25 Things I Must Eat in Nashville in 2012
Prince’s Hot Chicken
Recently there was a post on Nashville Scene’s Bites blog that got me to thinking about all of the foods in Nashville that I haven’t even begun to explore. So as the New Year begins, I’m going to do something I never do– make a resolution!
This year I’m going to make it a point to eat at least 25 dishes here in town that I’ve never tried before. But I’m not going to do it randomly. No, there certainly has to be some reason for my consumption of all of those calories. These need to be the Best of the Best.
I’ve started my list with 4 items I’ve heard many good things about. Some are well known, others are fairly new on the scene:
#1: Hot Chicken at Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
#2: Butterscotch Habanero Bread Pudding at Sunset Grill
#3: Grilled Pimento Cheese and Fried Green Tomato Sandwich at The Harding House
#4 Housemade Bacon with Maple Cotton Candy at Kayne Prime
Now this is where you come in. I need more suggestions. MANY more. Please leave me comments below with dishes you think are not to be missed here in Nashville…dishes that make our city a special place.
And even if you know for a fact that I’ve eaten something before, feel free to leave those ideas too! I’d love for this list to turn into a comprehensive guide for all who are looking for the best foods in Nashville.
As a special thanks for your input, everyone that leaves comments by the end of January will have their name entered into a drawing for prizes. I’m not sure how many prizes or what they’ll be, but I promise, they’ll be good!
I know this isn’t fancy, but anytime I visit we ALWAYS go to the Pancake House — their Sweet Potato Pancakes & special syrup are soooo good!
Fried Bologna Sandwich at Puckets in Franklin.
If I had one last day in Nashville and had to pick one thing to have before leaving town, it would be the gnocchi (but preferably not the ricotta and lemon version) and a belly ham pizza from City House. Carb overload, yes, but just sensational. I realize you’ve definitely had these before, but I leave this recommendation for others who haven’t had the privilege yet :)
Sorrentino Pizza @ Bella Napoli (scrumptious to the max)
Sweet Tea Cured Pork Chop @ Yellow Porch (omg!)
I could go on and on! I’m so excited to see what other people recommend!
I love that Sweet Tea Pork Chop at Yellow Porch too!
Chicken Tandori Sandwich from Cafe Rakka in Hendersonville (only available for lunch). Spicy Tandori Chicken, homemade cheese, carmelized oninions sandwiched between homemade pita bread with a parsely, garlic cilantro dipping sauce. Heaven! (and get the Hummus Bar for a starter)
I’ve been meaning to get up to Cafe Rakka for, like, years now! That sandwich sounds absolutely amazing. This one is definitely going on my list for the very near future!
I second the Sweet Tea Pork Chop at Yellow Porch, although personally I go for the Margherita Pizza at Bella Napoli.
Also:
Zola’s French Laundry Salad at Tin Angel
Bananas Foster at Sperry’s
Shrimp and Grits at Rumour’s East
Corn Light Bread at Stone House Q
Watermelon Ribs at Loveless Cafe
Veggie Burger at Pied Piper Eatery
I do love that pork chop at Yellow Porch, as well as the French Laundry salad. Oh how I miss Zola!!! Everything I ever ate there was incredible. I haven’t tried any of the others on your list, so guess I need to get started ;-)
octopus appetizer at city house
What a fun post – I am going to keep checking back for everyones recommendations. Cafe Rakka definitely has the best hummus -I would recommend that one too. Hubby and I were just saying we needed to try Princes too.
Pancakes and smoked ham from Athens, cheeseburger and sweet potato fried from Gabby’s, and a white cheddar tomato melt from Yellow Porch.
Apparently I really need to try this white cheddar tomato melt at Yellow Porch- others have recommended as well. It’s a definite addition to “the list”!
the bacon with cotton candy at kayne prime has to be one of the top 5 apps i’ve ever eaten…the presentation, the flavors–AMAZING!!! you won’t be disappointed, i promise!! and when you go there, by all means, you simply must have the corn creme brulee as a side dish, too!!
Oh yes, that corn brulee is one of the best things I ate last year!! (and I ate it multiple times) ;-)
Heya Beth! If you haven’t tried the Lobster BLT pizza from the Bound’ry, you must add it to your list! It’s incredible :).
I haven’t ever had it…and can’t believe that I haven’t! So many people have mentioned it to me before, but it’s been ages since I’ve dined at Boundry. Apparently I need to get back in there….
Seafood Angelina at Caffe Nonna and the Huevos Rancheros at Tavern for brunch.
The Green Chilie Mac and Cheese at Park Cafe is a classic that is at the top of my list!
1. Sushi Pizza or a burger at PM
2. Flatbread at Table 3-whatever is the selection of the day
3. A daisy if you do from Holland House
4. Beans and Greens Buffalo Style at the Wild Cow
5. Croissant French Toast at Marche (seasonal, sometimes it’s brioche)
6. The Kayla roll at Watanabe-you have to ask for it. It’s a crunchy tuna roll of sorts, but it’s very spicy, eel sauce is involved, and so are avocado and cream cheese, plus pickled japanese squash
7. Falafel from The Pharmacy
8. Truffled fries from Holland House
Yes to Prince’s Hot Chicken!
Although it is not always on the menu, I think Whitfield’s Shrimp and Grits are to die for.
Being raised on catfish, I admit I was skeptical as to whether City House could “get it right”. Hands down, they have the best catfish (Delta Catfish) in town.
While I love The Grilled Cheeserie in all it’s gooey glory, my all-time favorite is the Tomato and White Cheddar Melt (with bacon) from The Yellow Porch.
I love the prime rib sliders on the happy hour menu at sperry’s in Franklin!
This is going to become my new resource guide for all things Nashville food! Will be checking back on this post often.
Red Pony used to have (and still does occasionaly as a special) beer steamed mussels with Benton’s bacon that were seriously one of my favorite foods in the world. Like, last meal worthy.
Sigh. I miss them.
I’m still discovering the must-go places in town, but one of my favorite spots is Sushi Yobi and every time I go I HAVE to get the Bob the Builder roll. You have to like sushi, and you have to like fruit on your sushi, but it is delicious!
you’ve got to try the BCBG flatbread from Rumba. their bread is incredible, and it’s topped with blue cheese, bacon, grapes & honey. it’s the perfect balance of salty & sweet.
i know wedge salads are a few decades too late to be all the rage, but the one from The Palm is the best i’ve ever had. They serve a round slice of iceberg and top it with a blend of bacon, blue cheese, green onion, cherry tomatoes & walnuts. then they place fried onions on top of that. it’s really, really good.
Girl, that BCBG flatbread and I are good friends. I can’t step foot in Rumba without ordering it! R actually dined there w/out me this week and brought me home a couple of his leftover pieces (how he had any leftover I do not know). I ate them cold for breakfast the next morning and they were absolutely amazing. Actually I now think I might have to order one to go every time I leave there so I can eat it for breakfast the next day!
We went to The Pharmacy last Friday for lunch, and Joe said the Farm Burger was not to be missed – burger topped with ham and an egg. Those tater tots with curry ketchup are delicious too!
1. Fried avocado taco from Mas Tacos
2. Beef brisket burrito at Baja Burrito (it’s grass-fed meat!)
3. Butter chicken at Sitar
4. GARLIC NAAN at Sitar – soft pillows of garlicky goodness
5. Homemade lassi at Sitar – it’s like kefir but so much better
6. Ice cream sandwich (any of them) at Jeni’s Ice Cream
7. Chicken Pad Thai at Smiling Elephant
8. Stuffed Eggplant appetizer at Bella Napoli
9. Chicken salad sandwich at Edgehill Cafe – ask for the homemade sourdough bread, it’s amazing
I would second the Green Chille Mac & Cheese, although I frequent Eastland Cafe a little more. While you’re there I would highly recommend the 12 oz Angus Burger with melted house made pimento cheese and smoked ketchup. It’s only on the bar menu, but may rival Gabby’s as my favorite in town. The Turkey Avocado and Bacon from Mitchell’s Deli is far and away my winner in the sandwich category. And it probably wouldn’t be a Nashville list without a meat-and-three reference. The Meatloaf from Arnold’s with it’s sweet and tangy sauce that I can never quite put my finger on all the ingredients, but easily makes it the best in town.
I love this idea! Here’s my not-comprehensive-but-a-few-classics list:
Biscuits from Beacon Light Tea Room
Corn pudding and fried chicken from Monell’s (I’ve yet to try!)
Roast beef, greens, squash casserole from Arnold’s
Soul food from Sands
A sampling of hot chicken from all of the major joints (to form solid opinion on favorite)
I haven’t had corn pudding and fried chicken from Monell’s either, so maybe we need to have a date and do it together!
Beef stew at the Pineapple Room at Cheekwood
Pad Thai at The Smiling Elephant
New Orleans Jumbo Head-on Peel & Eat Shrimp at South Street
For me, nothing beats the chorizo stuffed (AND bacon wrapped) dates at Park Cafe. They come in a delicious smoky tomato sauce, and there is NEVER enough of them.
Ooh yes, I forgot about those little babies. They are insanely good!
I totally agree with everyone about Arnold’s. Anything from there is a must. I had their banana pudding for the first time the other day and almost shed a tear or two. Also, I absolutely love the Asian Wonton Nachos from Suzy Wong’s. For something sweet, you can’t go wrong with the Key Lime Coconut or Sweet Potato Cupcake from The Cupcake Collection!
Agree wholeheartedly on all of your suggestions!! (especially those Key Lime Coconut cupcakes!)
I was thinking of doing a list similar to this for me! I have never been to Flyte, Loveless Cafe, Hot & Cold, Merchant’s, or Smiling Elephant.
Bean Soup from Mas Tacos
Porcini and Parmesan oreo cookie at The Catbird Seat
Salty Caramel ice cream from Jeni’s
Kale Salad at Kayne Prime or Tavern
The Existentialist at Whiskey Kitchen or Tavern
Insalata Grande at Porta Via
The Woodstock at Burger Up
Rice paleta at Las Paletas
Warm Brussels Sprouts at Cha Chah
The soup flyte at Flyte
Cauliflower Tots at Mack and Kates
Chicken – if you like spice — DELISH, make sure to eat it right away, they put bread in the box and the fries get soft quck! (or ask for seperate containers).
Bread pudding – can’t wait for your opinion. The one time I tried it, was a sad disappointment. Mine was sweet with no heat (which is obviously the reason I wanted it).
A dish that I love, not sure it makes N’ville ‘scene’ worthy, but I like to call it pasta heaven is Seafood Pasta at Darfon’s in Donelson on Elm Hill Pike. I also really LOVE the burger at Holland House (and I do not, I repeat DO NOT order burgers at restaurants).
My favorite dishes in Nashville:
Lemon Artichoke soup from Midtown Cafe. SO light yet creamy and delicious plus it’s on the lunch and dinner menu.
Toasted egg salad sandwich and tomato soup from Food and Company. YUM.
Roasted pumpkin seed crusted pork tenderloin on pumpkin ravioli in brown butter with roasted pears and fresh sage from Firefly in Green Hills (I almost licked the plate clean).
My husband loves the burger at PM and the Playboy Roll from Sushi Yobi.
Can’t wait to read about the 25 dishes you try!
Holy cow. That dish from Firefly sounds incredible! It’s in my neighborhood, so you better believe I’ll be in there soon to try it out!
first go to produce place and buy cafe rakka’s hummus and some pita bread for your guest when they arrive (saves a trip to hendersonville).
pizza or eggplant from Bella Napoli
anything at City House
Prince’s – chicken
Arnold’s – meat and 3
gabby’s – burger
mas tacos – tamales or tacos
tomato pie from corner market (also sold at produce place)
smoke et al or grilled cheeserie
My husband and I were just talking about specific eats and drinks in Nashville and came up with a list of must try before you die.
We called it “Your Nashville Bucket List”. I’m know you’ve tried some, but I’m sure there are a few that you haven’t :)
Check it out and see what you think: http://www.twentyfivethirtyfive.com/
What a great list! Yes, I’ve had many of them, but there are certainly a few that I haven’t. So many great things in this city!!
Hey Dee Dee, I wanted to revisit this list you guys created, but I can’t find it on your website now. Is it still there? If so, can you send me the direct link? Thanks!
Shepherd’s pie at the Family Wash!!!
Elote at Mas Tacos
Pupusas at Las Americas
Kaya toast at Tavern
I order a lot of veggie burgers so I’ll spare you from those recommendations, but if you ever want a good one you’d be golden at PM, Fido, The Wild Cow, Burger Up or Gabby’s ;)
Butternut Squash Lasagna from Cafe Nonna
The Scarface pizza from Mafiaozas
Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding from Burger Up
Carrot Cake from J.Alexanders
Chocolate Espresso Cookie from Provence
Cookie Dough Eggrolls from Jacksons
French Onion Soup from Germantown Cafe
Fried Buttermilk Chicken dish at Cabana
pimento cheese weenie at i dream of weenie
pimento cheese sandwhich at mitchell’s deli
sweet potato tacos @ wild cow
black forrest ice cream @ jeni’s
salt and pepper squid @ far east nashville
any pizza at five points pizza
coconut soup at thai phooket
stuffed french toast at sky blue cafe
“one to go” at sweet 16th
Where to start?
The whole 7 course menu at The Catbird Seat.
Grit Souffle at Watermark
Fried Chicken at Barbara’s
Woodstock Burger at Burger Up
Salt Crusted Sea Bass at Giovanni
Cream Corn Brulee at Kayne Prime (and the steak)
Coffee Cured Filet at Stoney River
Fish Tacos at Local Taco
Bacon Old Fashioned at The Patterson House (tater tots on the side!)
Any omelet from Le Peep
Steak Frites from 360 Bistro
Shrimp herradura and avocado fries w/lump crab – Sol
BBQ Shrimp & Grits – 55 South
Brunch – Daily Dish
V2 Edamame – Virago
Fried Green Tomatoes w/housemade Pimento Cheese – Mack & Kate’s
The Mexican Roll – Wild Ginger
Deviled Eggs and the Tempura Veggies with Roasted Jalapeño Gouda sauce – The Wild Hare
the biscuits at Loveless Cafe
Fun!
anything from Las Paletas
Filet at Wild Iris
The fried goat cheese salad at Copper Kettle
Lemon Artichoke soup at Midtown
The Monte Cristo at Noshville
Kotopita at Athens
Goat Cheese Brulee at Eastland Cafe
The Bean Roll (plain or with beef) at The Gold Rush is bar comfort food at its finest! It is something I consider one of Nashville’s often overlooked treasures.
I agree with lots of above comments, but I have to add the phyllo wrapped Sea Bass at Mere Bulles! So good
Smiling Elephant Pad Thai (if you had to choose one – hands down)
Super Awesome French Toast @ Marche
Saigon Chicken @ Far East (spicy tamarind shrimp also great)
The Bomb @ Virago
Honorable mentions:
Gulf Coaster as a salad + GWACO @ Nuvo Burrito
Cajun Pepperoni Pizza @ Sam’s in Hillsboro Village
Dry Rub Smoked Wings @ Joe’s Place in Green Hills
Blue Ribbon Pub Cheese @ Whiskey Kitchen
Some of my local favorites:
Definitely Prince’s
House-made sausages at City House
Fried Wonton Nachos Deluxe at Suzy Wong’s House of Yum
Sweet Onion Bisque at Capitol Grille
Pasta Mad Platter at The Mad Platter
Molten Chocolate Cake at Midtown Cafe
Pecan Squares from Dozen–A Nashville Sweet Shop (find them at the Nashville Farmers Market)
Peanut Butter Cookie Sandwich from Sweet Stash (also at farmers market)
Mexican Street Corn at Taco Mamacita
Chicago Dog at Hot Diggity Dog
Kotopita at Athens
Yum. I can’t wait to try some of the suggestions already submitted.
Add Flyte to the list and the coca-cola steak at Holland House!
Whatever Sam allows me to eat at Sam’s Sushi Bar at the corner of Printers Alley. I never know what I’m getting because Sam just makes what he thinks I need and I eat it happily. The man is uncompromising on his quality, charges almost nothing, and does it on his own terms. Sam serves great sushi to who he wants to, how he wants to, and if you don’t dig that you know where the door is. Some people are irritated, which doesn’t bother him or me in the least. I treat him like I appreciate his serving me, and he’s never been anything but jovial and friendly to me, and his sushi is the best I’ve ever had. Some people complain about rude service, or even that Sam won’t serve them at all…I suspect they’re simply getting back what they give. I love the guy!
Oh yeah, and two more:
Three Buddies at Lemongrass Thai in Bellevue (yes, Bellevue). Superb attention to quality of ingredients, and the man who runs the place is lovely.
I’m with Eric on the Cajun Pepperoni at Sam’s in the Village, hard to imagine you can differentiate with pepperoni pizza, but Sam’s is just the best going.
Honorable mention for a basket of fries and ranch dressing at Sam’s in the Village, as long as I can have beer and basketball or football with.
I keep a running list of restaurants I want to try, so this is great fun! I have lived in Montana the past two years, but born & raised in Hendersonville, I definitely have my Nashville faves.
-I would agree with Cafe Rakka – hummus with roasted eggplant
-Falafel pita at Kalamata’s in Green Hills
-Harvest Melt at Grilled Cheeserie (maple roasted butternut squash, pumpkin seeds, pesto, turkey, gooey brie…need I say more?)
-Bubble tea at Fat Straw…my sister & I grew up drinking bubble tea on trips to Thailand, so I may be a little partial to the treat. Get the flavored jellies – lychee is my favorite.
-Cookie dough eggroll at Jackson’s is a mainstay.
-If Boundry ever puts ostrich back on their menu, try it!
Happy eating!! Try some for me!
I love the seafood bruschetta at cafe nonna. Sopapilla cheesecake at sambuca is amazing, too! & I know you’ve tried them but the stuffed dates at ChaChah are one of my favs!
So many great suggestions already! Here are a few more:
-Burger at Fido (lamb, fried onion, fig mayo, pickle, caramelized fennel
-Sky Blue Black Bean Burger (best consistency, flavor, size)
-Yazoo Stout Bread Pudding from Sweet 16th Bakery
-Cha Chah Carrot Bisque
Fido’s burger might just be the best burger in town. And that carrot bisque? Divine!
Will have to try out your other suggestions as well :-)
I LOVE THIS. Being new to the area–or er, rather back after a decade hiatus–I just wrote down every last recommendation from you and your readers to try for myself.
Also, that sweet tea pork chop is one of my favorite things ever. YUM.