You’ve probably heard by now that Nashville will be hosting the 2016 NHL All-Star Game, which means innumerable journalists, bloggers and fans are going to be counting down the days until they get to spend a weekend in this awesome city.
Buy why wait? There’s still over a year before the festivities, and plenty of great hockey to be played between now and then. Should you decide to make a trip to America’s Music City, we’ve got you covered.
The OTF Staff has gotten together to share many of our favorite places to eat and drink around the city. We even threw in some touristy stuff, as well. You know, just in case.
While this is by no means supposed to be a comprehensive list, it’ll give you a good place to start. We also encourage all of our native commenters to chime in with their usual haunts for even more variety.
(If you want even more info about all the food and drink you will never have time to try, check out our sister site: Nashville Eater.)
Food
Jack’s BBQ – Three locations in the city, including one right in the heart of Broadway. You really can’t go wrong, but some people prefer…
Martin’s BBQ – All them sides. Smoked turkey is legit.
Hattie B’s – If you like your chicken fried and spicy as hell, this is the place for you. They also have a handful of taps with local and rotating beers. Be warned: should you choose to.
Arnold’s Country Kitchen – Some serious down home country cookin’.
Rotier’s – Likely the best place to have a burger in West Nashville by the Practice facility. Awesome place for lunch, that’s about it. But Jimmy Buffett loves the place.
Cori’s Doghouse – Travel the United States (and the world) through hot dogs.
Burger Republic – A Soviet themed burger joint with tons of quality beer selections. Also their milkshakes have alcohol versions.
M.L. Rose – If socialism isn’t your thing, head on over to M.L. Rose, instead. Great burgers and craft beer.
Drink
Flying Saucer – The unofficial hangout of the Preds’ #OfficialOnlineMedia contingent before games. Just a few blocks from the arena, with good food and tons of beers to choose from. If you can make it into the Ring of Honor in a single trip, I will shake your hand before taking you to the hospital.
Broadway Brewhouse – A location down the street from the arena, and another one right across from Hattie B’s. You just had an intense night of hockey. Why not treat yourself to a well earned beer?
Craft Brewed – Possibly the best selection of beers in the city. Boasts an expansive bottle shop, as well as plenty of beers on tap. Relatively small, with a nice patio but no food options. Still, if you want to bring a growler back to your hotel room, that’s the place to get it.
Yazoo Brewery – One of the bigger local breweries has some great beers for you to try. If you can’t make it to the brewery itself, they are well represented in Bridgestone Arena, (and all over Nashville, for that matter.) Be wary of their odd hours, though: 4-8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday and 12-6 p.m. on Saturday.
12 South Taproom – Food and beer with a fantastic outdoor patio. (Good thing winters are mild here.) Heads up: service can be extremely spotty at times.
5 Points in East Nashville – If you feel like venturing into the hip area of town, 5 points has everything you need. Pizza, delicious food and beer, and then just beer.
Coffee
Bongo Java – If you need a pick-me-up and want to check out Belmont University while you do it.
Crema – A little on the pricey side, but in a nice little spot to get some work done or take a break for an hour.
Cafe Coco – It’s always open. Really. They also have hockey sticks on their front door.
Music
Nashville has a live band in just about every other establishment, but if you’re the type to plan ahead check if there are shows at any of these:
The Cannery Ballroom (The Mercy Lounge/The High Watt)
Touristy
You might already be doing some of these anyway.
The Parthenon – In Centennial Park, across from Centennial Sportsplex and Vanderbilt University. A replica of the original Parthenon in Athens, complete with a 42-foot statue of Athena inside.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum – Because what else is Nashville known for? Right behind Bridgstone Arena.
RCA Studio B – Tour the famous recording studio that brought you songs from Elvis, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton and so many more.
The Ryman – The most famous venue in the city.
The Grand Ole Opry – Because why not?
Now run and be free! Enjoy yourselves, be safe, and be sure to pack plenty of Pedialyte.