A Personal Introduction to East Nashville’s Evolution
When I first moved to East Nashville in 2011, it was a growing, changing area, a place full of energy, creativity, and possibility. Rent was inexpensive, and as a result, the neighborhood became a haven for musicians, artists, and hospitality workers. You could feel the heartbeat of the city in every dive bar, every local diner, and every porch filled with the sound of a guitar. It was an ecclectic neighborhood that celebrated creativity, music, and community
Over time, East Nashville's popularity surged. With it came rising rent prices and the unfortunate displacement of many of the creatives who originally gave the neighborhood its soul. But from this shift emerged something else, a remarkable culinary, cultural, and retail scene that now defines East Nashville as one of the most vibrant and beloved neighborhoods in Nashville. In fact, around 2016 and 2017, it was ranked among the top 20 neighborhoods to live in the U.S. by several lifestyle publications.
Today, East Nashville is not just a foodie destination, it's a lifestyle.
A Stroll Through East Nashville: Charm in Every Step
There’s something magical about walking through East Nashville. Many of the streets are lined with historic brick homes, early 20th-century cottages, and stately trees that arch overhead like green cathedrals. It’s a neighborhood that invites you to slow down, take in the architectural details, and imagine the stories that have unfolded on each porch and front step.
On a morning walk, you might pass by a neighbor tending to a flower-filled garden, a songwriter strumming a guitar from a front stoop, or a chalkboard sign inviting you into a new pop-up bakery. The streets are alive with personality—from the retro signage and funky murals to the pride flags waving in the breeze. And with so many independent businesses sprinkled throughout, every few blocks offers a chance to discover something unexpected.
It’s no wonder this neighborhood is such a magnet for people who want to experience Nashville like a local.
Where to Eat in East Nashville
Lockeland Table
An East Nashville favorite and true neighborhood gem, Lockeland Table combines Southern hospitality with locally sourced ingredients and rustic elegance. Known for its wood-fired pizzas, seasonal vegetables, and cozy communal atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a date night or relaxed dinner with friends. Pro tip: try their community hour menu (a local favorite).
Butcher & Bee
Butcher & Bee takes the idea of a chef-driven menu and runs wild with it. Known for its vibrant, flavor-packed dishes inspired by Mediterranean cuisine and local produce, this spot is ideal for foodies who want to try something a little adventurous. The whipped feta is legendary. Their weekend brunch is a creative twist on Southern staples, and vegetarians will find no shortage of love here.
Margot Café & Bar
A staple of East Nashville's fine dining scene since 2001, Margot offers French- and Southern-inspired dishes in a cozy converted service station. With a daily-changing menu that reflects local farm produce, it’s a timeless choice for a sophisticated yet unpretentious meal. The intimate interior and thoughtful wine list make it one of the most romantic restaurants in the city.
Joyland
Joyland is exactly what it sounds like, pure, indulgent joy. From James Beard Award - winning chef Sean Brock, this East Nashville favorite is a retro-futuristic spot serving up elevated fast food with a Southern twist. Think buttery breakfast biscuits, crispy fried chicken sandwiches, double-stacked burgers, and house-made crinkle fries with dipping sauces that deserve their own spotlight. It’s comfort food done exceptionally well, perfect for a casual lunch, late-night snack, or anytime you’re craving something nostalgic but next-level.
Local Tip: If you are gluten free in Nashville like I am, Joyland has a gluten free fryer and whips up the BEST gluten free fried chicken, burgers, and biscuits in the city. Here’s a full blog on my favorite gluten free restaurants in Nashville.
Rosepepper Cantina
Bright, bold, and a little irreverent, Rosepepper has been serving up Sonoran-style Mexican fare and margaritas for over 20 years. Their neon signs have become Instagram legends, and their patio is one of the best people-watching spots in East Nashville. The menu features enchiladas, sizzling fajitas, and some of the best guacamole in town.
Mas Tacos Por Favor
This beloved taco joint started as a food truck and quickly became a Nashville staple. It’s always packed, but worth every second of the wait. Don’t skip the elote (Mexican street corn) or the tortilla soup.
Local Tip: Go on Thursday for their special pickled cactus and chorizo taco. The staff jokes that it was made by God Himself! It’s a bite you won’t regret and won’t forget.
Five Points Pizza (East Location)
If you’re craving a New York-style slice, Five Points Pizza is the go-to. Their garlic knots are famous, and their beer selection is on point. It’s an ideal spot for a casual, satisfying lunch or a late-night bite.
Where to Drink in East Nashville
Chopper
Tiki meets sci-fi at Chopper, one of East Nashville’s most playful and imaginative cocktail bars. The interior is decked out with robots, jungle foliage, and glowing neon, setting the scene for a drink menu full of rum-based tiki classics and tropical originals. Their cocktails are as strong as they are Instagrammable, and the crowd is always eclectic and fun.
Local Tip:
Make sure to grab at least one taco from the Maiz de la Vida food truck parked just outside. Founded in 2020 by Chef Julio Hernandez, this taco truck quickly gained a cult following and was the launching pad for his brick-and-mortar restaurant in The Gulch, which was recently nominated for a James Beard Award. He’s also been featured multiple times on the Food Network, so yes, the hype is real.
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
Tucked away in a historic building, The Fox is a moody, elegant speakeasy-style bar with one of the best cocktail menus in Nashville. It’s small and intimate, with a focus on seasonality, craft, and impeccable service. Great for a special night out or a quiet conversation over smoked old fashioneds.
Want to explore East Nashville’s bar scene without needing a designated driver? The Music City Brew Hop East Loop connects you to some of the best breweries and cocktail spots in the area. [Book your ride here]
The Treehouse
As whimsical as its name, The Treehouse offers a funky, laid-back bar vibe with serious mixology chops. They’ve got a great food menu as well, and their quirky interior gives off a true East Side energy.
Pearl Diver
For tiki lovers and tropical escapists, Pearl Diver is the ultimate East Nashville bar experience. The ambiance is lush and transportive, with rum-forward cocktails and Southeast Asian small plates. On warm nights, the patio is packed and buzzing with energy.
Our Favorite Way To See East Nashville?
Want to explore East Nashville without needing a car or rideshare?
Hop aboard the Music City Brew Hop and ride the East Loop. Music City Brew Hop is a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour that stops at some of the neighborhood’s best breweries and local hangouts. It’s a relaxed, self-paced way to soak up the energy of East while sipping craft beer from some of Nashville’s top producers.
You’ll pass through walkable neighborhoods, pop into eclectic taprooms, and catch unexpected live music or food trucks along the way. Best of all, it’s easy to pair with dinner, shopping, or even a visit to Five Points or Pearl Diver.
[Book the Music City Brew Hop East Loop here] - it’s a perfect way to experience East Nashville’s laid-back charm and drink like a local.
Where to Shop & Explore in East Nashville
Grimey’s New & Preloved Music
One of Nashville’s most iconic record stores, Grimey’s is a must-visit for music lovers. Browse vinyl, catch a free in-store show, or chat with fellow audiophiles about the city’s evolving music scene. It’s a cultural anchor in East Nashville and a great place to pick up a musical souvenir.
The Groove
Just a few blocks from Grimey’s, The Groove is a smaller indie record store with deep community roots. They offer an eclectic mix of new and used vinyl, local band releases, and music memorabilia. Expect to stumble upon your next favorite record here.
The Shoppes on Fatherland
This collection of boutique shops is perfect for an afternoon stroll. You’ll find handmade jewelry, Nashville-made gifts, home goods, vintage clothing, and more. It’s walkable, locally owned, and full of character.
East Nashville Farmers Market
Held in Shelby Park, the East Nashville Farmers Market is a seasonal hub of local produce, baked goods, flowers, and artisan products. It’s a beautiful way to start a day in the neighborhood and meet some of the locals who make the area shine.
Where to Hear Live Music in East Nashville
While Broadway may get all the fame, East Nashville has long been the soul of the city’s music scene. From dive bars to hidden stages, this neighborhood is packed with venues that host everyone from rising stars to legendary names playing secret sets.
The 5 Spot – An East Nashville icon, especially known for Motown Mondays. It’s the kind of place where the bartender might also be a touring guitarist.
Basement East (“The Beast”) – This venue rose from the ashes of the 2020 tornado and now hosts national acts, album releases, and local showcases.
East Room – Gritty, raw, and totally East Side. This is where you discover the band you’ll be bragging about six months from now.
Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge – Technically in Madison but worth the short ride. Think retro vibes, strong drinks, and some of the best honky-tonk talent outside of Broadway.
Pro Tip: The Music City Brew Hop East Loop drops you near venues like Basement East and Five Points. It’s a great way to combine local beer with live music. It ends at 7pm, perfectly before your show, saving you an Uber.
Frequently Asked Questions about East Nashville
What food is East Nashville known for?
East Nashville is known for its chef-driven restaurants, farm-to-table fare, elevated tacos, and creative brunch spots. Highlights include Lockeland Table, Mas Tacos, and Margot Café.
What are the best restaurants in East Nashville?
Top East Nashville restaurants include Noko, Kase x Noko, Lockeland Table, Butcher & Bee, Margot Café, and Five Points Pizza.
Where can I find vegetarian or vegan food in East Nashville?
Butcher & Bee, and Graze (if operating) offer great plant-based options. Many local menus also feature vegetarian-friendly dishes. The Fox Bar offers vegan cheese and charcuterie plates.
Is East Nashville walkable?
Yes! East Nashville is very walkable, especially around Five Points and the Lockeland Springs area. You’ll find shops, bars, and restaurants just steps apart.
What is the vibe of East Nashville?
East Nashville is eclectic, artsy, and community-oriented. Expect historic homes, indie shops, live music, and a creative food scene rooted in local pride.
Is East Nashville a good place to stay during a trip to Nashville?
Absolutely. It’s quieter than Broadway but full of local charm. Great for travelers who want a more authentic, neighborhood experience. There are not many hotels in East, so look for AirBnB’s and VRBO’s in the area - you’ll really feel like a local Nashvillian.
Where do locals eat in East Nashville?
Locals love spots like Mas Tacos, Mitchell’s Delicatessan, Five Points Pizza, and Pearl Diver. For date night or special occasions, Noko, Kase x Noko, Lockeland Table and Margot are top picks.
What is there to do in East Nashville besides eating?
You can explore local record shops like Grimey’s and The Groove, browse boutiques at The Shoppes on Fatherland, catch live music at The 5 Spot, Dee’s, and The Basement East, or visit the East Nashville Farmers Market.
A Neighborhood That Keeps Evolving
East Nashville has seen it all, bohemian renaissance, rapid gentrification, massive tornado damage and a pandemic - both in 2020, but it continues to reinvent itself while holding on to its eclectic roots. Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or you're a local looking for something new, East Nashville rewards curiosity.
It’s the kind of place where you walk to dinner past a vintage Vespa, hear a fiddle playing from a porch, and realize the person sitting next to you at brunch just played on the Opry stage last night.
So come hungry, bring good walking shoes, and let East Nashville surprise you.
Want to experience the best of Nashville’s local food scene in one unforgettable afternoon?
Join our Downtown Nashville Food Tour and taste your way through stories, music, and history with A Little Local Flavor. Our expert guides will help you plan your perfect trip and give you local tips you won’t find on Google.