A Look Inside: Geist

March 14, 2018 | Advertising Disclosure | Our Partners may be mentioned in this article.

Geist, once a 118-year-old blacksmith shop and Nashville’s oldest family-owned business until 2006, gets new life as an upscale restaurant and bar starting Wednesday, March 14, 2018. The renovated space in Germantown features a modern bar, dining rooms adorned in local art, and an elegant courtyard called The Champagne Garden. Nashville Guru got a look inside.


The Interior

Geist’s interior is divided into three sections, including a bar and two separate dining areas. Throughout the space, exposed brick and ceilings are balanced by soft candlelight and plush seating. Upon entry, guests can grab a seat at one of the 16 barstools or get cozy in the blue booths in the bar. The central dining room features exquisite chandeliers, comfy arm chairs for two, and three four-top tables. The back dining area includes a 12-person table and a sprawling leather booth.


The Exterior

Many of the iconic elements of the historic building remain intact, including the “John Geist Horseshoeing” sign facing Jefferson Street. Around back, there’s a sizable parking lot and a more refined entrance.

The Champagne Garden boasts an outdoor cooking stove, fireplace, greenery, and about a dozen tables. There’s also a small covered patio where diners can wait on a table or enjoy a cocktail.


The Menu

The bar program, spearheaded by Freddy Schwenk and Matt Buttel of Nashville Ice Lab, offers affordable cocktails, Geist specialities, mocktails, craft beer, as well as wine and prosecco on tap.

Chef Josh Stockton, formerly of Blackberry Farms, delivers internationally-inspired dishes for dinner and Sunday brunch. The menu includes shareable starters and sides, entrees, and desserts like cakes, puddings, tarts, and ice creams.


The Details

“With Geist, we’re taking things back to the basics: classic cocktails and great food without the pomp,” said owner Doug Martin in a release. “We have this amazing space with which we hope people will feel immediately familiar and comfortable, like dinner at an old friend’s house.”

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