Bo & Mathilde's Ultimate Nashville Guidebook
Food scene
[5 min walk from Garden House] This popular bagel joint is delicious and hip(ster). Warning: it is so well-loved, there may be a line... Consider ordering in advance online and walking 5 minutes down Portland Ave/Belmont Blvd from the Garden house to pick up your order. There is no better spot for a large variety of cream cheese shmears (I'm talking jalapeno bacon, rosemary garlic, and even cookie dough), freshly cooked bagels, delicious coffee, and other yum goodies. It's a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for!
85 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
proper bagel
2011 Belmont Blvd[5 min walk from Garden House] This popular bagel joint is delicious and hip(ster). Warning: it is so well-loved, there may be a line... Consider ordering in advance online and walking 5 minutes down Portland Ave/Belmont Blvd from the Garden house to pick up your order. There is no better spot for a large variety of cream cheese shmears (I'm talking jalapeno bacon, rosemary garlic, and even cookie dough), freshly cooked bagels, delicious coffee, and other yum goodies. It's a bit pricey, but you get what you pay for!
[8 min walk from Garden House] If you love a good dive bar, want to rub elbows with the locals while (maybe) listening to some live music and eating a burger and hush puppies while drinking a Bud heavy, this is the place for you. I will not sugar coat it: this place is grungy, does not have a full bar/only serves domestic beer, and feels like it is almost 100 years old... because IT IS almost 100 years old. And, it is a Nashville institution. One of the only remaining dive bars in the city. John Prine used to hang out here. Not a joke! We like to go for 2 beers, a burger, fries, hush puppies and a Frito Pie (which is not a pie) on Saturdays from 6-7:30pm when there is likely live music. I say "likely" because, as it was explained to us once, "sometimes the musicians get paying gigs elsewhere." If this description sounds like your vibe, you will not be disappointed.
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brown's Diner
2102 Blair Blvd[8 min walk from Garden House] If you love a good dive bar, want to rub elbows with the locals while (maybe) listening to some live music and eating a burger and hush puppies while drinking a Bud heavy, this is the place for you. I will not sugar coat it: this place is grungy, does not have a full bar/only serves domestic beer, and feels like it is almost 100 years old... because IT IS almost 100 years old. And, it is a Nashville institution. One of the only remaining dive bars in the city. John Prine used to hang out here. Not a joke! We like to go for 2 beers, a burger, fries, hush puppies and a Frito Pie (which is not a pie) on Saturdays from 6-7:30pm when there is likely live music. I say "likely" because, as it was explained to us once, "sometimes the musicians get paying gigs elsewhere." If this description sounds like your vibe, you will not be disappointed.
[17 min drive from Garden House in East Nash] One of our favorite restaurants. Everything is cooked over an open fire in small and large cast iron skillets. Phenomenal food and vibe! Also do NOT miss ordering the chocolate chip cookies for dessert.
43 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pelican & Pig
1010 Gallatin Ave[17 min drive from Garden House in East Nash] One of our favorite restaurants. Everything is cooked over an open fire in small and large cast iron skillets. Phenomenal food and vibe! Also do NOT miss ordering the chocolate chip cookies for dessert.
[16 min walk/3 min drive from Garden House] "Little dumpling shop." Small menu, huge flavor. I'm talking 3-5 options: dumplings, beef tartare, cold spicy noodles, and 2ish other things. Pricey, but really incredible if you love this category of food!
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Locust
2305 12th Avenue South[16 min walk/3 min drive from Garden House] "Little dumpling shop." Small menu, huge flavor. I'm talking 3-5 options: dumplings, beef tartare, cold spicy noodles, and 2ish other things. Pricey, but really incredible if you love this category of food!
[8 min drive from Garden House in Wedgewood-Houston] The early bird gets the worm from this favorite local bakery. Emphasis on bread!
108 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dozen Bakery
516 Hagan St[8 min drive from Garden House in Wedgewood-Houston] The early bird gets the worm from this favorite local bakery. Emphasis on bread!
[10 min drive from Garden House in Germantown] Another top choice, this restaurant is where we go for special occasions. The food is outstanding IF you can score a reservation. The cacio e pepe pasta dish = out of this world.
441 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rolf and Daughters
700 Taylor St[10 min drive from Garden House in Germantown] Another top choice, this restaurant is where we go for special occasions. The food is outstanding IF you can score a reservation. The cacio e pepe pasta dish = out of this world.
[15 min drive from Garden House in East Nash] Nashville institution in adorable neighborhood. Sit outside if the weather is nice. Incredible food and celebs often sited. PRO TIP: This restaurant has an incredible happy hour. Recommended to make a reservation but if you show up on the early side you may score a table.
525 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lockeland Table
1520 Woodland St[15 min drive from Garden House in East Nash] Nashville institution in adorable neighborhood. Sit outside if the weather is nice. Incredible food and celebs often sited. PRO TIP: This restaurant has an incredible happy hour. Recommended to make a reservation but if you show up on the early side you may score a table.
[21 min drive from Garden House in Inglewood] Explored this place on the recommendation of my barber... and DAMN did she deliver. This spot has incredible farm-to-table food. Great covered back patio. And did I mention the food was outstanding? Pricey but extremely worthwhile for both the cost and the drive.
38 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
lou nashville
1304 McGavock Pk[21 min drive from Garden House in Inglewood] Explored this place on the recommendation of my barber... and DAMN did she deliver. This spot has incredible farm-to-table food. Great covered back patio. And did I mention the food was outstanding? Pricey but extremely worthwhile for both the cost and the drive.
[20 min walk/4 min drive from Garden house] One of the best BBQ joints in Nashville. Can't go wrong, but the dry rub spare ribs are to die for, as are the large variety of sides. We recommend walking here so that you can walk off the meal when you're finished!
401 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
410 4th Ave S[20 min walk/4 min drive from Garden house] One of the best BBQ joints in Nashville. Can't go wrong, but the dry rub spare ribs are to die for, as are the large variety of sides. We recommend walking here so that you can walk off the meal when you're finished!
[20 min drive from Garden House to East Nash] Authentic tacos and margaritas, chicken tortilla soup and street corn. Used to be cash only but I think they take Venmo now? Worth the line that you'll wait in. And oh, you will wait.
693 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mas Tacos Por Favor
732 Mcferrin Ave[20 min drive from Garden House to East Nash] Authentic tacos and margaritas, chicken tortilla soup and street corn. Used to be cash only but I think they take Venmo now? Worth the line that you'll wait in. And oh, you will wait.
Cocktail scene
[8 min drive from Garden House in Wedgwood-Houston]. Hip bar in hip area with hip bartenders playing hip vinyl. Get the nachos! Want more drinks after your visit? Stop by: Jackalope Brewery across the street, Flamingo Cocktail Club, and Never Never.
ALSO: This place seconds as a $$$$ tasting menu restaurant. If you can get a reservation and are interested in the Nashville foodie scene, don't hesitate.
192 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bastion
434 Houston St[8 min drive from Garden House in Wedgwood-Houston]. Hip bar in hip area with hip bartenders playing hip vinyl. Get the nachos! Want more drinks after your visit? Stop by: Jackalope Brewery across the street, Flamingo Cocktail Club, and Never Never.
ALSO: This place seconds as a $$$$ tasting menu restaurant. If you can get a reservation and are interested in the Nashville foodie scene, don't hesitate.
[14 min drive from Garden House in East Nash] East Nashville dive bar. Back patio. 'nuff said.
250 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dinos Bar
411 Gallatin Ave[14 min drive from Garden House in East Nash] East Nashville dive bar. Back patio. 'nuff said.
[13 min drive from Garden house in DT] Honky tonk alternative! Leave the crowds for a somewhat less crowded and more laid-back scene with live music and cool bar options. Also, don't miss "Ms. Kelli's Karaoke Bar" for a chance to put on a show of your own. (Lizzo was once spotted here singing while on tour, but apparently it is now $5 to sing a song now and there can be a wait... be warned). Other cool spots for more cocktails in the area: Hidden Bar at Noelle (speakeasy!), Snitch, Bobby Hotel rooftop, Parlour Bar.
83 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Printers Alley
Printers Alley[13 min drive from Garden house in DT] Honky tonk alternative! Leave the crowds for a somewhat less crowded and more laid-back scene with live music and cool bar options. Also, don't miss "Ms. Kelli's Karaoke Bar" for a chance to put on a show of your own. (Lizzo was once spotted here singing while on tour, but apparently it is now $5 to sing a song now and there can be a wait... be warned). Other cool spots for more cocktails in the area: Hidden Bar at Noelle (speakeasy!), Snitch, Bobby Hotel rooftop, Parlour Bar.
[12 min drive from Garden House in Green Hills] OK, so the Green Hills area is your commercial/consumer-type neighborhood for all things middle class fancy: Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Green Hills Mall (with Nordstrom, Zara, Free People, Apple Store, even a Peloton store - who knew?), Restoration Hardware & Restaurant, Movie Theater, Pottery Barn, lululemon, blah blah blah. But there are a few gems in this area, one of which is most certainly the Greenhouse Bar. Literally in a greenhouse. Not much else to say, but if you like a lush green cocktail setting, this is your spot!
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Greenhouse Bar
2211 Bandywood Dr[12 min drive from Garden House in Green Hills] OK, so the Green Hills area is your commercial/consumer-type neighborhood for all things middle class fancy: Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Green Hills Mall (with Nordstrom, Zara, Free People, Apple Store, even a Peloton store - who knew?), Restoration Hardware & Restaurant, Movie Theater, Pottery Barn, lululemon, blah blah blah. But there are a few gems in this area, one of which is most certainly the Greenhouse Bar. Literally in a greenhouse. Not much else to say, but if you like a lush green cocktail setting, this is your spot!
[16 min walk/4 min drive from Garden House in Edgehill] Very hip speakeasy-type bar located in an old boiler room. Cocktails are fancy, vibe is cool!
161 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Glory
1200 Villa Pl[16 min walk/4 min drive from Garden House in Edgehill] Very hip speakeasy-type bar located in an old boiler room. Cocktails are fancy, vibe is cool!
The Great Outdoors
[14/16 min drive from Garden House close to Brentwood TN] Radnor Park is an aviary with incredible walking trails surrounding a large lake. There is one section/half of the lake trail that is paved where you are welcome to bring your leashed dog and baby stroller. The non-paved area prohibits animals and strollers, and is an extremely enjoyable walk where you are likely to see wildlife such as birds (turkey/vultures/cranes) and deer. Certain trails take you up on a ridge. I would recommend in both warm and cold weather.
I recommend parking in the east lot, as the main area tends to get VERY crowded (on a beautiful weekend morning, there may be a line to wait in just for parking). If there are a small number of vehicles in front of you, you'll likely only need to wait 10 minutes or so for someone to return to their car to open up a spot. Don't be dismayed. It is worth it!
435 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Estatal del Lago Radnor
1160 Otter Creek Rd[14/16 min drive from Garden House close to Brentwood TN] Radnor Park is an aviary with incredible walking trails surrounding a large lake. There is one section/half of the lake trail that is paved where you are welcome to bring your leashed dog and baby stroller. The non-paved area prohibits animals and strollers, and is an extremely enjoyable walk where you are likely to see wildlife such as birds (turkey/vultures/cranes) and deer. Certain trails take you up on a ridge. I would recommend in both warm and cold weather.
I recommend parking in the east lot, as the main area tends to get VERY crowded (on a beautiful weekend morning, there may be a line to wait in just for parking). If there are a small number of vehicles in front of you, you'll likely only need to wait 10 minutes or so for someone to return to their car to open up a spot. Don't be dismayed. It is worth it!
[18 min drive from Garden House to East Nash] Greenway lining the Cumberland River where you can take a walk, jog, or bike ride. The Nature Center is awesome for families (cute outdoor play area with sand pit, trucks, shovels).
510 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Shelby Bottoms Greenway
1900 Shelby Bottoms Greenway[18 min drive from Garden House to East Nash] Greenway lining the Cumberland River where you can take a walk, jog, or bike ride. The Nature Center is awesome for families (cute outdoor play area with sand pit, trucks, shovels).
[24 min drive from Garden House] There is so much to say about this little recreation area. Dog friendly hiking trails and rocky little lake beach. People kayaking and boating, playing with their kids at the water. A bit muddy but really nice. We have enjoyed taking our lab here on a nice hot Nashville summer day, spreading out a blanket/some chairs and packing a picnic lunch.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hamilton Creek Recreation Area
[24 min drive from Garden House] There is so much to say about this little recreation area. Dog friendly hiking trails and rocky little lake beach. People kayaking and boating, playing with their kids at the water. A bit muddy but really nice. We have enjoyed taking our lab here on a nice hot Nashville summer day, spreading out a blanket/some chairs and packing a picnic lunch.
Sweet Stuff
[8 min walk/3 min drive from Garden House] This is the closest location to us, but you can also find one in the 12 South 'hood an extra 10 min walk away. HUGE lines after dinner because this famous ice cream spot does not disappoint! My personal favorites are Texas Sheet Cake and Darkest Chocolate.
754 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
1892 Eastland Ave[8 min walk/3 min drive from Garden House] This is the closest location to us, but you can also find one in the 12 South 'hood an extra 10 min walk away. HUGE lines after dinner because this famous ice cream spot does not disappoint! My personal favorites are Texas Sheet Cake and Darkest Chocolate.
[10 min drive from Garden House in Wedgewood-Houston] My favorite cookies in Nashville. Flavors embody your childhood memories: cotton candy, s'mores, PB&J, blueberry pancake, etc. The shop is adorable too - just one tiny door and order window, with a sprinkled floor! I have been known to order a dozen of these cookies and take them down the road to Never Never, a favorite bar with a great patio, to enjoy as the train passes.
Pink Door Cookies
321 Hart St[10 min drive from Garden House in Wedgewood-Houston] My favorite cookies in Nashville. Flavors embody your childhood memories: cotton candy, s'mores, PB&J, blueberry pancake, etc. The shop is adorable too - just one tiny door and order window, with a sprinkled floor! I have been known to order a dozen of these cookies and take them down the road to Never Never, a favorite bar with a great patio, to enjoy as the train passes.
[6 min drive from Garden House] Incredible cakes and other sweets. Get a slice o' cake or a whole cake to celebrate a special occasion. You won't regret it!
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Baked on 8th
1512 8th Ave S[6 min drive from Garden House] Incredible cakes and other sweets. Get a slice o' cake or a whole cake to celebrate a special occasion. You won't regret it!
Coffee scene
[4 min walk from Garden House] Mingle with Belmont students and faculty at this local coffee spot. Food options are pretty great as well, but the coffee is what you'll come back for. Pick up some freshly roasted coffee beans if you'd like!
98 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bongo Java
2007 Belmont Blvd[4 min walk from Garden House] Mingle with Belmont students and faculty at this local coffee spot. Food options are pretty great as well, but the coffee is what you'll come back for. Pick up some freshly roasted coffee beans if you'd like!
[8 min walk/3 min drive from Garden House in Hillsboro] The newest addition to the neighborhood is a well-known hipster coffee joint called Barista Parlor. Original location is on the East side. Purchase some freshly roasted coffee beans or order a pour over or cortado, you can't go wrong!
47 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Biscuit Love (Hillsboro Village)
2001 Belcourt Ave[8 min walk/3 min drive from Garden House in Hillsboro] The newest addition to the neighborhood is a well-known hipster coffee joint called Barista Parlor. Original location is on the East side. Purchase some freshly roasted coffee beans or order a pour over or cortado, you can't go wrong!
[11 min drive from Garden House in DT] Very well known coffee joint with its own roasted coffee beans. Nice spot to enjoy some drip coffee and a pastry.
271 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
CREMA
15 Hermitage Ave[11 min drive from Garden House in DT] Very well known coffee joint with its own roasted coffee beans. Nice spot to enjoy some drip coffee and a pastry.
Beer scene
[20 min walk/4 min drive from Garden House to 12 South] One room beer store with a ton of local and national craft beer options. We typically walk here and enjoy a pint or two on the patio with our pup. Dog friendly, in and out!
35 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Filling Station
1118 Halcyon Ave[20 min walk/4 min drive from Garden House to 12 South] One room beer store with a ton of local and national craft beer options. We typically walk here and enjoy a pint or two on the patio with our pup. Dog friendly, in and out!
[14 min drive from Garden House in East Nash] Can't go wrong with this local brewhouse. Good food as well! Pup friendly.
95 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
East Nashville Beer Works
320 E Trinity Ln[14 min drive from Garden House in East Nash] Can't go wrong with this local brewhouse. Good food as well! Pup friendly.
Nashville Hot Chicken
[8 min drive from Garden House in Centennial Park] Our favorite hot chicken in the city! Yes, favorite! Only open for lunch - be warned!
Red's 615 Kitchen
115 27th Avenue North[8 min drive from Garden House in Centennial Park] Our favorite hot chicken in the city! Yes, favorite! Only open for lunch - be warned!
[6 min drive from Garden House] Local favorite for hot chicken. There is a line 100% of the time (truly wild). Used to be our favorite before we discovered Red's 615. More variety of sides. PRO TIP: Order in advance and pick up to skip the line!
128 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hattie B's Hot Chicken - Melrose Nashville, TN
2222 8th Ave S[6 min drive from Garden House] Local favorite for hot chicken. There is a line 100% of the time (truly wild). Used to be our favorite before we discovered Red's 615. More variety of sides. PRO TIP: Order in advance and pick up to skip the line!