Bars and Restaurants on the Water in Nashville (Waterfront Restaurants)

🍹 Blue Moon Waterfront Grill – tucked away in West Nash, Blue Moon feels like an oasis in the city. 

🍹 Hoppin’ River North – this taproom is absolutely gorgeous and perfect for a casual date or group hang; plus, you can order food from ShakeShack next door. The Cumberland River view is still a bit of a trust the process, but once the riverfront is completed, it’s going to be a beautiful spot.

🍹 Shipwreck Cove – off Bell Road in Nashville, it’s like being transported outside the city, while still within the city limits. 

Honorable Mention: Neuhoff District – although there are no restaurants or bars directly overlooking the water at this point, the whole district sits on the river. So, grab a coffee or a smoothie and find one of the scenic overlooks to park and relax.

The Surrounding Areas

🍹 Amigos by the Dock – taking over where Scoreboard left off, this is a big, fun space in Antioch perfect for the whole crew

🍹 Awedaddy’s – go for the fun atmosphere, stay for what may be the best bushwacker I’ve ever had. In Gallatin. 

🍹 Hoppy’s Harbor Grill – at Fate Sanders Marina in Mt. Juliet. No working website or social media, but there are recent Google reviews, so they appear to still be going strong.

🍹 Moby Dicky’s – another Hendersonville spot, this sports bar is a locals favorite.

🍹  Paddle Dog – the cutest hot dog stand you ever saw, with live music and paddleboards/kayaks to rent in the Westhaven neighborhood of Franklin 

🍹 Papa Turney’s BBQ – good BBQ and good views in Hermitage. Honestly, what more do you need? 

🍹 Riverview Restaurant & Marina – Ashland City is a rural gem that must be protected; and the deck at Riverview is just lovely. 

🍹 The Rudder – Hendersonville’s offering, the outdoor live music is a vibe and the scene is poppin’.

🍹 Sam’s Blue Turtle Bay – I’ve only been to Sam’s in Old Hickory once, and that is a shame, because this place is huge and a great time. And you can catch the game while you’re there!

🍹 Tailgate Hendersonville – You know Tailgate for their pizza and huge local beer menu. Now enjoy their lakeside views, too!

I think it is important to remind everyone that waterfront bars are for the drinks and the vibes. The meals at these restaurants may/may not change your life. But, we’ll all have a great time. 

And if you want to be outside, but being waterfront isn’t a key objective, check out my list of Nashville’s outdoor bars and restaurants!

XO,
SB

The post Bars and Restaurants on the Water in Nashville (Waterfront Restaurants) first appeared on The Tip Jar.

Whether you’re a local looking for something new to do or visiting for the first time, there’s no shortage of options, from beloved seasonal events like Cheekwood in Bloom to casual afternoons spent day drinking or exploring local neighborhoods.

If you’re wondering what to do in Nashville in March, April, or May, this guide covers the best things to do in Nashville in spring, including events, activities, and a few of my favorite go-to spots.

Nashville Spring Events You Can’t Miss (2026)

• March 28 – ​Two Rivers Mansion: Whiskey & Wags dog-friendly whiskey festival with mansion tour in Donelson
• April 9 – Bridgestone Arena: Predators Wine Festival Downtown
• April 9-19 – Nashville Comedy Festival at venues all over the city (lots of really big names!)
• April 11 – Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival Downtown (free!)
• April 11 – East Nashville Beer Festival
• April 18 – Williamson Family Farm: Butterfly Festival with Fireworks in Murfreesboro
• April 18 – Steeplechase Grandstand: Bourbon & Bubbles Festival in Belle Meade
• April 19 – Bringle’s Smoking Oasis: Crawfish Festival with Modern South in the Nations
• April 24-26 – Music City Food & Wine Festival
• April 25 – The Nations: Neighborhood Yard Sale throughout the Nations
• April 28 – Schermerhorn: Symphony Fashion Show Featuring Lainey Wilson Downtown
• May 9 – Steeplechase, Nashville’s derby, in Belle Meade
• May 14 – OneC1ty: Battle of the Burger with Nashville Lifestyles in West Nashville
• May 16 – Nashville Rosé Festival: Festival Benefitting Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition in East
• May 16 – Walk Bike Nashville: Tour De Nash Bike Ride for All Levels
• May 28-30 – Bridgestone Arena: Music City Rodeo with Miranda Lambert, Charley Crockett and Jon Pardi Downtown

Outdoor Things to Do in Nashville in Spring

• Stop and smell the tulips at Cheekwood in Belle Meade. This year’s theme is Red, White, & Bloom honoring the United States’ 250th Birthday (thru April 12).
• Explore the Tennessee State Parks (especially the ones with waterfalls!)
• Check out one of Nashville’s many farmers markets (every day of the week in season!)
• Support Shelby Park with East Nash Beer Works’ Fridays by the River in East
• Take a stroll at Centennial Park, and take a selfie at the Taylor Swift bench, of course in West End
• Cheer on the Nashville Sounds in Germantown!
• Cheer on the Nashville Soccer Club in South Nash!
• Visit Lucky Ladd Farms for the flowers, the petting zoo, activities for the kids, and so much more in Eagleville
• Take a color walk – focus on one color as you walk around one of Nashville’s great neighborhoods (I recommend 12 South, East, or Sylvan Park) as a way of practicing mindfulness!

Best Bars & Restaurants to Visit in Spring

• Taste test all the matcha flavors at Eat Bubbles in L&L in Sylvan Park
• Get into one of the hottest restaurants without a resy by sitting on the Noko patio in East
• Sip on a marg on Dos Santos’ patio (two for one on Tuesdays!) in WeHo
• Indulge in a bottomless mimosa/bloody/frose brunch at several places around town.
• For even more outdoor dining options, check out my list of the best patios in Nashville!
• Let the kids run around while everyone is a kid again at Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar in 12 South
• Enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine at the aesthetic Pont Neuf in L&L in Sylvan Park
• Check out the least touristy rooftop at Mercado in WeHo
• Enjoy a gorgeous brunch at 60 Vines Downtown
• Be inspired by the beautiful decor (and amazing patio!) and Mediterranean cuisine at Sadie’s in Edgehill
• Sip a cold beer at Living Waters: the Garden, the brewery and coffee shop’s location in the Nations
• Fries and ice cream are the ultimate warm weather treat at Fryce in 12 South
• Step into the Secret Garden downtown with Hidden Bar’s spring pop-up
• Blue Aster Mad Hatter Tea Party at the Conrad in Midtown

Free Things to Do in Nashville in Spring

• April 11 – Nashville Cherry Blossom Festival Downtown
• Explore the Tennessee State Parks (especially the ones with waterfalls!)
• Check out one of Nashville’s many farmers markets (every day of the week in season!)
• Take a color walk – focus on one color as you walk around one of Nashville’s great neighborhoods (I recommend 12 South, East, or Sylvan Park) as a way of practicing mindfulness!
• Check out one of Nashville’s many farmers markets (every day of the week in season!)
• Support Shelby Park with East Nash Beer Works’ Fridays by the River in East
• Take a stroll at Centennial Park, and take a selfie at the Taylor Swift bench, of course in West End
• Musician’s Corner, the free weekend music festival in Centennial Park, kicks off May 15 and runs through June 13.

Spring Date Ideas in Nashville

• Explore the Tennessee State Parks (especially the ones with waterfalls!)
• Support Shelby Park with East Nash Beer Works’ Fridays by the River in East
• Check out the least touristy rooftop at Mercado in WeHo
• Fries and ice cream are the ultimate warm weather treat at Fryce in 12 South
• Cheer on the Nashville Sounds in Germantown!
• Cheer on the Nashville Soccer Club in South Nash!
• Paddle around Old Hickory Lake with a Glow in the Dark kayak tour! (use code tipjarnash10 for 10% off your first visit).

Live Music & Seasonal Experiences

• Make a bouquet at Amelia’s in L&L and in East
• Support Shelby Park with East Nash Beer Works’ Fridays by the River in East
• Check out my guide to all of the Easter brunches, crafts, and egg hunts around town!
• Musician’s Corner, the free weekend music festival in Centennial Park, kicks off May 15 and runs through June 13.
• Get a color analysis with the Color Edit of Franklin!

If that’s not enough outdoor-ness for you, check out my lists of coffee shops with patios, as well as outdoor bars! Nashville comes alive in the spring, so enjoy!

XO,
SB

The post 25+ Things to Do in Nashville in Spring (2026 Guide to Events, Festivals, & More) first appeared on The Tip Jar.

Nashville – Restaurant Review: Pastis

Pastis, a favorite restaurant from New York’s Meatpacking district, has been slowly extending it’s reach, and Nashville is now home to it’s fourth location!

This restaurant opened to QUITE a buzz and questions as to whether it would live up to it’s NYC’s sister location. Aesthetically, the two mirror each other, with Nashville featuring the classic curved zinc bar, signature subway tiles, and mosaic-tiled floor people may recognize from the New York location.

The service is excellent (having never been to the NYC spot, I can’t compare – but I venture to guess Nashville’s southern Hospitality is always going to win out).

But the real question is, how’s the food?

I’m here to tell you – it’s delicious. Everything we tried was so good, from the steak tartare to the shrimp salad to the pancakes and the eggs Norwegian (salmon benedict). And of course, the cocktails.

Obviously, pancakes and eggs are features of the brunch menu, but many of the other brunch items are also available at lunch and dinner (like the steak tartare and shrimp salad), so I feel confident recommending Pastis for any meal. And I personally can’t wait to go back from the onion soup.

My only gripe with the restaurant is not really with them, per se, but rather everyone who refers to the restaurant as a classic French bistro. It is not. I majored in French and studied abroad in Paris, and those cafes are MUCH smaller, with tables right on top of each other, and quieter voices.

It really reminds me more of turn-of-the-century New York than Paris. But, either way, it captures the romantic essence of an exciting time in dining history.

Dress code is business casual, maybe? I saw many cute dresses at brunch, but you could get away with a nice set of jeans and a cute top. This is not an athleisure spot. For men, slacks and a polo or button down is more than appropriate, especially during the day.

Prices skew towards the bougie side, but I would not classify Pastis as “fine dining”. Perhaps $$$ out of 4.

Reservations are strongly suggested. Parking is on your own in Wedgewood Houston; there are a few paid lots nearby.

For foodies, Francophiles, and fans of the original, Pastis is a great experience and brings a cosmopolitan flair to Nashville. It’s worth the hype.

XO,
SB

P.S. For other restaurant reviews and recs, check out my Restaurant category tag!

P.P.S. Planning a visit to Music City soon? Check out my list of what to pack for Nashville so you don’t forget anything essential!

The post The Best Places in Nashville – Restaurant Review: Pastis first appeared on The Tip Jar.

Nashville – Restaurant Review: Fancypants

Fancypants, the elevated but approachable concept from the brilliant minds behind Butcher & Bee and Redheaded Stranger opened in 2024 and has been buzzy ever since.

Fancypants styles itself as “your friendly neighborhood Asian Italian fine dining steakhouse” (lol), and they definitely capture those vibes in the gorgeous space. It’s giving mid-century Manhattan, with deep reds and plush floral decor. The bar is beautiful and each table and booth is intimate and inviting with a view of the open kitchen.

If you’re there on a nice night, try to snag a seat on the beautiful covered patio.

Everything we tried tasted delicious from the welcome drink (such a fun touch) to the crudo to the house-made “Sour Patch kids”.

I will be thinking about the garlic noodles, served in an old-school nostalgic lunch box for a long time.

The attention to detail and novelty (in a fun, not over-the-top way), as well as the great service (and a parking lot, which, though small, had adequate parking for a Sunday night), makes this a good dining experience all the way around.

With all of that said, a word of caution – if you’ve heard someone say the menu was veggie forward, let me assure, it is VERY veggie forward. As in, the menu we were served had almost no protein – not even nuts or cheese.

I left full, but somehow also feeling like I hadn’t eaten enough. There is a hearty steak on the menu, and a few other protein options. So, perhaps there is a way to construct your menu in a traditionally protein-heavy way. But, generally speaking, if you are counting macros, this is not the place for you (unless you want the steak).

Dress code is business casual, maybe? No one would look out of place in a suit or nice dress, but also you could get away with a nice set of jeans and a cute top. This is not an athleisure spot.

Fancypants is, well, fancy, and the price reflects that. Most nights are a chef’s tasting menu, but on Sunday’s you can order a la carte, so that’s definitely the night to go if you’re looking to spend a little less or have control over your order.

Reservations are strongly suggested.

For true foodies, Fancypants is a great experience and offers something unique in Nashville. For those used to eating a lot of animal protein, the entire vibe and the food quality is still worth a visit, but go knowing what to expect.

XO,
SB

P.S. For other restaurant reviews and recs, check out my Restaurant category tag!

P.P.S. Planning a visit to Music City soon? Check out my list of what to pack for Nashville so you don’t forget anything essential!

The post The Best Places in Nashville – Restaurant Review: Fancypants first appeared on The Tip Jar.

Nashville – Restaurant Review: Turkey & The Wolf Ice House

This New Orleans restaurant just hit East Nashville, and the buzz has not stopped!

Despite the low key digs and small menu, you can see why it’s such a hit. I ordered the fried bologna sandwich – one of the most popular items, and I was absolutely blown away. I’m not really a sandwich girly, much less a hot one with bologna. But y’all, you HAVE to try this sandwich. I’m drooling right now just thinking about it.

All seating is outdoors, so keep that in mind, although the immediate patio is enclosed in inclement weather. Bring the kids and let them around outside while you sit on the eclectic picnic tables, sipping on one of the delicious adult bevvies. (Loved the frozen French 75).

This is a walk-up counter service joint, so no resys, and at peak times, the line can get long (definitely check their Insta before heading out to be sure they haven’t sold out.)

Parking is street only, and it’s in a residential area, so be patient and respectful of people’s driveways. And they’re only open for lunch.

Now for an honest critique – the menu is a little weird. I didn’t love the feta and spinach pie, and the empanada was just okay to me. And I didn’t really understand how either of them fit the vibe.

That being said, this spot is just fun and over all, worth a visit for sure.

XO,
SB

P.S. For other restaurant reviews and recs, check out my Restaurant category tag!

P.P.S. Planning a visit to Music City soon? Check out my list of what to pack for Nashville so you don’t forget anything essential!

The post The Best Places in Nashville – Restaurant Review: Turkey & The Wolf Ice House first appeared on The Tip Jar.

Coffee Shops with Patios in Nashville

☕️ Bongo Java – Nashville’s first coffeehouse has a great patio along Belmont Boulevard

☕️ Cafe Sperry’s – grab a piece of pie with your coffee and crank out some work at this covered patio in Bellevue

☕️ Crema – the downtown location has plenty of seating and a view of the skyline

☕️ Dozen – the bakery/restaurant/coffee shop has a small kids play area at their outdoor space in South Nash.

☕️ Humphrey’s Street – support a good cause and take in the sunshine in WeHo.

☕️ Neighborlily – Part coffee, part cocktail bar, there’s a front porch patio, as well as a big backyard garden area. Germantown.

☕️ Ramblin’ Joe’s – go for the free printing, stay for the patio seating in the Nations

☕️ Sam & Zoe’s – a covered patio that’s great for catching up with friends in Berry Hill.

☕️ Surefire – The Germantown location has umbrella’s and a partially covered portion, East features picnic tables, and the Brentwood outpost has a great outdoor seating area.

☕️ Steadfast – The treed picnic area, plus covered tables are great for getting work done in Germantown

☕️ Ugly Mugs – An East Nash icon offering shared outdoor space with the other businesses nearby.

☕️ The Well – Head to Midtown for a true patio, or to Brentwood or Bellevue for an outdoor space shared with other businesses.

☕️ Stay Golden – people watch in the Nations

Nashville, thank you for your vibrant coffee and patio scenes. We love both!

XO,
SB

P.S. If you want to visit even more patios, check out my list of some of the best bar/restaurant outdoor seating options!

The post Coffee Shops with Patios in Nashville first appeared on The Tip Jar.

Nashville – Coffee Shop and Cocktail Bar Review: Cafe Babu

Nashville has no shortage of coffee shops OR cocktail bars. But, this cozy coffee and cocktail combo is all the rage in Nashville right now, and for good reason!

Designed in a Mediterranean style with rustic walls, Cafe Babu is anything but rustic. From the moment you walk in, the space is welcoming and warm, intentionally designed for conversation and community.

By day, they serve coffee and pastries. At night, you can find wine and cocktails with a small food menu (do NOT skip the whipped feta!).

The space is small, so during peak times, you may have a wait. Early in the week, you may find some people working; however, the vibe is much more conducive to a chill meet up with friends or a cozy date. And as the whether gets warmer, I know that patio is going to be the place to be.

Parking is street parking and fairly ample within a block or so walking distance.

Be sure to follow Cafe Babu on Instagram for their special events and other announcements. They’re always doing something fun (at time of publication, they have a daytime house party coming up!)

XO,
SB

P.S. For more coffee shop options, check out my list for some of the coziest coffee spots in Nashville!

The post The Best Places in Nashville – Coffee Shop and Cocktail Bar Review: Cafe Babu first appeared on The Tip Jar.

Nashville – Restaurant Review: Noko

Located at the end of a small shopping center in East Nashville, Noko offers a simplistic aesthetic. But that’s where the simplicity ends, as they do not miss a single detail.

You can expect Asian-inspired, wood-fired small plates (although some dishes are definitely large enough to be eaten as entrees).

Everything on the Noko menu is delicious, but I particularly recommend the district sando (trust me, it is SO much more than a ham and cheese); the Szechuan green beans; and the wagyu brisket.

The cocktail menu has something for every taste – whether you prefer something fruity and Instagrammable (get the Ube colada – the purple one!) to a wagyu fat washed Old Fashioned. Or, if you’re not drinking, they have several craft mocktails to choose from as well.

And whatever you do – always get the dessert! From a house-made Dole whip, to coconut cake and more, a sweet treat will always end your meal on the right note.

Brunch is available on Sundays only and has some crossover with the dinner menu, while also featuring traditional brunch dishes and some Asian-inspired meals.

Reservations are strongly recommended and usually needed a few weeks in advance. But, the patio is always reserved for walk-ins, so if the weather’s nice, you might be able to risk it!

At Noko, the food is delicious and the service is excellent (probably because of the company’s core values that put their people first, providing benefits, allowing them to travel, and otherwise just being good humans). It will always be at the top of my list of Nashville restaurants.

Have you been to Noko? What’s your favorite order?

XO,
SB

You’ll also find Noko on my full list of Nashville places that serve mocktails!

The post The Best Places in Nashville – Restaurant Review: Noko first appeared on The Tip Jar.

Downtown

? Ophelia’s : The shrubbery wall provides an oasis from the downtown madness.

East Nash

? Love and Exile : By far one of my favorite outdoor spaces – tons of room, cozy nooks, a covered portion. Pairs well with one of their frozen bevvies.

? Sabells : This newer Mediterranean spot in East has a side patio that is great for taking in Golden Hour.

? Red Headed Stranger : Who said you couldn’t drink a margarita with breakfast?

? Reunion: A beautiful interior leads to a back garden and rooftop patio

? The Wash : The only seating here is outdoors and it’s the perfect place for undecided folks, because every bay serves up delicious food and drinks.

Edgehill/Hillsboro

? Only Chicken : The newest restaurant on this list, their patio is spacious and great for people watching.

? Sadies : Mediterranean with a twist, this spot has always been one of the best patios around.

Germantown

? Bearded Iris: Nothing says a sunny day quite like sipping a Homestyle IPA on their Germantown patio

? Butchertown Hall: Go for their happy hour and sip a marg on the patio. Just trust me.

South Nash

? Dozen: Recently relocated to a much bigger space, the bakery/restaurant/coffee shop has tons of outdoor seating (but little shade as of publication, so keep that in mind).

WeHo

? Fait La Force : Good beer and downtown views with plenty of room to spread out.

? Dos Santos: A tequila bar with creative and delicious food and a patio made for people watching.

West Nash

? Streetcar : A hidden beer garden with room for the whole family.

XO,
SB

P.S. For even more outdoor sipping, check out this list of coffee shops with patios or restaurants with great outdoor spaces!

The post The Best Patios in Nashville first appeared on The Tip Jar.