Brunch seems like a new fad in today’s culture; churchgoers dining after service, businesses having luncheon meetings, or even just a couple of friends grabbing some mid-morning drinks. But let us be the first to tell you- Nashville has been cultivating this Sunday sport known as Brunch for nearly two decades. From unique culinary dishes to bottomless mimosa, there is something for everyone in Nashville. In fact, Nashville’s brunch spots have been dubbed bomb.com (can we still say this?). Pro-tip: It is never too early for a mimosa and most Nashville restaurants start serving at 11 am!
The History of Brunch
If you’re into the historical side of Nashville brunch, read on. Brunch has a few claimed origins- One dating back to 1895 when British writer, Guy Beringer stated that “brunch is cheerful, friendly and inviting. It is talk-compelling. It puts you in a good temper, it makes you satisfied with yourself and your fellow beings, it sweeps away the worries and cobwebs of the week.” And we would have to agree! Another speculated birthplace of brunch comes from the feast after a large hunt in the English tradition. Some others say that it started within the Catholic religion during times of fasting before Mass and then having a large meal after their gathering. Whether religious or cultural background, Nashville has taken brunch by storm and we are not too proud to show it! Check out these top picks from Joe Nashville and be sure to let us know which Nashville brunch spots you have tried in the comments!
Nashville Brunch is on a Whole Other Level
Did we mention Nashville has some of the best brunch spots in the country? Whether you are hungry after attending church, hunting or rolling out of bed late, brunch is never a bad option. Sit down with your family and friends for a late-morning get-together. The great thing about having a meal between breakfast and lunch is that you have food options from both menus! In the mood for pancakes and fruit? Done. Or how about hot chicken and waffles? Also done. In Nashville, the possibilities are endless! To narrow down the options, we provided you with five top-tier brunch choices to add to your Nashville trip itinerary:
Von Elrod's
A perfect spot for a nice, sunny day. Von’s offers a unique brunch menu with amazing eats fresh from the kitchen. It is a great location to grab some grub before a Sounds game, being conveniently stationed next to the field. They are dog-friendly (and people-friendly too). Oh… they also have a fantastic beer garden.
Where: 1004 4th Ave N
When: Tues & Wed 11am-10pm, Thurs 11am-12am, Fri & Sats 10am-12am, Sun 10am-10pm
Menu Highlights:
- Brunch Panchos (crispy potatoes, warm beer cheese, salsa fresca, sour cream, jalapeños, sunny side egg)
- Angry Bird Grit Bowl (green chile gouda grits, spicy chicken sausage, cajun cream sauce, sunny side eggs, valentina)
- Biscuits & Gravy (the von’s breakfast sausage, sawmill gravy)
Drink Highlights:
- The B.A.M (the Von’s “Big Ass Mimosa” served in a liter stein)
- Housemade Ranch Water (tequila, agave, lime, sparkling mineral water, served in a liter stein)
- Von’s Bloody Mary (pepper infused Tito’s vodka, Fresno, jalapeño cheddarwurst, bacon, house pickle, celery)
Common Ground
Let’s get to munching on some tasty food. Common Ground takes traditional brunch items and puts a spin on it. They offer a charming atmosphere with five-star customer service. Their dishes and cocktails are almost too beautiful to consume… but please do… they are delicious. You can even order online or book a private event.
Where: 4001 Charlotte Ave
When: Tues-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-10pm
Menu Highlights:
- Local AF Lox (gin-cured salmon, hearty local toast, fried caper cream cheese, pickled shallot, everything bagel spice, crispy smashed fingerlings)
- Carrot Cake French Toast (ginger cardamom cake, rum anglaise, maple cream cheese, candied carrot)
- Stacked Frittata (baked egg, dried tomato, queso fresco, bacon, charred tomato vinaigrette, herb salad)
Drink Highlights:
- Spritz (aperitivo, sparkling wine, orange)
- Negroni (gin, sweet vermouth, Campari)
- Old Fashioned (bourbon, demerara, bitters)
Milk & Honey
Man, we have heard about this place a thousand times from visitors on our walking tours of Nashville. Milk & Honey is THE brunch place in the Gulch. They have a huge menu with a variety of options to choose from. Coffee, tea, salads, toast, pop tarts, cookies, gelato, sandwiches, bagels, porridge, omelets… you name it.
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Where: 214 11th Ave S
When: Mon-Sun 6am-3pm
Menu Highlights:
- Ricotta & Honey (whipped whole milk ricotta, local honey, fleur de sel, sourdough toast)
- Fig & Prosciutto Toast (fig preserves, prosciutto, gorgonzola, goat gouda, arugula, kalamata olives)
- Dirty Benny (open-faced English muffin, ham, sunny side up eggs, Stumptown redeye gravy, fresh herbs)
Drink Highlights:
- The Bee’s Knees (vodka, lemon, St. Germain, Lillet Blanc, local honey, bee pollen)
- Mike & Honey Margarita (anejo tequila, triple sec, agave, lime)
- Citrus Sangria (fresh citrus, white wine, rum, coconut water, pineapple, elderflower)
The Hampton Social
Get your phones out because this brunch location is Instagram-worthy. With greenery and rose walls covered with neon signs, it is an influencer’s dream. And that’s not just because of the aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, you also get luxury food and an awesome rooftop bar in the mix. The Hampton Social is a great laid-back place for a girls’ brunch outing.
Where: 201 1st Ave S
When: Mon-Wed 11am-11pm, Thurs 11am-12am, Fri 11am-1am, Sat 10am-1am, Sun 10am-11pm (rooftop hours vary)
Menu Highlights:
- Monkey Bread (soft, sweet, sticky, croissant pieces, toasted pecans)
- Grilled Octopus (potatoes, creamy herb sauce, olives, pistachios)
- Sunrise Beach Bowl (brown rice, quinoa, avocado, plantains, onion, fried egg, black beans, salsa, jalapeño aioli)
Drink Highlights:
- Hampton Frose (Tito’s handmade vodka, rosé wine, peach purée)
- Oyster Shooters (house bloody mary, oyster, celery salted rim, choice of tequila & vodka)
- The Lighthouse (Sicilian lemonade, rosemary)
Stateside Kitchen
Now this restaurant has the brunch vibe! The brasserie-style restaurant is located in Dream Nashville on Printers Alley (another highlight of our downtown walking or van tours). They have scrumptious food and an incredible selection of drinks including beer, shooters and cocktails. You might even catch them at a time when they are having live music or entertainment.
Where: 210 4th Ave N
When: Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 10am-3pm & 5pm-11pm, Sun 10am-3pm & 5pm-10pm
Menu Highlights:
- Classic Deviled Eggs (cage free eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, celery, pickle relish, horseradish)
- Nash’s Smashed Avocado Toast (cage-free sunny-side-up egg, dried cranberries, roasted seeds, micro greens on toasted sourdough, homemade fresno pepper jelly)
- Shrimp + Grits (jumbo shrimp, creole gravy, homemade sweet pepper grits, red bell pepper, sweet onion)
Drink Highlights:
- Birds of Paradise (absolut pear, passion fruit, mint, lime)
- Espresso Martini (vodka, espresso liqueur, cold brew coffee)
- Ginger Margarita (reposado tequila, house made ginger syrup, lime, blood orange)
Final Thoughts
These are just a few of the bomb.com brunch spots in town to help you plan your next trip to Music City. If you are a little jet-lagged from your travels, these places let you get your well-deserved rest and still have the best breakfast available to chow down on after rolling out of bed a little later than usual… It is vacation after all. While you are here, join us for some sightseeing around Nashville. You might even discover new brunch locations on our guided tours. See you soon!
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