Nashville Dining Guide for the Slate Innovation Summit

If you are headed to Nashville for Summit, your taste buds are likely starting to pine for barbecue and maybe grits. It’s never too early to plan your dining itinerary, so here are some ideas to jumpstart your agenda. We’ve selected some spots we know about that are near — most within walking distance of — the convention center. If you were hanging with the RHB team, you’d likely end up at one of these establishments.

We have not included all the options on Broadway — we decided you could readily find your way through that strip of neon-fronted saloons. Broadway is a definitive Nashville tourist experience and you should stroll up and down the street just to say you’ve been there, done that. Our list includes places you may not stumble upon (as it were).

Etch ($$$)  Enjoy a great wine list and good cocktails at this upscale restaurant with an eclectic menu that’s consistently rated well by diners.

The Catbird Seat ($$$$)  You will remember this meal; it’s a higher-end experience with a seasonally-changing menu. It also happens to be right next door to one of Rick’s favorite speakeasies.

The Patterson House ($$$)  It’s easy to miss, but don’t. If you love great cocktails, step into this blast from the past. You may be greeted coolly and asked why you are there before you are allowed behind the heavy curtain into the dark speakeasy. Drinks aren’t cheap but you get what you pay for.

The 404 Kitchen ($$$$)  The 404 Kitchen is a deep-wallet dive, but it’s also very good. You’ll enjoy fresh, locally-sourced food with a cool industrial vibe at this trendy upscale spot located in the Gulch.

Adele’s Kitchen ($$)  This one may be more comfortable on your wallet and comforting to your tummy. Local farm-to-table dishes will make you feel at home in this open-style space.

Sambuca ($$)  Located in the Gulch, Sambuca serves reasonably-priced American food. And if you want more activity with dinner, it also has live music and a dance floor.

The Farm House ($$)  Offering southern food at reasonable prices and specializing in farm-to-table, you’ll find the Farm House not far from the convention center. Try the quail.

Husk ($$)  Located in a historic home just south of Broadway, you’ll enjoy Southern food and charm with a nice break from the hubbub.

Arnold’s ($)  It’s nothing fancy, but you’ll certainly feel at home in this mom-and-pop country kitchen that locals swear by. Get in line out the door of the you-can’t-miss-it red block building.

Joyland ($)  This gem, located a quick ride from Broadway in East Nashville, is one of Sean Brock’s latest projects. Here you’ll find hamburgers, fried chicken and boozy milkshakes set in a fast-food experience created to inspire joy.

Sixty Vines ($$)  If you and your group want to take a sampling approach, you can enjoy a variety of wines on tap in a light and airy setting. If you’d prefer to focus on food, they offer fresh options that range from heavy hamburgers to light salads.

lou/na ($$)  Enjoy an exceptional experience with craft cocktails and a spectacular view of Downtown Nashville. We recommend taking the meandering walk down Broadway and timing it so you can watch the sunset from their location on the rooftop of the Hyatt.

TENN ($$)  This might be where you find the cool kids in need of local Southern fare. You should try the cinnamon buttermilk biscuits with spiced chocolate gravy for dessert.

Those options should get you started. Most of all, enjoy your Nashville experience, preferably with good friends. Make new friends and experiences over a great meal. Have fun!

Looking for recommendations on how to make the most of your time at Slate Summit? Check out the RHB team’s advice in our Summit guide.