7 Best Restaurants in 12 South, Nashville

Come hungry for breakfast and brunch options that include zucchini pie, avocado toast, and unforgettable fluffy and crepe-like blueberry pancakes. This restaurant exudes boho California vibes with its bright airy interior and plant-filled wood accents around the open kitchen. If you're planning to dine on peak days, take advantage of the online waitlist. There's a small outdoor dining area out front; inside the seating is a mix of stand-alone tables and cozy banquettes tucked under conservatory-like windows. If you're driving, you may be able to find parking in the restaurant's parking lot.

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.

Inspired by taco culture in Austin, Texas, this bustling eatery specializes in breakfast and lunch tacos—both served all day—featuring brisket, avocado, and other fillings; vegetarian options and a kids' menu are available. The coffee menu has a nice selection of lattes and espresso, and Mexican Coke, Topo Chico, and house-made watermelon agua fresca are also available. The outdoor tables are nearly always full when the weather's nice. Inside, the large open space is spare, with a warm rustic feel. There’s a decent-sized parking lot or street parking. A second location is planned for East Nashville.