Christine Wheatley
Why Supporting Locally Owned Restaurants in ...

When most people think of things to do in Nashville, they think of hot chicken, Broadway bars, and country music. But underneath the neon lights and national chains is a heartbeat that made this city what it is: the local restaurants, artists, and entrepreneurs who built Nashville into the cultural destination it’s become.

In this article, I’ll share why supporting locally owned restaurants in Nashville is one of the most powerful things you can do when you travel, and how booking something as simple as a walking food tour in Nashville TN can make a meaningful impact.

Why Supporting Locally Owned Restaurants in Nashville Matters Now More Than Ever
Christine Wheatley
What Food Is Nashville Known For?

What are the must try foods in Nashville? We've created a list of some of Nashville’s most famous foods and iconic restaurants. Some have been part of Nashville’s food story for generations now. Others arrived just in the last few years. Most are popular local favorites, but a few are known only to locals. All of them are delicious. Experience some of these on our Nashville Food Tours.

What Food Is Nashville Known For?

Over $1 Million Invested: How Our Nashville Food Tours Are Changing the Local Business Landscape

Over $1 Million Invested: How Our Nashville Food Tours Are Changing the Local Business Landscape

When I started A Little Local Flavor in 2018, I had one dream: create a food tour in Nashville that supported the restaurants, chefs, and local legends that make this city worth visiting in the first place. I wanted to build something that wasn't just another tourist attraction, but a business that made a real impact.

Seven years later, I’m proud (and honestly blown away) to share this milestone:

Thanks to our food tour guests, we have directly contributed over $1,000,000 to locally owned restaurants and small businesses in downtown Nashville!

That number isn’t marketing fluff. It’s meals paid for. Tips left. Cocktail classes booked. Drinks ordered. Desserts devoured.

It’s a million dollars that stayed in this city and supported real people that live in Nashville’s communities.

Why Supporting Locally Owned Restaurants in Nashville Matters Now More Than Ever

Why Supporting Locally Owned Restaurants in Nashville Matters Now More Than Ever

When most people think of things to do in Nashville, they think of hot chicken, Broadway bars, and country music. But underneath the neon lights and national chains is a heartbeat that made this city what it is: the local restaurants, artists, and entrepreneurs who built Nashville into the cultural destination it’s become.

In this article, I’ll share why supporting locally owned restaurants in Nashville is one of the most powerful things you can do when you travel, and how booking something as simple as a walking food tour in Nashville TN can make a meaningful impact.

Why Food Tours Are the Ultimate Holiday Party Idea in Nashville

Why Food Tours Are the Ultimate Holiday Party Idea in Nashville

When it comes to planning a memorable and meaningful corporate holiday party in Nashville, most companies default to the usual suspects: private dining rooms, karaoke nights, or rooftop happy hours. But what if this year, you gave your team something truly unique, something that felt like a celebration and a local adventure?

Whether you're hosting a client appreciation event, rewarding a high-performing team, or planning a company-wide Christmas party, here's why a walking food tour in Nashville, TN should be at the top of your list.

Corporate Holiday Parties in Nashville: 7 Christmas Party Ideas Your Team Will Love

Corporate Holiday Parties in Nashville: 7 Christmas Party Ideas Your Team Will Love

Planning a corporate holiday party in Nashville? Whether you're an executive assistant trying to impress the VP or a business owner looking to reward your team with something special, you’ve probably found yourself overwhelmed with choices, and underwhelmed with originality.

Here are 7 memorable corporate holiday party ideas in Nashville, each one designed to make your job easier and your team happier. Whether you're planning for 12 guests or 120, these experiences will help you create the kind of event people talk about long after the last cocktail.

Downtown Nashville Dining: 18 Must-Try Restaurants for Food Enthusiasts

Downtown Nashville Dining: 18 Must-Try Restaurants for Food Enthusiasts

Welcome to Nashville! You’re ready to have the full Broadway experience, but where to eat? More celebrity chefs come to town every year, and locals are also stepping up their cooking game. With all the unique and unexpected dining experiences available, the choices can seem overwhelming. To help you choose, we’ve selected 18 of our favorite foodie spots. Ranging from street hot dogs to exclusive tasting menus, there’s something for everyone on this list.

Tips for Planning a Fun Corporate Event in Nashville

Tips for Planning a Fun Corporate Event in Nashville

Nashville has become a top destination for corporate gatherings—and it’s not just because of the music. We're a city that inspires creativity, fosters connection, and celebrates local flavor. At A Little Local Flavor, we specialize in helping teams tap into that energy through exceptional private dining and storytelling-rich culinary experiences.

When it comes to corporate event planning in Nashville, we don’t do ballrooms and bland buffets. We’re Nashville’s first Corporate Dining Concierge. We craft unique experiences that reflect your company’s culture, values, and vision—with the food, setting, and storytelling to match.

Stylish and Comfortable: What to Wear on a Nashville Walking Tour

Stylish and Comfortable: What to Wear on a Nashville Walking Tour

Nashville blends Southern charm with eclectic flair, and your outfit should reflect that. When it comes to "Nashville what to wear," it’s all about comfort, style, and being ready for any adventure; from rooftop cocktails to scenic walking tours.

When you're headed to Music City, planning what to wear in Nashville isn't just about packing - it’s about making sure you're comfortable, stylish, and prepared for whatever your walking tour might throw at you. From honky-tonks to historic streets, Nashville blends Southern charm with eclectic flair, and the clothes to wear in Nashville should reflect that.

Pro tip: Before you explore, check out our award-winning food tours - we combine sightseeing and local flavor so you can discover the city bite by bite. Dress comfy, and come hungry!

Why a Food Tour Is the Ultimate Corporate Event in Nashville

Why a Food Tour Is the Ultimate Corporate Event in Nashville

Planning a corporate event in Nashville? Let’s be honest—another stuffy steakhouse dinner or noisy Broadway happy hour isn’t going to wow your team or your clients. You want something different. Something that actually connects people. Something they’ll still be talking about on Monday.

If you’re searching for the best team building activities in Nashville, skip the escape rooms and awkward icebreakers. A walking food tour combines incredible food, local music, authentic storytelling, and walkable charm—all wrapped into a curated, stress-free event that everyone can enjoy.

Whether you're entertaining clients in Nashville, organizing an executive retreat, or planning a company holiday party, A Little Local Flavor delivers the award-winning corporate food tour experience you didn’t know your team needed.

We’ve hosted corporate groups from Amazon, American Express, Cheddar’s Restaurants, Vivial Marketing, and countless others.

Why? Because great food is the one thing every team agrees on.

Top 10 Gluten-Free Restaurants in Nashville: A Celiac’s Guide to Safe and Delicious Dining

Top 10 Gluten-Free Restaurants in Nashville: A Celiac’s Guide to Safe and Delicious Dining

Dining out with celiac disease can feel daunting, but Nashville offers an exciting and safe gluten-free dining scene. I’m Christine, owner of an award-winning food tour company in Nashville called A Little Local Flavor, and someone who has lived gluten-free for over a decade. I’ve personally tested these spots to help fellow celiacs and gluten-sensitive travelers enjoy our vibrant culinary city. Whether you’re visiting Broadway or exploring the neighborhoods, this guide to gluten-free restaurants in Nashville will have you eating well and stress-free.

Food Tours: Nashville Team Building Ideas For Corporate Events

Food Tours: Nashville Team Building Ideas For Corporate Events

Treating your team to one of our top-rated A Little Local Flavor food tours is just the ticket to excite and engage your team. And having hosted corporate tours for companies big and small (including Amazon, American Express, Cheddar’s restaurants, and Vivial Marketing, to name a few) we’re confident that our tours are just the ticket for your next team outing.

Nashville After Dark: 21 Delicious Hotspots to Satisfy Those Midnight Munchies

Nashville After Dark: 21 Delicious Hotspots to Satisfy Those Midnight Munchies

After a night out on the town enjoying Nashville’s nightlife, you might find yourself suddenly craving just a little more food to tide you over until the morning. We’ve got you covered! Here are 21 of our favorite restaurants open late in Nashville, TN arranged by neighborhood. There’s sure to be something close by, no matter where you are.

As always, the restaurants featured below and independently owned and operated, because here we celebrate A Little Local Flavor.

Best Things to Do in Nashville for Food Lovers

Best Things to Do in Nashville for Food Lovers

If you're the kind of traveler who plans your itinerary around where to eat next, you're going to fall hard for Nashville. This city isn’t just Music City—it’s full-on Food City, where every block has a story, a dish, and a local who’s proud of both.

Whether you’re into spicy hot chicken, biscuit-making, craft cocktails, or discovering hidden gems on a walkable tour, this guide will show you the best things to do in Nashville for foodies—and why the city’s food scene deserves a spot at the top of your list.

Top Nashville Sightseeing Places to Add to Your Itinerary (2025)

Top Nashville Sightseeing Places to Add to Your Itinerary (2025)

Planning a trip to Nashville? Then you already know: this city doesn’t play around when it comes to music, food, or things to see. But what most visitors don’t realize is that Nashville sightseeing goes way beyond the usual honky tonks and museum pit stops.

From iconic landmarks to hidden alleyways filled with local flavor, Music City has layers. And if you want to do it right—not just snap a photo at the Broadway boot store and call it a day—you need a plan.

So if you’re tired of vague “top 10” lists and tourist trap reviews, buckle up. This is the real guide to sightseeing in Nashville TN—and how to actually experience it.

When is the Best Time to Visit Nashville? [2025 Local Guide]

When is the Best Time to Visit Nashville? [2025 Local Guide]

Planning your trip to Music City? Whether you're coming for the live music, Southern cuisine, or vibrant culture, knowing the best time to visit Nashville can turn a good vacation into an unforgettable experience. As locals who’ve spent over a decade in Nashville tourism, we’re here to give you insider tips you won’t find on generic travel blogs.

Unforgettable Nashville Adventures: 10 Activities Perfect for Large Groups

Unforgettable Nashville Adventures: 10 Activities Perfect for Large Groups

These days, Nashville’s nightlife makes it easy to entertain a large group after hours. But what do you do with them while the sun is shining? Whether you’re in town for a corporate conference, a bachelorette party or a family reunion, here are ten fun activities in Nashville for adults, and these are sure to appeal to everyone in your group.

(In keeping with our commitment to supporting Nashville, all the activities recommended below are independently owned/operated businesses)

What Food Is Nashville Known For?

What Food Is Nashville Known For?

What are the must try foods in Nashville? We've created a list of some of Nashville’s most famous foods and iconic restaurants. Some have been part of Nashville’s food story for generations now. Others arrived just in the last few years. Most are popular local favorites, but a few are known only to locals. All of them are delicious. Experience some of these on our Nashville Food Tours.

Raise a Glass to Downtown Nashville's Best Happy Hour Specials and Craft Cocktail Bars

Looking for the best happy hour specials in Downtown Nashville? Look no further! As a Nashville food tour company we like to keep up with all of the best food and beverages in town. We've rounded up nine of our favorite downtown Nashville happy hour specials to help you make the most of your evenings in Music City while saving you a little money along the way. And if you're a foodie looking to explore Nashville's culinary scene, be sure to check out an announcement at the end of this post about a new and unique way to experience Nashville craft cocktails in downtown.

Here are nine of our favorite downtown happy hour options, arranged in alphabetical order. We’ll let you make your own ranking for these amazing options as you go out and get a taste of Nashville.

Acme Feed & Seed

  • 101 Broadway

  • Monday-Thursday from 4:30-6:30

  • (Only on the 1st and 2nd floor; not valid in the rooftop bar)

  • $5 rotating specialty cocktail

  • 2-for-1 draft beers

  • $10-12 house cocktails

  • $8-10 snacks

Located at the intersection of Broadway and 1st Ave, Acme Feed & Seed is a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. The first floor is Acme’s “Funky Tonk,” a play on the traditional honky tonk with live music, a fully stocked bar and fast-casual fare rocking it out every night of the week. Their second floor has lounge seating, vintage games and a sushi bar (not one of their happy hour options). The rooftop bar gives a view of both the riverfront and the Broadway scene. Be sure to check out their Farm Store to pick up regionally sourced gifts and souvenirs while enjoying one of the best cocktails Nashville has to offer. Acme Feed and Seed is also one of the flagship restaurants featured on our award winning Downtown Nashville Food Tour.

Black Rabbit

  • 218 3rd Ave N

  • Monday-Saturday from 4-6

  • $5 cocktails

  • $2 off draft beer

  • 2-for-1 cans of beer

Once home to Jimmy Hoffa’s lawyer, the Black Rabbit celebrates Printers Alley’s notorious past. Chef Trey Cioccia and his team have kept that spirit alive by leaving the 16-foot ceilings, brick walls and original wood floors untouched. The restaurant channels the speakeasies of yesteryear, but the food and drink offered there will make any foodie happy. Wood-fired cooking is the center of all that happens in the kitchen, while the bar menu reinvents the boozy drinks popular during Prohibition. No wonder it was named one of the best cocktail bars in Nashville by the writers of the Nashville Scene! Don't miss their Nashville happy hour specials, available Monday-Saturday from 4-6.

Ellington’s

  • 401 Union St

  • Monday-Thursday from 4-6

  • $5 beers

  • $6 well drinks

  • $7 craft cocktails

  • $5 appetizers

  • $8 snacks

Ellington's is a popular downtown Nashville restaurant known for its classic and modern cuisine. Their Nashville happy hour specials feature $5 beers, $6 well drinks, $7 craft cocktails, and $5 appetizers. The menu focuses on updating classic dishes for modern foodies, and their bar program includes a selection of locally sourced liquors and innovative craft cocktails. Ellington's is the perfect spot for a romantic dinner or night out with friends, with both indoor and outdoor seating options, including a wraparound terrace. Don't miss out on the chance to taste some of the best food and drinks that Music City has to offer.

Etch

  • 202 Demonbreun St.

  • Monday-Friday from 4-6:30

  • Saturday from 4-5:30

  • (Lounge area only)

  • $4 draft beer

  • $6 featured wines by the glass

  • $8 “staples” cocktails

  • $10-14 snacks

  • $32 Southern charcuterie and cheese

Chef Deb Paquette’s Etch brings global cuisine to Nashville. Her dishes feature bright, layered flavors and innovative sauces, and the bar team's efforts focus on taking classic drinks and updating them to complement the restaurant's diverse influences. Resy named it one of The ten restaurants that defined Nashville dining in 2022, and their craft cocktails are not to be missed. From your first sip you’ll see why Etch is one of the best restaurants in Nashville. Stop by for their Nashville happy hour specials, available Monday-Friday.

Frothy Monkey

  • Tuesday-Friday from 3-6

  • 235 Rep. John Lewis Way N.

  • 2-for-1 draft beer

  • $6 select wine by the glass

  • $2 off house cocktails

Frothy Monkey in downtown Nashville is known as a popular coffee shop, but it's also a fantastic spot for happy hour. In addition to their delicious coffee and pastries, Frothy Monkey also has a full dinner menu and a great selection of craft cocktails. During happy hour, which runs Tuesday through Friday from 3-6, they offer two-for-one draft beer, $6 select wines by the glass, and $2 off their house cocktails. Don't miss out on their specialty cocktails like the lavender old fashioned, Grenada cosmo, and garden gimlet – perfect for after-work drinks or a vacation treat.

Liberty Common

  • 207 1st Ave S

  • Thursday & Friday from 4-6

  • $5 local drafts

  • $5 house wines by the glass

  • $8 highballs

  • $9 frozen cocktails

Liberty Common in downtown Nashville is a must-visit for those looking for a Southern-style brasserie that offers a fusion of French bistro and Southern comfort food. Conveniently located across the street from the Ascend Amphitheater, it's the perfect spot to grab a bite before or after a show. The restaurant offers a cozy respite from the busy downtown area, tucked away just far enough off Broadway. Whether you're in the mood for a classic French dish or a hearty Southern meal, Liberty Common has got you covered. Don't miss their Nashville happy hour specials, including $5 local drafts, $5 house wines by the glass, $8 highballs, and $9 frozen cocktails.

Lou/Na

  • 1000 Broadway

  • Monday-Thursday from 5-7

  • $6 draft beers

  • $6 Canvas wines by the glass

  • $6 well spirits

  • $5 snacks

  • $12 ham and cheese charcuterie

Lou/Na, located on the 25th floor of the Grand Hyatt hotel, offers a stunning view of the city that's hard to beat. Named after the historic Louisville-Nashville railroad, the restaurant provides a blend of Southern hospitality and a modern atmosphere. During happy hour, which runs from Monday to Thursday from 5-7, guests can indulge in $6 draft beers, $6 Canvas wines by the glass, $6 well spirits, and $5 snacks. This Nashville hot spot also has live music on many nights, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind after a busy day of work or sightseeing. With complimentary valet parking for up to two hours, Lou/Na is both convenient and enjoyable.

Makeready L&L

  • 200 4th Ave N

  • Monday-Thursday from 5-7

  • $8 specialty cocktails

  • Half off wines by the glass

  • Discounted snacks

Makeready L&L in downtown Nashville is not just a restaurant, but a true experience. This unique dining spot merges Italian sensibilities with Southern flavors to create an unforgettable meal. Named after the “makeready” which is the final stage of setting a printing press, the moment when the journeymen makes sure the page was perfectly set. Plus, their Nashville Happy Hour specials include half off wines by the glass, discounted snacks, and $8 specialty Nashville Craft Cocktails. The team at Makeready L&L seeks to make their space a retreat from the chaos outside, a place where the people and visitors of Nashville can relax and celebrate. And, of course, all the food is farm-to-table and locally sourced, adding to the restaurant's already impressive charm.

The Southern Steak & Oyster

  • 150 3rd Ave S

  • Friday-Sunday from 3-5

  • $25/dozen oysters (shuckers choice!)

The Southern Steak & Oyster is a must-visit restaurant in downtown Nashville. This eatery celebrates the best of Southern food, with a focus on Gulf Coast and Caribbean-inspired dishes. The produce is sourced locally, ensuring that every dish is bursting with flavor. One of the most popular offerings at The Southern is their oysters - available for just $25 a dozen during their happy hour from Friday to Sunday between 3 and 5pm. Located on 3rd Ave S, The Southern is conveniently situated in the heart of the downtown action, making it the perfect stop for lunch or dinner.

Downtown Nashville is a must-visit destination for foodies and cocktail enthusiasts alike. From traditional Southern cuisine to French brasseries, there is something for everyone. The city's happy hour scene offers some of the best deals on craft cocktails, local drafts, and snacks, making it the perfect time to sample what each restaurant has to offer. Whether you're a local or a visitor, be sure to add these happy hour spots to your list and experience the vibrant food and drink culture that Nashville has to offer while saving some money along the way.

Introducing Nashville's newest addition to its culinary scene: our Nashville Craft Cocktail Tour!

Launching May 2023!

Announcing our Newest food tour: The Nashville Craft Cocktail Tour

Announcing our Nashville Craft Cocktail Tour launching in May 2023! This exciting tour will take you to some of the best locally-owned restaurants in the city, exploring the unique and flavorful craft cocktails that Nashville has to offer paired with exquisite bites. Get dressed up for a night on the town and join us as we embark on a journey through some of the finest establishments in Nashville, enjoying locally-sourced and farm-to-table foods and drinks. With our experienced and knowledgeable guides, you'll learn about the history and culture of Nashville's culinary scene, and discover new favorites along the way. Don't miss out on this delicious adventure!

Amazing Women Owned Businesses to Support in Nashville this Holiday Season

Amazing Women Owned Businesses to Support in Nashville this Holiday Season

When you shop local, you'll get a new taste of Nashville. Over the last few years, many of the most innovative new businesses to open in town are female owned. As a female-owned company ourselves, we think that’s pretty rad. To simplify your shopping here’s a list of some of our favorite women Nashville entrepreneurs.

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Family-Friendly Activities For Your Next Trip to Nashville

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Family-Friendly Activities For Your Next Trip to Nashville

Whether you’re traveling with a flock of your best [adult] friends, or your crew is made up of small humans who are still learning the basics of arithmetic, Nashville has plenty of activities that people of all ages can genuinely enjoy. So for your next trip, take a look at our Eight Family-Friendly Activities in Nashville:

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Six Instagrammable Nashville Murals That You Haven’t Already Seen All Over Instagram

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Six Instagrammable Nashville Murals That You Haven’t Already Seen All Over Instagram

Aside from moseying in and out of Music City’s infamous honkey tonks down on Broadway, one of the most popular tourist activities in Nashville is a creative endeavor that we like to call Mural Hunting. Similar to hunting game, mural hunting is an activity in which groups of adults strategically traverse the city in search of capturing images of Nashville’s most beautiful, iconic, and Instagram-worthy murals. iPhones in hand, people brave long lines and inclement weather to capture the shot. We’ll do anything for some likes on the ‘gram, won’t we!?