Berry Hill, Tennessee, one of Nashville’s separately incorporated cities, is home to dozens of eateries, shops and places to explore, yet spans less than one square mile. Extending from Eighth Avenue at Bradford Avenue down to Thompson Lane just before Kraft Drive, the small perimeter encapsulates some of Nashville’s longtime favorite spots, as well as a few new ones you should know about. And, for good measure, we’ve included can’t-miss places just outside the Berry Hill limits to visit while you’re there.
A Berry Hill Neighborhood Guide
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Truth be told, to experience all of these delicious options in Berry Hill, it’s going to take more than one day, but we’ve rounded up a hearty list of options. Start your day over the griddle at The Pfunky Griddle on Bransford Avenue. Known for its tableside, make-it-yourself fun, guests can make pancakes with your favorite mix-ins or the perfect buttery grilled cheese on the skillets at the table. If you prefer your breakfast already prepared, stop into Sam & Zoe’s for a wide variety of espresso drinks, healthy sandwiches, salads and more. Try the peanut butter wrap with granola, honey and banana for a delicious start to the day! One of Nashville’s six I Love Juice Bar locations is right across the street from Sam & Zoe’s if you find you’re in need of some green juice or a ginger shot. And if it’s Southern comfort favorites you want, Cafe Monell’s is your best bet. The “Southern alternative to fast food” serves its food cafeteria-style, and whether you dine in or take out, Styrofoam to-go boxes are the M.O. (And let’s face it, you want those leftovers either way!) Breakfast includes all of the standards you’d expect, and lunch and dinner menus are listed by the day on their website. A hidden gem, the Nashville Jam Café serves breakfast and lunch in the heart of Berry Hill. The fried green tomato wrap with bacon, scrambled eggs and pimento cheese in a whole wheat tortilla is a menu standout.
For such a small section of town, Berry Hill offers a wide range of options for lunch and dinner. A Nashville staple, Baja Burrito serves crave-worthy tacos and burritos. The line moves fast, so stay on your toes (and don’t miss the salsa bar at the end!). If you’re looking for the convenience of speed but the satisfaction of eating local, pull on up to Hugh-Baby’s. One of Berry Hill’s newest additions, the BBQ & burger shop (founded by the Martin’s BBQ team) serves cooked-to-order food packed with flavor and nostalgia. The veggie burger is one of the best in town!
Healthy options abound in Berry Hill. Spice it up a little with some pho or a rice bowl from Vui’s Vietnamese Kitchen. Fresh ingredients and authentic recipes ensure a meal that hits the spot every single time. Or, check out Sunflower Cafe, one of the handful of vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Nashville. Try the vegan tacos or cheesy quinoa bake plus a few of their delicious hot and cold sides served a la carte. Calypso Cafe has been serving up healthy fare for years. From delicious salads to vegan sides, Calypso has options for all. For an authentic Greek salad, gyro or homemade spanakopita, visit Athen’s Family Restaurant on Franklin Pike, or get some of the best Puerto Rican, Dominican and Cuban food (from empanadas to mofongo) at Merengue in Berry Hill.
A neighborhood favorite for lunch and dinner, The Yellow Porch is warm and inviting with a delightful seasonal menu and a cozy outdoor patio. Craving some sunshine but something slightly more casual? Check out Brothers’ Burger Joint on Bransford. Burgers, bites and booze are their forte, and they host trivia nights and live music throughout the week. Another beloved burger spot, M.L. Rose is ideal for everyone’s favorite classic American food. And don’t miss the ranch dip … it’s important to us here at StyleBlueprint. The Sutler, Rambler and Melrose Billiard Parlor offer a night of dinner, drinks and entertainment. At The Sutler, enjoy pub food, craft cocktails and live music. Just downstairs, Rambler Cocktail Bar transports its guests into an underground cocktail experience. Adjacent, Melrose Billiard Parlor is a dive bar hideaway, perfect for a cold brew and game or two.
And if it’s Saturday or Sunday brunch you’re craving, look no further than Sinema. At the Bottomless Brunch Experience, guests enjoy Bloody Marys and mimosas alongside all of the breakfast food you could imagine — including the famous Fruity Pebbles French toast.
RELATED: Nashville Appetizers That Steal the Show
WHERE TO SHOP
Step into ME Jewelry on Bransford Avenue to browse their beautiful selection of jewels. From custom designs created in the studio to jaw-dropping ready-to-wear pieces, the store is filled with eye-catching jewelry, and you’re sure to leave with a wishlist (or a treat!). Additionally, peek in on the artisans at work in the studio. If you’re instead interested in making your own jewelry, pop into Beaded Bungalow for an expansive selection of beads and accessories. They also offer classes for novices and experts alike!
Down the street, stop into Designer Renaissance for some of Nashville’s best consignment. For 25 years, the store has provided cool and eclectic finds and they’re eager to help customers find exactly what they want. Just across the street, Gilchrist Gilchrist sits in a charming cottage. The home store offers design services, as well as clothing, gifts and home accessories. The Wreath Stand is one of Berry Hill’s newest shops, and it is filled with home decor and thoughtful Southern gifts. The brand began in 2014 with a handmade wreath and has since grown into its store, which opened in October of 2018.
Vernon Leon Vintage is a self-described “off-the-wall, one-of-a-kind gift shop that creates comical moments for everyday life,” an homage to the owner’s grandfather, Vernon Leon. Find quirky prints and accessories at this stop. And for more niche shopping, check out the Miniature Cottage … a store filled with, yes, dollhouse furniture!
RELATED: Nashville’s 12 South Neighborhood: Where to Dine, Shop and Play
WHERE TO PLAY
Berry Hill neighborhood, in its less-than-one-square-mile territory, is home to three beautiful parks. Iris Park on East Iris Drive is a smaller green space with a jungle gym, swings and picnic tables for enjoying a spring day. At the largest park, Azalea, on Azalea Place off of West Iris Drive, find a huge picnic shelter with six picnic tables and a playground for the kiddos. Columbine Park holds a basketball court and several picnic tables in its green space. Any of these three grassy areas would be ideal for a picnic in the quiet, no-so-bustling neighborhood. Don’t miss the intricately detailed and colorful murals chronicling music history across the wooden fences that encompass the House of Blues recording studio complex around East Iris Drive.
If you chase a thrill or a challenge, head to The Escape Game. Participants have one hour to use hints, riddles and problem-solving prowess to escape a room. The adventure is great for a big group, with capacities up to 12 per room, and the race against the clock will bring out everyone’s competitive edge – for better or worse!
For an educational afternoon, the Children’s Corner offers classes and multi-day kids’ camps where little ones can learn to sew, smock or quilt. You’ll walk away with a new skill, and you can stop in for supplies whenever you need them.
Creative Soul Music Academy, located on Bransford Avenue, teaches soulful music classes to all ages. They offer piano, guitar, drum, bass and voice lessons to those looking to learn a new skill or those perfecting their craft. Surrounded by more than 40 recording studios, you can trust you’re in the right neighborhood for all things musical.
And just outside of the Berry Hill city limit, there are some more of our favorite stops that merit a visit, including:
- Gaslamp Antique Mall + GasLamp Too: For some of Nashville’s very best antique and vintage finds
- The Iron Gate: A gorgeous interior design showroom
- Merridian Home Furnishings: For unique and beautiful furnishings
- Hester & Cook: For the prettiest paper products, gifts and cards
- Stay Golden: For coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner and, of course, avocado toast
As you can see, there’s more than a day’s worth of activity in Berry Hill, so take your time and enjoy all this tiny neighborhood has to offer. And let us know what you find!
******
For more Nashville neighborhood guides, click here!
