Nashville has become a bit of a foodie mecca in recent years. Restaurants are redesigning their spaces to be more, “social media friendly” and new bars are popping up on the daily. You really can’t keep up! We decided to throw it back a little bit, to a time when Nashville was a bit smaller and sweeter.
When folks showed up at a diner because their friends were there, too, or they simply didn’t want to make a pancake themselves. When friends sipped black coffee on porches and the skyline was free of massive buildings and traffic sounds. Warning: nostalgic feelings are ahead.
- Rotier’s Restaurant
Rotier’s - Facebook Can you come to Nashville and NOT come to Rotier’s?! Known as a favorite of Charlie Daniel’s, this fabulous local restaurant is humble and solid. We’d recommend ordering the cheeseburger served on french bread! (2413 Elliston Place)
- Elliston Place Soda Shop
Elliston Place Soda Shop - Facebook
Elliston Place Soda Shop - Facebook Open since 1939, Elliston Place Soda Shop is right behind #1 on our list as one of the oldest eateries in the state. We’d recommend indulging in a milkshake or coming for brunch. Hefty meals are great for hefty adventures! (2111 Elliston Place)
- Hermitage Cafe
Hermitage Cafe - Facebook
Hermitage Cafe - Facebook Although you may know Hermitage Cafe to be the local greasy spoon, it’s actually a watering hole for locals who are looking for a solid meal without dodging tourists at trendy new spots. Pay in cash and snack a pancake or two — we’re always impressed! (71 Hermitage Avenue)
- The Loveless Cafe
The Loveless Cafe - Facebook
The Loveless Cafe - Facebook The Loveless Cafe is known around the nation as a classic Tennessee restaurant, a Nashville born and bred phenomenon that has a secret biscuit recipe and the kindest staff this side of the Mississippi. What do we have to say? The legends are true — go! (8400 Highway 100)
- The Pancake Pantry
Pancake Pantry - Facebook
Pancake Pantry - Facebook Ah, The Pancake Pantry. Folks have a love-hate relationship with this tourist-infused eatery, and either scoff at the idea of sweet potato pancakes or make their way to Hillsboro Village during the off-hours. We’d recommend the later. (1796 21st Ave S)
- Monell’s Dining & Catering
Monell’s Dining & Catering - Facebook
Monell’s Dining & Catering - Facebook Monell’s is a family-style eatery with three locations around the city. It’s been ranked the #1 restaurant in the city as well as mentioned as a top in the nation. (1235 6th Ave N)
- Dino’s
Dino’s - Facebook
Dino’s - Facebook A classic Nashville institution, we can pretty much say you did NOT frequent the spot as a child, but your parents probably did. And still do. It’s a solid dive bar with a deep Nashville history that cracks generations and makes for a fabulous experience if you’re visiting the city. (411 Gallatin Avenue)
- Varallo’s
4bird1 - TripAdvisor Varallo’s holds the title of the oldest restaurant in the entire state, so chances are you found your way here once upon a time. Located in the heart of downtown, this small hole in the wall makes for a truly classic Nashville AND Tennessee experience. (239 4th Ave N)
What are your thoughts? Did we hit the nail on the head, or go too touristy? Leave your favorite down-home Nashville restaurants in the comments below. We’d love to hear where YOU loved to go!
Rotier’s - Facebook
Can you come to Nashville and NOT come to Rotier’s?! Known as a favorite of Charlie Daniel’s, this fabulous local restaurant is humble and solid. We’d recommend ordering the cheeseburger served on french bread! (2413 Elliston Place)
Elliston Place Soda Shop - Facebook
Open since 1939, Elliston Place Soda Shop is right behind #1 on our list as one of the oldest eateries in the state. We’d recommend indulging in a milkshake or coming for brunch. Hefty meals are great for hefty adventures! (2111 Elliston Place)
Hermitage Cafe - Facebook
Although you may know Hermitage Cafe to be the local greasy spoon, it’s actually a watering hole for locals who are looking for a solid meal without dodging tourists at trendy new spots. Pay in cash and snack a pancake or two — we’re always impressed! (71 Hermitage Avenue)
The Loveless Cafe - Facebook
The Loveless Cafe is known around the nation as a classic Tennessee restaurant, a Nashville born and bred phenomenon that has a secret biscuit recipe and the kindest staff this side of the Mississippi. What do we have to say? The legends are true — go! (8400 Highway 100)
Pancake Pantry - Facebook
Ah, The Pancake Pantry. Folks have a love-hate relationship with this tourist-infused eatery, and either scoff at the idea of sweet potato pancakes or make their way to Hillsboro Village during the off-hours. We’d recommend the later. (1796 21st Ave S)
Monell’s Dining & Catering - Facebook
Monell’s is a family-style eatery with three locations around the city. It’s been ranked the #1 restaurant in the city as well as mentioned as a top in the nation. (1235 6th Ave N)
Dino’s - Facebook
A classic Nashville institution, we can pretty much say you did NOT frequent the spot as a child, but your parents probably did. And still do. It’s a solid dive bar with a deep Nashville history that cracks generations and makes for a fabulous experience if you’re visiting the city. (411 Gallatin Avenue)
4bird1 - TripAdvisor
Varallo’s holds the title of the oldest restaurant in the entire state, so chances are you found your way here once upon a time. Located in the heart of downtown, this small hole in the wall makes for a truly classic Nashville AND Tennessee experience. (239 4th Ave N)
If you’re planning on visiting a restaurant down on Broadway, however, this is the spot for you!
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