A once off-the-beaten-path pocket neighborhood, Germantown has become a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike, brimming with both historic interest and high-end dining establishments. Boutiques with thoughtfully curated wares sit cheek to cheek with local restaurants helmed by James Beard Award-winning chefs. Coffee shop patios overlook quaint, brick-paved streets, and visitors flock to nostalgic inns and nightlife.
And while the March 2020 tornado ravaged many local homes and businesses, Germantown has proven itself to be as resilient as it is charming, with little evidence remaining of the storm’s devastating effects.
Check out our favorite spots in this iconic Nashville neighborhood! There’s a LOT to see and do – you can use these links to browse by category:
EAT + DRINK
Now known as a dining mecca, Germantown first made a serious splash on the culinary scene in 2016, when City House won a James Beard Award, and then again in 2019, when Tailor Nashville landed on Bon Appétit‘s Top 10 list. These days, Tailor continues to wow in its recently renovated location on Taylor Street. But these aren’t the only dining experiences worth venturing to Germantown for. Here are all of the delicious ways to eat and drink your way through the neighborhood!
- 312 Pizza: Go for the coma-inducing deep-dish pizza. Not that we’re complaining!
- 5th & Taylor: Enjoy dinner and cocktails in a stunning atmosphere, with dishes like beef tartare, bacon-wrapped quail, short ribs with acorn squash, and more.
- Barista Parlor: This coffee shop emphasizes ethical, local sourcing and bringing the community together to enjoy tasty coffee and an abbreviated menu of eats.
- Barrel Proof: One of Germantown’s newest residents, the NOLA-inspired Barrel Proof is a go-to for whiskey, whiskey, and more whiskey. Okay, and smashburgers, too!
- Bearded Iris: One of Germantown’s notable breweries, you can grab a beer and sit outside to sip as you people-watch.
- Buds & Brews: Tennessee’s first cannabis restaurant made its way to Germantown in 2022. There’s a full dispensary, and the menu features plates such as burgers, wings, sandwiches, and sweets.
- Butchertown Hall: Platters of Texas-style barbecue (and an extensive mezcal menu) make their rounds at Butchertown Hall. Tex-Mex tacos, margs, and a great outdoor dining area make this a hotspot, especially in the summer.
- City House: Depth of flavor prevails at Tandy Wilson’s esteemed Germantown spot, which helped build up the neighborhood’s popularity. Menu favorites include the belly ham pizza, gnocchi, octopus, and … well … everything else Tandy makes.
- The Cupcake Collection: Mignon Francois made a name for herself when she took her last $5 and started this mom-and-pop bake shop. These days, she’s satisfying our cupcake cravings and continuing the legacy!
- DeSano Pizza: This pizza chain has made its way around Nashville, bringing its authentic Neapolitan slices to locations such as Midtown and Bellevue. Its newest locale offers the perfect spot to grab a pie before heading to First Horizon Park.
- Elegy Coffee: Stop in for a dose of caffeine and breakfast fare such as bagels, muffins, and even breakfast burritos.
- Emmy Squared: This Detroit-style pizza joint moved into the space once occupied by Silo (a beloved restaurant for many years) and has become a fast favorite among Germantown residents.
- Fancy Sandy’s: Attached to Germantown Café, this walk-up window is the ideal stop for tasty breakfast sandwiches to go — from croissants to bagels to biscuits.
- Geist: A local favorite since it opened in 2018, Geist has everything — a historic building, a chic bar, and tasty food. Newer to the roster is the champagne garden, which is open year-round!
- Germantown Café: Joining the neighborhood in 2003, this cafe is one of the area’s OG eateries. The March 2020 tornado caused it to close its doors for a bit, but it’s back and better than ever. Do yourself a favor and order the French onion soup.
- Germantown Pub: For a sports bar atmosphere with top notch burgers, chicken tenders, pretzels, and beer cheese — this is your spot. They offer team trivia every Wednesday night, too!
- The Goat: This social spot is a local gathering place for food, friends, and sports-watching parties. The menu boasts snacks such as pickle chips and hot chicken dip, and you can look forward to daily specials and happy hour offerings. It’s also a lively weekend brunch spot.
- Grillshack: This locally owned fast-casual eatery offers crave-worthy wings (try the Nashville Hot rub!), burgers, patty melts, and more.
- Henrietta Red: This popular spot offers exquisite oysters and one of the best brunches in town. We’re particularly fond of the extensive raw bar and Chef Julia Sullivan’s woodfired bread with anchovy butter, along with every brunch item we’ve ever tasted, whether sweet or savory.
- Jack Brown’s: An unpretentious burger joint, Jack Brown’s excels in decadent burgers made with 100% American wagyu beef and topped with fun ingredients like pickled jalapeños, caramelized Guinness onions, and Martin’s BBQ potato chips.
- Jacqueline: An outdoor shaved ice cocktail bar attached to The Optimist, Jacqueline is a nod to Wes Anderson’s film The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou. It’s only open seasonally for warmer weather, but you should head over for snacks, exotic libations, and lawn games — even if it’s just while you wait for a table inside!
- Le Loup: Upstairs from The Optimist, this elegant cocktail bar is a swanky spot to sip on perfected, handcrafted libations while you munch on snacks from Ford Fry’s repertoire, such as oysters, smoked fish dip, and tater tots with raclette sauce.
- The Library Café: Books. Cozy seating. Coffee and pastries. Need we say more?
- Little Hats Market & Deli: Get ready for a feast. From Italian wedding soup to eggplant parmesan to tiramisu, stunning Italian fare abounds at this market and deli. You can also find tons of imported Italian delicacies for your next at-home pasta extravaganza.
- Monell’s: This longtime Germantown restaurant offers comfort and Southern family-style dishes like chicken and dumplings, meatloaf, fried catfish, and beyond.
- Monday Night Brewing Co: Part of the Neuhoff Project, this full-service taproom features 24 brews on tap.
- Mother’s Ruin: This New York City transplant is part bar, part restaurant. Open daily until 2 a.m., it’s the neighborhood hotspot, drawing a hip crowd in search of great food, great cocktails, and loud music.
- Neighbors: A local watering hole and lively sports bar, Neighbors is a go-to for signature smoked wings and late-night libations.
- O-Ku: This is some of the best sushi in Nashville, and we aren’t blowing smoke. One of our favorites is the Usuzukuri — King salmon sashimi with black lava salt, wasabi stem, and truffle ponzu.
- The Optimist: This standout from restaurateur Ford Fry is a must-try. The menu changes frequently, but you can never go wrong with the hamachi crudo appetizer, octopus, lobster rolls, and whole-roasted fish specials. If you’re looking to indulge in all of Ford’s fine seafood-centric fare (and we recommend that you do), you can also check out one of his other establishments attached to the main dining facility: Jacqueline, Star Rover, and Le Loup.
- Pelato: Chef Anthony Scotto brought this Brooklyn-style Italian trattoria to Germantown last year, and the neighborhood is even better for it. Indulge in authentic, shareable dishes (favorites include the “Big Arancini” and Pelato Salad) that offer nostalgia and tasty ingredients.
- Red Bicycle: The place to go for everything from breakfast tacos to a mid-afternoon coffee treat.
- Rolf & Daughters: For fabulous housemade pasta and craft cocktails, look no further than Rolf & Daughters, a Germantown staple since 2012. During warmer weather, head to the patio to sip and savor. Begin with the sourdough bread and seaweed butter starter, then move on to seasonal pasta such as agnolotti or tagliatelle.
- Rolled4Ever: Sandwiched between Little Hats Market and Waldo’s Chicken & Beer, Rolled4Ever offers ice cream with a twist. Literally. Check out the Instagram-worthy rolled ice cream!
- Samurai Sushi and Korean Pub: Indulge in all things sushi-related, with a menu that covers everything from deep-fried rolls to those featuring a fruit and fish combo.
- Sedona Taphouse: An extensive craft beer list supports a Southwest-inspired menu featuring steaks, salads, sliders, and so much more. If you have a chance, sit fireside on the patio.
- Sonny’s Patio Pub and Refuge: Get your game on! Indulge in bar games and libations galore without ever leaving Germantown proper. Plus, Sonny’s is branching out — it’s now hosting trivia, comedy nights, and even karaoke!
- Spread Market: This lovely little neighborhood market is filled with delightful pantry items — from jam to spices — along with a selection of beverages, deli sandwiches, and everything you need for the perfect picnic.
- Star Rover Sound: Dine on a small but mighty menu of delicious steaks and the best dang roasted chicken around. Don’t forget to get the “Frosty” and French fries for dessert while you enjoy the live music.
- Steadfast Coffee: Enjoy carefully brewed java that lives up to the current coffee trends, such as flash-chilled coffee, coffee soda, and “rested” coffee.
- SteamBoys: Dumplings and soup are the standouts at this fast-casual eatery that also serves a solid list of Boba teas.
- Surefire Coffee: Hit up this walk-up window coffee shop for your daily caffeine dose. Bring your pup and sit on the patio!
- Taco Mamacita: An extensive menu offers everything from chicken tortilla soup and a Mexican salad to “Sloppy Queso.” featuring sloppy Joe beef. Of course, there’s a vast range of tacos on offer, too, from carne asada to Korean barbecue and even Nashville Hot Chicken.
- Tailor Nashville: Vivek Surti does his Indian heritage justice with dishes rooted in family recipes and South Asian American flavors. Go with an appetite and prepare for a culinary experience with rich stories. Oh! And try the house kombucha.
- Tempered: If you stick around long enough, this chocolate shop and café pulls double duty as Green Hour Cocktail & Absinthe Lounge!
- Von Elrod’s: Perfect for game days, Von Elrod’s boasts an expansive beer garden style space with both indoor and outdoor seating. (Don’t miss the fried cheese curds.)
- Waldo’s Chicken and Beer: The name essentially says it all. Head to Waldo’s for Southern fried chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, and, of course, beer.
- Yin Yang Tea: Your local boba and milk tea go-to, Yin Yang offers a menu of traditional and modern options that you can customize, including seasonal specials.
SHOP
The Germantown shopping scene is ripe for exploration — but fully experiencing the neighborhood requires walking with your eyes (and perhaps your wallet …) wide open!
- Abednego: Shop this beautiful boutique for elevated clothing, accessories, and gifts.
- Bits & Pieces Antique Boutique: Shop gifts galore, from handmade local wares to vintage pieces.
- Foiled & Fern: It’s a plant shop. No, it’s a hair salon. No, it’s both!
- Gallery 100 Taylor Arts: Discover a display of local artists and their wares — from pottery to jewelry to paintings.
- The Golden Slipper: Shop a thoughtfully curated collection of goods from local artisans (everything from kitschy Golden Girls coffee mugs to glorious scented candles), thanks to owner Abbey Moore. You can even enjoy classes such as candle-pouring.
- Master Craft Arts Gallery: A studio and art gallery from artist Thomas Carnell, who studied under award-winning artist Roberta Wolf.
- Mayker Interiors: An interior design studio and shop where you can browse stylish wares for the home, including wallpaper, decor, furnishings, pillows, and textiles.
- Neighborlily: The newest retail opening from Poppy & Monroe owner Karen Kops, this spot is a combination coffee, tea, and flower shop. Head in for everything from a fresh bouquet to tablescape accessories.
- Truman Grey Market: Browse fabulous home goods — and candles the owners pour themselves!
- Urban Roots Market: Shop CBD-centric wellness items, such as soap, essential oils, and puppy treats.
PAMPER + EXERCISE
Health and beauty fans will be delighted to discover a number of great places in Germantown to indulge in a bit of self-care and fitness.
- Amy Head Cosmetics: Shop skincare and beauty products and schedule a one-on-one makeup application session — whether you’re getting married or heading out on the town.
- Capital Nail Bar: Are you in need of a little mani and pedi? Capital offers a range of nail services, as well as waxing.
- Foiled & Fern: Who knew you could shop for houseplants and have your hair done in one location? This combination salon and plant shop offers a biophilic setting for a cut, color, or blowout.
- Nashville Pilates Company: Gain strength through movement at this boutique Pilates studio.
- Poppy & Monroe: If you’re looking for a quiet, locally owned boutique nail salon that embraces clean beauty, this is the place. On a pretty day, you can even have your nail services done in the back garden! The salon also offers lash, brow, makeup, skincare, and hair removal services.
- Provita Fitness: A 24-hour training facility that offers strength and conditioning programs.
- SHED Fitness: Group fitness classes for all levels of training.
- Smooth Skin Company: A full-service waxing and skincare studio.
- Truman Grey Salon: Truman Grey may have a wonderful home goods market, but it’s also a salon! Head in for haircuts, styling, color services, and even extensions.
MORE TO EXPLORE
Germantown’s food culture is alive and well, but the neighborhood also beckons visitors with brick sidewalks, homes dating back to the 19th century, a vast history worth diving into, and a community of neighbors who care deeply about the place they call home. For example, did you know that by 1865, Germantown was home to four breweries? A historical marker recognizes its original inhabitants for their skills.
Driving around Germantown offers a chance to experience the area’s rich historic narrative. Residential buildings such as the 1881-built Werthan Mills Lofts and Elliott Germantown offer a glimpse of the past as townhomes and apartments breathe new life into structures that formerly housed a cotton mill and a school, respectively.
Former Historic Germantown Neighborhood Association President Richard Audet paints a picture of the neighborhood when he first arrived as a resident nearly 15 years ago.
“The most striking difference is in the number of people you see in the neighborhood. Before, you’d rarely see someone when you looked out the window,” he explains. “Now, there is a steady procession of people walking through the streets thanks to the influx of small businesses.”
Richard highlights that Germantown has always been a tight-knit community with historic charm, crediting its community members with preserving its story during times of growth. Look to the Elliott School for a success story of neighborhood activists, who purchased the building after years of neglect from a development firm in 1989 to preserve it.
Of course, more than a dozen other residential buildings in the neighborhood have been constructed more recently, including the Ellis at Germantown and the Flats at Taylor Place.
Other neighborhood projects include the Neuhoff Project, a revival of riverfront property that was once a meat-packing plant. Meanwhile, the neighborhood association continues focusing on infrastructure and making the area an even better place to live, work, and play.
The Church of the Assumption was fashioned in 1895 using bricks from Nashville’s first Catholic church, and the land it occupies was deeded to the diocese by Dr. McGavock for only $5. Most people also don’t know that the church held the neighborhood’s first Oktoberfest, a neighborhood affair for over 40 years.
If you hang your hat at Germantown Inn, you’ll find it interesting that the building dates back to 1865, and its original owner was a shoemaker named H.H. Wallmann. Inside the boutique hotel, each room is inspired by a notable U.S. president or history-making woman. “The physical structure of Germantown is changing, but it is the story of the neighborhood that we need to preserve,” Richard reiterates.
Additionally, Germantown boasts significant cultural history, with efforts to highlight Jefferson Street’s origins, such as the Jefferson Street Sound Museum and J.U.M.P. (Jefferson Street United Merchants Partnership).
Just outside of the neighborhood’s small footprint, more restaurants, parks, and cultural destinations contribute to Germantown’s appeal. The Nashville Farmers’ Market is a year-round market with an indoor food hall worth exploring, including popular spots like The Picnic Tap and Jeni’s Ice Cream.
The Bicentennial Mall provides space to stretch your legs and take in views of the capitol. First Horizon Park is home to the Nashville Sounds and hosts a variety of fun events in the off-season. (Von Elrod’s Beer Hall and Kitchen is across the street from the entrance, where you can indulge in a little post-game revelry or weekly trivia nights!)
If you’re a bowling fan, Brooklyn Bowl is a hefty dose of fun with live music shows, libations, nibbles, and bowling. Just over the river (but visible from the streets of Germantown), Top Golf offers a haven for practice, lessons, leagues, and events. And if you’re eager to experience the frenzy of downtown Nashville, you’re only a few minutes away from Broadway.
Stroll the streets of Germantown to discover all of this and more!
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