Hillsboro Village

Hillsboro Village: A College-Town Vibe

Located between Vanderbilt and Belmont universities, Hillsboro Village boasts more than 25 restaurants and specialty shops including tourist favorite Pancake Pantry. It’s also home to the Belcourt Theatre, Nashville’s independent cinema.

What to do

Aside from a movie matinee, there’s not much going on entertainment-wise during the day (except the live music at Brown’s on Saturday and Sunday afternoon). At night, the pulse quickens a bit.

ab This event venue leans toward songwriter nights and community activism. Check their calendar to see what’s happening.

Belcourt Theatre Opened in 1925 to show silent films, its history includes a short stint of hosting the Grand Ole Opry. Renovated and reopened in 2016, it’s Nashville’s home for art house films, retrospectives, cult films, and occasionally a blockbuster or special event.

Brown’s Diner Open since 1927, this humble home for affordable beer and famous cheeseburgers is beloved by the neighborhood. There’s live music almost every evening and they’ve started offering breakfast basics. Note: it’s about four blocks south of Hillsboro Village.

Also in the neighborhood Vanderbilt University hosts a variety of musical performances at its Blair School of Music. Belmont University, five blocks east of Hillsboro Village, is the home of the Fisher Center for the Performing Arts, a spectacular venue to witness concerts and other special events.

Where to eat

Yes, you have dinner options but I tend to think of Hillsboro Village as more of a breakfast and lunch destination.

Pancake Pantry Hillsboro Village’s most famous restaurant, it was once the go-to breakfast hang-out of music business folks. You won’t see Vince Gill there these days but they still serve good pancakes and other morning staples. Lunch available too.

Fido This cafe/coffeehouse has a lovely college-town vibe with a short but powerful roster of breakfast and lunch options. Delicious bakery creations including gluten-free options.

Pizza Perfect A Nashville tradition since 1983 (although at another location), these guys crank out primo pizzas, calzones, lasagna, ravioli, and sandwiches. Salads too.

Villager Tavern Very much a local hang for beer and darts. The menu: just great gumbo and roast beef po boys. Live music occasionally including its jazz jams Sundays at 11pm.

Biscuit Love Specializing in buttermilk biscuits served a variety of ways, you can also opt for their signature bo-nuts (biscuit/donut hybrids) and other breakfast favorites.

Sushi 88 My brother-in-law, a New York sushi snob, always hits this little bungalow for moderately priced rolls when he visits.

Greenery Co. One of your healthier options in the Village. Choose a bowl or salad, then wreck your diet with my friend John’s favorites: a triple chocolate chip cookie.

Bungalow10 Interesting concept for parties of up to 25 people. You’re seated in your own “bungalow” to create a private dining experience for globally inspired cuisine.

Twenty First A cozy bistro with a short menu and a full bar. Entrees include a New York strip steak for $49 and Tuscan chicken for $29. With nods to the South, you’ll also find fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese.

Little Hats Love this little Italian-leaning shop for great sandwiches, pasta, and more. Park on the street to avoid the pay lot.

The Salty Burrito I’m not a fan of the name but they turn out really good breakfast burritos and other Mexican favorites at budget-friendly prices. Don’t let the fast-food set-up throw you off; it’s a real-deal from-scratch operation.