Hanging Out On The East Side: Riverside Village

Where McGavock Pike and Riverside Drive meet, Riverside Village can be found. There are may ways to arrive at the utopia of local business ventures that are housed in this north East Nashville neighborhood, but here are our directions: take a right where Gallatin Pike meets McGavock Pike, continue over the railroad tracks and you will stumble upon this welcoming community. In this little pocket neighborhood, you will find two bustling blocks filled with Nashvillians, restaurants, shops and street art. Below are eight reasons to get out, explore and try a taste of some Nashville favorites, which just so happen to all be conveniently nestled together!

1. See the street art

First and foremost we are Music City, but beyond the music you can find various art forms anywhere you turn in Nashville. Two murals on McGavock Pike are prime examples of this. Tim Kerr, an Austin-based artist, displayed his artistic abilities alongside the building that houses Fond Object. Just across this street, next to M and M Furniture, lives another display of street art that embodies the colorful spirt of food, culture, art and tradition that defines Nashville, painted by Andee Rudloff. Stroll the short blocks of Riverside Village’s neighborhood and be inspired by the art found in this small radius.

Today’s featured image is the Riverside Village Community Mural next to M and M Furniture. Watch this video to see how to community pitched in to help artist Andee Rudloff complete the project!

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2. Discover records and vintage finds

Fond Object holds more fun finds than one could ever dream of. In fact, it is the only place in Nashville, maybe in the world, that houses records, vintage clothes and gifts, books and magazines, furniture, jewelry, and is a music venue and a petty zoo — all under one roof. We could all spend hours getting lost in everything this emporium has to offer. Embrace your inner hipster and explore this treasure chest. Don’t forget to stop by for their concerts, which are held out back.

3. Sip local brews and nosh on pretzels

Village Pub and Beer Garden does two things perfectly: local and regional beers and pretzels. The rotation of draught and bottled Southern beer ensures there is always a new beer on the menu for you to try! This pub, housed in a 1940’s bungalow, exudes Southern charm and the comfort of a neighborhood watering hole. You can find us holding court on the wrap around porch, sipping brews from our favorite breweries, such as Jackalope, Fat Bottom and Good People, and chowing down on the Giant Soft Pretzel with Yazoo beer cheese dip.

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4. See why this is Nashville’s favorite sandwich shop

Since the doors opened in 2008, it became clear that Mitchell Delicatessen was a business run with passion and a commitment to the neighborhood. With fresh, local ingredients and friendly vibes, this sandwich shop won the hearts of Nashvillians who live on both sides of the river. Order your favorite sandwich for breakfast, lunch or dinner, get the Mitchell’s team to cater your next get together or pop in to pick up cheeses, breads, eggs or veggies. We fall asleep dreaming of the Turkey Avocado and Bacon and the classic Pastrami and Swiss sandwiches. (We wrote about this great deli in its earlier days of business — read more here.)

5. Caffeine Buzzes and Sugar Highs

With offices on the west side of town, StyleBlueprint’s staff has become regular patrons at Dose Coffee and Tea’s origional location on Murphy Road. Their coffee, teas and baked goods (include a delicious selection of gluten free goods) and Bagel Face Bakery bagels keeps us coming back time, and time again. For these reasons, we were thrilled to hear their announcement of a second location in Riverside Village. Outfitted with tables for drinking and dining, Dose Riverside has ample space to house costumes stopping in for coffee, pastries and even beer and wine. Pay them a visit and welcome them to the neighborhood (find them in Wantanabe Sushi’s old space).

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6. Some of the best pizza in town

Catrillo’s dough gets people in the door and the mouthwatering sauce and generous toppings make them never want to leave. We were thrilled when Castrillo’s opened a second location Sylvan Park (on the corner of 35th and Park Avenue) but sometimes you just can’t abandon the original. Tucked back in the corner of Riverside Village, Castrillo’s has been whipping up pies that are available for pickup or delivery for 15 years. If pizza just isn’t your thing, we might call you crazy, but opt for an order of the baked wings.

7. Coke for 50¢

Riverside Village Pharmacy is a independently-owned, full-service compounding drug store with everything you need! They sell practical goods, such as Thistle Farms’ Bug Free Natural Insect Repellent, all-natural deodorants, allergies relief and Advil. Additionally,we love their throwback prices for Coca-Cola! Pop in today to meet the friendliest staff at this one-stop shop and sip on a low-price cola.

8. Meat and veggies served with a side of love

Bailey & Cato is the number one place to get your fixin’ of soul food. This mouth-watering home cooking will fill your belly and boost your mood. With a menu filled with ribs, meat-and-three dishes, catfish, mac and cheese, southern sides and sweets, you will leave feeling fat and happy Be sure to order the daily special, extra cornbread and keep the sweet tea flowing!

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So, if you haven’t been to this two blocks of local happiness, make a point to go, and go hungry! And if you have been, here are eight reasons to go back!

Discover more East Nashville favorites through our SB Guide and SB APP!