Nashville Gluten Free Guide

GF Pastries from The Post East image: The Post East

Guest post via Allison Buzard

As someone who lives with Celiac Disease, who considers herself a foodie (or at least a gluten-free version of one) and who does a fair amount of traveling, I know, too well the cocktail of fear and research that goes into a well-curated, safe, and delicious gluten free-trip. I love to explore my own city’s food scene, and have a few safe, tried and true eateries that treat my immune system right. I research food blogs every time I travel, so for anyone traveling to Nashville with gluten-free needs or for my fellow gluten-intolerant-Nashvillians, this one’s for you!

Disclaimer, I know that symptoms of Celiac Disease and the effects of cross contamination affect everyone differently. I wouldn’t wish a glutening on my worst enemy, so know that I wouldn’t steer you wrong. These suggestions are just from one gluten-free body’s response. Proceed at your own risk!

A Night Out in Quintessential Nashville: Dinner, Drinks, and the Grand Ole Opry

Whether you're a local and haven't been out to what one might call the old-school destinations in awhile, or, you're visiting for the first time -- I wanted to create an evening itinerary of some of my favorite (pre-"New Nashville") spots for an ideal night out on the town.

M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers - One of my favorite places to grab a drink and bite in Nashville

Looking for a little bar action to partake in? A must-try and FAVE of mine is none other than the M.L. Rose (formally Melrose Pub). Being that I’m in my late twenties (I’m holding on ya’ll.. I turn 30 next week), my take on what I’m looking for from the bar world now is a bit different than when I was say, 21, and ML Rose perfectly encompasses what my friends and I enjoy most at our age: Lower-key atmosphere, has pretty people watching (don’t lie, you like this too), a great patio, offers a good drink spesh or two, an awesome beer/drink selection, and of course, great service and food.

Picture courtesy of ml-rose.com

Let’s break the deets down a bit further for your information:

Low Key: There will always be a steady stream of people here unless you go during the day when it tends to be a bit slower. If you're not in to bigger crowds, avoid the 2-4-1 nights where it tends to get a little crowded. Also, I've never witnessed a rowdy crowd here.

Pretty People Watching: Yep I said it. There are some good looking folk frequenting this local hot spot.

Great Patio: I love there is great outdoor patio space at both locations—even has a few fun games to get in to.

Drink Specials: 2-4-1 Thursday on 8^th/ Wednesday on Charlotte. Happy hour M-F which includes $1 off liquor, wine, beers and apps. You can see all the specifics here.

Beer/Drinks: Fabulous craft beer selection that rotates seasonally, and they offer one of the best drinks in town: the Bushwacker, basically a Wendy's frosty for adults. 

Good Service/Food: The burgers are fab, and I love the nachos and BBQ wings too (BBQ wings are no longer on the menu, but you can still get them). Don’t miss out on the waffle fries, sweet potato waffle fries, and the BEST RANCH DRESSING EVER. Trust. I've also consistently received great service, which is an absolute must!

M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers
2535 Franklin Pike (8th Ave)
Nashville, TN 37204

4408 Charlotte Ave
Nashville, TN 37209

Favorite Patios in Nashville... Post #2

Piggybacking on my first favorite patios in Nashville post, here is round two. With all of this gorgeous weather, I for one will be spending as much time outside as possible!

3 Crow Bar

You can't go wrong at 5 Points on the East side when it warms up.  Not personally a fan of smoking in bars, patio time gives you the chance to hang with the hipster crowd at 3 Crow. Great beer selection, a decent burger, and home to one of my favorite summertime drinks EVER - the Bushwacker (think the alcoholic version of a Wendy's Frosty). And 3 Crow has, in my opinion one of the best in town. Don't miss 2-fer-1s on Wednesday night and pretty much all day Sunday.

http://3crowbar.com/

Red Door - East and Midtown

A fun hangout on both sides of town, Red Door is a local hot spot both featuring fabulous patios. A bit of a different vibe at each, but both fun spots to throw back a drink or two (and if you think you can hang with a pro, play me at a game of Shuffleboard at the Midtown locale). I'm a fan of their beer selection and infused pineapple vodka.

http://www.thereddoorsaloon.com/

Village Pub

Soft pretzels with beer cheese and Moscow Mules (the BEST summertime drink ever): My staples at Village Pub at Riverside Village in East Nashville. With possibly one of the friendliest and most courteous bar staff in Nashville and the laid back, smoke-free atmosphere-- these are the reasons you will find me hanging out at this joint year round.

http://www.riversidevillagepub.com/

Edleys BBQ - 12s and East Nashville

I LOVE some good BBQ and Edley's has some of the best in town that you shouldn't miss! They have a great drink selection (Bushwackers and fun, inventive cocktails), and of course a wonderful patio. Plus, they are about to open their East Nashville location in the next couple of weeks (YAY!). Can't miss menu items are their wings and BBQ Nachos.

http://edleysbbq.com/

ML Rose - 8th Ave and West Nashville

Oh ML Rose.. You are so dear to my heart! One of my favorite places to grab a drink in all of Nashville, they feature a ton of local craft beers, a great burger (Mushroom & Swiss is my favorite), waffle fries, and THE BEST RANCH DRESSING EVER! West Nashville has 2-for-1s all night on Wednesday, and 8th Ave on Thursday. If you like to people watch the good looking crowd, ML Rose will be right up your alley.

http://ml-rose.com/

Rumors East

This place is just absolutely charming. Located in a renovated Victorian home on Woodland Street, Rumors East can't be beat when it comes to atmosphere. Wine is their forte but also have a wonderful cocktail selection. Happy hour is 5-7 daily and they have 1/2 of bottles on Sunday night with the purchase of an entree. Their patio is so fab and they often have live music in the warmer months. You need to experience why they are consistently voted Best Patio in Nashville by the Scene!

http://rumourseast.com/

The Oak Bar at the Hermitage Hotel

Last night's trip to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center was accompanied by a new tradition for me which involves a pre-(or post.. or both) show cocktail at one of my absolute favorite bars in town, The Oak Bar.  If you are looking for a swankier place to unwind, where one can actually hear a conversation, while kicking back and relaxing with a wonderful cocktail or glass of wine- a stop into the Oak Bar is a must!  Inside of the most beautiful building in town (seriously ya'll.. The lobby of the Hermitage Hotel is a site that cannot be missed), and not to mention Nashville's only 5 star hotel, is one of my favorite places to do just that.

Great food, wonderful drink and wine list, a comfortable yet gorgeous atmosphere, and fabulous service are just the icing on the cake.  Here are a couple of items that you cannot miss:

• The Tennessee Stack.  The Oak Bar and Capitol Grill use vegetables they harvest and beef raised on a farm near the hotel itself.  Not only is this one of the freshest, most delicious burgers in town, it is made with ingredients from just down the street.  I LOVE supporting businesses that support local businesses.  
• Fried Pickles.  Not exactly the healthiest option.. But, I feel this tasty snack is one that especially visitors to Nashville HAVE to indulge in.
• Fried Green Tomatoes.  See: Description for Fried Pickles.
• Jack's Mule.  I can't express to you how much I love this drink.  Served in an ice cold copper mug with Jack, Spicy Ginger Beer, and Lime.  Simple, refreshing, and delicious!
• The Men's Restroom.  Voted "Best Restroom" in the US in 2008- This beautiful art-deco style room is definitely the prettiest bathroom I've set foot in.  Ladies, if you ask, you are allowed to peek in too.
• Happy Hour from 4:30-6:30.  Drink specials and select apps 1/2 off.

So, if you're heading to a show at TPAC, War Memorial, or just looking for an excuse to have a drink at a nice place in Nashville, the Oak Bar is a stop that you must make!

Oak Bar

231 6th Ave N

Nashville, TN 

(615) 244-3121

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/

Virago

One of the finest places to grab sushi in the city + a patio with a fabulous view of downtown Nashville = Virago.  You can't beat the ambiance of this place, along with its level of quality in the food, drinks, and service.  If you're looking for a place to impress a date or out-of-towner, this is the one of my "can't miss" suggestions.  I took my sister and friends last year when they visited, and she hasn't stopped talking about it since (and it wasn't just the post-Steeplechase munchies)!  Don't miss the V2 edameme, crispy firecrunch roll, stoned steak, and any of their cocktails!

http://mstreetnashville.com/

Check out my Favorite Patios Part 2 post here!