Where We've Been Eating: May/June 2023

Elegy Coffee, Germantown

We’re lovin’ the vibe of this sleek coffee shop tucked away in the Optimist/Griff complex in Germantown. Yes, there’s some construction and parking is a challenge, but once you get there you’ll be rewarded with a great cappuccino, baked goods from Dozen and a quiet outdoor courtyard for sippin’.

Drusie & Darr, Hermitage Hotel, Downtown

Capitol Grille in the Hermitage was the bee’s knees for the Nashville upper crust for years. Last year, the hotel made a stunning shift to Drusie & Darr, the first Chef Jean-George Vongerichton concept in Tennessee. With all the class and elegance you’d expect from the Hermitage, Drusie & Darr provides a chic, cozy hipness with warm pink hues, retro pendant lamps circa the 1940s and great French fare taboot.

Two Hands, The Gulch, 8th Avenue

This Australian restaurant has us rethinking our lackluster enthusiasm for the “bowl” concept. The brassica bowl was full of brassicas (a cruciferous vegetable), charred broccolini, kale and Brussels sprouts and had a schmear of hummus, an egg and an avocado. Perfection. We’ll be back for the miso mushroom bowl soon. Two Hands sits across from the now-shuttered Arnold’s Country Kitchen.

Earnest Bar & Hideaway, Wedgewood Houston

After an event at Soho House, we popped into Earnest Bar for a late dinner and a glass of wine. WOW! Their artisan bread service was truly amazing, with unbelievably tasty house butters, plank-fired bread and an assortment of finely-diced tomato, pepita, chia, sunflower seeds and microgreens. We followed that with the shrimp and grits, which we savored until the cast iron skillet it was served in was clean.

Otto’s Bar, Charlotte Pike

Two words here: Taco Tuesday. Their tacos overflow with fillings, an unsung benefit of this neighborhood bar.

Woodlands Indian Vegetarian Cuisine, West End

A hidden gem in Nashville since 2004, the vegetarian lunch and dinner buffet is life-changing whether you’re vegetarian or not. Try every single thing, including the rice kheer (rice pudding dessert). They also have amazing à la carte and takeout dishes.

Simply Thai, Old Hickory, Lakewood

Cheap, fresh and delicious Thai food. The tom kha gai soup is legit!

FatBelly Pretzel Bakery & Deli, Gallatin, East Nashville

From cookies to danishes to buns to sandwiches, this dude has been killing it for quite a while at the farmers markets. We’re glad to see it find a permanent home. Soft pretzels form the base of the offerings at this inspired deli.

Village Pub, East Nashville

Although Mitchell Delicatessen is right next door, don’t sleep on the sandwich specials here. Best staff in town, great happy hour specials, pet-friendly, insane patio space...truly a great place to enjoy the end of a workday.

Birria Babe Taco Truck

Bringing the birria craze to tacos (and even ramen), Chef Nadine Moore is serving up some delicious tacos at her food truck. The traditional lamb birria is juicy and flavorful, requiring lots of napkins and a cold beer. Find her at Jackalope and other locations. @birriababenash