Riffs Fine Street Food
The name certainly fits the city, but it doesn't give you much clue as to the cuisine you'll get from the Riffs Fine Street Food truck. Which is sorta appropriate, given that their constantly-changing menu covers everything from Bahn Mi and Korean chicken and waffles to fish tacos and burgers — which also makes sense, since one owner is from Detroit, and the other from Barbados. The truck's Twitter feed seems to be the best way of tracking them down, but don't be surprised to find a line once you get there.
Peter Nappi
It's a bit off the beaten path, set in a repurposed meat packing plant overlooking the Cumberland River, but trust us — the trip to Peter Nappi is worth the trip. Named for the current owner's grandfather who also happened to be a shoe maker, this store offers shoes, boots, bags, belts, and other leather goods that are designed locally but hand-crafted in Italy using high-quality leathers and old-world techniques. In addition to the leather goods, most everything else in the rustically-appointed store is for sale, as well, including couches, lighting fixtures, rugs, and other knick-knacks. [Scouted by Joey]
Loveless Cafe
Looking for the Music City's best biscuits? Best to head Southwest of downtown to the Loveless Cafe. This local institution opened unofficially in 1951 when the original owners and namesakes began serving fried chicken and biscuits from their front yard. Before long, their early 1900s-era home became the dining room and kitchen for a budding business that still occupies the spot today. And while the original offerings are still a draw, they also offer a wide range of other comfort food classics like country ham, meatloaf, catfish, and barbecue. And if you want to take a taste of the cafe home with you, just visit the Loveless Country Market, located right across the street in the former Loveless Motel. [Scouted by Wes]
Porter Road Butcher
Who better to buy your meats off of than a chef? Founded by a pair of them — James and Chris — Porter Road Butcher is Music City's go-to place for quality cuts of meat. The store specializes in local, grass-feed meats, including beef, chicken, pork, and lamb, as well as other local and regional products. Since all the butchering is done in-house, they can get you nearly any cut you desire — and should you find yourself feeding a larger crowd than your kitchen can handle, they offer catering service, as well, using the same fresh products they sell at the shop.
The Bluebird Cafe
It might sound like a place to find the elderly crowd chowing down on pie at 8 am, but it's actually nighttime when The Bluebird Cafe sings. Renowned for its in the round singer/songwriter jam sessions, the Bluebird has helped launch the career of many a country star, including Garth Brooks, Kenny Chesney, and Taylor Swift. And don't let its humble location in a strip mall fool you — this place fills up quickly, so if you're looking to attend a show, you'd best make reservations.
Gabby's Burgers & Fries
Most dads will do anything for their kids. Including opening up burger joints named after them. Proudly family owned, Gabby's Burgers & Fries is well on its way to becoming a Music City institution. The menu's not long or fancy — many of the items are named after members of the owner's clan — but the burgers, made with grass-fed beef, and the grilled PB & Nutella sandwich on the kids menu are more than enough to keep people coming back.
Capitol Grille
It's location inside a historic hotel isn't the highlight of the Capitol Grille, but it could be. Instead, it's the fantastic food, which focuses on distinguished takes of classic Southern dishes, and tends to be incredibly fresh, thanks to the fact that both vegetables and grass-fed beef are sourced from the Farm at Glen that's just four miles from the restaurant. If you happen in for breakfast, be sure to try the Tennessee "Jack" Egg Sandwich with Jack Daniel's infused toast, an egg, bacon, and tomato gravy, and should you stumble in at night, hit up the Oak Bar right next door.
Imogene + Willie
Looking for a new pair of denim? Skip the mass-produced stuff at your local department store and make a trek down to Imogene + Willie. These Nashville-based purveyors of self-branded jeans and shirts sell their high-quality wares out of a shop that's based in a converted old gas station, and should you be lucky enough to stop by at the right time, you might be able to grab a bite from the taco truck out front or jam out to some live music out back.
