The skinny on where to eat and drink in this spirited Southern gem.
A view of Broadway in downtown Nashville. (Photo by Catherine Trifiletti)
Breakfast:
Puckett’s: This corner favorite sits a few blocks off the main thorough way off Broadway. If the breakfast and brunch lines intimidate you, Puckett’s to-go system is quick and easy. Regardless of where you eat, the sweet potato pancakes will burn a place in your memory as an epic breakfast classic. If you’re looking for a heavier option the Southern Stack (pictured below) offers the must-try pancakes topped with pulled pork and a fried egg.
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant, 500 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219, 615-770-2772. Breakfast entrees $7 – $10.
The Southern Stack in all its glory. (Photo courtesy of Puckett’s)
Lunch:
Hattie B’s: Don’t be put off by the line you’ll likely see outside of Hattie B’s Hot Chicken. It has taken the city by storm and given the Nashville staple Prince’s Hot Chicken some friendly competition. Pay close attention to the heat index provided (no heat—medium—hot—damn hot—shut the cluck up!) and try not to get too cocky—hot means hot at this fried chicken joint. Your choice of tenders, wings or thighs are served over a slice of white bread and topped with a pickle medallion (pictured below). While cool crunchy coleslaw helps cut into the spice, a side of collards will remind you what part of the country you’re in…when in Rome.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, 112 19th Avenue S Nashville, TN 37203, 615-678-4794. Chicken plates $9 – $12.
Medium hot chicken tenders with collard greens, coleslaw and black-eyed pea salad. (Photo by Catherine Trifiletti)
Dinner:
City House: If it isn’t enough that Taylor Swift and members of the Black Keys dine here, than maybe the cheese made in-house will sway you. Chef Tandy Wilson and the team behind City House do not take the farm to table concept lightly and in many instances can spout off the names of farmers providing meat and produce on a given night. The restaurant also makes dining with a group particularly easy—just order the dishes you like and the server will ensure everybody at the table gets fed the right amount. Don’t miss the belly ham pizza, BBQ octopus and catfish with grits.
City House, 1222 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37210, 615-736-5838. Dinner entrees $13 – $23.
Catfish and grits at City House. (Photo by Catherine Trifiletti)
Coffee Stop:
CREMA: You’ll be hard-pressed to find a food website or blog that doesn’t mention this coffee house retreat located in the developing Rutledge Hill neighborhood which used to be nothing more than warehouses in 2008 when CREMA first opened its doors. Coffee snobs can rest easy when they get a glance at the coffee roaster that works overtime to give customers the best possible pour. Order The Frida, a small latte spiked with Mexican dulce de leche, even if to just get a taste of the crunchy cookie crisp served on top.
CREMA, 15 Hermitage Ave, Nashville, TN 37204, 615-255-8311.
The Frida at CREMA. (Photo by Catherine Trifiletti)
Cocktail Stop:
Adele’s: Wander into Adele’s midday on a Saturday, after the brunch rush and before the dinner crowd and grab an open seat at the bar. Watch as natural light floods the spacious reclaimed-garage making small-batch bottles of bourbon, and your eyes, sparkle. Ask for a whiskey menu (they have one of those) or let the bartender surprise you based on your tastes. “Not too sweet, citrusy and refreshing,” did not disappoint.
Adele’s, 1210 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203, 615-988-9700. Cocktails $12 – $14.
Surprise concoction by the bartender at Adele’s. (Photo by Catherine Trifiletti)
