As we all begin to wrap up 2020, the year that lasted ten, there are plenty of questions about what the new year will bring with it, especially in regards to the locally owned retailers. For us here at Nashville Bar Bike, we aim to safely continue giving tours on the Bar Bike and intend to continue hosting parties into 2021. You can find out more information on how to book a tour by clicking the “Book Now” tab at the top of this page, but more about that later.

Right now, a lot of local businesses have not been able to host and serve to the best of their abilities and that has been a tough hit on everyone, owners and patrons alike. Without the promise of your favorite plate from that little hole-in-the-wall down the street, what reason to put pants on is there? Even with the lack of daily normality, many restaurants have been able to pull through and do not plan to stop anytime soon.

 This week, enjoy a compilation of locally owned and operated restaurants that are currently open/plan to remain so into the upcoming year. Along with a love for music that keeps people talking, Nashville is known for its residents and their creative drive. No amount of creative individuality is spared when venturing through what the locals have come up with throughout the city and that shows in every local shop, bar and restaurant. If you’re looking to visit our incredible city for the first time, or time again, take a moment to eat locally and you won’t regret it. Though the area is regarded as a barbecue/soul food niche based location, there’s something special about each restaurant on the list. Be sure to check back to this blog regularly and give us a follow on social media to stay updated with all the local happenings in Nashville, Tennessee. Here at Nashville Bar Bike, we look forward into bringing in the new year with all of you!

King Tut’s

★ 5.0
At what point does one quit labeling a Food Truck as such? Though King Tut’s is not inside of a building, but a truck with outdoor seating available, there is no argument that King Tut’s Egyptian Restaurant is the highest quality set of Mediterranean eats you’ll find at a price that’s nothing to gawk at. Featuring fresh ingredients and a family vibe, King Tut’s Egyptian Restaurant is the spot to be when searching for Mediterranean food in Nashville. On Nolensville Pike, you can’t miss the big red truck and dining deck open after 4pm Thursday- Sunday.

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Monell’s

★ 4.8
With three locations throughout the city of Nashville to choose from, you can’t go wrong with Monell’s Dining and Catering, original or spin-off. From Germantown to Bransford Avenue (and even inside the Manor) you’re bound to stumble upon at least one of the eateries while visiting Nashville. Real soul food lines these menus, with classic plates that are hard to turn down for seconds. At the Germantown location, get hyped for a free piece of skillet fried chicken with every single meal served, no extra charge. Your party canjoy a trip into Monell’s Cafe or Germantown location on any day.

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Silver Sands Cafe

★ 4.8
For more than 50 years now, Silver Sands Cafe has been a staple to Nashville’s food scene. With a menu that includes family recipes passed down over the years, you can find Silver Sands Cafe on Locklayer Street, preparing old fashioned soul food from scratch. Fair warning, guests have complained about having too many great options to choose from on this menu so be prepared to want for at least two trips. Boasting the highest quality southern food you’ll find downtown, Silver Sands Cafe is ready for you!

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Loveless Cafe

★ 4.7
World famous biscuits, anyone? Sign us up! Loveless Cafe is one of those classic, true to the roots, southern locations that will remind you of Grandma’s house during the holidays. The best part is that you can visit Loveless Cafe any time of year, with a free biscuit included alongside each meal. On Highway 100, Loveless Cafe is ready to serve every day except Tuesday so stop in and sit a spell!

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Peg Leg Porker

★ 4.6
Tennessee has no shortage of outstanding barbecue joints and Peg Leg Porker (go ahead and say that one three times fast) is a must visit for the carnivores in all groups. Talking a mad game about how Grandma’s house is their ONLY true competition, you’ll want to stop by and let them take care of you. All of the sides are made from scratch and the bakery stocked with locally made baked goods so don’t forget to stop by Peg Leg Porker on Gleaves Street. Let us know on Facebook or Instagram if the visit really is on par with Grandma’s house, those are hefty claims to live up to, especially around here.

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Arnold’s

★ 4.6
Family owned and operated since the early 80’s, Arnold’s is a quaint spot that fits right in to Nashville’s want to make everyone feel at home from the second they arrive. Though the menu changes every day, there are always plenty of options in this cafeteria. Don’t worry if a long line has formed, that’s normal for Arnold’s and everyone moves fast through the queue. Southern style cooking has no limit in Nashville and Arnold’s is somewhere that you won’t leave without a full belly. Open on weekdays only, you won’t miss the red bricks on 8th Ave S.

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Nicky’s Coal Fired

★ 4.3
Simple bagel shop during the day and pizzeria once the sun goes down, Nicky’s Coal Fired is an award winning eatery that can be found in west Nashville, on Centennial Blvd. Guests have been known to say that Nicky’s serves the best pizza in the city, along with other menu options like antipasta dishes. There’s just something about coal-fired pie that adds an entirely new flavor to classic pizza toppings. You won’t find another coal burning oven in all of Tennessee some head over any day Thursday-Sunday.

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Swett’s Restaurant

★ 4.3
There’s just something about a cafeteria style setting that makes you want to try a bit of everything and Swett’s Restaurant has a little bit of everything to try out. Since 1954, Swett’s has been on Clifton Ave, serving some of the biggest names and any other who wants to join the list. Three generations of family ownership have been serving Sunday (and every other day) dinners to Nashville’s greatest patrons for years and will continue to for years to come.

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Henley

★ 4.4
Cocktails and great food are standard anywhere you decide to eat in Nashville but Henly takes mealtime up a notch or two no matter when you come in. Whether you want to order table side cocktails from the mobile cart or taste a bit of southern cooking made by way of French techniques, you’re in for a treat at this restaurant. Find Henley inside of the Kimpton Aertson Hotel, open daily with happy hour starting at 4 pm. Unique options line every menu from breakfast through dessert in this all American dining establishment.

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Copper Kettle Cafe & Catering

★ 4.4
What makes Copper Kettle stand out from the crowd has to be the owner and chef Joseph D’Angelo. According to D’Angelo, the menu at Copper is ever changing because he cooks what he is craving that day. No more than a hop and skip away from Hartsdale Metro North train station, Copper Kettle Cafe is only closed on Monday and Tuesday. Check out his website to find out what is on the menu at any time or just come on in and enjoy the surprise.

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Radical Rabbit

Is the Vegan in your group craving more than an order of fries at any major chain location? Are you and your friends trying to find something new AND delicious without any animal products used in making? Radical Rabbit in Nashville is a Vegan Soul Food (yes, you read that correctly) restaurant that doesn’t make you choose between vegan food and good old home cooking. Along with delivery available, check out the website to find out where this pop up style restaurant will end up.

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Edley’s BBQ

★ 4.5
Three locations cover Nashville (even one in Chattanooga) Edley’s BBQ is a local franchise that continues to grow and expand. Taking immense pride in just how much of Nashville is compressed into this restaurants overall ambiance, your best bet to get a feel for the city would be at any Edley’s. Daily smoked meats beside fresh made daily side dishes mean that they will serve you until they run out of food, and there’s a lot on each plate. Check their website out to see which location will be closest to you during a visit in the city, they are happy to serve seven days a week!

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Capitol Grille

★ 4.3
Loved by all who walk in and boasting the title of Longest Running Southern Restaurant in the state of Tennessee, Capitol Grille has stayed open from 1909 until today. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner every day of the week, you can find them nestled inside of The Hermitage Hotel. Along with your locally sourced meal, ask for a menu of bourbon options, as Capitol Grille is home to Nashville’s largest selection of bourbons. If you’re looking for beef, this spot boasts the best so stop in to experience a bit of history with your meal.

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Butchertown Hall

★ 4.5
Located in Germantown and only open for dinner (4-10 pm) is not only an upscale meat dispensary, but a beer hall as well. There’s plenty of historic charm inside of Butchertown Hall, even being named one of 15 most beautiful restaurants in America back in 2015 by Eater U.S. When you’re on the hunt to find the most tender ribs imaginable, let Butchertown Hall fire up the smoker for you and ask about an extensive drink menu! You’re bound to learn something about the city while you’re at it.

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Adele’s

★ 4.5
Focusing on seasonal options with ingredients sourced from nearby farms and other local suppliers, Adele’s is a cozy spot that is impressive, to say the least. Along with a menu that is constantly being altered and growing, you can choose from more than 30 types of Whiskey with their drink menu. Comfort food, desserts and liquor varieties combine forces at Adele’s in Nashville every day of the week.

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Honorable Pickup Mention

CaityPies

★ 5.0
When barbecue and baked goods collide, you end up with CaityPies and that’s all you’ll ever need on some days. While this location is more of a “order and pick up” situation, they deserved a spot on this list, being SO Nashville. Featuring a menu full of items whose ideas originated in various parts of the world, CaityPies has been just as much a creative journey as a culinary one. Owners Chris and Caity put their souls into every aspect of this bakery/bbq joint and it shows. Combining outside influence with a passion for the art is what Nashville is all about. So If you’re looking for more than a meal, dive into some local culture and order something for pickup from CaityPies. You can even find their wares in Citizen Market on any day.

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Conclusion

2021 is going to be an unpredictable year, as we all figure out what exactly the new “normal” is going to be moving forward. Rest assured that Nashville Bar Bike will still be here and we are thrilled about it! Hopefully we were able to provide some insight on where to grab a bite as the new year comes in! Though this list does not include every local restaurant around, be sure to poke around the blog and see who has been mentioned in past posts. With all that Nashville has to offer, there’s something new around every corner here on the Nashville Bar Bike Blog. We hope that this list (and the others) help give you some insight into how to make the best out of a trip to Tennessee. Thanks so much for all of your continued support, and don’t forget to give us a like/follow on Facebook or Instagram to see more from our ventures on the Bar Bike!