A Local’s Guide to East Nashville
Last Updated: 1/16/26
East Nashville is one of Nashville’s coolest neighborhoods (and one of its largest because the area is actually made up of a number of smaller neighborhoods). As a local and an East Nashville resident, I’ve put together a list of all the coolest spots and things to do in East Nashville.
There’s so much in the neighborhood that it would be impossible to do everything, but this should help you get started! Make sure to check out my East Nashville bucket list while you’re here.
(You can also sign up to my East Nashville newsletter to get recommendations for cool spots and weekly events sent directly to your inbox.)
Things to Do
East Nashville Farmers’ Market
Nashville has lots of great farmers markets, but the East Nashville one is absolutely one of the best. Besides the normal fruit, vegetables, and herbs you expect, there are also lots of great prepared food options. Even when I can’t go, I still check their Instagram page to see what went on because it always looks so fun.
The East Nashville Farmers’ Market takes place on Tuesday afternoons in the spring, summer, and fall at 5th and Woodland. It’s a great way to support local businesses!
Google Maps | East Nashville Farmers’ Market Website | 👉 Read my full guide to the East Nashville Farmers’ Market
Shelby Bottoms Nature Center and Greenway
The Shelby Bottoms Greenway is made up of 950 acres and is home to local flora and fauna. There are miles of paved pathways, a children’s play area, and the Nature Center, which offers all kinds of cool programs.
It’s packed basically every single weekend that the weather is decent. It’s amazing that this area exists so close to Downtown Nashville. At the very least, you should make your way to the Hidden Pond (it’s on the map) and try to spot some beavers.
For those with kids, the Shelby Bottoms Nature Play Area is one of my top recommendations in the area!
Google Maps | Shelby Bottoms Website
Restaurants
Five Points Pizza
Five Points Pizza is such a staple in East Nashville that it almost feels silly to mention. The location in Five Points sells pizza by the slice or by the whole pie, and the weekday lunch special is one of the best deals in Nashville.
Google Maps | Five Points Pizza Website | 👉 See my full review of Five Points Pizza
Folk
Folk is one of the best neighborhood upscale restaurants. The menu rotates seasonally, and you’ll always find delicious pizzas to try. It feels relaxed and welcoming rather than stuffy or pretentious. Plus, the prices are decent, too, especially compared to other fine dining options around the city.
You’ll probably need reservations to get in, but sometimes you can get a table last minute. I love this restaurant so much that I almost want to keep it a secret. It really is too good not to share though.
Redheaded Stranger
It would be a surprise if you haven’t already come across Redheaded Stranger on social media already. The southwestern-inspired eatery is very Instagram-friendly. Unfortunately, this means that there’s almost always a line outside, but the tacos are worth it (and so are the frozen drinks).
We are sometimes able to avoid the crowds by going to grab an afternoon snack (tatchos!) instead of getting a full meal here, so that’s a good option, too.
Google Maps | Redheaded Stranger Website | 👉 See my full review of Redheaded Stranger
Turkey and the Wolf
Turkey and the Wolf is a New Orleans favorite that has expanded to Nashville. The menu is small, but the food is incredible. You can pick from a selection of sandwiches and a couple of sides. I loved the fried bologna sandwich with housemade mustard. And, I’d definitely recommend getting one of the frozen margs while you’re here.
The spot is incredibly popular, but it’s worth waiting in line for a bit if you need to. Just be aware that most of the seating is outdoors.
Google Maps | Turkey and the Wolf Website | 👉 Read my full review of Turkey and the Wolf
Spicy Boy’s
Spicy Boy’s is a Cajun restaurant that serves up delicious New Orleans-style food. In fact, it’s so authentic that half the staff is gone during Mardi Gras to party it up further south. I absolutely recommend the poboys here.
Google Maps | Spicy Boy’s Website | 👉 See my full review of Spicy Boy’s
Audrey
Audrey is one of Sean Brock’s newest restaurants in Nashville. It actually isn’t my favorite fine dining spot in Nashville because it’s just so pricey. However, it is absolutely a unique dining experience, and people come from all over to try it!
If you’re a serious foodie or if you are looking for a spot to celebrate a special occasion, Audrey is a great choice.
Peninsula
Peninsula is one of the best restaurants in all of Nashville. The small, intimate spot serves delicious dishes inspired by the Iberian Peninsula. It’s the perfect spot for special occasions.
Google Maps | Peninsula Website
Joyland
Joyland is a much more affordable spot directed by Sean Brock. It’s a casual burger joint that produces absolutely perfect burgers. I honestly think these might be the best burgers in all of Nashville.
Google Maps | Joyland Website | 👉 See my full review of Joyland
If you’re looking for even more suggestions, I’ve got an entire guide to restaurants in East Nashville.
Coffee Shops
Hanna Bee
Hanna Bee is an adorable coffee shop that does really great seasonal drinks. It’s a great spot for meeting up with friends because it’s so cute. But, I also like it for bringing a laptop and getting some work done. Plus, it’s located right next door to a bookstore, so there’s really nothing else more you could want.
Google Maps | Hanna Bee Website | 👉 See my full review of Hanna Bee
Momento Specialty Coffee
Momento Specialty Coffee has recently taken over the space that used to be All People Coffee. The cafe has a good selection of coffee plus delicious food for breakfast and lunch.
So far, I’ve only had the iced hot chocolate here (because I love an iced hot chocolate), but my husband likes the breakfast sandwiches. And, I’m planning to come back during lunchtime for one of the paninis.
Google Maps | Momento Specialty Coffee Website
Flora + Fauna
Flora + Fauna is a cute, plant-filled cafe located in Highland Yards. While it’s a great place to grab coffee, the menu here is also really good. I’d definitely suggest this as a spot to meet up with friends or a place to read a book.
Google Maps | Flora + Fauna Website | 👉 See my full review of Flora + Fauna
Elegy Coffee has all the classic options you’d expect from a coffee shop along with really fun specialty coffees. Like the honey bear cold brew which you can get in 16 oz or 32 oz batch bottles shaped like bears.
Besides coffee, you’ll find great food at Elegy including burritos, sandwiches, bagels, pastries, and more.
The East Nashville location has outdoor seating only, and there’s a walk-up window for easy ordering.
Google Maps | Elegy Coffee Website
Sip Cafe
Sip Cafe is absolutely one of my favorite coffee spots in the area. You can get both coffee and ice cream here along with a selection of baked goods. Sip tends to have longer opening hours than most of the other coffee shops nearby.
Plus, Sip Cafe even has a drive-thru. As a parent of very young children, I love having this as an option!
Google Maps | Sip Cafe Website
Bakeries
East Park Donuts
For from-scratch donuts with outstanding flavors, East Park Donuts is the place to go. This is definitely not a chain donut shop. The donuts are so substantial, and there are vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, and keto options.
Google Maps | East Park Donuts Website | 👉 See my full review of East Park Donuts
Donut Distillery
As you can imagine from the name, Donut Distillery serves up boozy donut flavors plus drinks. The flights are very popular with bachelorette parties, but there are non-alcoholic options here, too.
I actually don’t care that much for the boozy flavors, but I’m in the minority on that preference. I love their seasonal donuts, though!
Google Maps | Donut Distillery Website
Yeast Nashville
Yeast Nashville is a bakery that’s most famous for its kolaches – both the traditional Czech-style and Texas-inspired ones. Personally, I love their cinnamon rolls. Either way, East Nashville loves this bakery – the stream of customers never stops.
Google Maps | Yeast Nashville Website | 👉 See my full review of Yeast Nashville
Brightside Bakeshop
Brightside Bakeshop is tiny, but it’s incredibly popular. As of writing, the bakery has a perfect 5-star rating on Google, so I’m clearly not the only one who loves the cinnaroll here.
Brightside Bakeshop has a variety of brioches, breads, tarts, Danishes, and other baked goods available Wednesday through Sunday. The shop also has seasonal and specialty treats on the menu from time to time.
Some options sell out quickly. Certain fans place their orders online at 3 pm the day before to get the best selection, so consider doing that if you want to pick from the most choices.
Google Maps | Brightside Bakeshop Website | 👉 See my full review of Brightside Bakeshop
Shopping
Grimey’s
Nashville is known for its music, so you won’t be surprised to find cool record shops – like Grimey’s. This independent record store sells both new and used vinyl, cassettes, CDs, and more. You’ll also find a selection of books downstairs!
Check their calendar because there are tons of special events like release parties and album signings happening at Grimey’s.
Google Maps | Grimey’s Website | 👉 See my full guide to Grimey’s
Bookshop Nashville
The Bookshop Nashville is an adorable, tiny bookshop with a carefully curated selection of awesome books. It’s impossible to leave without running across something you’re interested in.
Google Maps | Bookshop Nashville Website | 👉 See my full guide to The Bookshop
The Getalong
The Getalong is a cute little space selling a mix of home goods, children’s items, and gifts. It’s so much fun to browse, but the Getalong is more than just a shop. The space hosts all kinds of events and activities from children’s music classes to art classes for adults.
Google Maps | The Getalong Website
Lykke Haus Curated Vintage
As you might expect from the name, Lykke House Curated Vintage is an incredibly well-curated vintage shop on Trinity. Some vintage stores feel like a treasure hunt, but this one feels like you’ve just walked into a cool, artsy showroom.
You’ll find a little bit of everything here. Glassware, clothing, furniture – and even “Creepy Room” with weird objects like unsettling dolls and potentially haunted items.
Google Maps | Lykke Haus Website
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Thanks for reading my guide to East Nashville! If you’re looking for even more spots to check out in Nashville, I’ve linked some other great ones below. Also, if you’re a local, make sure you’re signed up for my East Nashville newsletter to get a weekly highlight featuring cool spots and local events.
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