked sweet potatoes | Sweet Potato Pie Company, The Loveless Cafe |
| Chicken and Waffles | Brunch | A classic combination of fried chicken and a crispy waffle | Hattie B's, The Waffle House |
| Pulled Pork Sandwich | Barbecue | A tender pulled pork sandwich served with a variety of toppings | Central BBQ, Jack's Bar-B-Que |
Street Food & Snacks
- Pork Rinds: crispy fried pork skin served with a side of barbecue sauce, $5-$7
- Fried Pickles: thinly sliced dill pickles breaded and fried, $6-$8
- Grilled Corn: fresh corn on the cob grilled with butter and seasonings, $4-$6
- BBQ Nachos: tortilla chips smothered in barbecue sauce, cheese, and toppings, $10-$12
- Fried Green Tomatoes: thinly sliced green tomatoes breaded and fried, $8-$10
- Goo Goo Clusters: a classic Southern candy made with peanuts, marshmallows, and chocolate, $5-$7
Drinks
- Sweet Tea: a classic Southern drink made with black tea and sugar, $2-$4
- Local Beer: Nashville is home to a thriving craft beer scene, with many local breweries offering tours and tastings, $5-$7
- Bourbon: a popular spirit in Nashville, often served neat or in a classic cocktail, $8-$10
- Fresh Lemonade: a refreshing drink made with real lemons and sugar, $4-$6
- Coffee: Nashville has a vibrant coffee culture, with many independent coffee shops serving a variety of coffee drinks, $2-$5
Dining Customs
- Tipping: 15-20% of the total bill is customary in Nashville restaurants
- Reservations: it's a good idea to make reservations at popular restaurants, especially on weekends
- Dress Code: dress codes vary by restaurant, but most establishments are casual
- Eating Etiquette: it's customary to wait for the host to indicate where to sit, and to keep your elbows off the table
- Payment: most restaurants accept credit cards, but it's a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases
Where to Eat
- The Gulch: a trendy neighborhood with a variety of restaurants and bars
- 12 South: a charming neighborhood with a mix of casual eateries and upscale restaurants
- Broadway: a lively street lined with honky-tonk bars and restaurants
- Food Trucks: Nashville has a thriving food truck scene, with many vendors offering creative twists on classic Southern cuisine
- The Arcade: a historic building with a variety of restaurants and shops
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Nashville Farmers' Market: a year-round market featuring local produce, meats, and artisanal goods, located at 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd
- The Gulch Farmers' Market: a weekly market featuring local produce, meats, and artisanal goods, located at 1211 4th Ave N
- Edley's Bar-B-Que: a popular barbecue joint with a fun atmosphere and live music, located at 908 Main St
- The Catbird Seat: a fine dining restaurant with a focus on creative, farm-to-table cuisine, located at 1711 Division St
- Goo Goo Shop: a candy store featuring the classic Southern candy, Goo Goo Clusters, located at 116 3rd Ave S