There is a ridiculous array of food options, mostly in small spaces. I’m only hitting the highlights.
Hit this link for the foodie/chef-driven eateries and scroll down to East Nashville.
SOUTHERN FAVORITES
Nashville Biscuit House Yes, they serve more than biscuits although their country breakfasts are popular. The fried chicken is tasty and they’re known for their pies so save room for dessert.
Doll’s Family Cafe’ Semi-hidden in the basement of a retail store so look carefully. High marks for the fried chicken, mac’n’cheese, hot water cornbread and green beans. Trivia: has the only billiards table I’ve seen in a family cafe’.
Cal’s Country Kitchen How did they get my grandma’s recipe for chicken and dressing? Lots of other no-frills southern-flavored items on the menu.
Shugga Hi Bakery and Cafe’ Only open Friday-Sunday but these people know their way around baked goods and southern delicacies. Stand-outs include their fried chicken, donut casserole, and biscuits. One of the few East Nashville spots for biscuits and mimosas.
BARBECUE
The Gambling Stick Don’t come for the atmosphere–it’s a food truck adjoining a butcher shop with a tent for a dining room. But modest surroundings here produce brag-worthy cherry-wood smoked meats with a taste of Texas. Short list of side items–remember they’re working from a food truck.
Roy Meat Service A family-owned butcher shop and grocery, they keep a pair of smokers going out back for folks who’d rather not do the work. Some claim it’s the best around.
Shotgun Willie’s Many locals declare Shotgun Willie’s THE joint for Nashville’s best brisket but they can also hook you up with sausage, pork shoulder, or chicken. They’re only open 11am-3pm Wednesday through Sunday. It moved this year to a larger space near Briley Parkway.
Toto’s BBQ Express Rhonda the bartender declared this is her favorite barbecue and she’s been working among musicians and barflies for 15+ years.
Edley’s Bar-B-Que One of Nashville’s most popular spots for pulled pork. Also good catfish.
Drifter’s Everything I’ve tried has been delicious and their smoked meats don’t require sauce. Extra points for often having live music on their deck.
HOT CHICKEN
Bolton’s Hot Chicken and Fish Along with Prince’s, it’s one of the veterans of hot chicken.
Brave Idiot This food truck permanently parked at the arcade/bar No Quarter gets rave reviews for its hot chicken and burgers (including Impossible burgers). You can take their food into No Quarter of Hubba Hubba.
OTHER FAVORITES
Mitchell Delicatessen I’d recommend the turkey sandwich with cranberry sauce that tastes like Thanksgiving but there are ton of other savory options for breakfast and lunch.
Mas Tacos Por Favor This cinderblock building, popular with locals, cranks out a variety of tacos, refreshing drinks, and a brothy chicken tortilla soup.
The Pharmacy A beloved combination burger parlor and beer garden, you can also order German-inspired meats. Sides include fries, tots, sweet potato fries, and black bean & corn salad.
Dino’s It’s heralded as a dive bar that’s been visited by celebrities including Lady Gaga. But it’s also a great spot for a burger.
The Wash Formerly a carwash, the six bays are now home to these diverse offerings: Leche de Tigre Peruvian Cuisine, Soy Cubano, SS Gai Thai Cuisine, Sweeza Super Quesadilla, East Side Pho, Bay 6 Cocktail Bar,
Graze Vegans, take heart. It’s not just a plant-based bistro–it’s a delicious spot for all-day dining. Prepare for a wait for their weekend brunches.
Joyland Often praised for its burgers and fries, it’s chef Sean Brock’s salute to fast food. Breakfast available as well as boozy milkshakes.
Sabell’s Cozy 1930s bungalow offering Mediterranean-inspired dishes along with burgers. If the weather’s nice, dine on the patio or front porch.
Butterlamp Looking for a spot to gather for bread and beverages? You found it here. Order from a short list of tempting oven-fresh choices, complement your selections with savory delights, and pair your creation with an appropriate wine. Other menu options include oysters, pork fat fries, and roasted beets.