20 Fun Places to Get Brunch or Breakfast in Nashville, TN
As a proud Nashville local, I love brunch. I would go every weekend if I could. And yes, I’m a real Nashville local – born and raised here. And no, I don’t subscribe to the idea that it’s bad to share my favorite places, because why can’t everyone just enjoy life more?!
Now, I don’t love the super expensive, fancy brunches. I’ve been to a couple and I do list them here, but I don’t have the classic L.A. Jackson or Hampton Social on here, so if that’s what you like, by all means go have fun!! Who knows, maybe I’ll add them to my list someday. I mostly have things in the surrounding neighborhoods in Nashville.
So, like always, if you stumbled upon this while planning your trip – my goal is to just list a bunch of places, with pictures as much as possible, and let you decide what to add to your itinerary! Have fun!!
1. Sonny’s Patio Pub & Refuge
Personally, I think Sonny’s has the best vibe of all of these. That’s why I’m listing it first so I make sure you see it. Located in Germantown, Sonny’s consistently has a younger crowd. It’s got 2 separate indoor areas both with bars, and a semi-large outdoor space with tables and games.
It’s definitely a colorful spot, as you’ll see from the menu. I mean, the menu can be a little much to read because it’s so colorful with lots of different fonts. But, that also means it’s fun and keeps your interest.
They definitely have good brunch deals, but they also have good happy hour deals if you want to go later in the day! One of the main brunch specials is the “Pancake Social”, but they also have all of your favorite brunch drinks and bites. One of my favorite things they do is their flights, because they have so many different and unique flavors you can’t find at other places.
To see the full menu and all of the different specials, click here: Sonny’s Menu.
2. Suzy Wong’s Drag’n Brunch
I don’t know what the future of drag shows is here in Nashville, but you should definitely go and support while you can. Suzy Wong’s is a staple in Nashville, and they have been doing brunch for a long time. They have shows every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at both 10:30am and 1:00pm.
Included in your ticket, you’ll get appetizers for the group as well as an entree of your choice! The Asian fusion brunch was new to me, but I got the Hong Kong Millionaire and it was so good. You do have to buy your drinks separately, but they have a full bar and tons of drinks to choose from. Some of these include just singular drinks or those big drinks for the table.
They typically have 3 drag queens perform, and they make sure you stay entertained the whole time. There isn’t a TON of parking, but if you get there early enough you should get a spot. They are located in the Play Dance Bar, but they open up Tribe (a gay bar) beforehand, so you can get the party started. To see more information, the menu, or to make reservations, click here: Suzy Wong’s.
3. Big Machine Tavern
Have you ever had a vimosa?? Well, buckle up, because it’s essentially a mimosa with vodka. And yes, they do bottomless for $25. (You can read more about the recipe on their website!) They offer their brunch from 10:00am-4:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
This is specifically for the Berry Hill location, and I will always be pro-getting out of downtown. This location is also dog-friendly! Lots of people had their dogs with them, and they also had a live musician to add to the environment. The brunch menu is also full of staples, and they have great prices if you ask me. Check out their menu here: Big Machine Tavern Menu
If you’re in the downtown area, they also have a location on 3rd Avenue. This is where the distillery and brewery is located, and you can definitely do tours! I know at this location they used to have a Bloody Mary bar, essentially, where you could basically add any toppings you want. I’m not sure if this is still around, especially because I’m not a fan of Bloody Mary’s, but you could always check!
4. Phat Bites
If you’re a Nashville local, or you’re staying in the Donelson area, or you like lesser known places, this might be for you. Phat Bites was actually featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, so you know that means the food is good. Click here for more information and their menus: Phat Bites Menus.
It’s located in what looks almost like a garage. It’s got a casual patio with seating and a fire pit, an indoor area where the bar is, and another room with the food, seating, and a stage. They have live music most days or nights, and for brunch, certain times they have a bluegrass band play. They stopped doing bottomless mimosas last time I went, but the prices are still pretty good nonetheless.
The Donelson area is definitely growing quickly, and there is also an Edley’s across the street now too. There are plenty of places to get food and drinks around here, and if you want to see more things to do in Donelson, click here: 22 Unexpected Things to Do in Donelson, Tennessee.
5. Stay Golden
This was the most recent place I had brunch, and WOW. I’m really not the biggest foodie, like I will pretty much like most food that’s in front of me. Stay Golden was absolutely on a different level, and in terms of food, it’s definitely the best thing I’ve had in a while. I just got the classic American Breakfast. This came with eggs, bacon or sausage, crispy potatoes, and sourdough or a biscuit.
I don’t know if I was just super hungry, or what, but that breakfast was one of the best I’ve ever had. I hope I’m not hyping it up, but also they have an open kitchen (like windows to the kitchen) so you know it’s good. They are located in the Berry Hill area in a kind of unassuming location, right next door to Paddywax. When you walk in, it’s very bright and there’s so much more seating than you would think walking in.
We got there around 8:30/8:45am, which is earlier than your typical brunch, but we were able to get seated right away. When we were leaving around 10:00am, the line was definitely starting to get longer. You get any drinks you want from the first counter, and then they get you a number that tells you which table to sit at. After that, you simply order your food from your phone and they bring it out which makes it easy for everyone to order and you don’t have to wait on checks.
To see the menu, click here: Stay Golden Menu.
6. Von Elrod’s Beer Hall & Kitchen
Located in Germantown, Von Elrod’s is a German-style beer hall, and the menu is made to match. I finally went to their brunch for the first time a few weeks ago, and I loved it. It’s in a fun area of town, and it is huge. They have a large indoor seating area and a large patio outdoors, perfect for those warm spring or summer days.
The most, shall I say, infamous brunch item is their “Big Ass Mimosa” (B.A.M.) which is a full bottle of champagne and orange juice in a 1-Liter stein. That costs you about $20, but it definitely gets the job done. Their brunch food menu is not as full, but if you go during “lunchtime”, then you can also order off that extensive menu. My sister and I just shared 3 different appetizers, and let me tell you, those Brussels sprouts are SO good.
Obviously, they also have lots of pretzels to choose from, and they also have a variety of other types of food. And you can’t go to a German beer hall without getting a beer. They’ve got a large variety of beers of draft, in a can, or in a bottle. Not to mention the other cocktails, wines, and plenty of non-alcoholic options! To see the menus, click here: Von Elrod’s.
7. The Goat
Okay, I haven’t been to The Goat for brunch, but I have been for lunch and I just know it would be a fun place to get brunch. They have locations kind of all around Nashville, including in Germantown, “SoBro” (sorry, I can’t get used to saying that yet”, Mt. Juliet, and Murfreesboro. They also have locations in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Ohio, so if you live there, check them out.
The Goat is more on the pricier side for what you get (don’t come at me, I already said I don’t eat at a ton of fancy places). But the food is cooked well and very flavorful, so it’s definitely worth it. From my picture, I’m pretty sure I got the Farmhouse Tots for $11, but they were super delicious.
Each location will be a different type of vibe, but they all will be lively and bright. They have a full bar and tons of drink options, and I know the Mt. Juliet location has a sand volleyball court where they host events sometimes too. The brunch menu looks delicious, the drinks on the brunch menu look even better, and if you’re looking for a fun brunch that fits everyone’s needs and isn’t on many other guides, try The Goat. Click here for locations and the menu: The Goat
8. Monell’s
If you want just some good ‘ole southern cooking, look no further than Monell’s. I haven’t even been for brunch, but I’ve been for lunch and dinner multiple times, and I can 100% confidently say the breakfast/brunch would be amazing. So, there are 2 locations. One is the original location in Germantown and one is out near the airport which is called Monell’s at the Manor.
Both locations have the same all-you-can-eat breakfast from 8:00am-11:00am every day of the week. On Saturdays, this goes till 1:00pm! This means family-style, all-you-can-eat sausage, bacon, ham, biscuits and gravy, pancakes, eggs, hash browns, grits, fried chicken, corn pudding, and more. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
And yes, they serve fried chicken at literally every time of day, no matter what the other “main course” is for the day. Both Monell’s locations are all served family-style. So if you’re weird about other people, skip this one. It’s so fun to just sit around with both locals and tourists alike, getting to share a meal and talking. The concept sounds so different in this day and age, but why not try something new?! Click here for more information: Monell’s.
9. Henrietta Red
Okay, this will be my one “fancier” place on my list, lol. Located, again, in Germantown, Henrietta Red is an airy restaurant that is perfect for a more casual yet quality brunch. There were no large groups here or big parties, but they definitely cater to an elevated brunch experience.
The food is meant to be shared, according to our server. So, it’s sort of like “tapas”. We had a group of 3, and boy, did we order as much as we wanted. But, I will say at least you get to try a lot!! Henrietta Red is known for their oysters, but since I’m not an oyster person, I can’t really comment on them. I will say the rest of the food was delicious. I know we got biscuits, the breakfast sandwich, quiche, and so much more. The fries were so good!!
Anyway, they also have your favorite brunch drinks as well as an Aperol spritz and a Paloma. This is a great place for a date or for a catch up with friends. You’ll be in Germantown near so many other places, so it is a great place to start your day! To read more about it or see the menu, click here: Henrietta Red.
10. Fenwick’s 300
I first had Fenwick’s probably 5 years ago, and I remember being immediately in love with the food and the vibe. (How many times can I say vibe?! I’m sorry.) I’m pretty sure I had the Retro Burger with the cubed home fries, and it was delicious then and it was just as good years later when I finally went back.
Fenwick’s is located in the Melrose area, and it also serves as a coffee shop on one side. I just love that it simultaneously feels like an old diner as well as a fun brunch spot. They are only open until 3:00pm on the weekends and 2:00pm on weekdays. So make sure you get there!
Their food is always cooked perfectly, and they actually have a pretty large menu with a wide variety of options. And they have a small, but mighty, adults only menu with alcoholic options, including mimosas and Irish coffee. This is definitely a more casual brunch option, but it is so delicious and I never hear people talk about it! To read more and see the menu, click here: Fenwick’s 300.
11. Electric Jane
My next drag brunch option!! I already mentioned Suzy Wong’s, but another iconic location is at Electric Jane. They have shows most Saturdays at 11:00am and 2:00pm. The shows are always themed something great. For example, we went to a Harry Styles-themed show, and all the performances were both throwbacks and current songs.
They also have different themes like Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X, and The Sister Act, which I think is just hilarious. Their menu is also really fun for groups. They have what are called “Brunch Boards”, and you can get either the Carnivore or the Waffles board. We got the Carnivore, and honestly, we had 4 people, and it was plenty.
Their brunch drink menu is one of the most extensive I’ve seen at any brunch. They have a full bar, so you can get anything you want, really. But, they also do bottomless with different flavors if you want to go that route! To check out the menu and see the different shows coming up, click here: The Electric Jane.
12. Donut Distillery
Yes, this is on every single guide to Nashville I have. Maybe soon I’ll have one that doesn’t include it, but it’s just so popular! If you’re a sweets girly or guy, then this is a great option for you. Donut Distillery has 2 options, but I always suggest going to the one in East Nashville. They have both coffee and donut flight pairings, as well as mimosa and donut flight pairings. You can pick you own donuts, or you can let them choose if you want the best flavor combinations.
Donut Distillery has their 12 signature flavors, and you can also get a smaller box or mix-and-match depending on what you prefer. They also have the most delicious donut milkshakes, and you get to choose the 2 flavors that go in the shake as well as a donut to top them off. Their donuts are min-sized, so they are the perfect little bite.
They’ve also expanded their menu to include whiskey and donut flights, but that’s definitely not my thing. They also have beer on tap for a beer pairing flight! If you are looking for a fun brunch experience, you can try to go when they have their Sundays Best Market on Sundays from 11:00am-3:00pm. Here, you can shop vintage clothing and other local art or items. And while you’re there you might as well take a donut shot! Click here for more information and the menu: Donut Distillery.
13. Hi-Fi Clyde’s
While its home is really in Chattanooga, TN, Clyde’s made its way to Nashville a few years ago and continues to be a fun brunch spot. (But really, you can go at any time of day and it will be fun). Their brunch menu is all day menu. They’ve got all your favorite brunch classics, some with a little twist. It’s located off Church Street, and the space is quite large. If you love having space to move around and some good games, this is the spot for you.
They’ve got ping pong, shuffleboard, and foosball, to name a few of the games. In the bar area, they’ve got dark leather couches and plenty of booths for groups to hang out. To me, it feels like less of a “come for a meal” type of place and more of a “stay for a good time” kind of place.
Their “Brunch Bar” menu is full of your favorite coffee drinks but you can add a shot of Bailey’s to amp it up a bit. They also have 2-for-1 mimosas and Bloody Mary’s all day, so you actually get a steal with those. To see the menus, pictures, or more information, click here: Hi-Fi Clyde’s Nashville.
14. The Dogwood
Oh Dogwood, such a fun place with even better memories. Located in the Midtown area, Dogwood is a great place to start or end your day. Their mimosas are served with a full bottle of champagne, a splash of OJ, and a beautiful flower to top it off. They also typically do a crawfish boil, and while that’s not for me, the portions are HUGE. Their brunch food is pretty good, but be warned, you cannot find a menu anywhere online.
Dogwood is known for having a dance floor (one of the few in Nashville), and they frequently have DJs that play, so if you’re looking to dance, this is the place for you. There are so many places near here, although the area is changing pretty quickly.
Dogwood has 3 bars, both a downstairs and 2 upstairs. They also have covered patios on both levels. When the weather is nice, they keep the windows open to both, and it’s such a good place to enjoy the sunshine, have a fun brunch, and get your groove on (lol). All the bars are fully stocked, so you can get pretty much anything you want. But again, they don’t have much information online, so I can’t add a link!
15. Diskin Cider
So Diskin Cider doesn’t necessarily do “brunch food” all the time, but they do have brunch drinks every weekend. This includes things like an Apple Cider mimosa, Bloody Mary, coffee, and an Aperol spritz. They also do a have a food menu, but it’s not going to be your classic eggs and biscuits, if you know what I mean.
On some weekends, they do hold a drag brunch, and that’s where they serve you family style with those brunch classics. To see the menus or to make a reservation for the drag brunch, click here: Diskin Cider.
Diskin Cider is located in the Wedgewood-Houston area of town, and there are tons of bars and restaurants over there. The actual space inside of Diskin Cider has high ceilings and pretty open space. The menu is full of delicious ciders, so if you’re not a beer drinker, this is the best choice to get that brewery feel.
They also make craft cocktails with their cider, and they are dog-friendly and kid-friendly! You’ve probably seen their drinks all over, but here you can come try them first-hand and on tap. Try a flight so you can try lots of different options!
16. Cafe Roze
Located in East Nashville, Cafe Roze is tucked away in a small but airy space. It’s back in the neighborhoods of East Nashville which makes it a favorite for locals, and it doesn’t feel as crazy or busy as other areas of town. The food here is fresh and nutritious, and you can really expand your palette with their unique menu.
They serve their breakfast and daytime menu from 8:00am-3:30pm. Because it’s a smaller location, you can get there early, but I would definitely recommend getting a reservation. They’ve got breakfast, toasts, salads and bowls, and sandwiches.
I think their drink menu is particularly fun and long. It’s got a whole mix of detailed craft cocktails, any coffee and tea you could want, a long list of wine and beer, and plenty of non-alcoholic options as well! To view the menu and make reservations, click here: Cafe Roze. (And no, it is NOT pronounced like the wine!)
17. Third and Home
Located in Germantown, Third and Home is obviously the best place to watch any of your favorite sports games. Just think of it as the ultimate sports bar. It’s named Third and Home because it sits right next to the Sounds’ baseball field, and it has a patio that actually overlooks the games. For those seats, you definitely have to reserve a spot and it’s typically for groups, though!
If it’s not for a Sounds game, this is a great spot to watch football, basketball, or hockey games. They have TVs covering the walls, and they make sure to leave a schedule out, so you know which TV to sit near for your game!
Again, it’s not necessarily a dedicated brunch spot, but they do have jumbo mimosas all day on Saturdays and Sundays. And, they do NFL specials and special Titans shots during games. I think they also have such a good menu. It’s huge, and it has so much good bar food but somehow just elevated in a way? And, they have a full bar, so you can order whatever you want, it doesn’t even have to be brunch drinks. To see the menus and more information, click here: Third and Home.
18. Pfunky Griddle
*Warning: if you don’t like this concept, you do not have to go* Any time I see someone post about this, everyone just feels the need to comment things like “Why would I want to pay to make my own food?” If you don’t want to, then don’t go! If you’re someone who likes things for the experience, then this might just be for you.
Pfunky Griddle is located in the Berry Hill area as well. It’s in what kind of still feels like an old house, and it can get pretty busy on the weekends. What makes it unique is that every table has a griddle in the middle. So yes, you make your own food. You can make anything from eggs to hash browns to pancakes.
Personally, I think it’s the most fun to make pancakes. They have tons of toppings to choose from, and you can also choose the type of batter you want. They give you everything you need, and you can make lots of different pancakes while catching up with friends. And hey, you don’t have to do the cleaning, so that automatically makes it worth it to me! For more information and the menu, click here: The Pfunky Griddle.
19. Nectar Urban Cantina
Located in Donelson, Nectar serves up some of my favorite drinks around. The food wasn’t too bad either, but the drinks are what stood out to me! Brunch is from 10:00am-3:00pm, and they have both a restaurant and a cafe. All of the food feels fresh, and the cafe food is something I crave regularly. Brunch is served from 10:00am-3:00pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
They have a small menu with highlights being breakfast tacos or burritos. They also have you favorite brunch drinks, but don’t sleep on the margaritas while you’re there! At the cafe, they have tons of delicious and customizable smoothies or smoothie bowls. I have to say, I loved the “natural mystic” açaí bowl. And also, I can’t leave without getting a full haul of one of each of the fresh-pressed juices.
While there is plenty of seating inside, the highlight would be the large outdoor space out back. On a nice day, this is such a fun space to sit outside, and they have both covered and uncovered areas. Sit in the grass or at one of the tables, and enjoy your drinks in front of the stage. They have live music and other events regularly here, so it’s a great place to be outside. For more information and the various menus, click here: Nectar Urban Cantina.
20. M.L. Rose
M.L. Rose is definitely a Nashville staple, but I don’t see people post about their brunch too often. (I can’t blame them, because I haven’t gone yet, but I got curious while writing this and was pleasantly surprised!) With locations in Melrose, Sylvan Park, Capitol View, and Mt. Juliet, you have plenty to choose from when picking a brunch spot.
I have honestly never had a bad experience, and I’ve been to every location except for Capitol View. The food always tastes amazing, and without a local In-N-Out, the animal-style fries or burger is one of my favorite things to get, hands down. Their brunch menu, however, is full of loaded hash browns, avocado toast, waffles, eggs, chicken and biscuits, and hash brown casserole – not to mention a la carte items.
For drink specials, they have all your favorite brunch drinks as 2-for-1! They also have their own brunch cocktails both by the glass or by the pitcher. And hey, if you don’t love brunch food, absolutely try a burger. They have a full bar here as well, so you can pretty much order whatever drink you like. For more information about the menus or to see locations, click here: M.L. Rose Nashville.
For More:
To read more about things to do in and around Nashville, click here: Best of Nashville.
For more about places to get drinks in East Nashville, click here: 15+ Fun Breweries and Bars in East Nashville.
And for perhaps my most popular post on Pinterest, click here: 10 Dessert Spots to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in Nashville.
Have fun visiting!!
