Although opinions may differ on the totality of East Nashville’s East Hill — it’s definitely the streets between Elvira and Cahal on the west side of Gallatin, according to this reporter who served on the neighborhood association board for many years — this small but mighty pocket boasts one of the coolest corners in the entire city. Here’s our advice for a well-balanced day out.
🧘 Get Ur Sweat On
Start your morning with a day pass to one of two terrific fitness studios: CrossFit Rising Sun or Hola Yoga. The latter has classes in every kind of flow and barre imaginable, and the former features open gym times on top of their scheduled CrossFit offerings. Both prioritize being accepting and welcoming to all.
🍕 Set Your Base Layer
Ignore the pull of Fat Mo’s — if you cross Gallatin, you’re not in the neighborhood anymore — and head down Delmas to grab an authentic New York slice at Frankies Nashville for lunch. Okay, we’re not sure East Hill extends west of the railroad tracks, either, but since there wasn’t really anything back there until this outpost of a Brooklyn fave showed up in 2023, we’ll give it to them.
🚶🏽♀️ Walk It Off
East Hill’s Spain Ave is best known for being among the most overdeveloped blocks in this entire overdeveloped town: tall and skinnies started replacing OG construction in 2013, and the half-mile street now holds more than 100 residences. One block north, though, you can stroll along Burchwood, where plenty of historic brick and stone cottages remain standing. Use caution, as there is, of course, no sidewalk.
Grimey’s New & Preloved Music, where the John Prine mural will live forever. (Jason Kempin / Getty Images)
💿 Prime the Pump
No visit to East Hill — or, frankly, Nashville as a whole — would be complete without a visit to Grimey’s, a legendary indie record store that moved into a converted church on Trinity in 2018. Browse their incredible selection of new/used vinyl, CDs, and books, get recommendations from the awesome shop staff (no scoffing happens here) (at least not to your face), and keep an eye on their Instagram for regular in-store concerts, listening parties, and artist signings.
🥃 Make Good Choices
We know why you’re really here: whether you’re looking for the unique microbrews of Living Waters or the classy cocktail vibes of The Fox, East Hill is proud to play host to a drinkery for every taste. My advice? Grab a build-your-own pasta dinner to go from Nicoletto’s and walk it next door to soak up the two-for-ones at Mickey’s Tavern, a dream of a dive bar with a great backyard. If you’re still around when the sun comes up, Elegy can make you coffee for the long walk home.
