The block of Buchanan Street between DB Todd and 9th Avenue N in North Nashville — pronounced Buh-kanan, if you please — is a microcosm of what some might call our city’s growing pains: New businesses stand next to abandoned buildings, on a street sandwiched by tall n’ skinnies, in a historically Black neighborhood desperate to retain its character and affordability. Happily, it’s also full of local restaurants and community spaces that make it worth a visit for anyone who thrives on supporting small businesses and eclectic charm.
🧑🍳 Try Some Awesome Eats
Start at the pizza parlor that launched an empire: Slim & Husky’s oblong pies and cinnamon rolls are now available in three states, but the OG location is still the best. Save room for bebidas and Mexican munchies (torta de chilaquiles? yes pls) at Tío Fun taqueria across the street. And if you want to venture slightly deeper into North, definitely hit up the 50-year-old neighborhood institution Ed’s Fish House or newcomer All or Nothing Bagels across DB Todd.
🍟 Try Some More Awesome Eats
If soul food is what you crave, try QC Kitchen Cafe — they relocated to Buchanan after the recent passing of their founder. New event space Chandelier has an all-you-can-eat “Run the Table” brunch on the 1st and 4th Sunday of each month that looks genuinely insane. For something more fast-casual, you can’t go wrong at Trap House Wingz or Bag Lady’s Fry Joint, a food truck that went brick and mortar.
Enjoy a chai latte while watching (and supporting!) the adoptable kitties at the Crossroads Cat Cafe. (Whitney Pastorek /City Cast Nashville)
☕ Drink Up Some Warm Fuzzies
Crossroads Cat Cafe serves up ice cream, warm beverages, and cute kitties; even better, it anchors the incredible Crossroads Campus, where young people overcoming trauma can obtain housing, grooming training, and employment opportunities. On the other side of the street, both The Loading Dock and Morning Glory Cafe will immerse you in local art and community while you sip.
🎨 Get Artsy and Involved
Wanna do more than feed your stomach? Visit a local art show at Elephant Gallery, try your hand at pottery in the Buchanan Arts Center, or attend classes at Nashville Jazz Workshop, where even non-players can learn about the genre. And finally, Inner G Juice & Yoga has been a stalwart safe space in the neighborhood for years — if you can, donate to their GoFundMe to get back up and running after a recent vandalism.
