The Best Restaurants in 12 South

The neighborhood itself isn’t that large in square footage, but it makes up for it with all there is to do. The famous “I Believe in Nashville” mural is located here, as is Sevier Park, with multiple playgrounds, a walking path, and a new community center. The park is great if travelling with kids, pets, or looking for green space to run. The park hosts concerts and various events, so check their calendar before popping over.

The area is dense with many great restaurants, and it’s hard to go wrong with any choice, but depending on what you are looking for, we have compiled the best restaurants in the area to match any mood.

Best for Breakfast & Brunch

Five Daughters Bakery

Simply put, life changing donuts. Don’t leave the area without having one, or grabbing one to go. Five Daughters Bakery is the family-owned business that brought the cronut to Nashville. Owners Isaac and Stephanie Meek and their--surprise--five daughters, put more than just local and organic ingredients into each 100 layer masterpiece, they put in love. Stop in and grab one of the many classic donut flavors or go all out with the maple bacon King Kong.

The Flipside

Open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday, they feature two-for-$12 bloody Marys, mimosas, and bellinis. The neo-’50s diner vibe implies lots of retro comfort foods like chicken and waffles, chili, fries, shakes, and floats (all on the menu), but here the bird is the word: 20 different sandwiches, all built on a base of a pounded, breaded, pan-sauteed chicken breast. Creative cocktails, kids’ meals and more. Clucking-A!

Photo courtesy of The Flipside

Frothy Monkey

This venerable institution practically anchored the 12 South strip when it opened its flagship location (the first of four) here in 2004. The converted two-story home is cozy and well-lit, with upstairs seating accessible via the open spiral staircase. Classic breakfast fare and tasty coffee drinks keep ‘em lined up to the door in the morning hours, while a delectable array of sandwiches, salads, and entrees crafted primarily from local vendors, fuel diners well into the early evening.

Photo courtesy of Frothy Monkey

Lunch

Burger Up

Not only can you get a hell of a burger, the meat is all locally sourced from sustainable farmers--a win/win for your inner environmentalist. And if meat isn’t your thing, the veggie burger is excellent for those who have sworn off the finer things in life. The atmosphere is cozy and rustic with communal tables in a snug space. Pro tip: Get the fried pickles, they’re what your southern dreams are made of.

Photo courtesy of Burger Up

Edley’s Bar-B-Que

This is Edley’s original location and one of the first great fast-casual BBQ joints in all Nashville. Edley’s boasts a menu full of delicious smoked meats and a crafty selection of local brews at the separate bar. Sit outside on the patio and people watch while stuffing your face with some slow-roasted Memphis-style BBQ. Grab one of their famous Bushwackers at the bar, and don’t miss the banana pudding as a side.

Photo courtesy of Edley's Bar-B-Que

MAFIAoZA’s

Perfect for either lunch OR dinner, but when is pizza not great to eat? MAFIAoZA’s has Mafia-inspired pizza names cooked in a stone oven, which means they come out perfectly cooked every time. There are lots of other good Italian options as well. With a casual atmosphere that’s full of energy, and great patio, it’s a perfect place for a pint and a pie. Don’t miss the Two For One Tuesday beer and pizza slices--it’s an offer you won’t be able to refuse.

Photo courtesy of MAFIAoZA's

Dinner

bartaco

Bartaco is technically a chain, but don’t let that deter you from checking out this fun atmosphere with fresh cocktails and satisfying taco combinations. When your Mexican craving kicks in, grab a house margarita and settle into the lively patio or cozy interior. Bartaco offers quality casual bites in a lively environment that don’t break the bank. The Roasted Duck Taco and any of their freshly squeezed juice cocktails should be a must during your visit.

Josephine

Swanky and simple collide in this storefront dinner/weekend brunch space. Next-level farmhouse cuisine highlights the best of seasonal produce and local meats and cheeses. Expect a tight, well-curated wine selection and an array of house cocktails that will slay any thirst. For a personalized experience, the reservations-only X|X (“10 by 10”) offers a tasting table dinner on Friday and Saturday nights hosted by the chef, pastry chef, and service director.

Photo courtesy of Josephine

Urban Grub

This always happening and stylish eatery is the epicentre of the 12 South strip. Urban Grub serves up an extensive raw bar and other seafood options alongside southern staples and aged cuts of meat. The menu can be a bit all over the place, so stick to what it’s known for and imbibe on a cocktail or two from the extensive list. The people watching and the chance to spot a local celeb is always an option, too.

Photo courtesy of Urban Grub