Looking for some fun places to eat in Nashville? Look no further than this list of the 3 most fun places to eat in Nashville.
Nashvegas, as the party people call it, is truly a wonderful city. From great country music to delicious southern cooking to great sightseeing, Nashville has so much to offer its visitors.
Whether you are in for business or just for pleasure, Nashville is a happening spot. If you have kids, there are some great restaurants where you won’t overpay for their meal, or you can even get it for free.
But, you gotta eat so here is my list of the most fun places to eat in Nashville.
Broadway, Nashville, United States. Photo Credit: Drew Hays
3 Fun Places to Eat in Nashville!
Before we dive into the details, here’s a quick summary for you!
- Hattie B’s
- Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant (downtown location)
- Pancake Pantry
Let’s dig into these fun places to eat in Nashville already…I am getting hungry!
Hot Chicken at Hattie B’s
There’s almost always a line at Hattie B’s one of the original “Nashville Hot Chicken” specialties. If you like having your taste buds call 9-1-1 for you, Hattie B’s is there for you.
Hattie B’s -the line is always long. Photo Credit: CBoardingGroup
What is Hot Chicken you ask?
Wikipedia defines Hot Chicken as:
“…a type of fried chicken that is a local specialty of Nashville, Tennessee, in the United States. In its typical preparation, it is a portion of breast, thigh, or wing that has been marinated in a water-based blend of seasoning, floured, fried, and finally sauced using a paste that has been spiced with cayenne pepper.”
Or in other words…really hot, but TASTY fried chicken. It’s a must-try foodie experience.
Hattie B’s has a variety of options but their staples are the Hot Chicken Sandwich or a Plate of Hot Chicken. The 6 temperatures ranges go from Southern (aka No Heat…and why even bother you wimp) to Shut the Cluck Up (something on the order of a nuclear bomb going off in your mouth!).
Their sides are the bomb too! My favorite was the Okra and Pimento Mac N Cheese…but they also offer Southern Greens, Crinkle Cut Fries, Red Skin Potato Salad and other favs.
The ambiance is also great. It’s located downtown, with modern, slightly industrial seating both inside and out (in a covered patio). Aside from the long line (you will wait!), it’s a great Nashville-specialty-place to stop and eat which is why it tops my list of fun places to eat in Nashville!
Pro Tip: If you are just looking for FOOD and not the overall experience, you can order Hattie B’s hot chicken online and pick it up at their To-Go window…skip the line!
Food Options:
- Dairy Free Options? Yes
- Gluten Free Options? Yes
- Nut Free? Yes, but they don’t 100% guarantee it
- Vegan? Sigh…no, you dummie. Don’t even ask.
Location: 112 19th Ave S. Nashville, TN 37203
PS…if Hattie B’s ain’t your style but you are still craving hot chicken check out Prince’s Hot Chicken.
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant (downtown location)
Live music, insanely good Southern food (especially their BBQ), in a cool general-store style building. What more could a foodie want?
Puckett’s Downtown Nashville. Photo Credit: Puckett’s Blog
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant has roots in a tiny (but quaint) village south of Nashville. Leiper’s Fork, TN has been the original home of the Puckett’s Grocery store (and restaurant) since the 1950’s. The Leiper’s Fork location became a gathering place of sorts for the community and soon word got out about their delicious food – and BBQ!
Soon, new locations opened across TN, with their best (and biggest) location opening in downtown Nashville on Church Street.
The downtown Puckett’s location is their largest location, seating around 150 people. And they need that room because they feature live music with some great local country music being played there.
But ambiance aside, the food is the real reason to visit Puckett’s. With an ample selection of southern favorites like the Fried Chicken Sandwich and Shrimp and Grits, it’s the BBQ that really set’s Puckett’s menu on fire!
Pulled Pork or Brisket that’s been smoked with Cherry Wood will set your palate into a swinging good mood! And the normal sampling of traditional southern sides (like sweet potato fries and smoked baked beans) accompany your order. Your head, mouth and heart will be full.
They are open for breakfast too!
Location: 500 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219
Pancake Pantry
For over 55 years the Pancake Pantry has been serving up the best pancakes Nashville has to offer. This Nashville breakfast staple located near Vanderbilt University is guaranteed to fill your belly with some of the most ample and tasty pancakes you’ve ever eaten.
The Pancake Pantry. Photo Credit: Pancake Pantry
Founded in 1961 by the Baldwin family, the Pancake Pantry made trips to the hills of Eastern Tennessee in search of the best flours and ingredients for their griddle cakes. Daily homemade syrups and batters form the foundation of this culinary experience.
The menu features traditional takes on pancakes plus unique Pantry blends like the Georgia Peach Pancakes and the Cherry Supreme Pancakes.
But, make sure to try to the Santa Fe Cornmeal Pancakes – a specialty! These cornmeal pancakes are filled with bacon, cheddar cheese and green chilis. Yeah!
The ambiance at the Pancake Pantry is fun and familiar. You will be surrounded by a mix of college students and locals and the service is friendly.
The Pancake Pantry is also open for lunch with a full lunch menu of traditional American food.
Location:1796 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212
Final Thoughts on 3 Fun Places to Eat in Nashville
If this doesn’t tickle your fancy, then don’t worry, there are so many other fun places to eat in Nashville. Just drive around a bit or ask a local and you are guaranteed to find some great options.
Author Bio:
Jeremy Smith is a business travel blogger based in the Temecula Valley. He regularly travels for work including numerous annual visits to Nashville. His business travel blog, the CBoardingGroup.com provides business travel tips, hacks and advice for the road warrior. You can follow him on Twitter or Instagram.
