7 Best Restaurants in 12 South, Nashville

Part of the 12South scene before there was one, this perennial favorite of families, local college kids, and visitors has a large, covered street-facing patio and small performance space inside. The surprisingly large menu has a seemingly endless list of quesadillas (rib eye!), tacos (tilapia), and salads with vegetarian options, plus there's a kids' menu. Check out the walls papered in Hatch Show and other concert posters.

This location of the national chain is both cozy and airy, with woven baskets as light fixtures; it serves upscale bites influenced by the street food and beach cultures of Southern California, Uruguay, and Brazil. Tacos (Bibb lettuce is available instead of flour shells) and rice bowls dominate the menu, as well as fresh-squeezed juice and cocktails; there's also a kids' menu. Remember that this is a cashless establishment and that you can save your spot in line by joining the waitlist on their website. There's another location in East Nashville.

Popular with all ages, including young families, this comfortable neighborhood hangout serves—you guessed it—burgers, as well as soups and salads. Beef and other meats are sourced from a local farm and butcher shop.

The original location of this family-owned Nashville institution is always busy for lunch and dinner, but they don't take reservations, so plan accordingly. Known for its award-winning barbecue, the menu includes lots of smoked meats as well as a number of Southern sides like cornbread bean salad, mac and cheese, and banana pudding—you've got to love a place that includes banana pudding as a side rather than a dessert. Remember that the portions are large, and a kids' menu is available. There are locations in East Nashville, Sylvan Park, Donelson, and Franklin.

A family-owned restaurant serving traditional Lebanese and Greek dishes with foodie flair, Epice has a large patio where diners can enjoy lunch and dinner in good weather. The popular weekend brunch menu includes French toast, omelets, and special cocktails.

This fun pizza place is where all ages gather for deep-dish pizzas made in an open kitchen. Beyond pizza they serve meatballs, sautéed spinach, and salads—and for dessert, cannoli of course.

Located on the site of a former car wash, Urban Grub is now a sophisticated dining space serving seafood and locally sourced meat that's cured in-house. Wait times can soar to two hours, so reservations are strongly encouraged, especially if you're coming with a large group, but there is also seating available at the bar and oyster bar. The patio and beer garden are popular spots when the weather is nice; the oversized outdoor fireplace is used for cooking during some special events.