January is a time for new beginnings. But before we enjoy another year of exciting new restaurant openings here in Nashville, a retrospective is in order. Our tough year of closings got even tougher toward the end of 2024 as we bid farewell (or are about to) to a slew of local favorites. Here’s an updated list of this year’s restaurant closures in Nashville.
*Listed in alphabetical order
Burger & Grain
Neighborhood: The Nations
Open for: 1 year
The Nations was particularly hard hit on the restaurant front this year, Burger & Grain included. Located in the Stocking 51 development and surrounded by everything from Jeni’s Ice Cream to e|spaces, we thought we’d be able to snag the memorable fried artichoke hearts for years to come. Rumors abound regarding its closing, but one thing is for sure: we have a certain SB team member who’s now on the hunt for his next favorite French dip. (Spoiler alert: it’s Jay Graves!)
Castrillo’s Pizza
Neighborhood: East Nashville
Open for: 23 years
Inglewood staple Castrillo’s was forced out of its lease, and the owners are currently seeking a new location. But important questions remain, such as “When?” and “Where?” For now, we’re playing the waiting game and already missing the pizzas, calzones, sandwiches, and easy takeout. Oh, and we’re keeping an eye on their Instagram page in case of a future reopening!
The Chef & I
Neighborhood: Midtown
Open for: 17+ years
It moved around a bit, but fans of The Chef & I followed it like the Pied Piper. From chef’s tastings to culinary classes, this restaurant has been making waves in the local restaurant scene for nearly two decades. Helmed by husband-and-wife duo Chris and Erica Rains, the restaurant started out as a catering service and opened its first location in Nolensville. It later moved to The Gulch, with a final stint in Midtown. You can still make reservations through December 31!
Czann’s Brewing Co.
Neighborhood: The Nations
Open for: 4 years (in this location)
A beloved neighborhood spot, Czann’s was a go-to for craft beer lovers throughout Nashville — and like many of its Nations counterparts, it closed just before the holiday season. In this case, it was due to owner Ken Rebman’s retirement. Serving a small menu of bites like buffalo wings, thin-crust pizzas, and Daddy Bob’s pimento cheese, the bar was a place for community gatherings, trivia nights, and, of course, sipping tasty beer.
Double Dogs
Neighborhood: Sylvan Heights
Open for: 8 years
Double Dogs on Charlotte Avenue, a neighborhood favorite for game days and happy hours, closed its doors in the summer of 2024 after eight years in Sylvan Heights. Luckily for fans of the dog-friendly eatery, the second location in Hillsboro Village is still open for business!
Emery Wood Fired
Neighborhood: 12 South
Open for: 2.5 years
The rapid growth of 12 South has brought a wide variety of new restaurants and retail to the now-iconic neighborhood. In February, upscale pizza spot Emery Wood Fired closed its doors and has since been replaced by Nashville Street Taco. Perhaps coincidentally, Nashville Street Taco is now one of three Mexican-inspired joints to open in 12 South this year — it’s just a stone’s throw from Fonda and the recently opened Mesero.
FGL House
Neighborhood: Downtown
Open for: 7 years
This Downtown spot was one of the earlier members of the “country artists-turned-restaurateurs” club. Started by Florida Georgia Line duo Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley in June 2017, it served Southern dishes to the throngs of tourists strolling Broadway in search of cocktails, live music, and stories to bring home. The space is now home to another country artist’s restaurant endeavors — Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up.
Hathorne
Neighborhood: Sylvan Heights
Open for: 6 years
Our hearts sank when we heard the news that Hathorne was closing. A beloved Charlotte Avenue spot for casually elegant dining, our StyleBlueprint team spent some serious time within those four walls. (We even did a “What to Wear” photo shoot there in 2020!) We will miss owner John Stephenson’s smiling face and delicious food — especially the chicken schnitzel, fried goat cheese, and perfectly crispy potato fries. Oh, and the fantastic happy hour! And the brunch. Dang it, we just miss it all.
Hero Doughnuts & Buns
Neighborhood: Sylvan Heights
Open: 1 year
Birmingham, Alabama-based Hero Doughnuts & Buns had a short-lived residency on Charlotte Avenue, closing its doors on August 26 after only one year. But worry not — you can still get your fix of doughnuts, kolaches, and burgers at Hero’s Wedgewood-Houston outpost on 4th Avenue South.
The Library Café
Neighborhood: Germantown
Open for: less than 1 year
This might be the most short-lived spot on our list, given that it shut down in under a year. We don’t know the whole story, so we’ll stick to the facts: it opened in December of 2023, offered a menu of coffee, tea, and pastries, and gave us an opportunity to read books to our heart’s content in a cozy atmosphere. Then, it promptly shut down without warning. If you love the concept but want a little wine to accompany your Thoreau, here are a few cozy places in the South where you can browse books while you sip.
Lou
Neighborhood: Riverside Village
Open: 5 years
We were shocked by the announcement that East Nashville eatery Lou would be offering its final dining reservations on September 14. Within hours, all remaining reservations on the website were just about booked solid. Lou, with its rotating menu of seasonally-inspired dishes and outstanding natural wine program, was a favorite for all-day dining since its opening in 2019, and it is sorely missed.
Lucky Bamboo China Bistro
Neighborhood: Charlotte Pike
Open for: 14 years
Alas, the dim sum scene is officially … well … dim. After fourteen years in business, Lucky Bamboo has shuttered. From the bamboo wainscotting to the full menu of authentic Chinese dishes, we will miss this staple of the in the Charlotte K&S strip. Owners Joyce and Jack are allegedly searching for a new locale in the Charlotte area, so we will keep our eyes open.
MAFIAoZA’s
Neighborhood: 12 South
Open for: 21 years
One of the longest-lasting restaurants in the 12 South neighborhood transformation, MAFIAoZA’s is no longer serving up pizza pies to the locals — or the tourists, for that matter. Another post-pandemic casualty, the eatery was hard-hit by all of the changes in the service industry, such as higher product prices and tough-to-find staff. Farewell, ravioli cheese sticks and Teamster Pizza.
McCabe Pub
Neighborhood: Sylvan Park
Open for: 41 years
This one hurt. After 41 years in Sylvan Park, McCabe Pub shuttered last January. Known for its burgers and casseroles (and so much more), the family-owned spot was a community go-to. Started by Jo and John Dean in 1982, the next generation of Deans eventually helmed the restaurant — sisters Stefanie Dean Brown and Katie Dean Egbert. We’ll miss the homey atmosphere, the hospitality, and the annual crawfish boil!
Otaku Ramen
Neighborhood: East Nashville
Open for: 16 months
Chef Sarah Gavigan decided to close the doors on her East Nashville location, formerly located in the Highland Yards complex. Located alongside Kisser and Holiday Salon + Bathhouse, it was only open for just over a year. But fear not. If you have a hankering for that perfect umami in a bowl, you can make your way to one of her other Otaku Ramen locations in Nashville — in The Gulch, Sylvan Supply, and The Factory at Franklin.
Party Fowl: Cool Springs
Neighborhood: Cool Springs
Open for: 4 years
Party Fowl’s Cool Springs branch is officially closed. Of course, there are still plenty of other locations in Nashville where you can score Party Fowl’s burgers, wings, and the ever-popular “Brunch-for-Two” bloody Mary, including Donelson, Downtown, and even BNA Airport.
Portland Brew: 12 South
Neighborhood: 12 South
Open for: 25 years
Nashville isn’t desperate for coffee shops; there are plenty. But Portland Brew was undoubtedly a neighborhood staple. Open for 25 years, it saw the transition of 12 South from a quiet street to a bustling destination for shoppers; it weathered many a storm. And while we’re happy we can still camp out at its sister cafe on the East side, we’re pining for the good old days of nibbling on an omelet, sipping a latte, and watching local musicians filter in for meetings.
Rock’n Dough Pizza & Brewery: The Nations
Neighborhood: The Nations
Open for: 4.5 years
Rock’n Dough was a fun spot in The Nations for pizza, beer, and great salads. We were especially fond of Trivia Night! But before we mourn too deeply, we should probably mention the restaurant’s other locations. The eatery still offers a spot on Dickerson Pike, and you can anticipate a location soon in Gallatin, too.
Rolled 4 Ever
Neighborhood: Germantown
Open for: 4 years
Sandwiched between Little Hats Italian Market and Waldo’s Chicken & Beer, Rolled 4 Ever has been a fun destination for sunny afternoons, weekend excursions, and any other time the sweet tooth struck. Germantown may be saying goodbye to this summer hotspot, but you can still find the tasty treats when the craving hits — The Rolled 4 Ever Roll Bus is still touring the town!
Scout’s Pub: Midtown
Neighborhood: Midtown
Open for: 1.5 years
Scout’s Pub Midtown launched in September 2022, and while it was only open for a short time, it made an impact. The rather eclectic menu featured everything from sandwiches and pizza to Coconut Chicken Curry to a veggie lasagna. And, of course, the cocktails and draft beer flowed. While the Midtown pub may have closed in April, you can still score all those menu items at the original Scout’s location in Franklin.
Sinema
Neighborhood: Melrose/Berry Hill
Open for: 10 years
Sinema was a staple on 8th Avenue South before the neighborhood launched its major expansion efforts, leading to oodles of condos and new businesses. Making its debut in June 2014, the moody, cinematic-themed restaurant opened in the former Loews Melrose Theater space. It featured a menu of elevated favorites, such as a charcuterie board, wedge salad, and New York strip steak.
Tánsuŏ
Neighborhood: The Gulch
Open for: 7 years
Famed Chef Maneet Chauhan’s Tánsuŏ closed its doors in January. Open since 2017, the Chinese restaurant offered a cozy modern interior with peacock blue seating and a menu filled with Asian-inspired classics like Peking duck, wok-seared fish, and General Tso’s Chicken. Unfortunately, the restaurant never fully recovered after the pandemic, prompting the building owners not to renew Tánsuŏ’s lease.
Vui’s Kitchen: Nolensville
Neighborhood: Nolensville
Open for: 1 year
We’ll take any excuse to enjoy Vui’s Kitchen’s fresh, fast-casual Vietnamese fare, so we’re sad to see the Nolensville location go. The restaurant’s fifth location was only open for just over a year. Thankfully, we can snag our favorite dishes — from grilled sticky wings and bao buns to pho and noodle bowls — at other Vui’s locales, including East Nashville (in Hunter’s Station), Berry Hill, Gallatin, and Franklin.
The Well Coffeehouse Roaster Cafe
Neighborhood: Linbar Road
Open for: 12 years
Though The Well Coffeehouse is growing its production, it is closing shop on its roastery near Antioch. The nonprofit-based organization is continuing its philanthropic efforts, and you can still purchase coffee beans from the Linbar Road location. You can also visit the organization’s coffee shops in Brentwood, Bellevue, and Green Hills.
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