Midtown

Midtown: Nashville’s Other Nightlife Hotspot

Bustling like Lower Broadway but with a very different vibe, Midtown is hopping with young professionals and college students. It’s also visitor-friendly with a number of quality hotels nearby. TIP: It’s a bit more affordable than downtown lodging but easily accessible on foot, by scooter, and bus. Midtown is adjacent to Music Row, so named for the number of record labels, recording studios, and publishing houses in the area–NOT because it’s a live music zone.

For live music and younger crowds, try these restaurant/bars :

Losers Bar & Grill/Riley Green’s Duck Blind
Kung Fu Saloon
The Stillery
Red Door Midtown
The Row

What to do

MUSIC VENUES & CLUBS

Exit In Legends have played here–Billy Joel, Dan Fogelberg, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Steve Martin–on their way to big-time fame. It fell on hard times but now it’s back and booking all sorts of acts.

The End Guaranteed you won’t here anything approaching country music here. It was grungy before there was grunge. Other alternative-ish acts play here.

Losers Bar & Grill Draws a big college and young adult crowd with some music industry folks in the mix. They serve food but drinks and music are the draw. A fav hang for Post Malone when he was working on his last album. It’s in the middle of a strip of bars along Division Street.

Kung Fu Saloon Only occasional live music but they have a bunch of lawn and arcade games.

The Row A step above bar food, it features live music all week long.

Bobby’s Idle Hour If you want to drop by a hole-in-the-wall bar with live music in the corner, check out Bobby’s–the only place of its kind near Music Row. It’s been a watering hole for Nashville songwriters for decades.

Analog Located in the Hutton Hotel, the place has a very cool living room vibe with great sound. Talent ranges from dance bands to singer/songwriter showcases. Check the website to see what’s shakin’. (Photo: Analog website)

Live Oak A little edgier than your typical country bar, their music line-up can range from songwriters to rockers.

Tin Roof A few steps from Live Oak, some nights you’ll hear DJs and other nights it’s live music so check the calendar to see what’s happening.

Where to eat

Need groceries or food on-the-go to take to the park or your hotel room? Turnip Truck is basically a local version of Whole Foods emphasizing organic products as well as all-natural smoothies, fresh salad & hot bar, and housemade pizza.

MIDTOWN VISITOR MAGNETS

Hattie B’s Probably the best marketed of the hot chicken shops, you can visit its mothership which stays busy. Be warned: it has only a few parking spaces so plan accordingly.

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Spacious restaurant with all your smoked favorites. If the weather’s nice, you might want to eat outside at one of their picnic tables.

LOCAL FAVORITES

San Antonio Taco A tradition with Vandy students, music business types, and nearby residents, I’ve been eating there for 30 years. I go for the chicken taco salad but they do a good job with all their Tex-Mex selections. Get the queso and chips!

Jack’s Bar-B-Que I like pretty much everything about Jack’s–their barbecue, their veggies, their cornbread. Rarely crowded but solid dining.

Elliston Place Soda Shop Nostalgia reins in this old style soda shop/diner/grill/dessert shop. Had one freshest omelet ever here and they’re known for their pies and milkshakes too.

SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE

Jasper’s Kinda tries to offer something for everybody. A broad menu with salads, sandwiches, and flatbread pizza, a rec room, and a bachelorette-friendly gift/mercantile shop.

The Stillery For drinks or what they call “chef’s comfort food,” give this spot a try. I hear the hot chicken is happenin’. And there’s live music Thursday-Sunday.

You’ll also find lots of franchise restaurants: Chuy’s, Chili’s, Jersey Mike’s, Jason’s Deli, Five Guys, Oscar’s Tacos, Dunkin Donuts, Parlor Donuts, Velvet Tacos, Torchy’s Tacos, Papa John’s, and so on. One note: Two Boots makes a pretty tasty vegan pizza.

Where to shop

Not much in the way of shopping here. You’ll have better luck at nearby Hillsboro Village.

Buffalo Exchange You’ll find a little bit of everything at this secondhand store–clothing and footwear for men and women, hats, music, and more.

Nashville’s Shopping Hotspots

Foodie Favorites