Ask and you shall receive. Woot woot my people, I, FINALLY, after starting my blog two years ago am starting a detailed guide to Nashville (travel guide to Nashville). I am so excited to team up with my friend Hunter Premo to bring our favorites monthly detailed by location in Nashville.
Photos by Cameron Premo
We are starting strong with the #1 spot tourists love to flock: Broadway. Broadway is an essential stop within your travel guide to Nashville. The land of never ending cowboy boots and hats. Y’all did get the memo that we actually do not wear that here, right? It’s such a tradition now that I almost feel like I should throw on my Justin’s to make a Broadway appearance. Friends, we are a top bridal and bachelor party destination now. I am linking my blog for the Ultimate Bachelorette Guide here: The Ultimate Nashville Summer Bachelorette Weekend Guide From A Local . We even get our own camera for the NYE ball drop. We are doing BIG things here in Nashville and are experiencing such growth and it’s so very exciting for our city. With that being said, one of my top 3 questions from y’all is WHERE DO I GO IN NASHVILLE? WHAT SHOULD I DO? Don’t worry! I’ve provided an in-depth travel guide to Nashville for you here. Keep scrolling for more!
That’s such a broad question though because we have SO much to do. So Hunter and I are gonna narrow it out by neighborhoods, restaurants and genres of the to do for you starting with Broadway just in time for CMA fest. What’s going down is I’m gonna rattle off my favorites and then direct you to her page for hers for your ultimate travel guide to Nashville.
Travel Guide to Nashville: Bars & Restaurants
Acme || Interesting food combinations, live music and fun drinks. On the first floor it’s a casual atmosphere… there are 28 beers on tap and you order your food from the bartender/cashier, get food then figure out where to sit.
The Hampton Social || Three story venue with a first floor Rosé lounge (yup I said it, A Rosé LOUNGE), second floor dining, a private dining space, and third floor rooftop space. Absolutely makes you feel like you just dove into East Coast living in every aspect. It’s nautical, beautiful, and a heck of a good time. Insta-worthy all. day. long.
Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar || Let me just put it simple… MY KIND OF PARTY. It is a Vast Southern eatery & saloon on 4 levels with live music, TV sports, a gift shop & a rooftop bar. The scenic rooftop, multi-level bar and restaurant, and frequent “celeb” appearances and live music performances make it a one stop shop for your Nashville getaway.
First floor fave || Redneck Lo Main. There are 4 levels On the second floor, it’s a bar and lounge and a lot more intimate with lounge seating, vintage games, a photo booth and multiple televisions broadcasting sports. There is an asian inspired menu and craft cocktails. (I like the Acme roll) Third Floor: only for private events and can accommodate up to 499 people depending on what you’re looking for. Rooftop: You can bring your food up top and enjoy the amazing view of downtown Nashville. My faves are Mule Kicker or the Blackberry Margarita.
UP, A Rooftop Lounge || Fashionable hangout with rooftop seating for craft cocktails, small plates & skyline views. Incredible date night spot with less of a “honkey tonk” vibe. Charcuterie boards to burgers, craft beers, wine, and cocktails. This spot has the BEST view of the entire Nashville city skyline… no joke. If you’re looking for your next insta-worthy photo taking location, this place is it.
Ole Red || One of Nashville’s newest hotspots owned by none other than Blake Shelton is booming right now. Also having multiple floor levels, Ole Red is definitely an upscale take on Nashville’s honky tonks. They have daily and nightly live music with a killer rooftop view with more music.
Faves: (Food) Champagne bucket of chicken, pickle flights, farmer’s market kale salad (Drinks) OLE RED FROSECCO & TISHOMINGO SUNSET
Whiskey Row || Owned by Dierks Bentley. Stellar rooftop bar but doesn’t have a lot of specialty cocktails up top. Plus a few of my really cute friends work there. They have a lot of typical bar type foods like burgers, sandwiches, chicken and waffles etc.
FGL House || FGL is owned by Florida Georgia Line (seeing a trend here?) This is such a huge hot spot right now. I know so many locals who go here on the weekends. I would say it’s probably the closest to a club scene we have. They also serve “Southern-style food with a California flair.”
Barcelona Wine Bar || Spanish small plates, paella, cocktails & wine are offered in an intimate, late-night setting. When you walk into the building you’ll feel an exquisite sense of Spain’s culture with Nashville’s very own flair. Definitely not a quiet atmosphere, but the social aspect is apart of the unique ambiance. Great spot for a special occasion and fun atmosphere.. & most importantly, who doesn’t love a wine bar?!
The Valentine || Prohibition-era themed, 4 story venue. Food includes small plates, salads, sandwiches and sides, with several burger options.
Tootsies || Fun fact: we picked our current dog because her name was Tootsie so we took it as a sign. Tootsie’s is an original staple honky tonk bar here in Nashville. Even with all of the new venues, it’s always packed shoulder to shoulder. It’s a definite destination if you’re visiting Nashville.
L.A. Jackson || Indoor/outdoor rooftop drinking and dining. In the Gulch. Craft cocktails & creative small plates in a swanky rooftop bar at the Thompson Nashville hotel. Also has incredible views of Nashville’s famous skyline. Here you will find locals and visitors looking for a place to spend special occasions, catch an after-work buzz, or dance the weekend away with DJ appearances. Must-see for your travel guide to Nashville!
The Stage || Another Nashville staple is the Stage. Country Strong with Gwenyth Paltrow was actually filmed there and they have big acts playing during CMA fest.
The Spot || So this is a private spot but I had to throw it in there if you’re able to get in. Pretty much because JT was there a few weeks ago after his concert. This is the place to go to rub elbows with the celebs. Downside is you have to be a member or a guest of a member.
Merchants || This is a hidden gem. I feel like it’s tucked away. Their cocktails are on point and food is delicious. I went there with an ex before we went to the Ryman for a concert and was super impressed. Now that’s where I always try to have a nice dinner before a show other than the Palm. It’s also ideal for people watching along the streets of Broadway.
Bakersfield || BEST cheese dip hands down. They scorch the top and it is heaven. If you’re looking for a low key & casual place with amazing mexican and fresh margaritas, this is it. I also really enjoyed the Johnny salad.
Etch || It has an open kitchen with upscale dining with an impressive wine and cocktail list. If you’re looking for a nice spot for dinner, I would definitely suggest it.
The Farm House || One of my favorite brunch spots. Farm house has all of your farm-fresh Southern classics, local brews & cocktails in a very trendy space. (My faves: steak and eggs, seasonable pop tart, biscuits and gravy)
The Palm || Location is everything! This is our pre concert staple. It’s so convenient because it’s directly across from Bridgestone plus you never know who you will see dining there or having a drink at the bar. Celebrities are everywhere in there eating & drinking and also all over the wall so if you’re eating dinner or if you’re just grabbing a quick drink, make sure to check it out. All the food is delicious too. BTW Matt’s face is on the wall in the private room inside the bar area. Look for the guy with the dog. Ya he’s kind of a big deal hahaha. (faves: steak…all of it, chicken farm) secret items: asparagus parmesan and fried lobster bites.
The Standard || Another absolute favorite of ours. Standard is also a private club that Mattie Moo and I are members of (he is an original member and entertains clients there) You can still eat dinner downstairs without being a member and the food is worth it. It’s definitely a high end restaurant so if it’s a special occasion that deserves a nice dinner, check it out. That’s where we went to Dinner Time Stories that I showed on IG stories (SO COOL btw). They have an extensive cigar selection upstairs in the club area. (Faves: Standard steak, fried green tomatoes topped with crab)
The Southern Steak & Oyster Bar || A very unique southern restaurant. One of my favorite places to grab oysters. We’ve been going here for yearssss. You can’t really order wrong here but my favorite is the hot chicken salad with ranch and extra pickles.
House of Cards || This is my new favorite spot for a creative, engaging night out for dinner. No photos are allowed that I can share with you but the ambiance is powerful. If you’ve seen Twin Peaks, it reminds me of the red room. It is beautifully decorated and has card show strategically placed throughout the restaurant you can view at any time during your meal. There are also time slots throughout the evening you can catch a full on magic show. I HIGHLY recommend going if you live here or you’re in town visiting. It is such a cool & unique experience and out of the element for Nashville. Also their patio is adorable.
The Diner || It has 6 floors of different ways to dine including classic food & drinks, sushi, oysters and is open 24 hours. You can hop up to the 6th floor for an amazing view of Nashville.
Baja Sexto || This avenue is super hip and casual with outdoor seating and is part of the country music hall of fame. The taqueria gives you quick service with Mexican cuisine and is open late on the weekends.
Travel Guide to Nashville: Things to Do
- Ryman
- Country Music Hall of Fame
- Frist
- Pedal Taverns
- Live music…it’s everywhere
