Eat Your Way Through CMA Fest
CMA Fest is one of my favorite weeks every year in Nashville. The first weekend of June (Thursday–Sunday), over 300 artists gather (essentially every country music artist you’ve ever heard on the radio and then some up-and-comers), donating their time to perform so that a portion of ticket proceeds can directly benefit music programs across the United States through the nonprofit, the CMA Foundation. For four days, from 10:00 a.m. to midnight, you can catch your favorite artists across 11 different stages in the heart of downtown (5 of which are free). Not only does the event call the best of the best back home to country music, it’s also arguably the festival with the best food.
If you’re going to maximize every bit of the week, it’s important to stay hydrated and refuel. So, I’m here to give you our guide to the best eats and drinks to give you energy to make it from the 10:00 a.m. show on the Chevy Riverfront Stage to final night fireworks Nissan Stadium.
301 Broadway
With some of the best “bar food” on Broadway, Luke’s offers a surprising selection and a Salmon Salad that us locals all talk about.
129 2nd Avenue N
Need a cool down or just a sweet pick-me-up? Grab a scoop of Banana Pudding ice cream or a Tennessee Fudge milkshake.
410 4th Ave South
When you’re hangry and need to escape the crowd for a bit, take a stroll down 4th Avenue and order yourself a Redneck Taco.
211 3rd Ave South
Whether you need a breakfast smoothie to get your day started or celery juice to help you rehydrate and detox, E+Rose has you covered.
416 Broadway
Jack’s on Broadway has the best brisket in town. Hands down. (And this is coming from a Texas girl.) Grab a sandwich, some sides, something caffeinated, and try all the sauces.
Chevy Riverfront Stage | Ascend Amphitheater | Printer’s Alley | 107 4th Avenue N
If you haven’t been to one of Daddy’s Dogs’ 3 locations downtown, you probably have some daddy issues to work out. After a long day of good times, there’s simply nothing like a Daddy’s Dog to round out the day and give you that last bit of energy you need to make it to your bed.
5th Avenue & Demonbreun Street
Nashville’s food truck scene is unparalleled, with nationally recognized originals like the Grilled Cheeserie (the B&B of Tennessee is my personal favorite) and sweet treats like the Retro Sno and Tennessee Cobbler Company. You'll find the CMA Eats 'N' Beats food truck section between the Music City Center and the Country Music Hall of Fame, but be on the look out for others along Broadway and the Chevy Breakout Stage like Mrs. Grissom's (a favorite of my Co-Assistant Editor, Ann).
416 Broadway
Roberts is know for having the best up-and-coming guitar players as well as the cheapest drinks and eats. For example, their famous “Recession Special”: fried bologna sandwich, chips, and a PBR for just $6. It's also a great place to two step.
411 Broadway
If you're looking for a place to beat the heat, stay out of the rain, or just chill, check out new favorite Downtown Sporting Cllub. We recommend grabbing at Rosé Margarita at the second floor bar (a great spot to people watch everyone below on lower Broadway).
For a live look at the best eats and drinks at CMA Fest, follow our Instagram stories at @ediblenash. My co-assistant editor, Ann, and I are on the ground sharing the best of the best!
