It is hands down the most common question we get from guests on our tours:
“What’s the best brunch in Nashville?”
Talk about a tough question!
Just six years ago we would have responded with one or two of our favorite brunch spots in a hot second. To be fair, that’s probably because there were only two or three brunch spots in town to begin with! These days, it seems the options are almost endless! Thus, our list of suggestions goes on, and on, and on.
In this blog, we’ve narrowed the choices down from seemingly endless to seven. Keep reading to take a look at our Seven Favorite Brunch Spots in Music City.
The Top Brunch Places in Nashville
Below, we’ve listed and described 7 of the best brunch places in Nashville. Our list was based on our own experiences dining in Music City. Though they aren’t ranked, our expert local guides all agree these spots are the creme de la creme of Sunday afternoon dining options.
1. 417 Union
(Downtown) If it’s a true taste of Nashville you're seeking for your weekend brunch, 417 Union is an excellent place to start. The local gem is located in the middle of downtown Nashville’s Arts District on Union Street. 417 Local is a family-owned spot that has been slinging southern style fare since 2006.
The menu features many classic southern dishes from which to choose. Selecting an entree can prove challenging! We love the Chicken & Waffles, fluffy Southern Pancakes, and Prime Rib Hash.
For what it’s worth, my husband Jack will forever get the Biscuits and Gravy. A southerner, born and bred he claims theirs to be the BEST biscuits and gravy in town!
Further adding to their charm, the decor on the first floor pays tribute to WWII and its heroes. The second floor does the same with the American Civil War. As such, military and first responders receive 15% off their bill.
2. Butcher & Bee
(East Nashville) If you want to take your taste buds on a brunch-time adventure, Butcher & Bee is the best place in Nashville for the job. They’re known first and foremost for their creative “mezze” fare. In English, these are small plates, similar to Tapas. Those offerings are available at lunch and dinner.
The items on their brunch menu do nothing if not make our mouths water. Heck, they steal the whole show! The menu features their famous whipped feta, which is not to be missed!
Butcher & Bee also lays claim to such novelties like Chicken Fried Cauliflower and Green Eggs & Lamb. They also serve a delightful concoction called the Fluffo Nutter. This brunch highlight consists of hot honey peanut butter, bananas foster, marshmallow, and Dozen Bakery sourdough.
Could we want anything more? Turns out, yes. We want every dang item on the menu! This spot, hands down, offers the best Nashville brunch for those with a serious sweet tooth!
Photo: Nashville Guru
3. The Southern Steak & Oyster
(Downtown)
Most Nashville eateries typically serve brunch on just Saturdays and Sundays. In contrast, The Southern Steak & Oyster offers brunch seven days a week. That’s enough to elevate it to the best brunch in Downtown Nashville!
Open at 7:30 a.m. on weekdays, it is a popular downtown spot. It’s ideal for both a Monday morning business breakfast and a mid-week boozy brunch.
The menu hosts a whole variety of morning eats that you know and love. At the same time, it inspires curiosity with The Southern’s original items.
One of our favorites? The “My Way.” Brown butter linguine. This dish is topped with pine nuts, goat cheese, bacon lardons, and local sunny-side eggs.
While it almost reads like a dinner entree, it eats like perfection at any time of day!
The Southern Steak & Oyster also features live music on the weekends. As a result, this lively and animated joint is one of our favorite spots to take out-of-towners.
4. ButterFLY Garden Brunch & Events (Salemtown)
One of our favorite Nashville brunch spots is a petite, family-owned joint nestled just north of downtown Nashville. ButterFLY Garden is just the kind of cozy little abode that’s perfect for holing up inside on a chilly fall morning.
We dream of filling ourselves with their fantastic eggs benedicts and their super-satisfying breakfast bowls! It’s the best way to start off a day! That is, assuming you’re planning to end your day with a nap!
Their fluffy pancakes are available both regular and gluten-free. ButterFLY Garden is our top pick when we want a good, old fashioned slow and lazy Sunday.
5. Henrietta Red
(Germantown)
This seafood-focused restaurant is often first recognized for its inventive and enticing dinner menu. Their fantastic raw oysters have achieved legendary status. It might surprise you to learn that Henrietta Red has gained a certain notoriety around Nashville for their brunch.
The savory section of the morning fare includes classic breakfast items like fluffy quiche and biscuit sandwiches. It also tempts diners with the likes of a kimchi farro bowl, citrus cured salmon, and wood fired oysters.
The sweets also are not to be missed! Don’t you dare skip out on the infamous monkey bread! Their locally roasted Crema Coffee is the perfect accompaniment to it all.
Plus, their menu can accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions. Options range from gluten and dairy-free to vegan entrees, too. It’s a good place for groups to brunch. Best of all? Reservations are available — and encouraged!
Photo: @HenriettaRed on Instagram
6. Marché Artisan Foods
(East Nashville) If you had asked us six years ago where to go for brunch in Nashville, Marché would have been our go-to, one-word answer. It still remains at the top of our list of best brunch spots in Nashville!
We’re Nashville natives who are often so saturated in the local honky tonks and hot chicken. Thus, we love how this European-style café transports us outside of Music City. It’s like we’ve landed inside a quaint little French café on the other side of the globe!
Marché has fabulous French-inspired fare. Favorites include the Croissant French Toast and Croque Madame. We’re especially partial to their pastry selection, which changes on the daily.
Although they don’t take reservations, you can add yourself to the waitlist from the comfort of your own home.
7. Nicky’s Coal Fired
(The Nations)
We weren’t upset when one of Nashville’s best Italian restaurants added brunch to their list of offerings. Heck, we were elated!
Available all weekend, Nicky’s brunch menu offers items that you won’t find anywhere else. The standouts include Italian deli sandwiches and brunch pizzas. Brilliant!
Now, this is not to say that we’ve been yawning at the eggs Benedict and omelets of the menus aforementioned. Still, our eyes lit up at the suggestion of something...different. Of course, there’s a whole section of “Brunchy Stuff,” including waffles and the like. We still recommend giving the Italian twist on those traditional brunch staples a shot!
Reservations are available and walk-ins are welcome. We would *highly* recommend starting off your Italian brunch with a frozen Aperol Spritz, regardless of the outdoor temperature. Hey - when in Rome!
Discover the Best Nashville Brunch Restaurants on a Food Tour
The quest for the best brunch in Nashville is a noble one. This list of seven scrumptious brunch spots is just the beginning! If you’re craving the best fare Music City has to offer, it’s time to schedule an award-winning Nashville Food Tour.
Our local guides will bring you to five stand-out Nashville eateries. Each one is locally owned, with fare and ambiance you won’t find anywhere else. It’s the most luxurious way to discover your new favorite restaurant in Nashville!
Schedule your tour and discover a taste of what Nashville really has to offer!