Disclaimer: This post created after a press trip hosted by Visit Music Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. All opinions and photos are mine.
Nashville’s live music scene is the city’s number one draw for tourists, but the city’s restaurant and cocktail culture is a close second.
A food-obsessed traveler, I was delighted to visit a couple of the city’s newest eateries and cocktail bars, where Nashvillians celebrate their weekend with southern classic fare in good company.
With over 200 new restaurants opening in the last two years, finding an up-and-coming restaurant to enjoy is easy. But if you want to dine like a local, refer to my pocket guide of must-visit restaurants when visiting Music City.
I recommend checking ahead to see if you should make a reservation at most restaurants.
LUNCH OR DINNER DESTINATIONS
PEG LEG PORKER
Indulge in real-deal barbecue at Peg Leg Porker (903 Gleaves Street), where ribs are the most requested menu item. Owners Carey and Delaniah Bringle decided to open the restaurant in 2013 after running a successful catering business.
Their award-winning barbecue is served with southern hospitality, and if you’re lucky, Carey might swing by your table for a casual chat during the meal. Menu favorites include heaping BBQ Nachos, Memphis Sushi, and Dry Rubbed Ribs, but opt for the shareable Combo Platter when in doubt.
PRO TIP: Leave room for banana pudding or a drool-worthy fried pie fresh from the oven. View Peg Leg Porker’s Instagram to see what to expect.
MIMO AT FOUR SEASONS NASHVILLE
If you’re seeking a fine-dining, chef-prepared meal in the ambiance of a luxury hotel, reserve a table at Mimo (100 Demonbreun Street).
The Four Seasons Nashville restaurant serves meals all day, and it’s known for a rave-worthy Sunday Brunch menu, including live stations and a special beverage selection.
The food was exceptionally prepared and presented during our group’s family-style private dinner service. The Pre-Show Dinner menu, served from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., features Italian-inspired dishes.
PRO TIP: You do not have to be a hotel guest to dine at Mimo or imbibe at its bar, which serves local beers, wine, and creative cocktails. View Mimo’s Instagram to preview what you can expect.
JANE’S HIDEAWAY
Jane’s Hideaway (407 Gallatin Avenue) is an elevated honky tonk, where Southern classic food is served alongside a spirit-based cocktail menu in east Nashville. Known for their live music shows after 8:00 p.m., the “bluegrass supper club” welcomes guests at 5:00 p.m.
I joined others, tapping our feet to the sounds of live bluegrass music while indulging in various shareable appetizers. Skillet cornbread, deviled eggs, and crispy Brussels sprouts satisfied. The sandwiches, with a side salad, are a creative twist on burgers and chicken sandwiches.
PRO TIP: Arrive at 5:00 p.m. to enjoy weekly Happy Hour cocktail menu specials, beer discounts, and $5 snacks. View Jane’s Hideaway Instagram to see what you can expect.
SCOREBOARD BAR & GRILL
Do you plan to attend at show at country music’s biggest stage, The Grand Ole Opry? Pre-game at nearby Scoreboard Bar & Grill (2408 Music Valley Drive). Bite into hot Nashville chicken while listening to the sounds of local bands from an open-air patio setting.
The menu features Southern comfort classics ranging from barbecue meals, oysters, sandwiches, and steaks. Sit back with a deck drink or ice-cold beer as the sun sets. Hot chicken seasoning ranges from Sissy (perfect for me!) to Hiroshima levels, thanks to added cayenne paste.
PRO TIP: The deck gets crowded, especially on show nights at The Opry. It stays open until 3:00 a.m. Monday-Friday for post-show celebrations. View Scoreboard Bar & Grill’s Instagram to see what you can expect.
PRESENT TENSE
A Japanese Charcoal Grill restaurant, Present Tense (301 Hart Street), is where diners go when they’re seeking dinner entreés prepared with imported fresh seafood. Pork belly bao buns, ahi tuna toasts, and brown butter scallops were a few of our group’s preferred dishes.
Meals are artfully plated using traditional Japanese ingredients. Sesame, soy, and miso make recipe appearances. The bar menu showcases boozy and non-boozy drinks with names such as Viva Magenta (gin) and Matcha Limeade.
Of course, Sapporo and a long list of sake are available for meal pairings.
PRO TIP: Reserve a spot at the six-seat sake bar. View Present Tense’s Instagram to see what you can expect.
SIP A CRAFT COCKTAIL, HARD CIDER, OR WHISKEY
THE FOX BAR & COCKTAIL CLUB
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club (2905B Gallatin Pike) is a dimly lit, speakeasy-style bar behind Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen in East Nashville. Cocktail connoisseurs peruse rotating seasonal drink menus, and if they prefer a classic concoction, the bartenders are happy to mix it.
PRO TIP: Park in the rear of the building and walk up the back stairs. View The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club’s Instagram to see what you can expect.
BOBBY HOTEL ROOFTOP LOUNGE
Enjoy panoramic skyline views from the Bobby Hotel Rooftop Lounge (230 4th Avenue North), known to host thematic parties. During my visit, the rooftop was transformed into a winter wonderland with fire pits, thematic cocktail drinks, and twinkling Christmas trees.
Referred to as Camp Bobby, the pop-up holiday bar was decorated down to every detail. Live bands play during summer’s Backyard Sessions, and it’s a fantastic place to soak of downtown views or play yard games any time of year.
PRO TIP: View Bobby Hotel’s Instagram to see what you can expect at the rooftop bar.
DISKIN CIDER
Diskin Cider (1235 Martin Street) is a craft hard cider tasting room in a trending industrial neighborhood. It’s Nashville’s first and only craft cidery, producing “dangerously good” flagships, seasonals, and imperials.
The cidery rolls out a new seasonal selection every three weeks, so consider adding it to a tasting flight of four pours.
PRO TIP: They love four-legged customers. Ask about monthly dog-friendly events. View Diskin Cider’s Instagram to see what you can expect.
NASHVILLE BARREL CO.
Since 2018, Nashville Barrel Co. has served crafted and bottled whiskey tastings to fans of quality spirits. The downtown tasting room location (425 Church Street) includes a walk-in tasting bar serving small pours and adult slushies.
We enjoyed tastings of four single-barrel bourbons of our choice during a group reservation. Their Small-Batch Cask Strength and Tennessee Single Barrel Whiskey, two of my preferred selections, went down like a warm hug.
PRO TIP: Are you feeling brave? Ask if you can sample Wooshine. View Nashville Barrel Co.’s Instagram page to see what you can expect.
BONUS BRUNCH SPOTS
Forget basic pancakes or waffles with eggs. Nashville chefs serve inventive southern-inspired meals, elevating the typical early morning meal to gourmet status.
OPHELIA’S PIZZA + BAR
Don’t be fooled by the restaurant’s name. Ophelia’s Pizza + Bar (401 Church Street) may be known for its late-day menu of Italian food and handcrafted drinks; its recently added brunch menu is reservation-worthy.
I was impressed by the attention to detail in the restaurant’s cohesive design, which induced a feeling of Europe. The restaurant, named after Shakespeare’s character Ophelia in the drama Hamlet, delivers sophistication. The menu is equally impressive, with breakfast selections incorporating imported ingredients into Southern recipes.
Available for brunch service Friday-Sunday from 11:00 am-4:00 pm, the menu’s starting line-up includes entrees easily shareable amongst friends, such as Prosciutto Di Parma & Melon prepared with whipped ricotta, chili honey, and thyme spreadable on crostini.
Ophelia’s French Toast turns the standard classic on its head. Fresh berries sit atop a perfectly crusted piece of French toast dusted with powdered sugar, topped with whipped butter, and drizzled with Tennessee Honey. The Breakfast Pizza, a two-person pie topped with cream, onion, spinach, Gifford’s bacon, and sunny side eggs, delivers rich, satisfying flavor.
PRO TIP: Diners seeking to pair their meal with a boozy bevvy, will appreciate the restaurant’s short list of cocktails including the Sangria Bianca. View Ophelia’s Instagram to see what you can expect.
SWEETMILK
SweetMilk (329 Donelson Pike #201) is another new-on-the-scene restaurant attracting brunch-goers for its modern interpretation of Southern classics. Judging by the guests waiting for an open table when we arrived by 9:00 am, the restaurant is a popular place to fuel up before exploring Nashville on the weekend.
Known for breakfast service all day (7:00 am – 3:00 pm), the restaurant serves hefty portions of southern favorites, often including a biscuit or a side of grits. Our group shared the Big Ol’ Cinnamon Roll, and each cream cheese-covered bite coated with pecans curbed my morning hunger until my meal arrived.
A massive platter, aka Country Breakfast, arrived with two perfectly cooked eggs, steaming grits, bacon or sausage, and a biscuit-like Grandma used to make. How in the world was I going to eat all of this food? It was easy to devour every down-home delectable bite.
PRO TIP: If you’re hungry after a flight to Nashville International Airport, SweetMilk is less than a 10-minute drive northeast of downtown. View SweetMilk’s Facebook to see what you can expect.
Of course, each of these restaurants serves delectable meals later in the day, but Nashville’s brunch menus beckon people out of bed. If you only have a weekend in the Music City, these additions to Nashville’s thriving culinary scene serve satisfying meals.
I’m betting you’re a fan of live music? Read my blog post, Nashville Blues & Barbecue: A Soundtrack for a Savory City to learn where to indulge in rhythm and blues sound while in Music City.
From upscale dining and laid-back cafés to shopping strolls and an underground cave tour, there is more than enough to experience in three days. Lincoln, aka The Star City, is your destination, no matter your travel personality.
The expansive lobby is filled with UNL sports artifacts and framed illustrations of notable Nebraskans like Warren Buffett. Comfy couch configurations and desk sets provide plenty of room to gather with friends before or after a day of exploring the city.
Where can you eat and drink at the hotel? 
While I didn’t have time to create a candle, I came home with a French Press soy candle that smells like fresh brewed coffee.
As I perused the store’s shelves, I noticed non-licorice candies available for sale as well. This is the ideal shopping destination if you want to build a gift basket for someone with a sweet tooth.
In business for over 20 years, Licorice International is likely unlike any candy store you’ve visited and one of the most interesting in the Midwest. Ask about homemade fudge and pecan rolls.
Kid clothing, art supplies, dolls, toys, they carry it. You won’t find typical big-box store toys at Paper Kite. They stock handmade toys and wearables created by local and regional artisans.
In search of a gift for my niece and nephew, an employee helped me search the store for the perfect sentiment. The store’s beautiful stationary and art prints made it hard not to leave without something for myself.
Opened in 2006, the inventory consists of on-trend fashions and everyday clothing. Tables display jewelry, handbags, and sneakers to complement outfits and create classic, timeless looks.
The owner refreshes inventory curating items at market to sell at the College View store and its Omaha sister store, 
I thought the variety of wearable classics was affordable compared to Lululemon or its competitors. The clearance racks at the back of the store are the place to look for deep discounts.
Items are grouped by function and design. Dried flowers and garlands adorned the garden room. A dark, moody room included man cave decor. An upstairs room catered to shoppers seeking stylish bedroom accents.
PRO TIP: Get a sneak peek at new inventory arrivals by viewing its 
I sipped a Maracuyá fruit drink between bites of a Confetti Blueberry Mini Loaf at an indoor cafe near the shop’s retail area. The smell of fresh baked goods permeated the air.
Reserve a table to enjoy elevated fresh, innovative cuisine with views of bustling downtown Lincoln. The interior’s grey walls and black accents are illuminated by pendant lighting, creating a monochromatic aesthetic.
The menu features recipes that incorporate seasonally available sustainable ingredients. We asked our server, Evan, to present us with a variety of entrees in a progressive style, starting with Pistachio-Peach-Prosciutto and followed by Fried Chicken Yogurt and Pickles.
The award-worthy meal continued with Smoky Mussels + Parmesan Broth, concluding with homemade fruit sorbet served with melon segments.
The restaurant, which also serves lunch and dinner, is led by owner and executive chef Eric Lemke, who incorporates farm-fresh ingredients into seasonal menu selections.
We couldn’t eat another bite. In fact, we took the leftovers home with us because leaving them behind would be a crime. Nevertheless, our helpful server showed us the dessert tray featuring an array of goodies made by a local baker, especially for the restaurant. Next time, I’ll order the two-tiered carrot cake, one of the most requested desserts.
We dropped by before embarking on the farmers’ market just before a line formed at the register. The drink menu, featuring single-origin coffee and loose-lea tea drinks, also includes made-to-order crepes and panini.
I enjoyed a chai tea latted seated from a 70s style upholstered couch under a wood beam and brick ceiling. A couple chatted at a nearby cafe table as people came and went on a busy Saturday morning.
People stroll brick streets in the Historic Haymarket District looking to buy something they didn’t know they needed until they saw it. A few shoppers are greeted with familiarity by vendors.
Fresh cut flowers, jewelry, bagged coffee, woodcut wall art. Each booth ignites a sense of discovery for something new at every glance.
If you’re feeling hungry while shopping, many food trucks offer nourishment from full meals to grab-and-go snacks. Preview what you can expect at an upcoming market via its 
The store is a sea of red. Mascot bobbleheads shake, and neon signs buzz as you walk by shelves of grill accessories, foam fingers, coolers, and more. Racks of t-shirts, available in sizes S to XXXL Tall, anchor the center of the showroom.
Ascend the stairs to the Tailgate Deck to comb through racks of casual ware ideal for rooting on your favorite Nebraska team.
Don’t worry—the store also celebrates the Game Day spirit by featuring scarlet red attire and fanny packs. Check out the sales racks in the back of the store for deep discounts.
Bring your camera to take photos with a backdrop of vibrant roses, flora, and public art. We witnessed people reading on park benches to the sound of the fountain’s falling water. In the distance, I spotted a giraffe feeding through the fence at the nearby 
The garden is free to explore and open to all ages. We watched as young children curiously discovered bronze statuary while other visitors admired blooming perennials.
We sat at a sunlit table indoors during lunch and enjoyed a Seared Salmon Nicoise salad and a Bistro Burger. The salad was impressive in size and flavor, and I’d order it again. The stacked burger was served with traditional toppings on a brioche bun with fries.
PRO TIP: Ask for a Brunch menu if dining Saturday-Sunday from 8:00 a.m. -3:00 p.m. Bar selections include a Piedmont Mimosa Pitcher for sharing amongst friends.
After entering a nondescript doorway, we flipped through a leather-bound book listing cocktails named after famous Nebraskans. Lively conversation at the bar ensued while we waited for our drinks: Malcolm Little and Johnny Carson.
You can expect the cocktail ingredients to match the interior’s vintage vibe. A seasonal menu features handcrafted cocktails with names like The Days Go By, Betty Rose, and Good Grief. I sipped a blanco tequila drink, Hot Donna, prepared with blackberry jalapeño syrup and lime saccharum while the sound of Barry White’s voice sang, “Can’t Get Enough of Your Love” through the lounge’s speakers.
I chatted with the barista, Garrison, who told me the café doubles as a cocktail wine bar appealing to patrons who want to enjoy an evening libation.
The interior is decorated with color murals, a prelude to the outdoor park’s intriguing public art installations.
PRO TIP: Attend 
Shop Moon Marble Company’s retail for assorted marbles, nostalgic toys, and games. Staff are eager to explain how to play marbles, if you’re want to buy a set.
I was impressed with the large turnout and visited with audience members between songs, making for a delightful experience.
I’ve raved about Quentin BBQ’s menu since it I discovered their food truck in the 
Additionally, The on-site art gallery showcases The Harvest Queen mural by George Melville Stone. A walk outdoors to Farm Town USA is fun for young kids who can participate in 
During my return trip to Leavenworth, I was eager to take in places I had yet to discover and revisit old gems.
PRO TIP: The Burr-ow, a backroom space dedicated to reading or board gaming, is a quiet spot to work.
It’s a scenic area worth exploring for its birdwatching and native treelined grounds. The path lies parallel to an active Union Pacific railway, a nod to the town’s railroad era that replaced the Missouri River’s steamboat industry.
They recorded detailed notes about the region’s landscape for President Thomas Jefferson noting what people could expect heading west. Signage overlooking the river at 2nd and Dakota Street recognizes their visit to the area.
It’s the tucked-away murals that excite me the most. Keep your eyes peeled for smaller paintings on doors on various buildings downtown.
I dined on deviled eggs with bacon and a chicken cobb salad to the beat of Jamaican music while watching hosta leaves sway.
Between sips of iced tea, I noticed the hostess lead lunchtime diners to patio tables to enjoy the scenery, which resembled a nicely designed backyard landscape.
If you love old collectibles, you could spend hours perusing the mall while listening to oldies music play overhead. The friendly employee at the front desk is happy to answer questions about refurbishing relics.
Of course, you can always spot something delightful for the home when you’re ready to swap out your seasonal decor. From garden flags to great-smelling candles, CJ Gift Co. satisfies shoppers on a mission to beautify their space.
Expecting parents and grandparents will appreciate the owner’s selection of kid-loving plush toys. Seasonal items, bath products, and top-selling Leavenworth t-shirts round-out the front-of-store inventory.
PRO TIP: The store is also home to 5th Avenue Frames. Ask them to custom frame artwork, photography, or prints.
Consider creating a gift basket for someone while shopping for yourself. Whether one loves hot tea or cold brew, Queen’s Pantry Teas is the place to shop.
The owner, who was busily crafting jewelry in a studio, greeted me, as did her helpful staff. I perused the store, admiring an endless boho chic apparel and jewelry inventory.
The owners, a mother-daughter duo, carry the latest fashions for the season on display at the front of the store.
If the thought of enjoying the salty goodness of popcorn with the sweet flavor of your favorite candy bar excites you, stop by Popcorn Pit Stop for a grab-and-go bag.
Peruse the outdoor garden houses to shop for plants and flowering hanging baskets before entering inside the store for refrigerated food items. Travelers without coolers will appreciate jarred foods and bagged dry goods.
The sounds of Space Invaders and Mortal Kombat resonate through the arcade, open Thursday-Saturday. It’s an excellent place for all ages to enjoy indoor entertainment in a nostalgic setting.
The reservation-required dinner and a show were entertaining, and the best part of the evening was getting to know the guests at our shared table, who welcomed me like new friends. Three hours of fun flew by.
My King Suite home-life feel helped me unwind after a fun day of exploring. In the morning, I checked emails on my laptop using high-speed internet from a in-room workstation before enjoying a complimentary hot breakfast in the lobby.
The baked bread and fruit pies are irresistible, and you can expect produce twice the size of grocery store varieties sold at reasonable prices. I made two purchases and a new friend within 15 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for a beautiful, prism-cut crystal for your home or a tumble stone for a friend, you’ll find it here. I enjoyed visiting with the owner, who is passionate about stone hunting and is quick to recommend the best stone for each person.
The owner handpicks brands that are also suited for youngsters and shoe lovers, and she specializes in personalized wood-etched gifts.
For what the store lacks in size, it makes up for in inventory volume, catering to shoppers seeking a casual or semi-dressy outfit for a same-day event or date night. Shop near the register for make-up and small gift items.
The owner and creator, Valerie, sews on patches and appliques to reimagined denim jeans, jackets, and overalls. Fabric swatches are sewn together to create one-of-a-kind apparel like the dress pictured above. Shop from available inventory or place an order for pick-up.
I wasn’t leaving without trying beef lasagna and garlic toast (the “light portion” is pictured below) with a small garden salad. The marinara sauce was so tasty that I used the bread to mop up every last bite.
The room’s amenities include a flatscreen TV, liquor pantry, coffee cart with snacks, and an Alexa personal assistant. For those who need to get work down during their stay, the in-room desk is large enough for a laptop and then some.
Italian music played as I dined on an appetizer board of chef-selected meats and cheeses. I particularly loved the Italian herb cheese and the fresh made-in-house peach jam. The board was large enough for two to three people to enjoy before ordering dinner with a bottle of wine.
After devouring my delicious meal, I followed the signs leading to the bottom level of the hotel. I was led into a candlelit foray with a mysterious wooden door. I had arrived at 
The speakeasy pays homage to the building’s history while providing guests ambiance they won’t find anywhere else in the city. According to Dockum, the rules for enjoying the bar are simple, “Be good to us and we’ll spoil you.” It was definitely my kind of tavern.
Street art is a bonus surprise for visitors to Wichita. 
Another indoor space to view art, much of which is usually the work of talented regional artists, is 
Hockey fans visiting the area must experience an action-packed 
If you’re interested in catching a local band at a smaller venue, consider walking to 
There is no shortage of attractions beyond the doors of the Ambassador. Whether you’re visiting the city for the first time or a returning guest, the downtown area is the best place to experience what makes Wichita wonderful. Perhaps I’m a little biased since I’m a Wichitan, but I promise you’ll love your experience staying at 
Do you have questions about exploring Wichita’s downtown district? Want to learn more about the hotel? Drop a comment below. I’m always happy to give travel advice.
