October in Nashville
 

We will be in Nashville Oct. 10-17 and would appreciate suggestions from folks who know the area. We are looking for things to do and recommendations for places to eat. Our price range would be moderate to inexpensive. We would like to know where the "locals" eat, rather than the touristy spots, although we are not opposed to those if the food is good. Thanks!!

If you don't mind sitting at tables with strangers, I would suggest Monell's at 1235 6th Avenue North. It's a bit north of the downtown area, but it's the type of place where you sit down and they bring in the food and just keep passing it around. Very homestyle, southern cooking.

We went to Nashville in March and had a couple of superb meals. The Big River Grill is a massive brew pub at the end of Broadway, As well as having lots of pool tables, you can get great food and beer here. I had cajun shrimps with grits. Superb. Also went to a nice place behind music row. There's no shortage of grest places to eat and drink in the city. As for things to do - Franklin is well worth a visit. The whole town has a preservation order on it, so it's frozen in time at the turn of the century. This is a bit of a secet, but you really should chck out Lillie Belle's tea shop in Franklin. It's like a Southern plantation house inside, and they'll look after you with fine teas and delicious treats like lavender cookies. You can also book dinner there. About two hours away is Fall Creek Falls. That's a beautiful place for a hike around. would also recommend the Loveless Cafe at the Nashville end of the Natchez Trace. Great for breakfast - omelettes, country ham and even fried chicken.

To laticsmom and gothamp, thank for the suggestions. I have written them in my little notebook that I am keeping for the trip. The tea shoppe in Franklin sounds charming.

I currently live in Charlotte, but I grew up and lived in Nashville until 2 years ago. I agree with the recommendation on Monell's. I disagree with the recommendation on Big River Grille. You asked where to eat that the "locals" eat rather than the touristy spots that has good food. Locals do not usually eat there, just play pool or some will stop by for a beer and leave. It is in the 'heart" of the tourist area. The food there is not bad, the beer is good, but there are much better choices that fit your request all within easy distance of Downtown. South Street is great! A fave of many. It is located at 907 20th Ave. South. Mainly locals here, great food, atmosphere and cold beer. Typical menu of GREAT BBQ, crab enchiladas, roasted chicken, steaks, crab cakes and it is all yummy. Price is inexpensive-moderate, mainly inexpensive. Other suggestions would be: Calypso Cafe at 2424 Elliston Place. It is simple Carribean food, cheap, good and filling (see calypsocafe.com). Las Palmas at 1905 Hayes St./near Baptist Hospital is great Mexican food, cheap, good service. Noshville on 1918 Broadway is a good Jewish deli. Other suggestions that are not so super close to downtown but close enough and inexpensive would be Calhoun's (ribs/steaks/c'ken) , Dalts (old style milkshakes, American fare) and Sylvan Park (YUMMY meat and 3). Go to nashvillescene.com which is a locals paper for music/food/bar info. There are too many places to cover that have great food, but these are some of my "local/inexpensive not touristy" places to eat. Have fun!!!

to ecmjlh, thank you for the comprehensive list of places to eat. What was really nice about your posting was the variety of food types that were included, something for all tastes. We will certainly try some of them.

ecmjlh's list is very good. I would add the San Antonio Taco Company (SATCO, if you're local). Most restaurants in the West End/Vandy area are good

I was going to add SATCO to this posting then I saw someone else did. This is the best place in the world. I ate there every day in college! You can sit outside on the porch and drink buckets of beer, plus the food is awesome. I lived for it and still crave it every day, even years after leaving Nashville. There is one on 21st Avenue right across from Vanderbilt and one downtown off of 2nd Avenue. The Cooker is another Vandy favorite, right on West End past the campus heading out of town. Chains are big there-my faves are Chili's, Houston's, and PF Chang's, all within walking distance of Vanderbilt. But SATCO is the way to go and it's cheap!

Try the Sunset Grill for a great meal with an outstanding wine list...For Italian try Sole Mio-my personal favorite-the best view in Nashville and the chicken marsala is the best!