Updated February 2023 by Anne Henley Walker
If you’re up past late and looking for something to eat, skip the drive-thru lines in favor of local fare. These eateries and bars keep their doors open for those heading to a graveyard shift, leaving their late-night post, or searching for something to soak up the effects of a long night. From nachos and pizza to classic burgers and fries, these spots are serving up some of the base late night food in Nashville.
*Listed in alphabetical order. Be sure to keep an eye on the hours, as some of these spots are only open late on the weekends!
Bastion’s “Big Bar”
More Info: bastionnashville.com
Neighborhood: Wedgewood Houston
Half bar, half restaurant, Wedgewood Houston’s Bastion is the perfect place for Nashvillians needing a nightcap. Their spacious, laid-back bar area — known as the “Big Bar” — offers a rotating punch, a classic cocktail of the day, a seasonal cocktail list, and loaded nachos.
Bay 6
More Info: bay6nashville.com
Neighborhood: East Nashville
When you want a specialty cocktail and pretend you are in Portugal, let’s talk Bay 6. With tinned fish plates, hummus, marinated olives, and seasonal olive oil cake, it’s hard to believe you are sitting in a place that used to be a car wash (bay 6 of that carwash to be precise!).
Black Rabbit
More Info: blackrabbittn.com
Neighborhood: Downtown
Tucked away from the adventure that is Broadway, Black Rabbit is a Printer’s Alley eatery and bar. If you visit this spot during the late hours, you are likely to run into locals having just finished their shifts at other restaurants around town. Join them at the bar for a cocktail and rabbit roll. “This is a top seller and will never come off the menu,” Chef Trey Cioccia says of the rabbit roll. “It is the perfect approachable drunk food.”
The Diner
More Info: thediner.com
Neighborhood: Downtown
One of the few spots in town that’s open 24/7, The Diner serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner — no matter the hour. Not only does the menu feature any dish you could be craving, but there are also six floors, each offering something different. The first floor welcomes you to the building with a coffee shop perfect for grab ‘n’ go items, while the sixth floor is often the most lively and gives the best views of downtown.
Dino’s Bar & Grill
More Info: dinosnashville.com
Neighborhood: East Nashville
No one does a late-night burger quite like Dino’s. It is a favorite late-night order that is perfectly greasy and filling when paired with a beer and fries. Let this combo soak up drinks from earlier in the evening and hang around until they close their doors at 3 a.m. As one of the hotter spots in town, there are always other diners and drinkers around to keep you company.
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
More Info: jackbrownsjoint.com
Neighborhoods: Germantown + Edgehill
Jack Brown’s award-winning burger lineup includes a diverse selection of twists on the American classic, such as the “Cobra Kai,” with cream cheese, pickled jalapeños, and jalapeño jelly. The salty-sweet combination will hit the spot after a night on the town.
Joyland
More Info: eatjoyland,com
Neighborhood: East Nashville
Open until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, Joyland is a salute to the nostalgic fast-food joints of the past. Joyland’s burger comes as either a single or a double, with four-ounce patties made from a customized beef blend from Bear Creek Farm. Waffle and curly fries, plus waffle hash browns, are all side options, and we recommend enjoying your burger with a milkshake made with Chef Sean Brock’s own vanilla soft serve.
L.A. Jackson
More Info: lajacksonbar.com
Neighborhood: The Gulch
L.A. Jackson, Thompson Nashville’s indoor/outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant, offers fun vibes, exceptional views, and delicious bites and beverages. We recommend garlic parmesan fries.
M.L.Rose
More Info: mlrose.com
Neighborhoods: Melrose + Sylvan Park + Capitol View
While two of the three locations close at midnight, the original M.L.Rose outpost (on Eighth Avenue South) is open until 1 a.m. End your evening with loaded waffle fries, such as the sweet potato fries topped with pulled pork and Carolina mustard barbecue sauce.
Monell’s
More Info: monellstn.com
Neighborhood: Germantown
If you’re looking for an insider’s secret, this is it! You won’t find it on their website, but Monell’s Germantown stays open each Saturday night until 3 a.m. to serve the midnight country breakfast. The all-you-can-eat breakfast starts at … you guessed it … midnight. Dig into heaping portions of fried chicken and Southern fixings like biscuits, gravy, and pancakes. Beer isn’t sold, so be prepared to trade your PBR for a cold glass of sweet tea.
Mother’s Ruin
More Info: mothersruinnashville.com
Neighborhood: Germantown
An NYC transplant, Mother’s Ruin has become essential to the Germantown scene. Open daily until 2 a.m., this neighborhood hotspot draws a hip crowd looking for great food, cocktails, and loud music. All of their signature cocktails are tasty but don’t miss their slushy of the day, which is especially good alongside an order of fried Oreos.
Prince’s Hot Chicken at Assembly Food Hall
More Info: princeshotchicken.com
Neighborhood: Downtown
For those looking for a little more heat in their chicken, Prince’s Hot Chicken welcomes you until midnight at their Assembly Food Hall location. The heat of the hot chicken is sure to wake you up, whether you are starting or ending your day at midnight.
Robert’s Western World
More Info: robertswesternworld.com
Neighborhood: Downtown
It is no surprise that Robert’s Western World stays open along with the rest of Broadway’s bars, but you might not know that you can order their famous fried bologna sandwich until 1:30 a.m. when the kitchen closes. Kick back with your favorite sandwich, a cold beer, and good country music until they kick you out at 3 a.m.
The Treehouse
More Info: treehousenashville.com
Neighborhood: East Nashville
From 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., The Treehouse serves a special late-night menu that is short but sweet. Items range from a fig and arugula grilled cheese to a wagyu Korean corndog.
Two Boots Nashville
More Info: twoboots.com
Neighborhood: Midtown
Just steps away from Vanderbilt and legendary Music Row, NYC-based pizzeria Two Boots serves pizza until 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Order “The Kitty,” a pizza named for trailblazing country star Kitty Wells. The popular pie is topped with Hattie B’s hot chicken and blue cheese dressing, and it’s served with pickles.
Cheers to late nights!
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