As fun as it sounds, you can’t have a special-occasion meal every day. Here’s where to eat a good casual meal—which involves laid-back attire, an affordable menu, and waiter service—in Nashville.
The Best Casual Restaurants in Nashville
Pancho & Lefty’s
This cantina is what of the top-rated Tex-Mex destinations in Nashville, known for their very own blend of Southern flavors and modern Mexican techniques to create “Nash-Mex.”
- Neighborhood: Melrose | Sylvan Park
- Order This: Adobo Chicken Tacos
Von Elrod’s
While Germantown has seen a surge in fine dining, Von Elrod’s low-key beer hall has been welcomed with open arms.
- Neighborhood: Germantown
- Order This: Angry Bird
Burger Up
Burger Up is a community-driven restaurant that brings together families and friends over locally sourced beef and produce.
- Neighborhoods: 12 South
- Order This: Bison Burger
Pinewood Social
Swing by Pinewood Social any time of day for a quick refuel. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner items are all equally delicious.
- Neighborhood: SoBro
- Order This: Crispy Brussels Sprouts
The Pharmacy
The Pharmacy’s burgers are indeed like medicine—even if you eat too much, you’ll walk out of this joint with a spring in your step.
- Neighborhood: East Nashville
- Order This: Pharmacy Burger
bartaco
Check the forecast, then chill outside or inside as you chow down on tacos, rice bowls, and assorted seafood dishes at bartaco.
- Neighborhood: 12 South
- Order This: Sesame Ribeye Bowl
M.L.Rose
“Get out without getting fancy” is one of M.L.Rose’s mottos. Expect simple pub food, craft beer, and burgers at this local favorite.
- Neighborhoods: Melrose | Sylvan Park | Capitol View
- Order This: Taproom Burger
Pastaria
Pastaria is a family-friendly restaurant serving organic pasta and pizza that tastes like fine Italian dining. (Yes, even the risotto balls.)
- Neighborhood: West End
- Order This: Pistachio Ravioli
Neighbor’s
Neighbor’s has two locations boasting a chill environment, tasty pub grub, and an excellent selection of brews.
- Neighborhoods: Sylvan Park | Germantown
- Order This: Smoked Wings
The Stillery
A quick sit-down meal is possible in Midtown or Downtown, courtesy of The Stillery. Drinks at both locations are stiff and plentiful.
Party Fowl
From Party Fowl’s fiery menu to the 13 giant flat screens, nothing about this hot-chicken mecca is subtle.
- Neighborhood: Gulch
- Order This: Hot Chicken Street Tacos
12 South Taproom
12 South Taproom is a longtime gathering spot for friends, families, and—when it’s nice out—their pups.
- Neighborhood: 12 South
- Order This: The Nashville Burger
51 North Taproom
Like its sister property, the 12 South Taproom, 51 North Taproom is armed with mouthwatering bar fare and plenty of beers on tap.
- Neighborhood: The Nations
- Order This: Shrimp & Chips
The Best Fast-Casual Restaurants
Sometimes even waiter service is a little too fancy for your needs. Here are the top fast-casual restaurants in Nashville.
Hugh-Baby’s
- Cuisine: Burgers
Martin’s
- Cuisine: Bar-b-que
Edley’s
- Cuisine: Bar-b-que
Fido
- Cuisine: American
Hattie B’s
- Cuisine: Hot chicken
Radish Kitchen
- Cuisine: Healthy salads, wraps, and bowls
Five Points Pizza
- Cuisine: Pizza
Frothy Monkey
- Cuisine: American
Mitchell Delicatessen
- Cuisine: American/Deli
Greko Greek Street Food
- Cuisine: Greek
Grilled Cheeserie
- Cuisine: Grilled cheese
Mas Tacos
- Cuisine: Mexican
Vui’s Kitchen
- Cuisine: Vietnamese
Sunflower Cafe
- Cuisine: Vegetarian and vegan
Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen
- Cuisine: Italian
Slim & Husky’s
- Cuisine: Pizza
Also See:
