Top 10 Restaurants – The Gulch

As part of my Nashville Guide, I wanted to start with my home base – the Gulch! If you’re visiting Nashville for the first time (or even the 10th time), this part of the city is a must-see. The Gulch is a cute little area filled with restaurants, shops and bars – and those famous Nashville wings you’ve seen on social media. Everything is within walking distance, which makes exploring so easy! So, if you’re planning on visiting Nashville, definitely put The Gulch on your list. And to help out, here are some restaurant recs!

Let’s start with the most important type of food: Mexican. The Gulch has a few options here and they are definitely worth being on your list.

1. Superica – Tex-mex – Yelp rating 4.5/5 stars
Superica is a relatively new restaurant around here, but has quickly become the new hot spot. Great location, but it’s a little hidden if you don’t know where to look (look behind Patagonia btw). True to Tex-mex, these dishes can be spiceyyyy (it’s that Texas heat). The salsa is delicious and if you order the queso, be prepared. It’s closer to a vat than a bowl, but honestly, there’s no such thing as too much queso. The enchiladas are delicious and the tacos are super tasty. You really can’t go wrong here! Margaritas are good, but beware, service can take a bit when they’re busy. Don’t get discouraged though, just gives you extra time to devour their apps! They even have live music on the patio when the weather is nice!

2. Saint Anejo – Mexican – Yelp rating 4/5 stars
I’ve only been able to eat here once, because damn, is this place packed. Their happy hour is always hopping (I mean, half-priced pitchers…) and I recommend getting there before you’re starving. Otherwise, you’ll be hangry by the time you get seated. Their margs are delicious and I have to say they have the best chips and salsa I’ve had in a while. They also do brunch, which is on my to-do list! A few highlights are: hot chicken tacos, chicken tinga tacos, quesadillas and nachos.

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3. Otaku Ramen – Ramen/Cocktails – Yelp rating 3.5/5 stars
If you’re looking for ramen, this is the spot! I’m not a huge ramen connoisseur, but everyone I know loves this place! I have to say, for a first-time ramen experience, it was pretty delicious. Otaku Ramen has a few locations, but The Gulch has a nice outside seating area for when the weather is nice – definitely recommend checking this one out! Other popular dishes include: hot chicken buns, duck buns, shoyu tonkotsu and of course, the ramen.

4. Emmy Squared – Pizza, Burgers – Yelp rating 4/5 stars
Ok… this has to be one of my favorite places to eat at. They have “Detroit-style” pizza, which growing up, I didn’t realize was thing. Oh, but it is. It’s a little taste of home and damn, is it good. Honestly, can’t go wrong with any of the pizzas here. Also, they’re known for their award-winning burgers. So. Good. Literally everything I’ve tried here is good, including the shredded sprouts salad (which is so unlike me, so you know it’s tasty). This place is tiny though, so I do recommend making a reservation.

5. Stock & Barrel – Burgers/American – Yelp rating 4.5/5 stars
Chicken and waffles burger, duck fat fries, large variety of alcohol…need I say more? If you’re looking for some good, traditional American food, Stock & Barrel is your place! Lots of bourbon and lots of burgers. You can’t go wrong! Great atmosphere and tv’s to catch the game. This place is definitely worth checking out! Some highlights: Ring of Fire, chicken + waffle burger, duck fat fries and fried green tomatoes.

6. City Fire – American/Brunch – Yelp rating 4/5 stars
If you’re doing brunch in The Gulch, do it here (and make a reservation). They offer $12 bottles of Prosecco and have the most divine honey chicken I have every tasted. I mean… I still dream about this chicken. I need to get back here ASAP (anyone want to do brunch? HMU). There’s a lot of other tasty dishes, but seriously, get the honey chicken on anything/everything. A few other delightful dishes are: Nash Vegas french toast, shrimp & crab nachos, shrimp & grits, parmesan chicken salad, bacon cinnamon rolls.

7. Adeles – American/Italian – Yelp review 4/5 stars
Disclaimer – I have not tried Adeles yet, but it’s on my short list. Reviews are a mix between great and average. However, the food looks delicious and the good reviews are so full of detail and passion, it makes me wonder what the hype’s all about. A few dishes reviewers have recommended are: the kale salad, the cauliflower, Jw chicken salsa verde and gnocchi. It looks like on Sundays they have a buffet… which is either interesting or terrifying… I’ll have to find out!

8. Kayne Prime – Steakhouse – Yelp review 4/5 stars
This place is fancyyyy. The kind of place that makes me go full Bridesmaids “Help me, I’m poor” (we’re talking $$$$ here people). Think date night, special occasion, etc. There’s valet parking, which is a nice touch and from what I’ve seen, the food looks amazing. There are also some vegetarian options that reviewers recommend: black kale salad, risotto tater tots (um, yum), and macaroni gratinèe with roasted jalapeños. For the carnivores: Wagu Filet, Thai chili lamb and pork porterhouse. TBH, you’ll probably eat here before I do (#broke). Lmk how it is!

10. The Chef & I – Tapas/American – Yelp review 4.5/5 stars
Another fancy shmancy restaurant – with a 7 course line up?! Make a reservation for this one folks. You can choose to do a tasting menu of 5 or 7 courses or choose one of their entrees. Definitely sounds like a fun night out with some delicious food! The atmosphere is described as small and intimate. If you’re looking for a unique culinary experience, head over to The Chef & I, ASAP!

11. Peg Leg Porker – BBQ – Yelp review 4.5/5 stars
Surprise!! I got a bonus rec for you! You didn’t think I’d forget a BBQ joint did you?! Peg Leg Porker is laid-back and frickin delicious. Go up to the counter and place your order. While you wait, head to the bar where you can grab some of the best local beers. If you’re craving BBQ, Peg Leg will not disappoint. Here are some highlights, but honestly, everything’s good so go with what your heart desires: dry rub ribs, pulled pork sandwich, bbq beans and smoked green beans.

Hungry yet? Would love to know if you’ve been to any of these restaurants and what you thought!

Thanks for reading!

xoxo,
Katelynn Ann