Where to Eat in Nashville While at AABB
The AABB Conference is coming soon! Whether you live nearby or are visiting from another place, there’s one exciting thing left to plan: where to eat after meeting new friends and getting hungry.
No need to worry, though! We’ve already tried lots of yummy food to create the perfect PERFEQTA restaurant guide just for you. So you can have a fun and delicious time without any worries!
Nashville is not only Music City but also a foodie paradise. With its diverse and vibrant culinary scene, Nashville offers something for everyone, from hot chicken and barbecue to Middle Eastern and Portuguese cuisine.
Whether you are looking for a casual bite, a fine dining experience, or a fun night out, you will find it in Nashville. Here are some of the best restaurants and food in Nashville that you should try.
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant
Puckett’s is a Nashville institution that dates back to the 1950s when it was a little grocery store in the village of Leiper’s Fork.
Today, it is a popular restaurant that serves Southern comfort food with a twist.
You can enjoy classics like fried chicken, meatloaf, and catfish, as well as specialties like smoked brisket nachos, cherry wood smoked baby back ribs, and sweet potato pancakes.
Puckett’s also has live music every night, featuring local and national artists.
If you are looking for a taste of Nashville’s history and culture, Puckett’s is the place to go.
- Monday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Thursday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Merchants
Merchants is a historic building on Broadway that has been transformed into a modern and elegant restaurant.
The first floor is a casual bistro that serves burgers, salads, sandwiches, and cocktails.
The second floor is a fine dining room that offers dishes like duck confit, lamb chops, and scallops.
The third floor is a private event space that can host groups of 11 or more for lunch, dinner, or cocktail reception.
Merchants is a great place to enjoy the hustle and bustle of downtown Nashville while savoring delicious food and drinks.
- Monday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:30 AM – 11:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Lou
Lou is a cozy and charming cafe in Riverside Village that serves Parisian-inspired food with a twist.
The menu changes seasonally and features dishes like mushroom toast, roasted chicken salad, lamb meatballs, and ratatouille.
Lou also has one of the best wine lists in Nashville, focusing on natural options.
You can also enjoy brunch on weekends, with items like shakshuka, croque madame, and French toast.
Lou is a perfect spot for a romantic date night or a relaxing weekend brunch.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: Closed
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (brunch), 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (dinner)
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (brunch), 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM (dinner)
Shotgun Willie’s BBQ
Shotgun Willie’s BBQ is a Texas-style barbecue joint in East Nashville that specializes in slow-cooked meats and Bournana (bourbon-banana) pudding.
The owner, Bill Laviolette, is a native Texan who brings his passion and expertise to Nashville.
You can choose from brisket, pulled pork shoulder, smoked chicken, ribs, sausage, and turkey breast, all smoked over oak wood for hours.
You can also enjoy sides like mac and cheese, coleslaw, potato salad, and beans. Shotgun Willie’s BBQ is a must-try for barbecue lovers.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Thursday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Friday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
Audrey
Audrey is the flagship restaurant of chef Sean Brock, who is known for his innovative and creative approach to Southern cuisine.
Audrey is named after Brock’s maternal grandmother and reflects his Appalachian upbringing and his culinary journey.
The menu changes daily and features dishes that showcase local ingredients and techniques from different regions and cultures.
You can expect to find dishes like greasy beans with sour corn, smoked trout with caviar cream, or rabbit with dumplings.
Audrey is also home to June, Brock’s experimental restaurant that serves tasting menus based on themes like fermentation or preservation.
Audrey is not just a restaurant but an experience that will surprise and delight you.
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: Closed
- Thursday: Closed
- Friday: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Saturday: 5:30 PM – 10:30 PM
- Sunday: Closed
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the best restaurants and food in Nashville:
Summary
These restaurants are suggestable for professionals who want to enjoy a variety of cuisines and atmospheres in Nashville.
Whether you are looking for a casual bite, a fine dining experience, or a fun night out, you will find it in these restaurants.
They are also suitable for different occasions, such as business meetings, networking events, or social gatherings.
You can impress your clients, colleagues, or friends with your knowledge and taste of Nashville’s food scene. These restaurants are also conveniently located near the AABB conference venue, which is the Music City Center in Nashville.
You can easily reach them by car, taxi, or public transportation. However, some of them may require reservations or have limited hours, so make sure to check their websites or call ahead before you go.
I hope this answer helps you plan your trip and enjoy your stay in Nashville. 😊