Taste Parts of Nashville This Summer

Big named country stars and live concerts have been the trademark for many Nashville summers but there seems to be something non music related sharing that spotlight. That something is food! That’s right, Nashville has become the center of attention for good eating. From midtown to downtown and beyond, Nashville is experiencing a rise in new eateries. Every Nashvillian has a favorite grub spot. I happen to have multiple spots! Here is where I share my list of top ten favorite restaurants that will surely leave a memorable taste in your mouth. Grab your keys and wallet!

Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant

If you are ever looking for a family friendly restaurant with live music, Puckett’s is your place! Located on the corner of Church St. and 5th Ave. N., Puckett’s has a variety of food items that are bound to fit each member of your family’s taste buds. From the kid's menu to the main entrees for breakfast, lunch or dinner, there’s a widespread of food for your bucks! With creative titles such as Mickey Mouse pancakes and Texas Two Step on the menu, what is there not to love about Puckett’s? My favorite dish at Puckett’s is Puckett’s Chicken BBQ platter with 3 sides. For this particular platter, you have the option of cherry wood smoked pork or barbeque chicken for the meat and 3 sides for $12.99. Although it is served with one of the two meats, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, and baked beans, I usually substitute the fries for greens beans and the coleslaw for potato salad. Trust me, the bucks are worth it!

The Pharmacy Burger Parlor and Beer Garden

I absolutely love this place! All greens used in their meals are grown in their garden, and they use an old school soda fountain! What more can you ask for? Commemorating their selection of German wurst and bier, The Pharmacy is also known as Nashville’s “Wurst-Burger” Joint. Located at 713 McFerrin Ave., The Pharmacy makes the best burgers in town! Making their own condiments (instead of buying them) sets their burgers apart from anyone else’s. The Pharmacy is proof that small changes make a big difference! I remember when they first opened a few years ago. Everyone kept talking about their burgers and sodas. Each time I tried to visit The Pharmacy, there would be a line going down the sidewalk entrance. Time passed and I went elsewhere for burgers. Just a few months ago, I had some down time and visited The Pharmacy. It was worth the wait! I ordered the Pharmacy Burger with chili and a Creamsicle soda. It was so good! I was surprised to find out all of their burgers are made with 100% Tennessee beef. Talk about authentic! Aside from the food, The Pharmacy has a beautiful garden bar and patio for any sized group. Be sure to check it out!

Baja Burrito/Blue Coast Burrito

It’s quick and easy! Just go into either of these burrito restaurants for the best burritos in town! Similar to Subway, you pick your wrap, meat, and toppings. I always get a chicken burrito with every topping available. Plus, guacamole and sour cream! It feels like the outdoors and summer every time I visit both places due to their aqua blue and parakeet green colored walls. Not to mention all of the shoreline decals and chalkboard menus! Both places has outdoor seating. When I attended Nashville School of the Arts, I used to go to Baja Burrito on Murfreesboro Pike before call times. Now, I go to Blue Coast Burrito on 5th Ave. N. You can’t go wrong with either places because the food is always fresh!

Pepperfire

As the name implies, spicy food it is! Nashville is recognized for its spicy chicken so much so that Nashville hosts its Annual Music City Hot Chicken Festival every year on July 4th. At this festival, all of the local hot chicken restaurants serve their best hot chicken dish to the community and visitors in Nashville. Pepperfire is one of the restaurants present every year. Ranging from Southernfied (no heat) to XX Hot, anyone can partake in a dish from Pepperfire. I love getting their medium Leg Quarter and Peppercheese (my mom’s favorite). Peppercheese is a deep fried grilled cheese sandwich with pepper jack. It is delicious! They are known for their Tender Royale (my brother’s favorite) and their Applefire. The Tender Royale consists of a three chicken tenders on a Peppercheese. The Applefire is two tenders stacked on waffles, all topped with sweet apples! The contrast in flavors makes for a perfect blend! You can call, download the Pepperfire app, or visit their website to place an order. Pepperfire is located at 2821 Gallatin Pike in East Nashville.

Hattie B’s

This restaurant has two locations, one on 19th Ave. S. and the other on Charlotte Ave. I visited the 19th Ave S. location. Beware of the crowd! It is almost impossible to get into this restaurant because there’s always a line wrapped around the building. If you would like to try Hattie B’s, I suggest you get there whenever you have a few hours to kill. No joke, this place is nonstop crowded! I heard the Charlotte Pike location wasn’t as bad but it still has a decent crowd. I tried Hattie B’s for the first time a couple of weeks ago due to the high volume of people this restaurant keeps. I’ve since had Hattie B’s twice! I tried their SM Dark plate and got potato salad and baked beans both times. The first time, I called it in. The second time, I placed a delivery order through Doorstep Delivery. If you choose to use Doorstep Delivery, be prepared to pay fees!

The SM Dark plate is a good pick if you are looking to try the chicken because it is one of the cheaper platters at Hattie B’s. You get enough to say that you tried it! I always say with hot chicken, you never know if the chicken will be dry or have the right texture so it is best to order the basics to “test the waters!” With this plate, you get a leg quarter, two sides, pickles and bread. Their levels of heat range from Southern (no heat) to Shut the Cluck Up (burn notice).

*Stay tuned for the last five on my list of top ten favorite restaurants!*