6 Places We Bet You Haven’t Brunched at Yet; Written by Locals, for Locals
June 10, 2022 / Downtown Nashville Blog
Downtown Nashville’s urban neighborhoods continue to grow in abundance for great dining experiences. It’s now home to inspired small-business owners, restaurateurs, and world-renowned chefs, all looking to either expand their food empires or catch their big break.
Brunch instantly became all the crave & a feature to the menu that many downtown restaurants could not overlook. From chicken and waffles to breakfast burritos and bottomless buckets of Bloody Mary’s and spicy margaritas, the walkable area in the heart of Music City has fully embraced the idea “Sunday Funday”.
Here are the places we bet you haven’t gone to yet but totally need to:
222 Printers Alley
Where some of the most renown bartenders in Nashville are slingin’ drinks! Skull’s is also considered one of the most difficult places to get a dinner reservation in Music City. So, why limit your fun to just the evening hours? Try their delicious take on breakfast classics at brunch! Drool over the sweet & savory Bananas Foster French Toast or indulge in Skull's Steak Medallion Breakfast. Plus, something they’ve titled as a “Monster” Bloody Mary. The brunch menu is served on Sunday from 10am -2pm.
Helpful Review:
“Just WOW! This is a sophisticated jazz restaurant that feels like you stepped back in time to the prohibition era. The atmosphere and music were straight out of a movie & the food was so so delicious also! On the corner in Printer’s Alley and it’s the spot to be!” –Dee
Check Out Skull’s Brunch Menu Here!
201 4th Avenue North
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, the menu focuses on utilizing local ingredients for a playful approach to New American cuisine. A smaller brunch menu but it features important staples like southern biscuits and gravy along with the universal brunch item, avocado toast. Try out the Brunch Boards full of savory pastries, seasonal accompaniments, and more! Brunch is served Friday – Sunday 10am – 3pm.
Helpful Review:
“Best brunch in Nashville, hands down. Church and Union has some of the best pastries and their sausage and biscuit (with a side of gravy) successfully satisfied my brunch needs. Kudos to the chef! Will definitely be back!” –Elliott Holt
5005 Broadway Place
The newcomer to Fifth + Broadway is gaining momentum fast! This Barcelona-style tapas bar plates unique brunch cuisine like torrija (caramelized French toast) and brunch paella. But of course, everyone’s favorite side is the large portion of Southern Hospitality, according to reviews. Although, the unlimited beverages are a real crowd-pleaser too. Enjoy sangria, mimosas, beer, Bloody Mary’s, or cava. If your brunch is about the drinks & your flavor palette is about spice, you might just have landed yourself inside the most perfect match on the planet! Try their Shishito Margarita with bold Shishito Pepper Infused Tequila & Fresh Lime. Brunch items are a little on the heavier side in comparison to the dainty dishes you often see, though, so make sure you enter the vibrant downtown attraction with an empty stomach! Brunch days & times are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 11am – 4pm.
Useful Review:
“You have to get a reservation to this place if you want to skip the wait time. It just opened and it is the spot to check out downtown. Every single thing we ordered was incredible! The service was equally amazing. From the waiter to the people running food and even the bus boy, every interaction was amazing. Our waiter felt more like a friend than someone we had just met. So topping that with delicious food was an experience to rave about. We’re locals and we will be back.” –Ashley H.
205 Demonbreun Street, 2nd Ave S
Café Intermezzo embodies the essence of the 300-year-old European coffeehouse. When you’re here, you're in another time and place. The best part is they offer brunch all day every day of the week, beginning at 11 am on weekdays and 9 am on weekends. If your brunch is centered on caffeine, the Turkish Coffee will satisfy the strongest dark-roasted souls. Furthermore, their espresso machine is the largest in the world & their tiramisu is flown in from Milan, Italy! Feast on pastries alone or add some savory flavors like eggs Benedict, a seafood crepe or croque-monsieur.
Helpful Review:
“I've been here twice now with coworkers for brunch and both times the food was exceptional; so was the service. A quiet oasis just a block or two from downtown in the SoBro building. They offer excellent coffee selections, a nice light brunch menu, and a full bar. A massive espresso machine and an open kitchen provide a nice visual ambience. There is nothing country music here and that's ok! Food wise, the avocado toast is a favorite with chili oil giving it just a little kick to wake you up. The smoked salmon eggs Benedict is also a crowd pleaser. Scrambled eggs are fluffy and a great go-to! Try this spot if you're thinking about a coffee or brunch fix. There is paid parking right across the street at the 222 Building on 2nd Avenue.” –Trey
121 12th Ave N
Celebrity chef and owner, Maneet Chauhan, offers a sleek and modern brunch spot that mixes comfort food favorites with global elements; basically describing the makeup of American culture and cuisine. No two dishes are alike. Located in The Gulch, this restaurant plays with a special sense of whimsical dishes, atmosphere and sense of humor on the menu. From Hot Browns and the Vegan Breakfast Burrito to Bubbles in a Bag and wine with Tang, the overall cleverly worded and diversified options are truly exciting. As one of the prettiest places to brunch in the city, inside or outside on the patio, it’s sure to have you smiling. The brunch menu is limited in days, but definitely not options, and served Friday 11am – 2:30pm then Saturday and Sunday open 30 minutes earlier.
Helpful Review:
“Cute vibe for brunch. The food was good and the prices were not bad. I liked the decor and design in the restaurant. It had a vintage modern feel. I will say that the restaurant was a bit loud and could use some sound deadening to help with the ambiance (I couldn’t hear my partner speak from across the table). We made a reservation for brunch but I don’t think that is always going to be necessary, I’m pretty sure we could have walked in and gotten a seat no problem. Would like to try more of their menu next time!” –Mary-Rose
Check out their Brunch menu here!
210 4th Avenue North
Tucked inside the Dream Hotel is a local treat with an ambiance that is a wonder. Tall ceilings, plush velvet in gemstone colors, all complemented by black and while tiles covering the floor. While the interior design is an eyeful of electric decor worth seeing, it was clearly meant to create “moments” for visitors to share on social media. For us locals, that means influencers are likely. Furthermore, it’s often described as “lit” due to the “musical performance” (i.e. DJ) on Sundays, 10:00am - 3:00pm. With that said, this is the place to go and experience at least once. Perfect if your friends come to town, or especially, if you have Monday off! Their brunch offers beautifully plated meals like the French Sunrise & delicious sweet bites like monkey bread, which you can rarely find anywhere other than grandma’s house! One review claimed the chicken & waffles as “the best I’ve ever had!” This picturesque place serves their brunch menu Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 10:00am – 3:00pm.
Helpful Review:
“Who doesn’t love a boozy brunch and DJ with super instagrammable backdrops? This is definitely one for the girls! On top of the fun vibe/ beautiful aesthetic, the chicken & waffles is to DIE for! Plus, the bottomless mimosa is a killer deal (great champagne, fast service, and only a splash of OJ- just how I like it)!” –Olivia M
View Stateside Kitchen’s Brunch Menu.