Of all Nashville’s neighborhoods, The Gulch has lived the most different lives. It began as a bustling industrial center, home to a railroad yard that predated the Civil War. But after World War II, the Gulch fell into disuse. Factories closed, and the 110-acre geographical depression that gives it its name became less populated.
In the early 2000s, however, the Gulch resurrected like a phoenix. Development took off, and the neighborhood became a nationwide leader in sustainable architecture and energy use. Today, it’s one of the most dynamic and unique areas, not only in Nashville but in America.
The Gulch offers many attractions, everything from stores to fitness centers to dog parks, and, of course, a sweeping variety of delightful restaurants. Below are just a few of our favorites:
Of all Nashville’s neighborhoods, The Gulch has lived the most different lives. It began as a bustling industrial center, home to a railroad yard that predated the Civil War. But after World War II, the Gulch fell into disuse. Factories closed, and the 110-acre geographical depression that gives it its name became less populated.
In the early 2000s, however, the Gulch resurrected like a phoenix. Development took off, and the neighborhood became a nationwide leader in sustainable architecture and energy use. Today, it’s one of the most dynamic and unique areas, not only in Nashville but in America.
The Gulch offers many attractions, everything from stores to fitness centers to dog parks, and, of course, a sweeping variety of delightful restaurants. Below are just a few of our favorites:
As the name suggests, this Gulch location focuses on doughy, delightful biscuits. They even add the dough to classic breakfast sweet treats such as the Bonut (donut) or the Broll (cinnamon roll). Between the abundant offerings and the colonial decor, Biscuit Love treats patrons like royalty. One of the favorites is the "East Nasty," piled high with aged cheddar, gravy, and a boneless fried chicken thigh. Add an egg for a $2 upcharge to complete the experience.
Otaku Ramen is a new hip joint in The Gulch serving traditional ramen and Japanese snacks. This tiny restaurant makes up for its limited seating with ample servings. They feature several ramen options, including the Tennessee tonkatsu and the spicy miso. There are also plenty of add-on menu items, making these ramen bowls customizable. Just as crucial as the ramen is what treats to pair it with. At Otaku, one can find traditional Japanese snacks like gyoza and edamame but it also pulls in the Nashvillian crowd with hot chicken buns and the Tokyo fried chicken mini bucket.
As the name suggests, this Gulch location focuses on doughy, delightful biscuits. They even add the dough to classic breakfast sweet treats such as the Bonut (donut) or the Broll (cinnamon roll). Between the abundant offerings and the colonial decor, Biscuit Love treats patrons like royalty. One of the favorites is the "East Nasty," piled high with aged cheddar, gravy, and a boneless fried chicken thigh. Add an egg for a $2 upcharge to complete the experience.
Otaku Ramen is a new hip joint in The Gulch serving traditional ramen and Japanese snacks. This tiny restaurant makes up for its limited seating with ample servings. They feature several ramen options, including the Tennessee tonkatsu and the spicy miso. There are also plenty of add-on menu items, making these ramen bowls customizable. Just as crucial as the ramen is what treats to pair it with. At Otaku, one can find traditional Japanese snacks like gyoza and edamame but it also pulls in the Nashvillian crowd with hot chicken buns and the Tokyo fried chicken mini bucket.
Showcasing Eastern and Southeast Asian local cuisines, Sunda New Asian extends a cross-cultural menu to the downtown neighborhood of The Gulch. Offering contemporary approaches to classic Asian dishes, this establishment’s menu fuses flavors and techniques for fantastic results. The popular Tuna Truffle Pizza is a standout item that is made with roti prata, black truffle, foie gras aioli, red onion, and truffle vinaigrette. Sunda New Asian is renowned for its award-winning sushi bar and premium list of sakes, Asian beers, and wines. Stop by during happy hour for discounted sushi hand rolls and their two-for-one special on warm sake.
The Gulch is in the South? Tacos 1989 would beg to differ. Here, you can find the authentic taste of the authentic south–south of the border, that is. The Gulch’s thriving Mexican community means that top-notch tacos are never out of reach. If you visit Tacos 1989, pay attention to their special menu. Often you can get a great deal on a juicy meal. And one of their house-made margaritas is always a fine selection.
Outside the Burger Republic at night, a neon sign spells out the message “Defend Quality.” That’s Burger Republic’s motto, and that’s what they’ve been doing since their first location opened in 2012. Their dedication has been rewarded– in 2018, they were ranked among the top 10 burgers in Tennessee and the top 10 burgers in America. Quality dishes need quality ingredients, so Burger Republic uses only certified Angus beef. If you’re looking for a vegan option, ask for their house-made veggie patty to be substituted on any burger.
It’s cacao, not chocolate! Blue Stripes is a revolutionary in the chocolate industry, with creations at once healthier, tastier, and more sustainably sourced than typical chocolate. Their secret? The cacao fruit– the whole cacao fruit. Traditional chocolatiers discard 70% of the cacao, turning the beans into chocolate while letting the nutrient-rich pulp and shell go to waste. Blue Stripes breaks that pattern. As you step inside their shop, you’ll find a Willy Wonka-esque wonderland, offering everything from mousse to lattes to every chocolate-coated confection one can imagine. They even have shots of chocolate on tap. And every drop comes from whole cacao, sourced from farmers in Ecuador.
The Turnip Truck pulses with the vibe of the Gulch, even though it’s not technically a restaurant. True, it’s a great place to grab a bite to eat. Inside you’ll find a salad bar, sandwiches, and a hot bar with cuisine that varies based on the day of the week. It’s worth stopping by just for the juice bar, where they offer a succulent range of juices, smoothies, and kombucha. But the Turnip Truck shines as a grocer. In fact, it’s the only full-service, locally-owned natural foods grocer in Nashville. Since its founding in 2001, the Turnip Truck has been committed to sourcing responsibly farmed, local and sustainable produce, meat, and seafood.
At The Pub Nashville, you can experience that British atmosphere. The inside bursts with British pride, from the memorabilia on the walls to the popular ‘80s music in the background. Sit down at the handsome wooden bar and order from over 80 different whiskeys and ales. Or bring a larger party for a scrumptious lunch, brunch, or dinner. If you’re looking for the British experience, try the fish n’ chips– beer-battered haddock and house-made tartar sauce with a side of creamy coleslaw.
Detroit-style pizza without driving to Detroit? Yes, please! And it gets better than that. Emmy Squared takes inspiration from both the Detroit Style and the New York grandma pie to bring a unique pizza. Each of their menu items bears the marks of culinary creativity. If you come for Emmy’s special Saturday and Sunday brunch, enjoy ‘the Hangover’ regardless of how much you imbibed last night. This rich, delightful pizza features caramelized onions, sausage, bacon, smoked gouda, fried egg, green onion, and ranch.
As you enter The Chef and I, choose a spot at the bar, and watch the kitchen staff prepare each menu item with care and delicacy. In fact, they pay so much attention to ensuring all of their dishes are quality that it’s tough to recommend just one. If you’re uncertain, go with the tasting menu. That’s where the Muse of chefs speaks. The tasting menu is ever-changing, and each time it’s a one-of-a-kind journey through tastes, texture, and creativity. With a laid-back atmosphere and delightful customer service, dining at the Chef and I is an experience you’ll soon want to repeat.
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