14 Places I Take My Friends When They Visit Me in Nashville
My friends recently came in town, and we got to talking about all the things we’ve done in Nashville. They usually only come in for a night, but I wanted to share all the things they’ve loved. I’m a Nashville native so when my friends come back into town, I don’t get to take them anywhere new. So naturally, I’ll just share it here, so other people can enjoy!
Really, it all just depends on the vibe for the trip or what we’re feeling in the moment. Ask me after their next trip, and I’ll have 5 other things I’ve added to the list. Not on this list, I would still probably take people to Printer’s Alley if they wanted to do Broadway-adjacent, maybe to Greenhouse Bar for a fun cocktail, or even to Sid Gold’s for some piano bar karaoke.
If you want to see even more lists about Nashville, click here: Best of Nashville. As locals, we rarely go to Broadway, so my lists are mostly just others places all around Nashville. I like to just share a bunch of places with you in hopes that you make your own list based on what looks fun to you.
1. The Pharmacy
The Pharmacy is such a classic. The burgers are amazing, the fries or tots always hit, and everyone leaves stuffed. You know it’s good when most of us who live here love going back over and over. So, you can get The Pharmacy at Fifth and Broadway or in the Nashville airport. But, you know I’m going to say you should head to their original location in East Nashville.
It has a large outdoor beer garden that is perfect on a nice day. I always get the Farm Burger, which is huge and comes with ham, fried egg, and bacon. While most people I know usually get a burger, they also have a list of bratwursts you can get too. They have a great sauce menu too, and with fries and tots so good, it definitely completes the meal.
If you’re vegan or vegetarian, they have options for that too! Don’t sleep on the beer and drinks. They have tons of beer, wine, and cocktail options. This is always a hit. Click here for more information and to see their menus: The Pharmacy Burger.
2. Arrington Vineyards
Arrington Vineyards is perfect for a girls day, a picnic, or to just get out of the city. It is located about 30-45 minutes south of Nashville, depending on where you’re staying. Since Nashville doesn’t really have wineries, I would say this is the most popular spot when looking for an activity like this. It is a huge property, with vineyards, barns with food and wine, events, and plenty of open space.
When you arrive, you’ll park in the parking lot towards the bottom, and they can take you on a golf cart up to the main areas. From here, you can go in and get yourself a wine flight or a frozen drink, among other options, and even get yourself meats and cheeses to make a charcuterie board. This is a great option if you’re not a local, but you can also bring whatever snacks and food to make your own picnic!
When we went, we got a table, but it was dead of summer and it was so hot. The shady spots are definitely harder to come by in the middle of the day, but I’m sure it’s so beautiful at sunset. We also brought blankets, so after we ate and drank, we finally scored a spot under a tree and played games for a while. Everyone is kind of doing their own thing here, which I love.
They usually have live music on the weekends, called Music in the Vines, so even if you don’t have anything to bring, you’ll still be entertained. If you’re wanting to do more of an experience, you can also book a time to do the Tasting Bar or the Food and Wine Pairing class. Click here for more information: Arrington Vineyards.
3. Honeytree Meadery
I have this on all my other guides, but I always take people to Honeytree Meadery. It’s like going to a brewery, but most people haven’t already tried mead, so it’s a fun new experience. Mead is alcohol made from honey, and Honeytree uses their local bees for this. Every time I go in, the bartenders always have the best customer service. They explain the different types, they help you pick which one you’ll probably like, and they love what they do.
Honeytree is located in East Nashville, off of Woodland Street. This is a great place to go if you want to hop around East Nashville. It is across the street from Up-Down (an arcade bar), Lakeside Lounge (a dive bar), Attaboy (a speakeasy-style bar), and plenty of other places in walking distance. At Honeytree, the inside is filled with plants and cozy seating. If you go out back, you’ll find a large enclosed patio with plenty of seating.
In the cold months, they have heaters for outside, but that also means you have to do the hot mead. It is absolutely delicious. If you’re new to mead, you should definitely do the mead flight. Click here for more information: Honeytree Meadery.
4. Sandbar
Next up on our list, we have Sandbar. I feel like Sandbar is actually really unique, because Nashville doesn’t have a lot of, if any, other tropical/beachy bars like this. Sandbar is located over in West Nashville, kind of behind Centennial Park. If you’re already going there, this is a great next stop. It really does feel like you’re tucked away in this area, and you walk up to see 2 big sand volleyball courts out back.
At the bar, they have drinks out of fresh coconuts, drinks out of pouches, and other fun beachy drinks. It can get quite hot in the sun, but they do have a covered area with tables. Apart from that, the whole place is on a wooden deck area, so there are tables and chairs scattered around.
The sand volleyball courts are available to reserve, so it’s also a fun group activity if you love being active. If the courts are open, you’re also free to join! Also, if you have your dog, they are dog friendly. This is definitely a place where I feel like it gets overlooked, so definitely check it out! Click here to see more: Sandbar Nashville.
5. Melrose Billiards
I am a dive bar enthusiast. Not really, but I really just love the feel of a dive bar. Walking into Melrose Billiards, you go down a bunch of steps to get to this underground spot. Yes, it is literally underground. They have a bunch of pool tables that you can ask for at the bar. It is very laid back, and it’s definitely a lot more full on the weekends. After 9pm, I believe, it does turn into a smoking bar, so just be warned.
I always have a great time here, and my friends love it. Sometimes you just want to hang out and relax and feel like you’re a local. There are a few other places on the same little strip as well, so you can always check those out if it’s not too late. One of my favorite parts about Melrose Billiards is that they have a popcorn machine, so I always make sure to get myself a little snack while I’m there.
6. Sunflower Cafe
For the best vegan food I’ve had in Nashville, definitely head to Sunflower Cafe. A relative to Sunflower Bakehouse in Donelson, Sunflower Cafe is located in Berry Hill. They serve their all-vegan menu cafeteria style, so you can go down the line and make sure you get exactly what you want. Their menu is packed with different options that honestly look, sound, and taste like it’s not vegan.
For people who aren’t really into vegan food, this is the perfect neutral option. It is very casual, you can customize however you want, and the prices are great. I got a potato bowl with nacho cheese and tempeh bacon and guacamole.
I’m definitely a meat eater, although I’m looking to get more into vegan food. This was a welcome surprise when I tasted how delicious it was. I usually get a craft beer here when I go too! Check out the menu here: Sunflower Cafe.
7. Nashville Farmers’ Market
Who doesn’t love visiting a farmer’s market? As a relaxing way to explore with the best bonus of supporting local, this is an activity everyone loves. The Nashville Farmers’ Market is between downtown and Germantown, and it’s open every day.
Now, if you’re visiting on a weekday, most of the local outdoor vendors will not be out there like it will be on the weekends. You will definitely still have some options though! Indoors, it is full of little shops, food, and drinks so you can cool off or get a bite to eat here. Further along, they have a large plant nursery and outdoor section.
They had the cutest signs, and I definitely want to shop there for my next plant. Next door to the Nashville Farmers’ Market is Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. You can always grab food and go eat it in the park if you want! Check out more information here: Nashville Farmers’ Market.
8. Monday Night Brewing
I love taking friends to my favorite brewery in Nashville, Monday Night Brewing. I know, I know, it’s not local to Nashville, but it’s the ideal brewery vibe that everyone can love. They don’t only sell beer here, so it’s not as intimidating as other breweries for the non-beer-drinkers of the group. They do have an amazing and large selection of beers, though, so definitely try a flight if you’re visiting.
The location is in Germantown next to the river. It has a large and open indoor area with plenty of couches, chairs, and tables. Outside, you’ll find a deck with seating, as well as a covered area further down with picnic tables and string lights. It is in an old factory, so it’s a bunch of exposed and old brick that adds to the aesthetic.
This is a place I love going to do work and hang out even by myself, because the bartenders are friendly and it is really chill during the day. For more information, click here: Monday Night Brewing.
9. Fifth + Broadway
If I’m looking to go downtown but not necessarily do a full Broadway excursion, I always suggest Fifth + Broadway. It is full of local favorites, such as Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Prince’s Hot Chicken, Slim + Husky’s Pizza, Donut Distillery, The Pharmacy, Jeni’s, Cotton + Snow, NoBaked, and Five Daughters.
I mean, if you’re in town and only have a short time, they really packed it full of things you would typically have to drive all around town to get to all of them.
Located at the end of the honky tonk side of Broadway, this is really convenient for a night out with the same excitement or to start your night with food before hitting all the honky tonks. I recently tried out Sixty Vines, which is a beautiful location on the top floor with a wine bar and meat and cheese plates. They also have The Twelve Thirty Club, which is multiple floors with dining and drinks.
I’ve also tried Blanco here, which is on the bottom floor on the Broadway side, and it is delicious Mexican food and drinks. Whether you’re looking to only get drinks at the multiple bars, go try a famous Nashville restaurant or treat, or have a finer dining experience, this is the place for you. Click here to see the full directory: Fifth + Broadway.
10. Donut Distillery
If you’ve ever seen another guide from here, I put it on all my lists. I’ve really got to stop, but it is definitely a place I take people for a unique dessert and drinks option. Like I just mentioned, there is a location at Fifth + Broadway, so that’s definitely an option.
If you’re in East Nashville though, head to the original location near the Five Points area. They even have a drive-thru option here! You can get donut flights with mimosa, coffee, beer, or whiskey pairings. These are mini donuts, so you can certainly try a bunch. I always get the dozen of the signature donuts.
I also love their donut milkshakes, where you get to put 2 donuts mixed in with a donut on top. The dessert of my dreams. On Sunday mornings, they have Sundays Best Art Market, so you can shop local vintage and art right outside. Click here for more information and to see the menu: Donut Distillery.
11. Barcelona Wine Bar
Again, not a Nashville-only spot, but a spot that us locals love, at least all of the people I know. Barcelona Wine Bar serves, well, a bunch of wine, but it specializes in tapas, or small plates. This is such a good spot for groups, but definitely get a reservation!! While writing this, I just texted my mom to see if we could go for my birthday dinner coming up, so you know I’m not kidding.
Because they are small plates, when you go with a big group, it’s really fun to just get a whole bunch of everything. I feel like I’ve tried so many different things here, but that just adds to the experience and to my palate. The patatas bravas are my favorite and always a crowd pleaser, and the whipped sheep’s cheese is just amazing.
They also come around, get on the table, and pour wine straight into your mouth from up high. It’s always hilarious both to watch and partake. Barcelona also has cocktails and other drinks if you’re not a wine drinker. I always lean towards the sangria. For more information and to see the menu, click here: Barcelona Wine Bar Nashville.
12. Sonny’s Patio Pub & Refuge
For a younger crowd and more lively place to go, head back over to Germantown. Sonny’s always feels really upbeat and energetic to me. They have great drinks and specials for happy hour, and they have a fun brunch menu too. You can hang out in the main room at the front, outdoor on their patio with games, or even in their other indoor space off to the side.
We went on a Saturday afternoon and got seated at the bar in the side house, and we practically had it to ourselves. I didn’t even know it existed before this! This is a great spot to go in the afternoon or night. I’m a big mimosa fan, and I just love how they always have tons of juice options, and you can even get a mimosa fight. They also do a margarita flight, which is more unique! Click here for more information: Sonny’s Patio Pub Nashville.
13. M.L. Rose
If you want a good burger and some good drinks, you should check out M.L. Rose. They have 4 locations in different areas of Nashville. I’ve been to 3 of the 4, and they definitely stay consistent. They are known for their burgers, and I love the ANM.L.-Style. Like the famous animal style at In-N-Out, this always hits, and you can get it on your fries too!
They have a whole rotation of beer on draft, and some locations get more lively than others. I’ve also gotten the wings here, which are great as well, but the waffle fries or sweet potato waffle fries are always cooked to perfection.
You can also get cocktails and other drinks here! I brought a friend here, because most people around Nashville love it. The menu has something for everyone, and it’s just a classic. For more information, click here: M.L. Rose.
14. Love Circle
I know, this is probably the only spot on here that is not food or drinks, but it’s another local favorite. For a view of the Nashville skyline, and an amazing spot for sunrise or sunset, Love Circle is your spot. If you’re in West Nashville, this is a little park on the top of a hill. It is in a neighborhood, so always be aware of your noise level and don’t litter.
I’ve done little picnics with sparkling grape juice when I was in high school or just brought a blanket to sit and watch the sunset. It can get pretty crowded sometimes, so just be prepared for that as a possibility.
My friends have all loved it, because it feels almost like a hidden gem, although it’s not so hidden. I always love bringing people here, because it adds a relaxing moment to their trip instead of being go-go-go like I usually am.
For More:
To read more of my lists about things to do in Nashville, click here: Best of Nashville.
For more about breweries in Nashville, click here: 15+ Breweries and Craft Beer to Try in Nashville.
To read more about where to get brunch in Nashville, click here: 20 Fun Places to Get Brunch or Breakfast in Nashville.
