Dining with a Large Group

Credit: Barcelona Wine Bar

Party of How Many???

Group Dining in Nashville

Some restaurants cringe when a crowd shows up unannounced. These eateries are prepared for group dining (although they appreciate advance warning, especially for large parties).

I haven’t listed them, but most honky tonks will rent you a room or even a whole floor. Many even have a tab on their website menus to make large-party reservations.

This list isn’t comprehensive, but it will offer some solid suggestions, organized by neighborhood, in a variety of price ranges.

If you’re planning for larger corporate events, I highly suggest you contact the restaurant directly, confirming they have availability and space for your group.

Downtown

Sixty Vines

Even though it’s in a high-profile location (atop Fifth and Broadway), you might miss this large moderately-priced restaurant unless you’re looking for it. The main dining room (pictured) is huge. The well-rounded menu includes something for everybody–and lots of choices on tap for wine lovers. The lovely Greenhouse private atrium can accommodate up to 40 diners.

Assembly Food Hall

Here’s the easiest solution ever. Commandeer a few tables in Fifth and Broadway’s Assembly Food Hall, allow people to forage through the 30 restaurants in their two food courts for whatever they desire, then reunite. Options include hot chicken, burgers, tacos, Vietnamese selections, sushi, poke, and many more.

Church & Union

How’s this for diversity? Moroccan meatballs, Maryland crab cakes, poke bowls, fried green tomatoes. This centrally located restaurant offers multiple private rooms can accommodate from 14-40 for dinner.

Sixty Vines

SoBro

South of Broadway

Teddy’s Tavern

It’s small by Lower Broadway standards but the upper floor or the rooftop might be just right for your crew. Whether you want to toast the bride, hold a watch party for a game, or host your own little musical event, the place has a nice rustic, homey vibe. And with good reason–built in 1820, it’s the oldest residence on record in downtown Nashville. (Photo: 2nd floor of Teddy’s Tavern website)

The Southern

As fitting its name, this restaurant has a refined sense of southern cooking. Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner, selections range from an upscale version of meat-and-three staples to the coastal favorites of gumbo and oysters. The Demonbreun Room can accommodate up to 60 seated guests while the Southernaire Market can seat 20 in a more informal atmosphere.

Husk

Long ago my office was across the street from this elegant historic home–a lovely view. These days it’s a farm-to-table restaurant noted for its love of southern and rustic cuisine. Smaller parties can dine in the home but the coolest spot is The Stables, the estate’s former carriage house which can accommodate 16 for brunch or 25 for a seated dinner.

Tennessee Brew Works

Offering good beer wouldn’t be enough of a reason to include them here…but they make a dang good burger, serve up great live music, and afford you a nice view of the city from their deck. Weather not so nice? They also have a private meeting room you can rent.

TeddysTavernTN.com

Midtown

West of Downtown

Jasper’s

Here’s a multi-faceted full-service restaurant with a huge bonus–adjacent free parking. Reserve their lovely little living room nook with shelves piled high with board games. Around the corner is a rec room with an assortment of non-board games. If you’re bringing a large group, you can even request the entire bar area. Another bonus: the on-site gift shop loaded with souvenirs and provisions to take back to your short-term rental or hotel. (Photo: Jasper’s living room)

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint

A bit of a roadhouse feel (maybe it’s because the building was formerly a Logan’s Roadhouse) here. Eat hearty here carnivores with good ol’ pit barbecue. Broccoli salad is a bit of an outlier for a BBQ place but it’s delicious. Appetizer-wise, I’d opt for the BBQ nachos over the farmhand fries. Two private rooms plus a gazebo are available for reservations.

Barcelona Wine Bar

Megan the P.T. highly recommends ordering a variety of charcuterie boards, cheeses, and tapas for a communal feast in this cozy eatery that’s welcoming to groups. She also raves about the roasted brussels sprouts. Barcelona boasts an extensive wine list including wine flights. Be sure to mention if a birthday is being celebrated. (Top photo from Barcelona website)

Jasper's

Germantown

North of Downtown

Monell’s

They don’t take reservations but there’s a lotta local love for this all-you-can-eat family-style restaurant. Unless your party can fill an entire table, you’ll be dining with others. And full disclosure: there can be quite a wait on weekends during peak times. Get acquainted with strangers as you pass around biscuits and gravy for breakfast or the huge southern spread for lunch or dinner. FYI, it’s closed on Sunday evenings. (Photo: Monell’s)

Germantown Cafe

Casual but dignified, this cafe is famous for its French onion soup but that’s just for starters. They don’t have a private room but are glad to join tables to accommodate larger gatherings. Open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, expect a selection of steaks, seafood, and carefully crafted side dishes. Reservations recommended.

Von Elrod’s

With long tables both indoors and out on the patio, this beer garden was designed with community in mind. The menu leans toward savory and substantial with housemade sausages, brats, brisket, and pulled pork. Brunch on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday brings out the hash, pancakes, monkey bread, and other tempting selections.

City House

How about a robust Italian meal? In addition to their much-touted wood-fired pizzas, you can order rigatoni, roasted chicken, or several other hearty options. Select the space that fits your needs–from a private room seating 16 on up to reserving the entire upstairs and adjoining patio which can accommodate up 68 people.

Butchertown Hall

Tex-Mex meets barbecue in this spacious beer hall with lots of brews on tap. A variety of other wood-fired options are available should those headliners don’t ring your bell. If your party is 7-18 people, call for a reservation; otherwise, reserve online to avoid a wait.

The Gulch

West Edge of Downtown

Adele’s

If you’re like most, you’ll love the brunch buffet at Adele’s. I can’t get over the fact that it displaced our favorite auto mechanics’ shop. My loss is your gain as you dine on Californian- and Italian-inspired comfort food created in the open kitchen. Parties of 9 or more can request family-style dining.

MOTO

Birthday dinner? Corporate event? Family gathering? MOTO has options that can seat up to 44 people. The expansive menu reads like “Italy’s Greatest Hits” with pasta, antipasti, and pizza along with interesting vegetable selections.

Wedgewood/Houston

North West of Downtown

Mangia

It’s actually in Melrose, off 8th Avenue S. but I don’t have that heading in play. The draw here is Italian food served family style so it’s a great spot for groups together and pass the plates of authentic dishes around the table. Only open for dinner on Friday and Saturday.

12South

Southwest of Downtown

Embers Ski Lodge

Hard to believe you’re in Nashville when you step into this rustic chalet. Very woodsy vibe and a menu featuring Belgian fries, wings, lumberjack-worthy sandwiches, and curiously a lobster roll. They can accommodate 25-90 people for special events. Flannel optional.

Urban Grub

Likely the biggest plus for group dining is their selection of cabanas and firepits. Urban Grub’s indoor-outdoor beer garden atmosphere is excellent for a casual dinner or weekend brunch. The menu includes lots of seafood options as well as wood-fired entrees. (It’s also the only place I’ve seen a selection of butters listed as menu items.) Check out The Grub Experience, a make-your-own-feast delight.

The Butter Milk Ranch

If your group is large enough, you can probably commandeer one of the dining rooms. Otherwise, scoot tables together. Order a beignet or croissant at the bakery counter to start your morning or opt for table service. Midday options include salads, sandwiches, and bowls.

East Nashville

East of Downtown

The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden

Honestly you may find mixed reviews now that the new has worn off this upscale burger and wurst joint. But it’s a great hang for groups, offering a variety of indoor and outdoor options. Whether you’re filling a table or a room, The Pharmacy is a casual spot worth checking out. (Photo: Pharmacy website)

Butcher and Bee

This fashionable eatery shows up on a lot of “highly recommended” lists. The semi-private dining (seats up to 16) or they’ll work with you if more space is needed. Part of the fun of B&B is ordering shared plates which are passed around family-style. Indulgences include crispy pork belly, avocado crispy rice, and fried brussels sprouts.

The Treehouse

Who wouldn’t want to say they ate at a treehouse? But it’s not just an architectural gimmick. The staff prides itself on modern cuisine with choices such as falafel, halibut, and trout. Shareable items as well as serious entrees. Dine at a long table or the multi-tiered patio in back. Probably works best for groups of 12 or fewer folks.

Beer Garden at The Pharmacy, East Nashville

Pharmacy Burger IG

Sylvan Park/The Nations

West Side

Nicky’s Coal Fired

It might be a bit out of zone for most visitors but the bonus here is that they offer family-style dining for groups of 10 or more. Share an Italian feast of pizza and pasta among friends. Note: they add an 18% service charge so additional tipping is unnecessary.

Common Ground

You’ve got options at Common Ground–at the island bar,or, with up to 30 guests, the private dining room. Most entrees (including scallops and chicken) hover around $25-35 with salads in the $12-15 range. Its sister restaurant in Berry Hill has a covered patio.

Miel

Looking for something private and elegant? Consider The Barn at Miel. It seats up to 25 guests for a formal dinner or up to 40 for a standing reception. A smaller gathering? Investigate Miel’s semi-private spaces–the Veranda or Patio. A sampling of the menu: seared scallops, braised lamb, charred octopus, and confit duck leg.

South Nashville

South of Downtown

Plaza Mariachi

You could think of it as a food court with nightly entertainment. Choose from a number of restaurants around the perimeter and settle in to enjoy whatever’s on stage. In addition to the namesake bands, you might catch a pop artist, aerial ballet, or salsa night. The schedule is on the website.