I’m a mimosa girlie, so these spots are specific to mimosas. But I noticed that MANY also offer bottomless bloody Marys, too, so use this as your starting place if you prefer the more savory brunch cocktail.

As always, restaurant offerings change regularly. So, always be sure to double-check before heading out anywhere! (Also, some have a 90-minute or 2 hour time limit, so keep that in mind.)

Sorted by neighborhood (with notes for the ones I’ve specifically tried):

Berry Hill/Melrose:

Fenwicks 300 (not technically bottomless, but they sell $18 carafes, so…)

Big Machine: Technically, vimosas (they’re made with vodka instead of prosecco), they’re yummy whatever you call them, especially when you can create your own from their juice and topping bar. And, the patio is excellent. Brunch 7 days a week!

Downtown:

Boqueria: tapas in a fun environment in 5th & Broadway; great for starting a Broadway day drinking day (also includes a bottomless sangria, bloody, and marg option!)

The Farm House: cozy, farm-to-table spot tucked away downtown (also bloodies and beer’mosas)

Liberty Common: beautiful, French vibes and bottomless mimosas (and bellinis) EVERY DAY (Thurs-Sun)

Stateside Kitchen: a DJ brunch; this one can get quite lively… (Fri-Sun). Bottomless frose and bloodies, too!

Tenn in Holston House: Every day – includes bloodies and bellinis, too.

East Nashville:

Waymore’s – every day!

Germantown:

Germantown Cafe: You won’t see the word bottomless on the menu, but don’t worry – Germantown Cafe will help you stay well-imbibed, with a fun vibe, delicious food, and bottomless bloody Marys and frose (!!), too – or mix and match! Reservations strongly recommended. 

The Gulch:

Federales: Go for the bottomless food and/or add on the bottomless drinks (mimosas or vodkas). This is definitely a more party vibe as the day goes on with a DJ, so go early if you want a more chill, acoustic experience.

STK: An elevated brunch experience, they have an all-you-can eat brunch experience, as well as bottomless mimosas, bloodies, sangria, and tequila sunrise.  

Hillsboro Village:

Twenty-First – also bloody Mary’s.

Midtown:

Commons Club at the Virgin Hotel (also bottomless rosé) – I can’t currently find a menu to confirm this, so maybe call first!

Sylvan Park:

Park Cafe: Old school style, great food, a patio with live music – and of course, bottomless mimosas – as well as bloodies, aperol spritz, and beer!

Wedgewood Houston:

Mercado: Butchertown Hall’s WeHo expansion, Mercado has a great atmosphere, biscuits with brown butter that you cannot miss, and flavored mimosas! PLUS, rooftop dining – and carafes of margs!

Dos Santos: Intimate, but also good for the whole gang, and everything I’ve tried there is delicious!

If you know of any I missed, please let me know, and I’ll add them. Cheers, y’all!

XO,
SB

P.S. Wondering what to wear to brunch in Nash? Here are a few ideas (As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases):

• Check out this ruffled bodysuit, and pair it with some breezy palazzo pants, or go for a pretty sundress or chic pantsuit. Add these cute Crocs sandals (yes, I said cute and crocks in the same sentence!) or these Hermes dupes, and finish it off with a cute crossbody bag.
• For winter vibes, keep the bodysuit, swap the palazzos for trouser jeans, and grab a suede blazer and some fashion sneakers for a put together look.

P.P.S. Have you seen my post about the BEST Nashville brunches (right now!)?

The post Where to find Bottomless Mimosas (and bloody Marys!) in Nashville first appeared on The Tip Jar.

I’ve noted specific locations of restaurants with multiple shops because those are the ones I can vouch for. The other locations may be great as well, and this list will be updated as I find more crispies!

Assembly Food Hall – Downtown

I can only vouch for the fountains on the Prince’s side of the Hall, but those are excellent. Pairs well with any of the local restaurants in the Food Hall!

Baja Burrito – Berry Hill

Go for the Diet Coke, stay for the incredible tacos and burritos.

Caliber Coffee – Donelson

Cheating on this one because it’s not DC brand. But it’s a good sugar free cola, reasonably priced, and at a coffee shop – what other coffee shops have any fountain sodas, period?

Cledis – Bellevue

I’ve heard the Elm Hill one is crispy, too, but I know the fountain on the left in Bellevue is fire.

Doublz – Donelson

This is a locally owned location of a family owned business and they are always so nice! A great option for a drive through DC.

Edley’s – Donelson

I’m going to have to test the other Edley’s to see if they’re as good, but Donelson is a chef’s kiss DC!

Elliston Place Soda Shop – Midtown

It would be a real shame if a soda shop didn’t have a crispy DC. Fortunately, they do. 😅

Gordo’s Taqueria – WeHo

They need bigger cups and smaller ice cubes…but the Diet Coke is crispy! And the food is good, too.

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken – West

They put hot chicken on the map, and they stay coming in clutch with their DC.

Little Hats Market – Germantown

Honestly, with all their specialty products, I wouldn’t expect them to have a good fountain soda situation, but it’s very, very good.

McDougal’s – Edgehill

The cups are small, so go sparingly on the ice if you’re taking it to go. But they’ve got the good ice, so honestly, just stick around and eat there!

Mr. J’s Original – Downtown

Burgers, pastrami, chicken, and more diner food. I could tell straight from the fountain it was going to be good – and it’s perfect. Plus they have the good ice.

Poke Nash – Sylvan Park

The syrup was slightly off, I think, but still good. And maybe that means more soda because it was extra crispy! And the poke bowl was very good, too!

Prince’s Hot Chicken – Tanger Outlets

I could tell by how fizzy it was coming out of the machine that it was going to be top tier. Might be my current fave.

Waldo’s Chicken & Beer – Germantown

Waldo’s is honestly not my personal favorite food-wise (I may be in the minority here). But, the Germantown location has one of the best DC’s.

McDonald’s – everywhere

Sorry – it’ll just always be number 1. (Use the app, and get it for $1.10 up to four times a day!)

Any that I’ve missed? I’m always on the hunt for a crispy Diet Coke, so bookmark this page and check back for ongoing additions!

XO,
SB

If you’re looking for even more ways to stay caffeinated, check out this guide to some of Nashville’s great coffee shops!

The post The Crispiest Diet Cokes in Nashville first appeared on The Tip Jar.

But, if you’re overwhelmed by all the buzzy places on Instagram and the sheer quantity on Yelp, let me simplify your choices by offering a local’s guide to the best spots (obviously, these are all my opinions, but I give food tours and eat out almost every day for my food-focused Instagram account, so I feel qualified to offer them!)

This guide covers must-visit spots in neighborhoods like East Nashville, The Gulch, 12 South, and more—perfect for planning your next brunch, dinner date, or night out.

12 South

Epice – intimate, delicious, and off the tourist radar, this Lebanese restaurant is not to be missed. Parking is tricky, and reservations strongly suggested.

Fryce – I don’t know if you can call fries and ice cream a restaurant, but they’re the best combo and when made by a long-time chef, certainly qualify as a meal. Parking is again limited, but no reservations needed. It’s a fun time for the whole family.

Downtown/the Gulch

Alba’s Empanadas – this walk up window is great when you’re running around the Gulch, and the food is very good. Most garages in the Gulch have one hour free parking.

Husk – a Nashville staple, Husk focuses on locally-sourced Southern flavors, so the menu changes frequently, but is always very good. Plus, the ambiance of an old home adds to the experience. They have a small parking lot and there is street parking. Reservations strongly recommended.

Marsh House – not your average hotel restaurant, Marsh House is New Orleans inspired, seafood-forward (although there’s plenty of non-seafood options!) and just really, really good. The vibes give big city. If you go for brunch, you have to get the cinnamon roll and the cham-bongs for fun! Parking in the Gulch is paid street parking or garages with an hour free. Reservations recommended.

Sunda – while not local to Nashville, Sunda is a limited-location Asian-Pacific restaurant from Billy Dec and it hits the mark every time. Parking is primarily garage parking in the Gulch, with an hour free in most garages. Reservations recommended.

Yolan – I cannot stress this one enough. You must go. Immediately. It’s so, so good. I generally am not a big Italian food fan, and I loved every bit of the tasting menu. It’s a fine dining experience in the Joseph hotel that’s worth the money. I can usually find metered street parking in that part of downtown, and they offer valet. Reservations recommended.

East Nashville

Kase X Noko – Noko’s omakase experience, it’s fresh, fun, and delicious. Reservations are required, and typically book immediately upon release, 6 weeks in advance. So, plan ahead. They have a small parking lot, and there is a neighborhood for street parking across the street (but be respectful!)

Kisser – One of Nashville’s most celebrated restaurants but one of the hardest to get into due to their limited lunch-only hours and no reservations. The Japanese kissaten inspired restaurant is worth the hype, but try to go as early as possible and plan to wait.

Koré – with all the feels of a neighborhood bar, from friendly service to a lively ambiance, Koré features yummy, fun cocktails, a “small plates” menu of Asian dishes that are anything but small, and affordable prices. Reservations strongly recommended. They have a small parking lot, then there is another lot across the street and neighborhood street parking.

Lockeland Table – another long-time Nashville favorite, Lockeland Table is a James Beard award nominee that features American foods done very well. If you’re a bone marrow fan (or just want to branch out), try theirs – trust me. Reservations strongly recommended. Parking is just neighborhood street parking.

Noko – my number one favorite restaurant in Nashville, Noko is approachable, has fantastic service (from the owner down), and serves really, really good food. It’s Asian inspired (loosely) wood fired with small plates and main dishes. Reservations required, but they do reserve the patio for walk-ins. They have a small parking lot and there is a neighborhood for street parking across the street (but be respectful!)

Peninsula – chef-owner Jake Howell just won the James Beard award for his work at this approachable fine dining spot. It’s a foodie’s paradise with creative, changing French and Spanish influenced menus and unique flavors – yet, it feels like a community restaurant (because it is), completely lacking pretension. Pretty easy street parking. Reservations required.

Xiao Bao – another Asian restaurant, Xiao Bao offers Asian-fusion comfort food. It’s good, approachable, and eclectic. They have a small parking lot and there is street parking around the neighborhood, but could require a little walking. Reservations not accepted.

Germantown

5th & Taylor – I’m sad it took me this long to get to 5th & Taylor because I’ve just been missing out on incredible food in a really great environment. I went for my birthday and all 6 of us loved it. Also, they have bottomless mashed potatos.

Pelato – Again, not an Italian food girly, but I love Pelato. Their small plates are done well, and their drinks are always great (don’t skip the frozen espresso martini). Parking is limited in the area, so exercise patience and plan to walk. Reservations strongly recommended.

Rolf & Daughters – an ever changing menu of American food, Rolf & Daughters has been a long time Nashville favorite for a reason. Reservations required for this small restaurant, and parking is street only.

Tailor – I don’t usually love Indian food, but the presentation, the gorgeous restaurant, the service, all made for one of my favorite meals this year. It’s a tasting menu, but I was sufficiently full by the end.

Wedgewood Houston/Berry Hill

Baja Burrito – Nashville’s local Chipotle, if you’re looking for really, really good casual food, look no further. I’ve never had anything there that wasn’t spectacular. Parking can be tricky, but they have an overflow lot around the corner. No reservations, and there is often a line, but it moves quickly.

Dos Santos – elevated but fun, Dos Santos is a Tex-Mex restaurant done right with an impressive tequila list. It’s a great vibe and perfect for a group or a casual date night (brunch is good, too!). There is a garage nearby; otherwise, it’s limited street parking. Reservations not accepted.

Pastis – This French-inspired bistro from NYC just opened it’s Nashville location, and it’s worth the hype! Delicious food, a great atmosphere, and good service. Parking is on your own in WeHo (there are a couple paid lots around). Reservations required. (Check out my full Pastis review if you’d like the whole scoop!)

West Nashville

Lola – delicious Spanish tapas and a great happy hour, it’s a trendy, intimate neighborhood restaurant with great food. Street parking in the neighborhoods around (be respectful!). Reservations strongly recommended.

Midnight Oil – pizza by the slice or the pie, with frozen drinks in a chill atmosphere. It’s a small spot, so it can fill up quickly. No reservations and parking is mostly street parking around the Nations neighborhood.

Sonobana – a strip mall Japanese spot that is always popular. It’s not fancy, but it’s good and affordable, and parking is ample. No reservations.

Tantisimo – Latin American food that originated as a farmers market pop-up. It’s fresh, creative, and seasonal, and something Sylvan Park was missing. Reservations encouraged. Parking is street in the neighborhood.

The Burbs

Lyncoya Cafe – if you’re up in Hendersonville, Lyncoya Cafe is not to be missed. It doesn’t look like much from the outside, but inside you’ll find some of the best comfort food around – and a salad that I dream about. No reservations, but it’s popular so there could be a wait. Easy parking lot.

Sunflower Bakehouse – In Donelson (which is not technically the suburbs, but I digress), you’ll find a vegan and gluten free restaurant and bakery that is so good, even meat eaters will love it. No reservations needed, and easy parking.

Tutti Da Gio – The pizza here is incredible. I’ve heard the rest of the menu is, too, but I can’t get away from the pizza. In Hendersonville (and Hermitage, but a more limited menu for takeout only).

Other Categories of Note:

Brunch

Restaurant at the W – it’s rare that a hotel restaurant makes it on to any of my lists, but this brunch buffet truly blew me away. Reservations encouraged, and parking is lots or garages in the Gulch.

Nelson’s Greenbrier – great for groups, it’s a good vibe, good food, and great drinks. Reservations encouraged, and parking is usually easy during brunch hours (Sunday only).

Germantown Cafe – bottomless drinks, a solid food menu, and a classic Nashville restaurant vibe. They do have a parking lot, but otherwise it’s street parking. Reservations required.

Check out this post for more of Nashville’s best brunches!

Cocktail Bars

sidebar – if this bar were not in a hotel, it would have gone out of business because no one has ever heard of it. But the drinks are so good and it’s a speakeasy feel. No reservations, and they validate parking in their lot for locals. Downtown in the Bode Hotel.

Tiger Bar – located in East Nashville, it’s a novelty bar (1930s circus themed) that also delivers on drinks. Reservations encouraged. Parking is tricky, but I think they validate (call them first to be sure!)

The Fox – winner of so many awards, the Fox has a fantastic menu of delicious drinks (including an equally thoughtful zero-proof list). It’s small, so reservations encouraged, as is ride share, as parking is tricky (although there are paid lots around).

Coffee Shops

Elegy – with multiple locations, there is probably an Elegy near you where you can get crowd-favorite, the Honey Bear: Cold brew, oat milk, burnt honey, cinnamon, maple syrup. This is more of a takeout shop, although some locations have limited seating.

Surefire – another with multiple locations, Surefire brings the outdoors to a coffee shop near you, with walkup windows and outdoor seating.

Matryoshka – cult favorite, this tiny coffee shop is friendly, aesthetic, and fun! In South Nashville.

For even more coffee shop options, check out my lists of cozy coffee shops or coffee shops open past 5 pm!

The Nashville food and bev scene is alive and well and EVER changing! So, bookmark this list and checkback periodically to see what’s new! And be sure to follow me on Instagram at @thetipjarnash for all the latest recommendations.

XO,
SB

The post Best Restaurants in Nashville: Where to Eat Right Now in Music City first appeared on The Tip Jar.

Easy, Affordable Brunch in Nashville: Keke’s

While Keke’s is not a local restaurant, it should be in your rotation anyway for several reasons:

• The locations throughout Middle Tennessee are all super easy to get to – and have parking! Nashville breakfast places with parking are rare, so this is a huge plus.
• The menu is extensive and has something to please everyone for breakfast and brunch. And the prices are reasonable – especially for the cocktails! (Again, affordable brunch in Nashville is a rare commodity.)
• The food really is good! Sometimes restaurants become chains for good reason…and Keke’s is one of those. The Donelson location has a 4.8 rating – from over 1400 reviews!
• The atmosphere is friendly and bright. The best brunch spots in Nashville can get trendy and pretentious really fast – Keke’s keeps it casual and approachable.
• It’s one of the few family-friendly brunch spots in Nashville. Bring the kids, bring mom and dad – even though they serve alcohol, a full-on boozy brunch is not the vibe.
• Keke’s is quick service – skip the long waits of the buzzy places downtown! Again, great when the kids are in tow.
• It’s also a great Nashville brunch option for groups, thanks to the ample space and quick service (and did I mention the parking??)

In my completely honest, local’s opinion, Keke’s would not be my FIRST choice for breakfast (see this list of breakfast spots for some of my favorites). But, it definitely has its place and is an important addition to the Nashville brunch scene.

XO,
SB

If a boozy brunch is more your speed, then don’t miss my list of Nashville brunch places with bottomless mimosas (and bloody mary’s, sangria, and espresso martinis!)

The post Easy, Affordable Brunch in Nashville: Keke’s Breakfast Café Is Worth a Visit 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.

The Best Brunches in Nashville

(in alphabetical order – sort of)

Buttermilk Ranch

The crowds at this 12 South hotspot can be prohibitive, but there is a reason everyone loves it so much! Pro tip – get on their wait list online before heading out. Or, even better, go during the week, since they’re open 7 days. They offer at least 3 different coffee-based boozy drinks, as well as several mocktails.

Dos Santos

The breakfast burrito. Y’all, literally so good. Plus, bottomless mimosas. Dos Santos is always the vibe. In WeHo.

Evelyn’s

When a hotel restaurant hits, it really hits. Everything on Evelyn’s menu looked so delicious – traditional brunch but elevated. I loved the red velvet french toast and the croissant benedict was also a winner. It’s also just a gorgeous restaurant and lobby. They validate self-parking in their garage, or they offer valet and street parking is available nearby. In the Hutton Hotel in Midtown.

Nelson’s Greenbrier Distillery

At the top of my list is this restaurant with a whiskey distillery (j/k, but the restaurant is so good, it feels that way!). Nelson’s offers delicious cocktails and an elevated, classic brunch menu (try the monkey bread!) Plus, it has a great vibe, can accommodate groups, and offers parking. Take a tour while you’re there for the full experience.

Marsh House

If you’ve not been to this Gulch staple in the Thompson Hotel recently, it’s not your average hotel restaurant. It’s gorgeous and light-filled and feels wholly separate from the hotel, and the food is so good. DO NOT SKIP the cinnamon roll. The shrimp and grits were also great, and the cham-bongs are a fun way to kick things off. This is a bougie brunch sure to impress anyone.

Mercado

Another Tex-Mex option, Butchertown Hall’s WeHo expansion, Mercado has a great atmosphere, biscuits with brown butter that you cannot miss, and flavored mimosas! PLUS, rooftop dining!

Park Cafe

There’s a reason this restaurant has been a long standing staple of Sylvan Park – it’s just good. Brunch service is new, though, and delicious. And with a beautiful interior and a covered patio with live music (and bottomless mimosas!), you just can’t go wrong.

Pastis

This buzzy restaurant is a cross between a Parisian cafe and a New York subway station, and based on their brunch, deserves ALL the accolades it’s been receiving. This is the epitome of a bougie brunch but definitely worth the price tag for the cocktails, food, and vibes.

Sunda

Located in the Gulch, Sunda isn’t a restaurant locals think of often, and that is such a shame. It’s truly one of Nashville’s best – I’ve only ever had an amazing experience there. For brunch, I especially recommend the ube espresso martini, as well as the ube waffles and Japanese fried chicken. All so good. Get one free hour of parking in the garage right next door.

Xiao Bao

Combining traditional American brunch ingredients with their Asian comfort food menu, Xiao Bao is one of the most unique brunches around and one of my favorite restaurants in general. In East.

Snooze

Okay, I know this is a chain and we love to support local around here. But…it’s also really good. The old school diner vibes, paired with an impressive brunch cocktail menu and a menu that features spins on all the breakfast classics, it’s worth a visit. Multiple locations.

Honorable Mention:

Noko

While I typically prefer a more traditional brunch menu and would rather Noko for dinner than brunch, it is one of the best restaurants in town and everything they do is excellent. So, no list of “bests” is complete without them. In East.

Tailgate

A new coffee line, plus boozy coffees, room for the kids to roam around, and breakfast pizza. This one might not change your life (although the prosciutto peach pizza of the month when we went was INCREDIBLE), but it’s a really good option for a casual weekend morning.

Wabash Southern Kitchen

While this one’s off the beaten path in Nolensville, it’s really, really good.

Those are my favorites right now. What would you add to the list? Leave a comment below with your tip!

XO,
SB

P.S. For even more brunch ideas, check out this list of places starting the party a day early – Friday brunch! Or, schedule a boozy brunch date at a spot offering bottomless mimosas or bloody Marys!

P.P.S. Not sure what to wear to brunch? Check out some of these ideas:

• Vibe: Effortlessly chic. Check out this ruffled bodysuit, and pair it with some breezy palazzo pants, or go for a pretty sundress or chic pantsuit. Add these cute Crocs sandals (yes, I said cute and crocks in the same sentence!) or these Hermes dupes, and finish it off with a cute crossbody bag.
• For winter vibes, keep the bodysuit, swap the palazzos for trouser jeans, and grab a suede blazer and some fashion sneakers for a put together look.

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases.

The post The Best Brunches in Nashville…right now! first appeared on The Tip Jar.

12 South

Bottle Cap – I’ve actually not been to this one, but it’s always popular!

Donelson

Sweetmilk – a locally owned elevated diner. Plenty of parking!

Downtown/The Gulch

Boqueria – a great place to fuel up before shopping at Fifth and Broadway or honkytonk hopping.

Church & Union – Known for their fun vibe and espresso martinis

The Mockingbird – “American classics with a global spin”, don’t skip their donut of the day or the cocktail in a bag!

Ophelia’s – an Italian brunch with a great patio and a great espresso martini.

Tenn at Holston House: a daily brunch with bottomless drink options!

Stateside Kitchen – a lively DJ brunch in the Dream hotel

Germantown

Butchertown Hall – a Tex-Mex flair

West End

Jasper’s – a fun, elevated sports bar (serves brunch Fri-Mon)

And here are some places where you can find brunch every day!

• Buttermilk Ranch
• Cafe Intermezzo
• Ella’s By Christian Petroni
• Hearts
• The Farmstead
• Fenwicks 300
• Liberty Common (Thurs-Sun)
• Milk & Honey
• Snooze

I’m ready to start the weekend now, how about you??

XO,
SB

P.S. Looking for more brunch ideas? Check out my list of spots serving bottomless libations!

The post Where to Find Friday Brunch in Nashville first appeared on The Tip Jar.