East Nashville isn’t just another Nashville neighborhood, it’s a whole different side of the city. Creative, independent, and just a little rebellious, East has its own rhythm and a charm that keeps both locals and visitors coming back.

When I moved here in 2011, it was a tight-knit, quirky community filled with artists, musicians, and hospitality folks. We had cheap rent, legendary dive bars, and restaurants that punched way above their weight. Over the years, new shops, breweries, and music venues have joined the scene, but the neighborhood has kept its soul, a mix of indie spirit, food and drink innovation, and a lot of music. For our favorite East Nashville restaurants check our our East Nashville Guide for Foodies.

Whether you’re here for a weekend getaway, building your own East Nashville itinerary, or just want to explore beyond Broadway, here’s my local’s guide to the best things to do in East Nashville, from boutique shopping to whiskey flights, mural walks, live music, and more.

Shop Local at the Shoppes on Fatherland

The Shoppes on Fatherland are a perfect introduction to East Nashville’s creative and entrepreneurial side. It’s also some of the best local shopping in Nashville. This cluster of small, independently owned shops feels more like an upscale neighborhood market than a mall, and every storefront has its own personality.

Expect a mix of handmade jewelry, locally poured candles, vintage finds, art prints, and Nashville-themed gifts you won’t see in big-box stores downtown. The setting is casual and walkable, making it easy to pop in and out of multiple shops without feeling rushed.

Many owners here are the artists or makers themselves. Ask them where they like to eat, drink, or hear live music. You’ll get the kind of recommendations you won’t find in a guidebook.

Abode has been one of my favorite shops for years - do yourself a favor and pick up a few jars of East Nashville Spice Company’s spice blends - their original is my favorite and I go though a few jars a year.

Local Tip: Abode has been one of my favorite shops for years - do yourself a favor and pick up a few jars of East Nashville Spice Company’s spice blends - their original is my favorite and I go though a few jars a year.

Sip Something Different at Honeytree Meadery

If you’re looking for a drink that’s truly different, Honeytree Meadery delivers. As Nashville’s first and only meadery, it specializes in honey-based beverages that can be still or sparkling, sweet or dry.

A tasting flight here might include a floral-forward wildflower mead, a tart berry-infused version, and something barrel-aged for richer depth. The cozy tasting room makes it easy to linger, and the friendly staff will happily walk you through the process of making mead, a drink that’s been around since ancient times but feels right at home in modern East Nashville.

Local Tip: Check their calendar before you go. They often host trivia nights, special releases, and live music events add even more flavor to the experience.

Sip a Tiki Cocktail at Chopper & Grab Tacos from Maiz de la Vida

If you’re in the mood for a playful, tropical twist, head to Chopper, East Nashville’s robot-themed tiki bar. It’s part retro sci-fi, part island getaway, and 100% fun. The drink menu is stacked with colorful, fruit-forward cocktails served in whimsical tiki mugs, perfect for Instagram, but even better for sipping.

Step outside and you’ll find one of Nashville’s most talked-about food trucks, Maiz de la Vida. Chef Julio Hernandez has been featured on the Food Network and is quickly becoming a star in Nashville’s culinary scene. His tacos celebrate the art of heirloom corn, with hand-pressed tortillas that set them apart from anything else in town.

Local Tip: The birria tacos are a must, but don’t sleep on the vegetarian options - they’re just as bold and flavorful.

Enjoy a Whiskey Flight at The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club

The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club blends speakeasy vibes with a world-class bar program. Tucked away in a strip of East Nashville shops, it’s easy to walk past, but inside, you’ll find inventive cocktails and one of the best whiskey lists in the city.

The whiskey flights here are carefully curated, often featuring rare bottles, single-barrel picks, or international finds you won’t see at most bars. Even if you’re not a whiskey expert, the staff will guide you toward something you’ll love.

Pro Move: Make The Fox your first stop of the night, then head to The 5 Spot to catch a live show (more on that below).

Whiskey Lover’s Tip: Want to explore more? Check out my Best Whiskey Tastings in Nashville and book one of our top Nashville whiskey experiences which feature tours for distillery visits, food parings, and barrel tastings.

Explore East Nashville’s Craft Breweries

East Nashville’s beer scene is a destination in itself, with a mix of established favorites and up-and-coming brewers.

Southern Grist Brewing Company - Famous for creative, fruit-forward sours and hazy IPAs. The tap list changes constantly, so there’s always something new to try.
Smith & Lentz Brewing - Specializes in crisp, clean lagers and hop-forward pale ales. The sunny outdoor space is perfect for warm afternoons.
East Nashville Beer Works - Laid-back, family-friendly, and known for its “Mamas’ Little Helper” IPA and housemade pizza.
Living Waters Brewing - Part coffee shop, part brewery, and completely devoted to craftsmanship. Try a coffee stout for the best of both worlds.

Pro Move: Skip the driving and hop on the Music City Brew Hop East Loop. It’s hop-on, hop-off, so you can combine brewery visits with mural hunting and other East Nashville attractions.

Enjoy Cocktails on the Patio at Rosemary & Beauty Queen

For a laid-back yet upscale vibe, Rosemary & Beauty Queen offers one of the best cocktail patios in East Nashville. The historic house-turned-bar has indoor lounge spaces filled with vintage character, but it’s the outdoor area that steals the show, a sprawling garden-style patio perfect for sunny afternoons or warm nights.

The cocktail menu blends classics with creative twists, and the crowd is a friendly mix of locals and in-the-know visitors.

Local Tip: Go early for golden-hour lighting on the patio, then head to a nearby live music venue to keep the night going.

Catch Live Music at These East Nashville Venues

East Nashville’s live music scene has its own personality, its more intimate, more eclectic, and more likely to feature the next big thing before they’re famous.

The 5 Spot

A neighborhood legend with a small stage and a big reputation. Known for its “Motown Monday” dance parties, eclectic nightly shows, and a crowd that’s a mix of locals, musicians, and visitors in the know.

The Basement East

Locally known as “The Beast,” this mid-sized venue brings in national touring acts, surprise pop-up shows, and local bands ready for the big stage.

Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge

Technically in Madison, but just a quick drive from East, Dee’s is a retro country bar with top-tier live music. Expect Western swing, classic country, and a crowd that knows every word.

Skinny Dennis

A honky tonk with Brooklyn roots that has settled nicely into East Nashville. Strong coffee cocktails, nightly free music, and a cozy, lived-in feel.

Local Tip: Many of these venues have early shows and free cover nights, making it easy to see multiple bands in one evening.

Wander the East Nashville Street Art Scene

East Nashville’s murals range from large-scale statement pieces to hidden alleyway gems. The neighborhood’s creative energy spills onto its walls, and exploring them is a great way to see East at your own pace.

Local Tip: Combine a mural walk with the Music City Brew Hop East Loop so you can sip, snack, and sightsee all in one afternoon.

Relax in Shelby Park & Shelby Bottoms

Shelby Park is 300 acres of open green space right on the river, with ball fields, picnic areas, and playgrounds. It connects to Shelby Bottoms Greenway, which offers several miles of paved and gravel trails perfect for walking, running, or biking.

Wildlife sightings are common, everything from herons to deer, and the river views at sunset are some of the best in East.

Browse Records at Grimey’s and The Groove

Music is Nashville’s heartbeat, and East has two of its most beloved record stores:

Grimey’s New & Preloved Music - Legendary in the vinyl world, with in-store shows that draw big crowds.
The Groove - A smaller shop with a passionate staff and a great selection of new and used vinyl.

Dig for Vintage Finds at Hip Zipper

If you love vintage fashion, Hip Zipper is the place to hunt. The racks are filled with everything from retro concert tees to perfectly broken-in leather jackets.

Eat Your Way Through the Neighborhood

East Nashville’s food scene is one of the best in the city. From biscuit brunches to upscale chef-driven dinners, there’s something for every taste.

Some of my favorites:

Butcher & Bee - Inventive, Mediterranean-inspired dishes and one of the best brunch menus in town.
Folk - Wood-fired pizzas and seasonal plates in a bright, airy space.
Lockeland Table - Upscale comfort food with a community table happy hour that’s a local favorite.

For a full list of our favorite East Nashville restaurants, check out my East Nashville for Foodies guide. Stay tuned for our upcoming East Nashville Food Tour.

FAQs - Planning Your East Nashville Visit

What is East Nashville known for?

Its creative energy, independent businesses, diverse food scene, and vibrant nightlife make it one of Nashville’s most distinctive neighborhoods.

Is East Nashville walkable?

Yes, in certain pockets like Five Points and the Shoppes on Fatherland. To cover more ground, try the Music City Brew Hop or rent a bike.

Where should I go for drinks in East Nashville?

For beer: Southern Grist, Smith & Lentz, East Nashville Beer Works, or Living Waters. For cocktails: The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club. For something unique: Honeytree Meadery.

How far is East Nashville from downtown?

About a 5 to 10 minute drive or rideshare, just across the Cumberland River.

Is East Nashville safe?

It’s generally safe, especially in busy areas, but like any city, it’s smart to stay aware and stick to well-lit streets at night.

Plan Your East Nashville Adventure

East Nashville rewards curiosity. Pop into a boutique, try a new drink, listen to a local band, and take your time — it’s the kind of neighborhood that reveals its best side slowly.

Ready to see more of Nashville?

Take our Downtown Nashville Food Tour for a history-and-flavor-packed afternoon.
Ride the Music City Brew Hop East Loop for breweries, murals, and neighborhoods all in one day.
Bookmark my East Nashville for Foodies guide to plan your meals.

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Things to Do in East Nashville: A Local’s Guide for Visitors and Locals