Grab a Drink @ no. 308 - nashville bar review

I'd like to start featuring a few of my favorite places to grab a drink in town here on Experience Nashville, because, let's be honest—what better way to end a stressful day than to kick back with your friends and enjoy a great drink in a cool atmosphere?  You can absolutely achieve that at no. 308, a bar I would describe as trendy but definitely not pretentious, located in East Nashville. Vintage furniture, great booths/plenty of seating, and dim lighting all add to the sweet almost old-school vibe here.

So, the great atmosphere, friendly and attentive staff (they may or may know my 'usual' drink of rum & cola when I walk in.. it's whatever, really), a crazy assortment of cocktails, a tasty selection of snacks, and board games (yes.. we're talking Jenga) all add to the great experience you're sure to have if you stop by this neighborhood fav.

Couple of things to point out:

• They make their own cola and sodas.  So, literally, the rum & cola is like nothing you've ever had, and will change your life for the better.  Count on it.
• They have an awesome happy hour, which includes a 1/2 price cocktail list.  So you can have that delicious rum & cola for only a few bucks.
• Happy hour on Monday runs til 10:00 PM, and 8:00PM every other evening
• Trashy Tuesday: $5 for 2 sliders and a Miller Highlife.  Both hilarious and delicious.
• Astroturf front patio; enough said.

no. 308

407 Gallatin Pike

Nashville, TN 37206

Enjoy the Sunshine! My Favorite Patios in Nashville

It's the PERFECT time of year to wine and dine al fresco in Nashville—and who doesn't like to wind down with friends, have a beverage, enjoy some great eats, and of course people watch out on the patio of a fantastic local restaurant.  There is just something about dining outdoors that is like no other, and if you're like me, it's one of my favorite perks of the warmer weather!  So, without further delay, here are Experience Nashville's Top Patio Dining Destinations in Nashville:

Bella Napoli

Gosh, the patio here is one of the best in town—you literally feel like you are dining in a quaint little neighborhood alley in Italy.  Every Wednesday through Saturday, there is live music starting at 7PM, adding so much to the overall experience. Don't miss out on the Margherita pizza, and be sure pair it with a cool Stella Artois or glass of Sangria.  The perfect summer combo!

Check out my full review of Bella Napoli here.

http://www.bellanapolipizzeria.com/index.php?pg=home


Jackson's Bar and Bistro

Another fav, and this is one not to be missed!  The eclectic, cool crowd in Hillsboro Village ads to the already great vibe of Jackson's patio.  An awesome drink and beer selection, along with plenty of delicious menu selections = a fun night out on the town.  Don't miss the Beer Cheese Dip, Buffalo Feathers, Chicken Salad Torrado, Croque Monsieur, and lest not forget the Cookie Dough Eggrolls (to. die. for.).  They are also carrying a Jackelope seasonal on tap that you would be doing yourself a disservice if you did not try!

Check out my full review of Jackson's here.

http://jacksonsbarandbistro.com/nashville/


PM

Asian inspired cuisine and a hoppin' patio?  Sign me up!  An eclectic mix of apps, sushi, and sandwiches accompanied with a plethora of cocktails and beers round up PM's ever-changing seasonal menu.  Love the Belmont area of town, consistently decent service, and good food here.

http://www.pmnashville.com/

Rosepepper


Possibly the most frequented patio of the list in my own personal life (possibly because it is the closest to my house...among other things), Rosepepper offers an experience that should not be missed.  There is something about the best margarita in town, freaking awesome cheese dip, and the funky/fun atomsphere of East Nashville that make this the ultimate patio destination.  Don't miss the Fresh Lime Margarita (their version of the "Skinny"— it's incredible), Cheese Dip (They serve it with taco salad bowl chips. I know, stop it.), and I'm a huge fan of the ever cliche Chicken Quesedilla and Chimichangas.

http://www.rosepepper.com/

The Pharmacy


You've heard the buzz about the Pharmacy, now, do yourself a favor and go try it!  Their patio (affectionately known as the Bier Garten) is HUGE, the food is cheap and tasty, beer selection is awesome, and the overall vibe is very, very cool.  The attention to every little detail at the Pharmacy truly completes the experience.  Don't miss the turkey burgers (available as an option on all the versions of their burgers), sweet potato fries, an eclectic beer, and an authentic soda from the soda fountain.


https://twitter.com/thepharmacy1


The Local Taco


I am in love with this place.  Pitchers of Sangria, Korean BBQ tacos (my favorite taco, ever.), and chips and salsa make for a mighty fine night on the patio!  Located in Sylvan Park, this restaurant is a hidden little gem tucked just outside of downtown Nashville.  Be sure to check out their fun cocktail list as well.

http://www.thelocaltaco.com/

The Silly Goose - Nashville restaurant review

Ahhh.. The Silly Goose, my latest Nashville obsession.  Seriously, I cannot get enough of this restaurant.  The first time I went back in Summer 2011, I wasn't so sure what to think about it.  I had heard all the buzz about how good it was, but, as one who scours the web for reviews and researches menus before I go.. I was weary.  Simply because my small town palette wasn't so sure what to make of all the interesting food combinations, and not to mention couscous.. I had never had it before!  Still yet, the buzz outweighed my weariness and I met a friend there for lunch.  Let's just say it was one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life.  And my life is pretty damn awesome.

Words can't really describe the unbelievable cuisine The Silly Goose offers.  I have been many, many times, and tried several of their options: from the salads, to sandwiches, appetizers, to the full entrees served at dinner.  There has not been one item I've had and walked way being the LEAST bit disappointed.  Here are some of my favorites from the current menu:

My Favorite App

Flower Shop 

Roasted mushrooms, black pepper mascarpone, artichokes,
walnut pesto, mustard pinot noir emulsion

  

Are you kidding me?  I don't even know what emulsion is, but it is amazing! 

My Favorite Sandwich

The Bird   

Grilled chicken breast, sun-dried tomato, avocado, bacon,
peppered goat cheese on wholegrain bread

The flavors are all SO explosive in this one.  I'm craving one right now, in fact.

My Favorite Salad

Stevie Boy 

Pears, red grapes, bacon, candied walnuts, dry cherries, apples, basil buttermilk dressing

I can't even handle all the flavors.  So.  Good.

Don't even think about leaving before you try the Rosemary Lemonade.  I know, the combo sounds maybe a little odd to you.. but you will have cravings for it after you leave.  It is SO delicious!

All of this, combined with the fact that I've had nothing but consistently excellent service, and NO corking fee for your booze, makes The Silly Goose a contender for one of my top five favorite restaurants in all of Nashville (Bold. I know. But I stand by it.).  Perfect for a casual dinner, a date night with your significant other, lunch with the fam.. There's something for everybody at the Goose.

Just one caution: Come expecting a wait.  The space is pretty small, and there is quite a demand to eat here!  But, there's plenty of room to stretch out next door at Ugly Mugs while you wait.  Weeknights are obviously going to be a little slower than weekends, and reservations can be made for parties of 6 or more.

The Silly Goose

1888 Eastland Avenue  Nashville, TN 37206

(615)-915-0757

Closed Mondays

Tues - Thursday  

11 am - 9 pm

Fri - Sat
11 am - 10 pm

The Family Wash — Nashville restaurant review

A couple of weeks ago I decided to check out an East Nashville favorite for the first time:  The Family Wash.  I had driven by it several times, heard several great things about it, but for some reason had never made my way in.  Ridiculous, I know.  After a last minute decision to grab a bite, coupled with the fact that there was no wait for seating (I was starving), proved to be a great decision.  First of all, we had an awesome server (Stephanie—if she's there, ask for her, she was fab); Second, an impressive beer selection immediately caught my attention.  I asked our server for her food recommendation since I was a first timer, and she suggested the Shepherds Pie: A GREAT choice, it was delicious.  We also opted the spinach and artichoke dip as an app, which was quite tasty as well.  Rumor on the street is that their mac and cheese is pretty much to die for, but we didn't opt to add more calories this time around. Next time.

So, like I mentioned, the beer selection was impressive.  Several local brews on tap, along with seasonal selections from around the US.  I opted for the Jackelope Red Ale, and it did not disappoint.  In fact, it was really, really good.  If you've not tried Jackelope yet, do yourself a favor and make a visit to their taproom... I have yet to have any of their beers fail me.

After the first beer was served and food was on the table, the night continued to get even better with the addition of live music.  We are so lucky to have such talent in Nashville playing at joints like the Family Wash, and, they have live music every single night they are open.  Pretty awesome.

Don't wait as long as I did to check this place out—you'll be glad you paid them a visit!

A couple of items to note:

• Tuesday is Pint & Pie night: A draft beer and Shepherd's Pie for $10 (Normally the pie itself is $11)
• Thursday is $3.75 Draft Night 
• They are closed Sunday and Monday

The Family Wash

2038 Greenwood Ave. 
Nashville, TN 37206
615-226-6070
Hours: Tues-Saturday, 6pm-Midnight

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Mauricio's

This past weekend I went on a little excursion to visit some of my great friends out in Jamestown, TN, and along the way we decided to stop for dinner in Cookeville at a quaint little place called Mauricio's.  I realize this isn't quite Nashville but loved it so much I felt the need to blog about it!  Tucked away on a side street in a residential section of Cookeville, Mauricio's is an Italian restaurant located in a 1910 Victorian house.  You definitely can't beat the atmosphere- very quaint, very romantic, yet very relaxed and low-key.   

The menu offers great selections from pastas to fish.  I went with the Proscuitto and Peas, which was absolutely fabulous.   Friends of mine ordered Chicken Parm, Chicken Mauricio, Spaghetti with Meatballs - there were no complaints, everyone loved theirs as well.   All entrees are served with a wonderful house salad and bread.  Prices range from 12-20+ and portions are enormous- you will definitely not leave hungry.

Service was key at Mauricio's as well.  We were greeted by the owner and were served by a very attentive wait-staff.

If you're looking for an out-of-the-box idea for a wonderful dinner, I would highly recommend making the trip to Cookeville to check out Mauricio's!


Hours:
Thurs & Fri 11am-2pm
Tues - Sat 4pm-9pm
Telephone: 931.528.2456

http://www.mauricioscookeville.com
 

Yazoo Brewery

If you haven't had the pleasure of touring the lovely local Yazoo Brewery in Nashville, do yourself a favor and do so this Saturday.  Just a few blocks away from the hustle of the trendy Gulch area sits what in my opinion is one of Nashville's greatest local treasures.  You may have sampled some of their brews at one of the fine establishments previously mentioned on this blog (Jackson's, Sportsman's Lodge, etc.) but nothing can compare to the fresh taste straight from the brewery itself.  Start the tour off in the tap room, where bargain priced flights and pints are available while you wait.  There is also a great little patio area for those warm spring afternoons we are *hopefully* about to regularly experience.  The tour is only $6, which includes a fabulous tour guide, SEVERAL samples, and a nice pint-sized souvenir Yazoo glass.  After the tour you can even grab a refillable growler of beer to go (and after all the tasting you'll do, trust me, you'll definitely want one).

The tour lasts about 30-45 minutes, and you'll learn the brief but interesting history on Nashville's very own brewery.  Great beer + cheap + interesting info on a local company = great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.  Be sure to arrive early or buy your tickets online (tours are offered tours every Saturday at 2:30, 3:30, 4:30, 5:30, and 6:30) as they fill up QUICKLY!

One last note, good news for you Gerst beer drinkers (like myself... formerly served only at Gerst Haus, Sportsman's Grill and Lodge) - Yazoo has brought the brewing of it back to Nashville!  Check out the Tennessean article here.

Drink and be merry!  Happy Spring ya'll!