You will most definitely be doing a lot of drinking in Nashville, so it is important to make sure you are eating enough to absorb that alcohol (or nurse that hangover). Most of the honky tonks on Broadway also serve food so that is your easiest solution. But you may want a break from the honky tonk craziness so you will want to find somewhere else to grab a bite. Here are some of the best-known food establishments in Nashville that you will want to check out:
Prince's Hot Chicken or Hattie B's: Nashville is known for its' hot chicken, so you have to try it at least once while you are here. Prince's Hot Chicken is the original hot chicken restaurant. Hattie B's appears to be the most popular. At every Hattie B location there is a long line of customer's waiting to get a taste of the local favorite. Hattie B's has levels of hotness so you don't have to feel left out if your palate doesn't appreciate spicy. Their levels are described as Southern (No Heat), Mild (A Touch of Heat), Medium (Warming Up), Hot! (Feel the Heat), Damn Hot!! (Fire Starter), and Shut the Cluck Up!!! (Burn Notice). How brave are you? Hattie B's also has several other traditional southern foods on their menu so there is something for everyone.
Assembly Food Hall: Assembly Food Hall is located on 5th and Broadway so it is a perfect place to grab a bite to eat while cruising up and down Broadway at the honky tonks. Assembly Food Hall has over 30 different eateries (including locations for Hattie B's and Prince's Hot Chicken), bars and three stages so you don't have to miss any live music while you eat. My friend got sushi and I got a wood fired pizza, so you can see the extent of the choices available. It is a great place to go if you are with a group because you can avoid the prolonged discussion about where you should eat when everyone is in the mood for something different. All the different options can be found here.
.Biscuit Love: Biscuit Love is located in The Gulch and unfortunately I have never been because there is always a SUPER long line! I have included it in this blog because the consistent long lines are a sign that it must be pretty good. Biscuit Love is a local family-owned business that serves biscuits and breakfast. They started in 2012 with food trucks and now have three brick and mortar restaurants. Their location in The Gulch is open daily from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm. My recommendation if you really want to try one of their award winning biscuits is to get up early and hopefully beat the line. Good luck!
Milk and Honey: Milk and Honey is another breakfast place in The Gulch. I got one of the best chocolate croissants in my life from Milk and Honey on my first visit. This time I tried the almond croissant and it was just as spectacular. They have sit down restaurant with a substantial menu, but again long lines have foiled my plans to check out the sit down options. I was "forced" to stick with the walk-up bakery options. Can't say I was disappointed.
Goo Goo Chocolate Co.: Goo Goo Clusters are Nashville's Official Candy. The store is located across from the Johnny Cash Museum and Bar. You can buy a variety of premade Goo Goo Clusters or you can design your own personal Goo Goo Cluster that will be made while you wait. The personalized Goo Goo can be made with a variety of sweets and add ins to satisfy your own unique sweet tooth. Click here to start planning what you want to include in the *Insert Your Name Here* Goo Goo Cluster. We bought a few of the premade and each one was delicious! We tried the classic Pecan Goo Goo Cluster (pecans, caramel, and marshmellow nougat covered in milk chocolate), Lil Goos (peanuts, caramel and nougat covered in milk chocolate) and the PB&P Premium Goo Goo Cluster (peanut butter, caramel, and pretzels covered in dark chocolate). Another Nashville original you don't want to miss!
Yee Haw Brewery/Ole Smoky Distillery: While tasting moonshine or a flight of Yee Haw craft beers, you can order from a unique variety of tacos from White Duck Taco Shop. Check out the various options here. Helpful hint: My daughters told me that that went to grab some food at Ole Smoky a little later in the day and many tacos options weren't available because they had run out. Apparently daily quantities are limited so if you want to eat here, you may want to consider going earlier in the day. I had a Thai chicken taco with mango salsa and it was delcious! My friend opted for a fish taco and was happy with her choice. Daddy's Dogs also has space at this location in case a Tennessee famous hot dog is what you are in the mood for. Check out the menu options for Daddy's Dogs here.
FGL House: As I noted above, many of the honky tonks also serve food. I have eaten at the FGL House (partly owned by the country music duo Florida Georgia Line) a couple of times and it was delicious both times. FGL House also has a great rooftop with live music (of course!) which makes a great location to have dinner. Check out the FGL House menu here.
There are many other options for delicious food in Nashville, but this list should get you started while trying to scout the area for restaurants that tickle your fancy! Let me know if you discover any other restaurant gems that should be included on this short list! Bon appetit!