Nashville has so many great events and restaurants to check out; it can be hard to choose what to do! For our September installment of Nashville Nights, local culture writer Toby Rose gives her top picks of restaurants and shows for the month, from outdoor theater to Ukrainian bites.
Croquet Cafe is the most delightful restaurant opening of the year. Located in Centennial Park, all proceeds benefit the park and every detail, from the decor to the menu, is uniquely Nashville. Standout items include the Pimento Park panini and the 9 to 5 Affogato Sundae.
You can take your Croquet Cafe order to-go and relax on a blanket to watch “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Bandshell in Centennial Park. If Shakespeare taught us anything, it’s that total fulfillment is a tragic illusion, but sometimes you can get pretty close. City Cast Nashville members can watch the show with the team this month by becoming a member!
Speaking of old Shakes, head to Ophelia’s, an Italian eatery tucked away in a quiet-ish downtown corner, for a delicious and stylish dinner. Despite a wraparound gallery wall with a circus of over 600 photos and art pieces, the pizza is the focal point here. And don’t forget to add the lasagna and tiramisu!
Afterward, walk to The Ryman to catch “The Daily Show” comedian Josh Johnson on Sept. 25 and 26. He’s usually seen slouching in a well-worn hoodie, casually pontificating on current events. Johnson’s brain must be operating on an espresso level because his jokes are in keeping with our rapid-fire (hellscape) news cycle.
My group chat has never been more giddy over restaurant news than they were for the Veselka launch at Lakeside Lounge. A flurry of texts were released setting up lunches and dinners, and everyone came back with glowing reviews. The famous Ukrainian restaurant based out of New York City serves pierogies, chicken schnitzel, and latkes. You know, all the staples of friendship. Do not skip the sauces here.
Of course, any person in their right mind would chase a bowl of borscht with a round of dancing. So take a quick drive over the bridge to catch MUNA at The Pinnacle on Sept. 22. The Los Angeles-based indie-pop trio is currently on their “It Gets So Hot” tour, and their show is going to feel like one massive dance party. As their latest single suggests, there will be “Dancing on the Wall.”
