Things to do in East Nashville
East Nashville is well known for being home to the Grand Ole Opry and the surrounding attractions affiliated. However, there are so many incredible restaurants, tours, and things to do in the region that don’t get as much hype. If you’ve been skipping over East Nashville when planning days in the city, you’ve missed out on some unique Music City experiences.
This mini-guide to East Nashville will outline the best of food, drink, outings, and tours in the eastern Nashville neighborhoods to influence your next outing!
Best Food and Drink in East Nashville
East Nashville has great variety in its restaurants. You’re sure to find what you’re craving, from plant-based options to authentic Southern comfort food! Whether you’re planning your first trip to East Nashville or you’re looking to try something new, these restaurants are some local favorites worth checking out:
- Lockeland Table serves American classics like mac and cheese, wood-fired pizza, steaks, and Southern comfort food. As a more upscale restaurant, Lockeland Table has created a beautiful ambiance in their restaurant, perfect for a special evening out in Nashville.
- Pelican & Pig is the perfect combination of quality American food and amazing cocktails. Whether you’re looking to sit at the bar with a drink and appetizer or have a large sit-down meal, Pelican & Pig will suit your occasion.
- Peninsula offers a modern take on Spanish and French dishes with an impressive wine list. The restaurant’s intimate, cozy vibe fits the style of food and adds to the dining experience.
- Lyra is a middle eastern restaurant serving specialty dishes like baba ganoush, lamb kabobs, and more. Along with its unique drink menu, Lyra’s is a great place to try something new!
- East Side Banh Mi serves the popular Vietnamese dish that has gained incredible popularity lately, the banh mi. However, if you’re looking for something besides a sandwich, the restaurant has a full menu of other dishes like salads and bowls.
- Cafe Roze serves coffee and sweet treats, but don’t let the word “cafe” fool you! Cafe Roze is open all day and serves breakfast and lunch foods in addition to their classic cafe treats and drinks.
- Graze Nashville is entirely plant-based. Graze serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all completely vegan. The restaurant also offers a full juice and smoothie bar, perfect for anyone looking for a healthy option on the go. For more vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Nashville, check out our full restaurant guide and favorite brunch spots.
Now that you have the perfect restaurant picked out for your outing in East Nashville, complete your itinerary by seeing some of the iconic sites in the area!
Top Things to do in East Nashville
East Nashville often gets overlooked due to all the incredible landmarks in downtown Nashville. However, many of the region’s museums and historic sites can be found east of the central city. If you’re looking to explore beyond the downtown corridor, check out some of these East Nashville excursions:
- Madame Tussauds Celebrity Wax Museum
- Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Grounds
- Grand Ole Opry
- Opry Mills
- Cooter’s Nashville
- East Park
- Willie Nelson and Friends Museum
- Garden Conservatory at Gaylord Opryland
City Tours in East Nashville
Many of the iconic tourist destinations in East Nashville can be accessed on guided tours. This can be a great way to learn more about the history of the location you’re touring, thanks to having an experienced guide talking you through all that you’re seeing. If you prefer guided tours, these are some of the city tours to consider when traveling through East Nashville:
- Grand Ole Opry House Guided Backstage Tour
- General Jackson Showboat
- Mint Julep Experiences
For more information on finding and booking city tours to be sure you see precisely what you want to see, get in touch with one of our Nashville experts! For a more personalized consultation to help plan your upcoming trip or move to Music City, book a city consult to get all of your Nashville questions answered.
