20 More Great Things to Do in Nashville
I could probably write a million of these same posts. I mean, this is really an updated version of my most popular post: 20 Things to Do on Your Second Trip to Nashville. That was written in 2021, and it continues to be my most viewed post of all time. So I thought it was about time for an update version.
Like I said in that one, I will never tell you not to do the touristy things when you visit a city or town for the first time. It’s just part of the experience. Those touristy things are likely things you have seen on TV shows or movies or things you’ve heard about all your life. Don’t be ashamed to at least go do them once. But, as a local, I’m inclined to visit more of the local spots, the places off of Broadway.
That’s why I make these lists – to share the hidden gems or just highlight places I think are great. They are places all around town. While they are mostly bars and restaurants, I’ve included a few other things that are just fun activities that you can add to your itinerary if you have time or if it just sounds like something that fits YOU.
I say it in every post, and I’ll say it again: always create your own list!! I only write lists like this to give you all the ideas that you might want, and you can create the perfect itinerary for you from there. If you want to see more of my lists about Nashville, just click here: Best of Nashville.
1. Arrington Vineyards
Nashville is definitely not known for its vineyards, but Arrington Vineyards has become a hot spot for the Nashville crowd. It is located south of Nashville, at least 40 minutes away, closer to Franklin. It is such a fun spot to go with a group, with your family, or on a date. The property is huge, and there is space to bring your blankets, your lawn chairs, or just sit at one of the many picnic tables and spend an afternoon or evening.
They have a couple indoor areas where they hold events and classes, and you can head inside the store to get yourself a drink or charcuterie supplies. I opted for the wine flight, and we brought a bunch of cheese, fruit, and crackers to snack on before playing games with my friends. They also do live music outside, and it makes for a picturesque night with the string lights and sunset.
If you’re visiting, you’ll definitely need a car to get here, but you can book transportation on their website through their recommendations. Head here for a wine tasting or tour, but book in advance! If it’s a hot day, try to get there on the earlier side to get a spot in the shade, because those fill up fast and the sun is scorching in that Tennessee heat. For more information, click here: Arrington Vineyards.
2. Eastside Bowl
Eastside Bowl is a bowling alley, diner, arcade, bar, and music venue all in one place. Located in an old K-Mart building, it easily fits it all, and they do it well. With a retro vibe, it is the perfect place for a group hang out, a date, a weekend brunch, or just a quiet place to hang out at the bar by yourself (during the week at least). Sometimes I get so annoyed at the parking situation at different places, but no fear, because this parking lot is huge.
They have a full bar, and you can rent your bowling shoes and lane for a reasonable price. When you’re bowling, you can play different fun games or just a regular game. They have servers that come to your lane and take your order, whether that be food or drinks. I’ve even seen companies do large group events here. This is definitely a fun spot to hang out if you want to get out of the chaos of downtown. You can even head to Dee’s down the road after for a fun dive bar vibe with live music. For more information, click here: Eastside Bowl.
3. Brewery Tour (Music City Brew Hop)
So I first saw the trolley for Music City Brew Hops from my window at my house. I kept seeing it, so I finally looked it up, and it looks so fun. If you’re a brewery fan, this is a great option so that you can see a bunch of the popular ones in town.
If you don’t have a car, or you just plan to have a drink at all the stops, this is the perfect option. It takes you to about 7 different breweries, mostly around East Nashville and Germantown. It also makes a stop downtown to hop on, so you can easily be picked up there. For a 1-day pass, it costs only $39.
The breweries on the list are Crazy Gnome, Tailgate, Southern Grist, East Nashville Beer Works, Bearded Iris, Monday Night, and Barrique. I’ve been to all of these except Barrique, and they are all great breweries. You can also do your own brewery tour, because Nashville has tons of them. For a full list of breweries, click here: 15+ Breweries and Craft Beer to Try in Nashville. To get more info about the trolley, click here: Music City Brew Hop.
4. Sid Gold’s Request Room
I think Sid Gold’s is highly underrated, but that also makes it a great place to visit for a second trip to Nashville. It is located in the East Nashville/Inglewood area, and it is a piano bar/karaoke bar. They also have locations in Detroit and NYC too. You definitely should make a reservation if you plan to go, just in case! It can fill up, especially on busier nights. It is a smaller room, but there is a bar that surrounds the piano and multiple tables that fill up the rest of the space.
The pianist plays for a while, and then they switch to karaoke. You can pick from a book and soon, you’ll be singing karaoke live with the piano as your backup! Sid Gold’s does have a 2-drink or $20 minimum I believe, so you can either get a couple drinks or some food. I’ve gotten to sit at the bar by the piano before, and everyone in there is having such a good time. The piano players are all super talented too. For more information, click here: Sid Gold’s Request Room.
5. Third Coast Comedy Club
After I saw an improv comedy show in Orlando, I really wanted to find one in Nashville. It’s like being at a real-life “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”. Well, look no further than Third Coast Comedy. They are both an improv school and improv shows group, and they are SO fun. Our whole group ended up sitting front and center, and we loved it.
They go through different types of skits that they haven’t heard before they are on stage, and they always take audience recommendations as the prompts. This is how you know it is legit, because people are just screaming out different words and phrases. The shows are about $20 usually, and it is located in the Marathon Village area of town. Their location also has a bar and lounge area where you can hang out and get some drinks before the show. For more information or to book a show, click here: Third Coast Comedy Club.
6. The Co-Op
If you’re a frosé drinker, you’ll love The Co-Op. The decorations in here are fun, flirty, and cute, and it is definitely a place for the girls. It is located in the Hillsboro Village area, so there is plenty of shopping and other stops right around the corner. It is also connected to a Grilled Cheeserie!
The Co-Op serves up tons of frosé flavors, as well as breakfast items, sandwiches, and salads if you’re hungry. This isn’t only local to Nashville, but it is still fun to visit if you don’t have one where you live.
You pretty much have to get the frosé flight if you’re going, because there are so many fun flavors to try. Plus, a sign that says “I Slept with Harry Styles” is iconic, which you saw at the beginning of this post. Definitely check this place out if you’re in the area and you want a unique little brunch or if it’s hot outside and you want to cool down with some frozen drinks. They also have other drinks available if you don’t want frosé. For more information, click here: The Co-Op.
7. Fryce Cream
Sticking with sweets, we’ve got Fryce Cream. Located on 12 South, there is so much you’ll see as you walk in this neighborhood, but you’ve got to stop in at Fryce Cream. Here, you can get the soft serve of your choice with fries of your choice. I was lucky enough to go to a free event there, so we got to try a flight of soft serve and fries. They came with recommended pairings, but it was really fun to try each flavor of soft serve with each flavor of fries.
The menu is basically fully customizable, and they serve more than just soft serve and fries. Basically, you start with soft serve which is usually vanilla, chocolate, swirl, or seasonal. Then, you can add whatever toppings from the list to your soft serve and then choose your fry seasoning. The flavors are so unique, and there is something for everyone. You can also choose from a variety of different dips for the fries. If you’re like me and you need salty with sweet and vice versa, definitely check this place out for a treat. They don’t have a website, but you can check out their Instagram: @frycecream.
8. Noble’s
One of my favorite places in East Nashville is Noble’s. They have great food, good drinks, and it is always just so much. It has a sport’s bar feel to it, and it’s got a downstairs with a bunch of tables where the main restaurant is.
Go upstairs, and it is a 21+ bar with a pool table, a sort of lounge area, and a patio. This is definitely a local favorite, and people would probably be mad at me for sharing, but only people who like these kinds of places will go anyway so it doesn’t matter. It is definitely not a bachelorette destination.
I like to recommend Noble’s for good southern food if you don’t want to go somewhere like Edley’s or Martin’s, because it has a long list of meats and amazing sides that people overlook too much. I also almost always get the cheese curds here, because I mean, cheese curds.
9. Fat Bottom
One of my favorite breweries in Nashville, and a local favorite, is Fat Bottom in the Nations area. If you’re on the west side of town and looking for a fun yet casual place to eat and drink, you should head here. It is actually who my sister used for her wedding drinks and catering! Their Brussels sprouts changed my life, and I could eat them every day if I had the chance.
They do have a full food menu, and their beers are all pretty good. They also sell Bravazzi which is the Italian hard sodas, and that’s a great option for people who don’t like beer. I believe they also serve a full bar, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding something to drink.
Their space is quite large, with two stories on the inside, plenty of tables, and a large open beer garden/patio area. Being in the Nations, there is plenty of stuff to do near it also. For a fun brewery experience and to try the beer of the Nashville Soccer League, head to Fat Bottom. For more information, click here: Fat Bottom Brewing.
10. The GreenHouse Bar
Okay, for some reason I haven’t actually made it out here, but it is definitely a Nashville favorite. I mean, I even made it to the parking lot, and I cannot figure out why I didn’t go in, but it might have been due to the lack of parking. That is probably the only downside to coming here, so if you’re worried about that, go ahead and take an Uber.
This bar is literally in a greenhouse, and it makes for a unique and beautiful aesthetic while sipping on a cocktail or drink. Truly, the pictures and videos you’ll see from this place show the place is covered with plants and greenery. It has cozy corners, a full bar, and a fun signature cocktail menu. They serve brunch, lunch, dinner, and pretty much any time you want to come out here, you can. This takes you out of the craziness of downtown while still getting that fun atmosphere. To read more about it or check out the menus, click here: The GreenHouse Bar.
11. Kung Fu Karaoke Room
I love karaoke, so for my birthday we rented the private karaoke room at Kung Fu for an hour. This was seriously the most fun I’ve had in a while. Kung Fu Saloon is located in Midtown, a short walk from other fun bars. If you’re looking to do karaoke but don’t want to pay $5 for a song in Printer’s Alley or wait for a super long time at Santa’s Pub, this is a great way to sing your heart out to all your favorite songs. The cost, after taxes and fees, came out to about $60. It says it can hold 10-15 people, but we had 6, and I feel like 10 would be a good max.
It is in a mostly soundproof room right off the bar, so people can still see in, but with the bar music playing, you can’t really hear unless it gets quieter. But who cares?! They got us all set up and we got 2 microphones and complete access to their catalog. We had so much fun singing and quickly being able to go grab drinks when it wasn’t our turn.
This is such a fun group activity, and it would be super fun for a bachelorette and then hanging out in Midtown or going over to Broadway after. Just make sure you make a reservation in advance so you get the time you want! Kung Fu is also just a really fun spot to go and grab drinks even if you aren’t doing karaoke! For more information, click here: Kung Fu Saloon Private Karaoke Rooms.
12. SATCO (San Antonio Taco Company)
If you’re looking for some good Tex-Mex while you’re in Nashville, head to SATCO. This has been around for forever, and their old-school style of taking orders hasn’t changed. Seriously, growing up, especially in high school, this is where everyone would go. It is a very casual restaurant with indoor seating and a deck with plenty of tables. It definitely gets crowded and they don’t have their own parking lot. You’ll either need to find street parking next to it or pay for the garage.
When you go in, the line starts with a table along the wall where you’ll see pieces of paper and mini pencils. This is where you’ll put write down your order. It will have the menu and you’ll check off the different items that you want. It ranges from tacos, chips, fajitas, enchiladas, etc. Then, you’ll hand this to the cashier, pay, and wait for them to call your order. It’s as simple as that. It’s not my favorite place to get Mexican food, for sure, but I definitely appreciate the sentimental value and the long history it has had in downtown Nashville. For a local experience, this is the place to go. For more information or to check out the menu, click here: San Antonio Taco Company.
13. Sonny’s Patio Pub & Refuge
I’ve written about Sonny’s on my brunch guide: 20 Fun Places to Get Brunch or Breakfast in Nashville. I just love the atmosphere and fun menus here. Everyone is having fun here, and it is in the heart of Germantown. Sonny’s has a large space with the main dining room area and bar, a patio that wraps around it, and another house off to the side with a room with a stage and another bar and deck. It just keeps going, and I didn’t expect it.
They have a fun brunch with a Pancake Social and so many different mimosa options. They also do mimosa flights or margarita flights. It has a full bar, so you can pretty much get whatever you want here, and their appetizers are all really, really good.
If you’re in the Germantown area or you just want to head to a fun bar to hang outside, play lawn games, or just get a quick drink and apps, head to Sonny’s for a fun afternoon or night. For more information and to see their menus, click here: Sonny’s Patio Pub & Refuge.
14. Hi-Fi Clyde’s
Located off Church Street downtown, Hi-Fi Clyde’s is a great place to start or end your night. I first went to Clyde’s in Chattanooga, because it is where most of my friends in college and post-grad hang out. It has live music there, booths, and an elevated sports bar feel. At Clyde’s they have brunch all day. So, you can get all your brunch favorites and specials all the time. This means great deals on mimosas, and you know I’m all about that.
They have plenty of large, leather booths, couches, and games throughout the place. You can head to the covered patio for ping pong, or stay inside at the long bar. I absolutely love their food menu. I mostly stick to apps when I’m out, and their menu is great for that. We actually went here before heading just a few minutes over to Third Coast Comedy that I mentioned above.
This is a great place to come to watch a game or just hang out with a group of friends and get drinks. You’ll still feel like you’re close to downtown without having to deal with Broadway. For more information, click here: Hi-Fi Clyde’s Nashville.
15. Percy Warner Park
I went to high school on the west side of town, so I had friends who always went to Percy Warner for walks. It has these massive set of steps that look so gorgeous, especially as you walk through the arch at the front. I mean, everyone takes prom pictures here. To get to the famous set of steps, you’ll want to go in at the Belle Meade Trailhead area. It enters next to the golf course.
Here, there is a great 2 and a half mile loop trail. This is a great place to get in a walk while in Nashville and be near the esteemed Belle Meade neighborhood. Percy Warner Park is definitely much larger than just this area. There are multiple entrances and other trails you can walk, but the Warner Woods Trail is definitely the most popular.
A lot of people will go to Centennial Park, which is a must-see if it’s your first visit. If you want to head where a lot of locals go, though, go walk the Warner Woods Trail. To see a picture of the map and read more about the park, click here: Percy Warner Park.
16. Opry Mills Crawl
This is so funny to me, but I love recommending it if you’re over in the Music Valley/Opryland/Opry Mills area. It is definitely very tourist, with a lot of people staying or visiting the Opryland Hotel or visiting the Grand Ole Opry. But, it is also a really large mall that has a lot of stores that you won’t find elsewhere close by. If you’re wanting to visit the area, but also get a few drinks, you can definitely do that here.
A few places to visit are the Smith Creek Distillery, Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, and Bavarian Bierhaus. You can start with a free moonshine tasting at Smith Creek, where you’ll get to sample a bunch of different moonshine flavors. Definitely tip the person who does your tasting!! You can head to Amber Falls to do a wine tasting. And then you can end at Bavarian Bierhaus to get a liter of imported German beers that are delicious.
Opry Mills is one big loop, so it’s really easy to walk around the whole mall and not get too lost. After this, you can head to the Music Valley area and go to Nashville Palace or Scoreboard to end the day or night with drinks and live music. It isn’t the most glamorous activity, but I love suggesting this to people, because people love to sleep on visiting here!
17. Sunflower Cafe
If you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or just love a good, fresh meal – head to Berry Hill for Sunflower Cafe. This is one of my favorite local spots to grab lunch or dinner, because I always feel like I ate clean with amazing flavors and unique combinations. I did talk about this on my Berry Hill guide: 12+ Things to Do in Berry Hill.
It is a cafe that is served cafeteria style, so you can create your own meal or choose from options on their curated menu. They serve bowls, salads, wraps, sandwiches, sides, etc. I got the potato bowl with cashew cheese, tempeh bacon, and guacamole. Sometimes I can be quite picky about vegan food because of the textures and flavors. I really love eating vegan when I can, but I don’t like to sacrifice the quality. This gets you both.
They also have fun drinks and even some alcoholic drinks, and I love getting the fresh fruit too. They have an indoor seating area and a couple decks where you can eat and enjoy a meal by yourself or with friends to catch up. It feels quaint and I love bringing people here. To see the menu, click here: Sunflower Cafe.
18. Pearl Diver
If you’re in East Nashville and want a unique bar with fun beachy drinks, head to Pearl Diver. It is a tiki bar with tons of frozen drinks and Hawaiian-inspired dishes. Indoors, it feels cozy and chic, with booths and a bar. You can also head outside to different cabanas and a patio where you can hang out on the deck.
I’ve only been here once, because I’m not a huge frozen drink gal, but I love a good themed bar. They have a wide variety of craft cocktails featuring sugarcane and agave. If you’re not drinking or don’t want a lot of alcohol, they also have N/A or low-alcohol drinks!
Coming here feels like time traveling and escaping to a classy holiday retreat all at once. If you’re already exploring East Nashville or want to get a few fun drinks to start the night, this is a great stop. If you have a larger party, definitely go ahead and get reservations if you’re wanting a designated spot or a cabana. This makes it easier, and you can make those online. Click here for the menus or to make reservations: Pearl Diver.
19. Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk
Following our tiki theme, still in East Nashville but getting closer to downtown, we have Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk. I only found out about this place while sitting at Noble’s (on my 15+ Fun Breweries and Bars to Visit in East Nashville guide). The bartender told us that he knew the people that were just opening up Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk and that it was only just in its soft opening.
So, my roommate and I headed down the street and took a seat at the bar. It was around Christmas, and they had both crazy decorations for the holiday as well as just the most eclectic mix of art and style. The bartenders were so nice, and since we were basically the only people in there since it was just opening, we got to try their unique drinks and talk to them about their ideas and how they got started.
This is definitely a bar built from a local’s dream, and it is located right off Main Street, just a short walk from tons of other bars to hit. Enjoy a cozy yet lively atmosphere, and go enjoy a unique cocktail. For more information, click here: Hubba Tiki Tonk
20. Pancho & Lefty’s Cantina
Sadly, I don’t have any pictures from when I went to Pancho & Lefty’s, because I was just enjoying myself too much! But don’t worry, head to Instagram and you’ll be sure to see all the margarita pictures and flavors your heart desires. With 2 locations, in 2 great areas of town, Pancho & Lefty’s is a Nashville staple when it comes to Nash-Mex cuisine. Yes, they call it Nash-Mex.
The menu has all the tacos and typical specials you might want, with a southern twist on some. Their margarita list is long, but they also have a full bar if you want it. I’ve been to the Sylvan Park location, which is next to Nashville favorites like Edley’s and Neighbors. The Pancho & Lefty’s Cantina here has a spacious indoor area, with an indoor and outdoor patio.
Tons of my friends love going here, and they are both in the popular locations near where young adults live, so they’re always busy. If you want a different kind of Mexican-style lunch or dinner, and you want to do as the locals do, head here. For more information and to see the menus, click here: Pancho & Lefty’s Cantina.
For More:
Like I mentioned above, if you want to see a list of all my Nashville lists, click here: Best of Nashville.
To read about where I take my own visitors, click here: 14 Places I Take My Friends When They Visit Me in Nashville.
If you want to read my second most popular Nashville post, click here: 10 Dessert Spots in Nashville to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth.
