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City Cast Nashville

Whitney Pastorek

How well do you know Nashville? We’re testing your local know-how with 

featuring photos of prominent streets around town. I’ll shout out every person who gets all nine locations correct in a future newsletter!

Margaret Kingsbury

Hungry? Nashville has so many excellent new restaurants and bars opening every month. Here are our favorites!

Centennial Park now has an on-site restaurant! The 

 and includes charcuterie boards, pimento sandwiches, and soft-serve ice cream. Personally, I’m excited to see several gluten-free and vegan options on the menu. Proceeds from the nonprofit cafe will benefit the Centennial Park Conservancy.

This Tennessee Brewery has opened a second Nashville location in the former home of Southern Grist, right by Nicky’s Coal-Fired in The Nations. Expect green velvet lounge chairs, horror-themed art, and taproom exclusives.

East Nashville has landed another LGBTQ+ bar! Girlcrush is owned by the twin sisters behind the 

, and the bar will host local queer musicians plus other community events. Check out their 

This New York City favorite has opened inside East Nashville’s Lakeside Lounge, serving delicious Ukrainian food. It’s open daily, and 

 includes pierogi, kielbasa, latkes, and much more.

We’ve got another contender for best hot chicken in Nashville. Chef and owner Chen Chen was born in China, raised in Nashville, but later moved to Toronto, where he first opened this restaurant. Now he’s returned to Nashville. His hot chicken infuses Asian flavors with the Nashville culinary tradition.

Grab yourself some chicken katsu and spicy poke bowls at this Antioch Hawaiian barbecue joint, which is part of a chain that launched in O‘ahu in 1952. This is its first Tennessee location.

Looking for something more upscale? Serrato’s has expanded from Williamson County to its first Nashville location in One Bellevue Place. You’ll find hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive wine selection.

Nashville’s first Colombian coffee shop is now open in Midtown! In addition to coffee choices like golden honey and cardamom rose lattes, you’ll find Latin-inspired brunch options and Colombian sweet treats. It’s a beautiful, inviting space.

 has opened this exclusive, 14-seat European-inspired spot in the Neuhoff District. It’s only open three days a week, Tuesday through Thursday, with a menu centered on seafood specialties like a squid-ink crepe and tuna belly. Cauponor also has an extensive wine list.

Located inside L&L Market in West Nashville, Hattori Nori is the city’s first handroll sushi bar. After his success with local catering company 

, local chef Art Stacks decided to open his first restaurant. The menu and design are an 

This 21+ restaurant in Hillsboro Village offers craft cocktails and elevated tapas. Designed for a sexy vibe, they ask customers to dress in “stylish, fashion-forward attire.” Menu items include oysters, Caribbean oxtails, and jambalaya. Don’t sleep on their late-night happy hours, from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Nosh Desserts has expanded into a second location at oneC1TY, right next to the SandBar. Expect the same delicious grab-and-go desserts you can find at their OG Nashville Farmers Market location, from red velvet cake to fresh fruit tarts.

Local country musician Chris Young has opened a sports bar in Midtown. Unlike other celebrity-owned bars, Young aims for Famous Friends to be a more casual, neighborhood hangout. The classic bar food menu has corndogs, wings, and burgers, with vegan options. Craft beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks are also on the menu.

We listed this Midtown Indian restaurant as one of our 

, and now it’s expanded to East Nashville! Located in Lost & Found’s outdoor hangout space, you’ll find all kinds of delicious cold treats, from masala chai to fig ice cream.

Nashville’s first nitrous cold-brew coffee shop is on Music Row. Originally launched at local farmers markets and later at grocery stores, Blue Hound serves cold-brew lattes and specialty coffees. You can also find pastries and a dog-friendly patio.

Just weeks after opening in Wedgewood-Houston, Culture Club, Nashville’s first frozen Greek yogurt cafe, has already expanded to a second location at Chief’s on Broadway. There’s a walk-up window and indoor seating. As a warning, there might be a bit of a line!

This farm-to-table restaurant in The Arcade changes its menu depending on seasonal produce, but everything’s always freshly prepared. With locations in Florida and North Carolina, Naked Farmer plans to expand to The Gulch with a second Nashville location later this year.

While you’re at The Arcade, stop at this Italian gelato shop for a sweet treat. Originally launched in Memphis, Zio Matto Gelato is also sold at markets around town.

This popular New York-style pizza place got its start in West Nashville in 2010, and after expanding to Franklin and Hendersonville, it’s now opening downtown in the Capitol View district. Several people wrote in to tell me it’s their 

Restaurateur Kevin Boehm has opened three Nashville restaurants this month right next to each other in Wedgewood-Houston. Momotaro serves elegant Japanese fare, Alla Vita focuses on wood-fired pizza and handmade pasta, with Middleman, a cocktail and spirits lounge, between them.

Wedgewood-Houston is also now home to Nashville’s first frozen Greek yogurt cafe, Culture Club. Cool down with delicious sundaes like the Momma Bear, featuring granola, blueberries, and artisan honey, or the Roses Are Red, topped with raspberries, pistachio cream, and rose petals.

Wedgewood-Houston is truly hopping, and this new neighborhood spot has a diner feel. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with brunch on the weekends. Check out their happy hour deals and patio.

This national chain opens on June 30 in The Gulch, and is partnering with Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee to donate one meal for every purchase at its grand opening. Sweetgreen serves salads, wraps, and protein bowls.

This popular New York City pizza place is opening its first Tennessee location at Fifth + Broadway. It’s known for its square pizzas and spicy vodka sauce.

Located in North Nashville, Vannie’s Table is open every day and offers coffee, beer, snacks, and a market full of groceries and other local goodies.

This popular cookie brand got its start in Nashville, and has once again opened a physical store in Nashville Yards. Now you can find their freshly baked cookies straight out of the oven every day of the week.

Parents rejoice: East Nashville’s newest coffee shop has a giant playground and outdoor area that’s both kid and dog-friendly. Grab a chai and a pastry and come hang out.

This new Madison dive bar is open until 3 a.m. every day. Pick a tune on the jukebox, play darts or pool, enjoy the patio with your fur children, and don’t forget the corndogs and draft beers.

Giannini’s is a new family-owned restaurant in Hermitage, with a menu of classic Italian favorites like lasagna, fettuccine alfredo, tiramisu, and wood-fired pizza. They’re open Tuesday through Saturday from 4-9 p.m.

Hungry? These are the best new restaurants and bars in Nashville to check out this year.

Check Out These New Nashville Restaurants and Bars in August 2026

Nashville's Best New Restaurants and Bars

The latest on the best and newest restaurants and bars in Nashville. We'll help you find where to eat, drink, and socialize.

Nashville Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Margaret Littman

My 9-to-5 is pretty sweet these days. Writing about the city’s best local shopping means I explore different neighborhoods and talk to small-business owners who are excited to share their passions. It also has me reflecting on shopping, and ways to do it responsibly. This week, I pulled together suggestions for places that help you reduce the waste inherent in shopping, such as stocking products with less packaging or offering refills for makeup, hair products, cleaning products, and more, so you get the good stuff without the trash. Check out these low- and no-waste suggestions.

At either of The Good Fill’s locations (The Nations and East Nashville), you can buy personal care, makeup, and cleaning products that are refillable and/or don’t require one-use plastics. You can bring your own containers — the website has great info on 

 first — or buy reusable ones. When you see me walking through Five Points with a giant bag of empty bottles, you’ll know I am on my way to buy dish soap, laundry detergent, 

. I suspect my house guests hate trying to decipher my handwriting to figure out what is in each bottle, but it’s the price we pay for not throwing more crap out.

So much stuff we buy and use regularly comes in plastic that many of us don’t even think about. At Sage Refill Market in 12 South, you can grab essentials in refillable or reusable containers and other alternative packaging. Check out their 

 for removing laundry stains. (I should buy a couple of those. Earlier this year, a bartender saw me spill wine on myself from across the room and brought me a stain stick to save my blouse. Instead of being embarrassed, 

In addition to selling low-toxin and low-waste 

, Good Better Best’s shop in The Nations is a Vinted Go location. That means if you are buying or selling on the second-hand app 

, you can pick up purchases and ship others. Of course, sending things through the mail does have some environmental impact, but buying second-hand still seems like a win. GBG also offers delivery of their refills. They call themselves the “modern-day milkman” for the stuff you need every day.

I have yet to make it to Tare Bulk Foods in Dickson, but they have more than 170 spices and 120 dry goods available in bulk, so it’s on my must-shop list. (I’m planning a trip to 

 soon, so I’m about to have a Dickson adventure. 

?) They’re also opening a second location in Columbia, where I’m smitten with 

, so I will find any excuse for a Columbia day trip.

💅 Our favorite fashionable thrift shops

Reduce your waste by shopping at these Nashville area stores that take sustainability seriously.

How To Shop Sustainably in Nashville

Nashville’s Zero-Waste Shopping Guide

Keep It Local

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Subscribe to City Cast Nashville's newest newsletter Keep It Local about shopping small

You don’t have to shop exclusively at stores that focus on refilling to reduce waste. Personally, I don’t need a reason to go to 

, the spectacular chocolate shop founded by Evana Stoner and her father Mark. The pretty chocolates are enough. But if you want a reason, Poppy & Peep is accepting 

, the kinds that come when you have something refrigerated shipped to you. If you have a stockpile of medium- and large-sized packs with no holes, drop them off and buy some chocolate.

Buying in bulk can be a good way to stock up on essentials without accumulating extra containers. The 

 locations have small bulk sections, with dry bulk goods (think coffee and herbs) that are 

 in Sylvan Park is another destination for bulk shoppers, and it’s not just food either. 

 in East Nashville carries lines of refillable eyeshadow and other 

If you care about respecting Mother Nature, as Dolly told us to, follow 

). Abby Schneider founded it in 2017, after seeing contamination at the local recycling centers. “There wasn't a lot of information out there about the dos and don'ts of recycling in Nashville. I wanted to help eliminate the confusion,” she says. The account is way more than recycling advice now. Schneider offers resources on preventing waste, and 

 for items that might otherwise be trash but could help others. Empty prescription bottles, for example, can be used by veterinary clinics.

I originally learned about Schneider through my neighborhood 

 group. (If you’re not in your Buy Nothing group on Facebook, go sign up!) Then we both joined the board of 

, so I must plug the shop in Chestnut Hill, where you can donate fabric, art materials, pots, and picture frames, and find whatever you didn’t know you needed. TGCR is hosting its annual 

 on Sept. 23. The silent auction will include fun stuff from your favorite local stores. See you there?

Embrace sustainable shopping at these local stores in Nashville.

Even More Sustainable Ways To Shop in Nashville

More Ways To Reduce Waste in Nashville

Local mom Elisabeth Olsen is fighting to build an accessible playground at Harpeth Knoll Park in Bellevue. Metro Parks has agreed to renovations at Harpeth Knoll, but only if Elisabeth can raise $5 million. I spoke with her to learn more about the kind of playground she envisions, and why Nashville needs an inclusive playground.

It’s a playground where the design is intentional to create a shared play experience for children of all abilities. It extends the experience from being able to access the playground to being able to fully participate in and enjoy the friendship, imagination, and joy that comes from being able to play without any barriers.

Why is it important to you that there’s an accessible playground in Nashville?

I realized the importance of inclusive playgrounds when our youngest daughter got her first wheelchair at 18 months old. Over the next few years, we were able to go to a few different inclusive playgrounds when we visited family in Utah and friends who live in other cities around Nashville. It was incredible to see her be able to be wherever her sister and friends were. She is 7 years old now and in the past couple of years has started to be able to tell us how she feels alone when she is not able to play with her friends at the playground.

Our love for our daughter and our desire for all children to be able to play together is the reason that we started the 

Inclusive Playground at Harpeth Knoll Park

How has the process of working with Metro Parks to build this playground gone, and what are the next steps?

Over the past year and a half, we have collaborated with Metro Parks, local government leaders, and project partners to secure a location and develop designs. We have worked closely with Joe Stovall, director of planning and development at Metro Parks, Hodgson Douglas Landscape Architects, and 

. to create a plan for the overall park renovations and playground design. This summer, with those designs created, we were able to get approval from Metro Parks to fundraise for the project.

The next step is to focus on reaching our $5 million fundraising goal. We envision achieving this through a combination of donations from community members, local businesses, major corporations, and various grants. We currently have a two-year fundraising timeline approved, but are hopeful that we will meet our goal much sooner than that.

If you’d like to contribute to the inclusive playground effort, Elisabeth is accepting donations through her Venmo, @elisabeth-olsen.

🛝 Nashville’s Best Playgrounds

 Nashville doesn't have an accessible playground, but this local mom hopes to change that.

Meet the Mom Fighting for an Accessible Playground in Nashville

Why Nashville Needs an Accessible Playground

What Nashville celebrities, public figures and key citizens have to say about living here.

3 Questions With Nashville Public Figures

3 Questions With

We’ve been conditioned to think that Music Valley, the neighborhood around Gaylord Opryland, is exclusively for tourists. There are certainly a lot of things that attract visitors, including the 

, tours, many hotels, and even a campground. But there are also lots of little gems tucked away that are part of my regular shopping routine, places that are quirky, weird, and locally owned — even one that has a bus inside. So, this week’s neighborhood guide is a look at Music Valley. (You can read my previous neighborhood shopping guide, to Old Hickory, 

If you adore the mid-century modern aesthetic, this is the place to buy beautiful furniture, or just admire the handiwork. I'm currently coveting a set of 

 chairs, but they’re not in the cover-with-dog-hair budget. In addition to selling art, 

, Dashwood has a plant store in the front window, so all those glossy leaves can be yours, even if you can’t afford a sleek, vintage wood sideboard.

For years, I had an idea to build a Hanukkah menorah out of reindeer: Dancer, Prancer, etc. as the eight nights, and then Rudolph as the one who lights the others. Finding outdoor vintage reindeer that looked like the ones in my head was hard. Where did I find the final pièce de résistance? Vinterest. This is a quirky collection of dealers selling antiques, handmade goods, 

Music-themed vintage, including lots of t-shirts, hats, and belt buckles, are for sale at Wicked Ollie’s. Even if you’re not in the market, check out 

, decked out and preserved inside the shop. It’s not uncommon to catch live music performances (

 for a heads-up). Back when this space was 

 Record Shop, I met Wanda Jackson here, one of my favorite Nashville nights.

,” that practice of leaving little rubber ducks on the window of fellow Jeep-owners, I used to wonder where they found their inventory of funny, funky ducks. I wonder no more. Duckies has multiple rooms of ducks of all sizes and material, and even a 

 for you to look through. They also stock 

 candles, soaps, and other non-duck items.

🛍️ Your Guide to Shopping in Old Hickory

Our picks for local shopping in the Music Valley area, from furniture to ducks.

Where To Shop in Music Valley

The Best Shopping in Music Valley

There's a lot to do to fill your time in Music Valley, even if you’re not headed to one of the big-name attractions. One of the main draws to Music Valley Village, the strip mall that houses many of the shops mentioned above, is 

, a theater that hosts country music shows, karaoke, private events, and 

If you want to line dance like the best of them, there are two places nearby to learn some fancy footwork. 

 leads fitness classes that incorporate line-dancing moves, or head over to 

, an old-school honky-tonk. If you’ve wondered where the classic country musicians went when Broadway started playing more rock than country, the answer is Nashville Palace. In addition to hosting a regular collection of talented musicians and live music, they 

 many nights a week. There are even some times of day when teenagers (under 21) can get in on the fun.

Speaking of Nashville classics, many people claim that 

 has some of the best hot chicken in the city. I haven’t tried it, but they offer live music seven nights a week and a menu with pizza available, so if you like food so hot it clears your sinuses, give it a try. (Shoot me a message and let me know what you think.) I’ve already mentioned my love for 

 in several newsletters (you can always check back issues 

), but they sell used fabric, craft, and school supplies. Proceeds benefit adults with intellectual disabilities. Speaking of supplies, 

 is where you go for cake-decorating and other dessert supplies. It’s almost 

 is the stop. They also have live music on Saturdays.

You know I’m not going to miss an opportunity to tell you where to get on the water. The 

Cumberland River Blueway at McGavock Pike

 gives you a place to park and drop your kayak or paddleboard in the water (you’ll need to carry it down; you can’t currently bring your car to the water’s edge). Bring a friend and leave a second car at 

, and you can have a nice 5-mile paddle without leaving the city.

The Opryland area offers great small business shopping, dining, and recreation opportunities, even for locals.

Destinations for Locals Near Opryland

Ways for Locals to Have a Good Time Near Opryland 

Calling all vegans and vegetarians! Nashville’s food scene is more than just upscale dining and hot chicken. It’s also home to inventive plant-based comfort food with globally inspired flavors. Here are some of our favorite spots to enjoy.

Located in East Nashville, Graze’s all-vegan menu includes sandwiches, wraps, tacos, and omelets, with plenty of gluten-free options and a kid’s menu. I especially love the brunch menu of faux-meat breakfast biscuits and pancakes. It’s open every day of the week from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with happy hour Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

I went to AVO when it first opened in a renovated shipping container in West Nashville’s oneC1TY. It’s still there, but in a proper building across the street from the shipping containers. I confess, I kinda prefer the old location just because it was so cool! The menu is 100% vegan with many gluten-free options. It's closed on Mondays and has lunch specials during the week. After you eat, hop across the street to 

 for dairy-free and plant-based ice cream.

This West End restaurant is possibly the oldest vegetarian restaurant in Nashville, but don’t quote me on that! It serves delicious Indian food, with vegan and gluten-free options. Back when I was in college, I lived for its samosas, but I also recommend the paneers and dosas.

Sunflower Cafe first opened in Berry Hill before expanding to Donelson with a cafe and gluten-free bakery. All menu items at both locations are vegan. While only the Bakehouse is 100% gluten-free, Sunflower still features GF options. Just a heads up! The menu also accommodates other allergies. With cafeteria-style service, it’s a great casual spot. Just look for the giant sunflower!

This vegan restaurant specializes in soul food and has locations in Antioch and near Fisk University. Sweat a little with its vegan hot chicken, or get something a little less spicy with my favorite — the Soul Food Plate, which is like a vegan-style meat-and-three (collard greens, anyone?).

What’s your favorite veggie spot?

​​Discover Nashville’s top vegan and vegetarian eateries with our guide to the best plant-based dining spots.

Nashville’s Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants

The Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Nashville

Given my desire to avoid cyclosporiasis, I’m re-committed to buying produce that has been grown close by, rather than packaged and shipped. I used to subscribe to 

 vegetable share programs (a.k.a. CSAs), but because I travel often, it doesn’t make sense for me to reserve a weekly box. Instead, I seek out farmers without the delivery. I like the chill vibe at 

 in Madison. I have not yet made it to the 

 in East Nashville, but the next one is Aug. 23, and I plan to be there.

 I am not a medical professional; I am just a writer who likes salads. If you are immunocompromised or have concerns about your risk factors for cyclosporiasis, talk to your doctor. There’s also information from the 

 (hot tip: if you missed a Keep It Local newsletter, you can find them archived 

). Hamby’s is an Amish market, with produce grown by Amish farmers around the South, like South Carolina peaches and truly the single best ear of corn I have eaten.

Formerly known as Hendersonville Produce, Gammon’s works with local farmers to stock a small selection of in-season produce, such as tomatoes and berries. There’s 

 and a small cafe menu, too, so you can grab lunch while you shop for at-home cooking.

I didn't know much about The Produce Place, Nashville’s oldest natural and local food store, until last year when 

I wrote about the passing of its founder, Barry Burnette

, for the Nashville Scene. Burnette was the real deal, and the Sylvan Park shop engenders extreme loyalty from its long-time customers.

This local chain of natural-food grocery stores has four locations in Nashville (East Nashville, West Nashville, The Gulch, and Midtown), making it easier to find organic fruits and vegetables wherever you live. The website lists 

🧑‍🌾 Neighborhood Farmers Markets

Buy ingredients to make farm-to-table meals at home from these local produce markets.

The Best Produce Markets in Nashville

Nashville’s Best Produce Markets

How well do you know Nashville's streets? Test yourself with this quiz featuring prominent streets around town.

Test Your Nashville Streets Knowledge With This Quiz

How Well Do You Know Nashville?: Streets Edition

Explainers

What Nashvillians have been wondering. We break down why things in Nashville are the way they are and how they work.

Nashville, Explained

We asked you for your memories of Dolly Parton, and your emails keep pouring in. Dolly was such a shining light in this world. Here are some of your Dolly memories.

 books for my granddaughter, born in 2013, who received your books in 2020. You will be missed but not forgotten.”

“She was the hallmark of grace and compassion in the industry with a huge heart, a smile, and a song for everyone. God bless Dolly, and may she be with her family during this time.”

“My daughter was almost three when the pandemic hit. She first knew Dolly as an angel who funded the vaccine that saved millions of lives and safeguarded hers.

Dolly Parton is one of Tennessee's greatest contributions to the world. Nashville locals share their memories of the late music icon.

Nashville, Explained

How Well Do You Know Nashville?: Streets Edition

Whitney Pastorek

Share article

Nashville, Explained

Your Memories of Dolly

Your Guide to Nashville Area Fairs

Readers’ Poll: What Time Should It Be?

Your Guide to the Aug 6 Federal and State Primary Elections

Guess the Rent in Nashville

Could You Pass the Third-Grade TCAP Test?

Your Guide to the May 5 Davidson County Primary Election

Nashville Neighborhood Conversations for April 2026

The latest in Nashville

Nashville's Best New Restaurants and Bars

Nashville’s Zero-Waste Shopping Guide

More Ways To Reduce Waste in Nashville

Why Nashville Needs an Accessible Playground

The Best Shopping in Music Valley

Ways for Locals to Have a Good Time Near Opryland

The Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Nashville

Nashville’s Best Produce Markets