My trip to Gnashville. We ate, we ate some more, and then we ate again.
WHERE TO STAY:


WHAT TO EAT:




Barista Parlor: This place is quite popular via Instagram. The vibe is old-country, modern biker chic, and they host very pretentious coffee but in a very approachable environment. Everyone who works here seems to be a coffee connoisseur, knowing a variety of facts like how to pick up hints of elderberry in your cup of joe. They do mostly pour-over with both local and ethnic java brands, and it’s a great place to meet with friends or hang or do some work on your computer or even eat the apple donut that’s the special of the day that you can’t speak while consuming and then you look up at your friend while making out with your sweet, sugary fingers like what just happened I feel so alive. Perhaps one of the best donuts I’ve ever had: decadent but light and large enough to split with a friend who then pulls you out before you try to order another one.




Frothy Monkey: This restaurant should be renamed The Rabid Dog because it’s so good you’ll get a little crazy eyed and start foaming at the mouth in anticipation. Speaking of foamy and frothy (hence the name), the almond milk latte (adorned with heart shaped #latteart for photo purposes) pairs deliciously with The California. Boasting the perfect combination of carbs, protein, fats, and vegetables, The California is sourdough toast, fried eggs, avocado, sprouts, and salsa. The only complaint was they only provide you with one napkin. Also, don’t order this on a first date, as it’s very messy and there’s nothing so humbling as taking a bite and having a stream of yolk drip down your mouth and audibly plop onto your protruding stomach from eating this so fast. I may have deceived you into thinking this is sexy, as the world of Instagram has convinced you #yolkporn is a thing. I promise you, it’s not alluring; we experienced first hand. However, it was so good we came back twice. And waited in line for 20 minutes each time. Worth. It. And on that note: #avocadotoast #yolkporn #iifym #bbgcommunity #kaylasarmy #tiumermaids

Food not pictured:
Wild Cow Cafe: Non-veg heads beware, this place is VERY healthy. We joked a breathalyzer should be installed at the door to test the last time you consumed an animal product because the place oozed hardcore veganism. Jokes aside though, the local kombucha was crisp (we tried the raspberry flavor) and the tacos were flavorful (we chose the sweet potato and the peanut tempeh tacos.) And for your friends that it may be just too vegan for, Jeni’s ice cream is right next door as a post-meal alternative 🙂
Burger Up: We tried turkey and quinoa black bean burgers here. They were good, but nothing really to write home about. However, the 12 South Lemonade: house-infused lemon vodka, basil simple, lemon, white wine, peach bitters with only half the simple syrup to cut through the sweetness was quite tasty. We each had two.
Mas Tacos: We mention this because it got such hype online and from other travelers. We got the sweet potato quinoa taco, the “world famous” chicken tortilla soup, a side of black beans and a side of corn on the cob. Honestly ranked in at about a C+. Probably wouldn’t go back.
Silo: Although on the expensive side, this local, farm-to-table, elevated souther cuisine was healthy and homey. Order the side of brussels sprouts as the appetizer as the perfect light and savory beginning. We also tried the potato gnocchi with roasted pumpkin, radicchio, pistachios, grana padano and the trout paired with fennel purée, radishes, and salsa verde. Both were pheNOMinal. Other perks: moody, shadowed lighting that compliments any skin tone. Our self esteem was through the roof after eating here. Or was that just from the few Palomas we had? TBD.
Pharmacy: I think when we look back on this trip, we’ll most remember how it ended. We consider ourselves largely health oriented individuals, and so decided to go to a restaurant that specialized in wholesome, clean, and fresh food with local and organic ingredients as our last meal. It was in East Nashville, where we stayed, and as the plates arrived, we realized it was honestly just pretty disgusting. It was our first disappointing meal; it was hugely overpriced (we ordered 4 plates, all of which boasted under 4 bites of food, and the bill was over $50) and we were hugely underwhelmed. So we looked at each other, still somewhat hungover from the night before and decided to go to the famous burger joint 4 minutes away. I have to say, I haven’t eaten a burger probably in over 2 years, but this was fucking amazing. The bread was fluffy, the patty juicy, the pickles tart, the fries crips, the cheese melty and the bill: $8. The best part: no guilty feelings afterwards because the ingredients used were just so fresh. If you have no dietary restrictions, you really must make this place a priority. So there you have it, sometimes we like plants, and sometimes we’re just a couple o’ meatheads.
Two-Ten Jack: Ramen – not open on Sundays, make sure to schedule this in another day! Apparently the ramen is amazing!
What to Do:


Activities not pictured:
Imogene and Willie’s: If this denim is in your budget, then this is me giving you a virtual pat on the back. If you’re like us, then go ahead and try on a pair of jeans and then tell your friend they look terrible to make you feel less bad about not being able to buy them. Splurge on simpler items instead, like the wooden incense ($12 each) or the denim wash ($24). Equally thoughtful gifts without making the eyes open, blush face emoji when your credit card gets denied at the register. Plus, the aestheticism of the shop is worth a visit in and of itself.
Sisters of Nature Clothing: Another trendy little shop with decently affordable items. Shoes, tapestries, jewelry, and house decor all make the list of fun items to buy.
Our favorite neighborhoods:
12South: Home to Burger Up, BarTaco, Las Paletas, Imogene and Willie’s, and a variety of other shopping places. Great place for #LISS: low impact Saturday shopping.
East Nashville: Home to Barista Parlor, Local Honey, Marche Artisan, and all things hipstermania. The Brooklyn of the South.
Germantown: Great place for shopping around. Type “Fido” (a great little breakfast joint we didn’t get a chance to try, but heard great things about!) into your GPS and enjoy the strip of restaurants and shopping.
Broadway: tacky bars, neon signs, live music – where the phrase “Nash Vegas” is derived
Midtown: fun place to go out for a younger crowd – Loser’s is popular for the college scene
Shelby Bottoms Park: beautiful park in East Nashville to enjoy a picnic, stroll, or bike ride
2 Responses
I love this guide! I live in East Tennessee, about 4 hours from Nashville and never knew there are so many cool restaurants there. Definitely makes me want to explore 🙂
So happy to hear that!!! Loved my time there and jealous of your proximity to such awesome spots! xo