Downtown Nashville’s restaurant scene has seen unparalleled progress over the previous few years, a lot in order that it will possibly really feel unimaginable to maintain up with the modifications. Just some years in the past, there have been solely a handful of nice choices for lunch Downtown; now, Decrease Broadway bustles with celebrity-backed honky-tonks and out-of-town chain outposts. Should you’re not seeking to spend the afternoon in a honky-tonk or a franchise, although, quite a few native Downtown eating places supply up the flavour and spirit of Nashville in their very own distinctive approach. Right here’s a listing of our favourite spots to take pleasure in lunch in Downtown Nashville, starting from inventive world fare to conventional, down-home cooking.
Southernaire Market
150 Third Ave. S., Downtown Nashville
An offshoot of common TomKats restaurant The Southern Steak & Oyster, Southernaire Market provides each pre-made and grocery choices for downtown revelers. Whether or not you’re stocking your house or Airbnb, otherwise you want a fast snack in between conferences or meet-ups, Southernaire Market has you lined, with an array of grab-and-go choices like the meat brisket panini with pimento cheese, a inventive, Southern spin on Philly cheesesteak.
Etch
303 Demonbreun St., Downtown Nashville
Locals have adopted government chef Deb Paquette round city for years, and he or she now oversees two kitchens in two completely different elements of the town. For Downtown 9-to-5-ers, there isn’t a greater spot for a enterprise lunch than Paquette’s Etch. Her globally impressed delicacies pleases any palate and the polished environment units an expert tone whereas the open kitchen energizes the complete area. Don’t miss her well-known cauliflower with truffled pea pesto or the burger, topped with crimson onion bacon jam, pickled poblano and cabbage and horseradish Beemster cheese. Professional Tip: For these not already downtown, Etch provides free valet for anybody eating in for lunch.
The Farm House
210 Almond St., Downtown Nashville
At The Farm Home, government chef Trey Cioccia dishes out meals that makes diners really feel at dwelling, even when what comes out of the kitchen is an order of magnitude past what Mother used to make (sorry, Mother). The pimento cheese beignets are a stand-out dish amongst many. Throughout The Farm Home’s weekday brunch (out there Tuesday by means of Friday), the kitchen provides objects made with the freshest meats and produce from farms round Center Tennessee. The meals is acquainted and hearty, however inventive and chic in a refreshing approach. Some favorites: the Tri-Star Breakfast and One thing Gentle, which fantastically blends turkey sausage with egg whites, served alongside a salad of contemporary greens and quinoa in a stunning lemon dressing. They share valet with Etch, so even should you aren’t Downtown, don’t let that cease you from sampling a number of the greatest domestically sourced meals Nashville has to supply.
Deacon’s New South
401 Church St., Downtown Nashville
All 9-to-5 staff know the blessing and curse of the one-hour lunch break. Whereas “off-campus” adventures are theoretically doable, touring, consuming and returning inside an hour generally is a tall order. Stepping in to avoid wasting the day for Downtown diners in a rush: Deacon’s New South, which provides a 45-minute lunch service that guarantees to have you ever out and in in time to clock again in. We love the dry-aged steak sandwich with caramelized onions and collards, topped with a contrastingly brilliant and contemporary scallion chimichurri sauce. Additional recommendation: Invite a coworker and share a couple of issues, just like the Charcuterie and Cheese board.
Liberty Common
207 First Ave. S., Downtown Nashville
Liberty Frequent’s extremely anticipated opening in late 2018 launched a panoramic inside that transplants diners to Paris, with gorgeous tile work that outlines the bar and copper accents including a contact of luxurious. (Make sure to try the beautiful wallpaper within the restrooms, too.) Its relaxed but subtle vibe makes it really feel a world away from Nashville’s honky-tonks, regardless of being separated by only some blocks. Lunch favorites embody the house-made pappardelle or the fried hen, which has a tasty honey glaze. Should you’re in additional of a breakfast temper (the brasserie’s brilliant, ethereal inside can do this to you), chef Jessica Collins’ cinnamon rolls ought to do the trick. You might know Collins’ handiwork from the illustrious Butchertown Corridor brunch donut board, however her Liberty Frequent cinnamon rolls have rightfully earned a cult following of their very own, promoting out inside hours of opening on the weekends. Head in on the early aspect to attempt to snag one throughout weekday lunch.
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
410 Fourth Ave. S., Downtown Nashville
The Martin’s Bar-B-Que empire now extends past Center Tennessee, however there’s no higher spot to kick off your weekend in Nashville than on this half-beer backyard, half-BBQ corridor situated steps away from Decrease Broadway. That includes an array of native craft beers on faucet, and whole-hog BBQ that’s smoked low and sluggish, Martin’s BBQ Joint is ideal for spending a couple of hours earlier than heading to the honky-tonks. Upstairs, you could find darts, ping pong and shuffleboard, plus loads of TVs for these of us who like to go away the sporting to the professionals. Some menu favorites embody their ribs, brisket and hen wings, and should you’re within the temper for a snack to share, don’t skip the BBQ Nachos with pulled pork, queso, slaw and all of the fixins’. Make sure to give the broccoli salad a strive, too — we all the time really feel higher about our meal decisions with one thing inexperienced on our platter (however to not fear: There’s nonetheless bacon and cheese in it). Should you’re fortunate, poke your head into the smoking room and so they’ll allow you to try the hogs on the smoker!
Urban Juicer
21 Arcade Alley, Downtown Nashville
Tucked away within the Arcade are a various choice of nice lunch spots for Downtown diners, however for these of us sturdy sufficient to stroll previous Manny’s Pizza with out choosing up a slice, make sure you try City Juicer. A juice bar might not scream “lunch,” however the soups, wraps and salads that aren’t listed on the menus on-line are so good it’ll trick you into considering you’re consuming one thing unhealthy. Many choices can be found in a grab-and-go case for a fast lunch possibility, however don’t skip on ordering a juice or smoothie to scrub all of it down. Professional Tip: for these staying Downtown and searching for to detox after a night of Decrease Broadway debauchery, City Juicer provides activated charcoal lemonade that tastes unbelievable and does the trick.
Bakersfield
201 Third Ave. S., Downtown Nashville
Typically we’re simply as tethered to our cravings as our diets, and should you’re craving Mexican there’s no higher spot downtown than Bakersfield. The guacamole and margaritas are contemporary with salt and lime, and the queso will make even the stone-hearted swoon. You’ll discover outdated Westerns enjoying on the TVs to enhance the decor and an lively vibe that’s nonetheless a far cry from the virtually overwhelming sensory assault of the close by honky-tonks. Bakersfield provides a couple of lengthy, picnic-style tables which can be excellent for seating massive events. Don’t miss the brief rib, Baja shrimp and hongos tacos, and make sure you order the queso with chorizo crumbled into the forged iron — it comes out piping sizzling and effervescent, with the right mix of savory and spicy.
Kitchen Notes
250 Fifth Ave. S., Downtown Nashville
A locals’ favourite for quintessential Southern fare, Kitchen Notes’ lunch menu delivers in each approach. Whether or not you’re craving Nashville Scorching Hen (we love their sizzling hen sandwich) or Shrimp & Grits garnished with Benton’s nation ham, Southern staples have been perfected, and are introduced completely. Amongst their less-standard standouts: the Tennessee Patty Soften with pimento cheese, whiskey-braised onions and applewood smoked bacon. Professional Tip: Kitchen Notes provides free valet parking by means of the Omni lodge, so should you’re seeking to spend the day (or night time) in Downtown however don’t need to fear about parking, come take pleasure in lunch at Kitchen Notes, then depart your automotive and head out exploring, with out worrying about feeding the meter.
D’Andrews Bakery
555 Church St., Downtown Nashville
Every part David Andrews concocts in his bakery on Church Road is baked contemporary from scratch every day, and his pastries are one of the best you’ll discover this removed from Paris. Flying a bit extra underneath the radar, nonetheless, are his bakery’s every day soups, build-your-own salads, fresh-baked pizzas and artisanal sandwiches. The precise menu modifications every day, primarily based on the whims of the bakers and the deliveries acquired that morning, so name forward or examine D’Andrews’ Instagram to see what flavors are on deck. Bonus: D’Andrews has partnered with UberEats to supply supply should you can’t depart your desk!
