Aside from the occasional special event at Sevier Park on the south end of 12South, there’s not much happening on this strip beyond dining and shopping.
Nice little neighborhood park with a playground, picnic shelter, ball field, basketball courts, and rec center. Occasional special events and an annual music festival.
Murals If you’re looking for mural photo ops, few places in places in Nashville offer more than 12South. In addition to those previously mentioned, you’ll find fun outdoor art up and down the street on the sides of many buildings.
Sevier Park/Carla Stewart
A better question might be “where not to eat in 12South?” So many choices. I’m highlighting the local restaurants here.
Frothy Monkey
Until 12South became uber-popular, I met up with friends every Saturday morning for their baked goods and hearty farmer’s breakfast. Others consider it an excellent spot for lunch, a glass of wine, or dinner. Frothy roasts its own coffee beans.
Butter Milk Ranch
I guess you could avoid splurging on their croissants, beignets, or biscuits–but why? Choose from counter service or seated dining with a more extensive menu. Did I mention milkshakes?
Hearts
An Aussie spin on dining, I’ve heard good things but haven’t tried it yet. Serving breakfast, brunch, and lunch.
The Cookery
I love this unassuming little bakery/restaurant about four blocks north of the 12South cluster. Ridiculously good cinnamon rolls, amazing seasoned potatoes, and good folks doing good for the community by training formerly homeless men in the culinary arts.
Wanna Spoon
Got kids in tow? They might love this celebration of cereal. Rounding things out are milkshakes, granola, and adult beverages.
Five Daughters Bakery
Famous for their 100-layer cro-nuts, they’ll tempt you with an array of exotic doughnut creations. Personally I’ve never been charmed.
Locust
The most lauded restaurant in the district, Locust was named “Restaurant of the Year” by Food & Wine. It’s only 22 seats and a meal is typically $100+. Reservations are taken one month in advance and it’s only open Friday-Sunday for lunch and dinner.
12South Taproom
Founded in 2006, it’s a pioneer of dining in the neighborhood and it’s still a great place for well-executed entrees and sandwiches complemented by more than two dozen draft beer options.
Epice
Upscale Lebanese cuisine in an intimate, informal setting. Saturday/Sunday brunch. Closed Monday.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que
Looking for something downhome? Edley’s is a local favorite for barbecue, catfish, and sides.
Burger Up
Designer burgers using locally sourced beef. Known for their fries. Soups and salad on the menu, plus there’s a full bar.
Bottlecap
With a slew of TVs, it’s as close as 12South gets to a sports bar. Here you’ll find a festival of fried foods, burgers, wraps, and weekend brunch.
Not many restaurant/bars have slides. This one does. Year-round you enjoy bar food and drinks. Occasionally there’s live music and, when winter sets in, you can hang out inside a snowglobe-like igloo. Brunch offered on Saturdays.
Urban Grub
Dine indoors, in a cabana, or cozy up to one of their fire pits. Specialities include wood-fired fish, chops, and steaks.
More than two dozen 12South boutiques to browse including national brands such as Marine Layer, Buck Mason, and Vuori. I’ll hit the highlights of local merchants.
Draper James
Best known as hometown girl Reese Witherspoon’s store, it combines women’s fashion, homegoods, and various lifestyle items.
White’s Mercantile
It carries the general store theme well by stocking a wide range of merchandise including clothing, books, housewares, and Nashville souvenirs.
Imogene + Willie
Another gas station reborn as a boutique, I&W creates designer denim and other high-end fashions.
Made in TN
The name says a lot. Everything they stock comes from a maker or manufacturer in the Volunteer State. You’ll find a truly wide array of souvenirs–t-shirts, aprons, books, artwork, magnets, and foodstuff.
Impressive inventory of vintage boots, leather jackets, t-shirts, and more compressed in a small space. BTW, it’s not in SoBro.
Want more about the 12South area of Nashville? VisitMusicCity.com has additional information.
