Why Brunch in Nashville Nashville Is Such a Big Deal
If you’re looking for the best brunch spots in Nashville, you’ll realize pretty quickly that brunch here is basically part of the culture. From rooftop brunch restaurants downtown to cozy coffee shops in 12 South, there are SO many different Nashville brunch spots depending on the vibe you’re looking for.
Whether you’re visiting for a girls trip, birthday weekend, bachelorette trip, or just a fun weekend getaway, brunch in Nashville is honestly an experience on its own. Between brunch cocktails, DJs, rooftop views, giant mimosa towers, hot chicken, coffee shops, and some of the best breakfast brunch spots in Nashville, there’s no shortage of places to eat, drink, and spend an entire morning.
One thing I love about the best brunch spots in Nashville is that every neighborhood feels completely different. You can go full party brunch downtown Nashville with loud music and espresso martinis, or you can slow things down with pastries and coffee in a cute walkable neighborhood like 12 South.
Nashville brunch really has both.
What Makes a Brunch Spot Actually Worth It?
When I’m looking for the best brunch spots in Nashville, my main questions are:
- Is the food actually good?
- Are the drinks worth ordering?
- And what’s the vibe?
Sometimes I want a fun brunch with music, dancing, and cocktails. Other times I just want really good breakfast brunch food, coffee, and a conversation with a friend.
One thing I will say though: nothing is worth waiting over two hours for.
There are SO many good brunch restaurants in Nashville that you really don’t need to waste half your day standing outside one restaurant. A lot of Nashville brunch spots take reservations, online waitlists, or call-ahead seating. Use them.
Best Brunch Spots in Nashville for First-Time Visitors
Buttermilk Ranch (12 South)
If you’re looking for one of the best brunch spots in Nashville with amazing food and a cute neighborhood vibe, Buttermilk Ranch is easily one of my favorites. It’s located in 12 South, which is one of the most walkable areas in Nashville filled with boutiques, coffee shops, murals, and local businesses.
The vibe here is busy but laid back. Expect crowds on weekends because this brunch restaurant in Nashville is VERY popular, especially with first-time visitors.
My personal favorites:
- Corned beef hash skillet
- Shrimp & grits
- Literally any pastry they have
Their pastries are genuinely dangerous in the best way possible.
One thing to know before going:
DO NOT just randomly show up at noon on a Saturday expecting a quick table. Sometimes the wait gets up to 3–4 hours. Either get there right when they open or put your name on the online waitlist immediately.
Stateside Kitchen
If your ideal Nashville brunch includes DJs, cocktails, loud music, and a full brunch party atmosphere, Stateside Kitchen is probably your vibe.
On weekends they do “Brunch N Beats,” which is basically brunch turning into a day party. The music is loud, the drinks are flowing, and the energy feels more like a brunch club than a quiet breakfast restaurant.
Food-wise, I love:
- Nashville hot chicken & waffles
- Avocado toast with an extra egg
- Their mimosa and frose specials
This is definitely one of the top brunch spots in Nashville for girls trips, birthday weekends, and anyone wanting more of a fun brunch experience instead of a relaxed one.
My biggest advice:
Make reservations ahead of time or show up EARLY. Nashville brunch crowds are no joke on weekends.
Best Brunch Spots in Nashville by Vibe
Best Brunch for Girls Trips
Best Aesthetic Brunch Spots
Best Casual Brunch Restaurants
Best Breakfast Brunch Spots for a Hangover
Best Coffee + Brunch Combo
What to Skip When Brunching in Nashville
The biggest mistake tourists make with brunch in Nashville is thinking it’s going to be an easy walk-in situation.
It is NOT.
Especially on weekends.
The busiest brunch hours are usually between 11 AM and 2 PM, and a lot of brunch restaurants in Nashville stop serving brunch around 3 PM anyway. If you wait until peak hours to figure out your plan, you’re probably going to spend half the day waiting for a table.
My advice:
- Reserve ahead whenever possible
- Go earlier in the morning
- Or have one person from your group put your name down while everyone else gets coffee or walks around downtown Nashville
Planning ahead makes SUCH a difference.
Best Areas in Nashville for Brunch
If you’re specifically planning your Nashville brunch guide around food and coffee spots, these are my favorite neighborhoods:
- 12 South
- Downtown Nashville
- Midtown
- The Gulch
- East Nashville
Each Nashville area has a completely different vibe depending on what kind of brunch experience you want.
Final Thoughts on the Best Brunch Spots in Nashville
Honestly… Nashville is worth visiting for the food alone. And one thing I love about the best brunch spots in Nashville is that every place has a completely different vibe.
Over the last 11 years living here, the Nashville restaurant scene has gotten SO much better. There are constantly new brunch restaurants, cocktail spots, rooftop bars, and coffee shops opening up all over the city.
My personal favorite brunch spot will probably always be Buttermilk Ranch because I love the neighborhood, the food is consistently amazing, and their pastries are genuinely unreal.
And if you’re planning a trip to Nashville and feel overwhelmed trying to figure out where to stay, what restaurants are actually worth it, or which Nashville brunch spots fit your vibe, you can always book a Destination Discovery Call with me. I also help travelers book hotels and plan personalized Nashville trips based on the type of experience they actually want to have.
3 Comments