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top-down view of an array of wine glasses and dishes on a white marble surface, including pitas and dips, roasted peppers, falafel balls, stuffed grape leaves, and a cucumber salad with crispy chickpeas
A spread of Lebanese dishes at Epice.
Epice

Where to Eat in Nashville’s 12 South Neighborhood

From innovative restaurants with coveted reservations to comfy neighborhood bars and burger places

by Kellie Walton and Alex Hendrickson Updated
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A spread of Lebanese dishes at Epice.
| Epice
by Kellie Walton and Alex Hendrickson Updated

While 12 South wasn’t always a destination, the neighborhood’s cool-kid shops and award-winning restaurants are not well-kept secrets. Tourists descend upon the area on weekends, while locals who prefer smaller crowds tend to visit during the week. See for yourself the allure of 12 South with this well-rounded mix of casual and upscale, breakfast and dinner, and sweet and savory dining options.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

Locust

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Chef Trevor Moran’s Locust landed with a huge splash in 2020, and has racked up national and local accolades since, including an Eater Award for best new restaurant. Good luck scoring a seat here: The ultra-exclusive spot has eight tables and just two seatings three nights a week, so reservations go quickly, though you can also join a waitlist. If you’re lucky enough to make it in, expect a laid-back atmosphere, an impressive selection of natural wines, and an eclectic, ever-changing menu that leans into seafood like chewy clam toast and stuffed mackerel bread.

2305 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

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Josephine

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Josephine is one of the neighborhood’s most elegant dining options. Led by Andy Little, the restaurant takes a seasonal approach in celebrating the chef’s Pennsylvania upbringing as well as local flavors, resulting in clever mash-ups like Nashville hot scrapple wraps. The Josephine whole chicken for two is a dinner staple, and you’ll find highlights like a cheesesteak at weekend brunch.

2316 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 292-7766
(615) 292-7766

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12 South Taproom and Grill

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Over a decade of serving top-notch beers and above-average pub grub has made 12 South Taproom something of the neighborhood living room, a relaxed place to gather with friends and have solid burgers and sandwiches, tacos and burritos, and a few hearty entrees. The family-friendly bar even has daily specials and a kids’ menu with treats like quesadillas.

2318 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 463-7552
(615) 463-7552

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Mafiaoza’s

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Another long-time neighborhood hangout with a sibling in Franklin, Mafiaoza’s attracts a wide range of diners, from families to groups of friends. You can order New York-style pizza by the slice or as a whole pie, not to mention an array of Italian American appetizers, salads, and pastas with plenty of meatballs and red sauce.

2400 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 269-4646
(615) 269-4646

Also featured in:

Bottle Cap

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Whether you’re looking for a place to watch sports or just do brunch, Bottle Cap has you covered. Since opening in 2020, it’s become a local haunt, largely thanks to a weekday happy hour of cocktails, wines, and beers for $6 or less from 4 to 7 p.m. Add an order of loaded fries topped with buffalo chicken or carne asada. Earlier in the day Friday through Sunday, you’ll find cheeky brunch dishes like the Wake N Steak potato hash bowl and the Recovery Bowl with cheesy grits, a poached egg, and a braised short rib.

2403 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 915-0732
(615) 915-0732

Five Daughters Bakery

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Five Daughters Bakery now has several locations across the South offering the fried treats that put this Franklin-based business on the map — namely the 100-layer doughnut, a croissant hybrid that can take several days to create and comes in flavors like chocolate sea salt and maple glaze. The simple but cute counter-service 12 South location also offers yeasted doughnuts, seasonal flavors, and vegan and paleo doughnuts free of many allergens including gluten.

1110 Caruthers Ave, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 490-6554
(615) 490-6554

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The Butter Milk Ranch

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The Instagram-friendly Butter Milk Ranch fits right into this picturesque neighborhood, but style doesn’t trump substance here. If the line’s too long, grab a coffee and an over-the-top pastry like babka croissant from the takeout counter to fuel a mural-filled walk. If you have more time, settle in for a boozy brunch with friends. The full-service menu from chef Alyssa Gangeri includes playful takes on classics like egg bowls, omelets, burgers, and croissant sandwiches alongside coffees, teas, ice cream sodas, and brunchy cocktails from bloody marys to espresso martinis.

2407 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 465-8300
(615) 465-8300

Also featured in:

Urban Grub

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Urban Grub turned a car wash into a surprisingly charming restaurant that has long since cemented its status as a neighborhood essential. During dinner, oysters and charcuterie share the menu with Southern specialties and steaks, while weekend brunch offers all your mid-morning favorites — sticky buns, doughnut holes, omelets, shrimp and grits, and steak and eggs — plus an all-you-can-eat seafood and charcuterie bar.

2506 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 679-9342
(615) 679-9342

Also featured in:

Frothy Monkey

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This locally grown chain combines cafe, coffee roaster, and bakery, serving a simple and satisfying menu (including all-day breakfast) that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Always bustling, the 12 South location of Frothy Monkey is a comfortable neighborhood spot where people linger from morning through dinnertime, including on a dog-friendly patio. Start your day with a cup of coffee and the California: two fried eggs over medium with avocado and sprouts atop sourdough toast. Gluten-free and vegan options abound here.

2509 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 600-4756
(615) 600-4756

Also featured in:

Bartaco

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Perpetually boisterous, the 12 South location of the Bartaco chain gives coastal vibes with its white-washed patio, bright interior, and small, street-style tacos with fillings from Baja fish to falafel. Order a tray of tacos, tangy guacamole, spicy margaritas, and other Mexico-inspired dishes like glazed pork belly rice bowls for the table.

2526 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 269-8226
(615) 269-8226

Also featured in:

Edley's Bar-B-Que

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Widely popular for melt-in-your-mouth meats smoked low and slow, laid-back Edley’s Bar-B-Que got its start in 12 South before expanding throughout Nashville and beyond. Barbecue nachos, shrimp tacos, chicken sandwiches, and pork platters all deserve a try, and this is also a great place to cool off with a boozy Bushwacker, a milkshake-like cocktail highly popular here in Nashville.

2706 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 953-2951
(615) 953-2951

Also featured in:

Burger Up

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This kid-friendly neighborhood staple is best known for its juicy, well-sourced burgers: Beef, bison, quinoa and black bean, and turkey patties come topped with the likes of pimento cheese and truffle aioli. Just don’t miss Burger Up’s fried pickles, tasty salads (hello, chopped kale), and fries dipped in house-made ketchup.

2901 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 279-3767
(615) 279-3767

Also featured in:

Epice

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Cool, contemporary design and fresh, aromatic Lebanese dishes have made Epice a neighborhood star. Highlights include hummus, grape leaves, lahmeh, sayadeya, and a house salad with goat cheese and fig vinaigrette; these go great with flavorful cocktails and mocktails. If you can, sit on the patio.

2902 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 720-6765
(615) 720-6765

Also featured in:

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Locust

2305 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

Chef Trevor Moran’s Locust landed with a huge splash in 2020, and has racked up national and local accolades since, including an Eater Award for best new restaurant. Good luck scoring a seat here: The ultra-exclusive spot has eight tables and just two seatings three nights a week, so reservations go quickly, though you can also join a waitlist. If you’re lucky enough to make it in, expect a laid-back atmosphere, an impressive selection of natural wines, and an eclectic, ever-changing menu that leans into seafood like chewy clam toast and stuffed mackerel bread.

2305 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

Josephine

2316 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

Josephine is one of the neighborhood’s most elegant dining options. Led by Andy Little, the restaurant takes a seasonal approach in celebrating the chef’s Pennsylvania upbringing as well as local flavors, resulting in clever mash-ups like Nashville hot scrapple wraps. The Josephine whole chicken for two is a dinner staple, and you’ll find highlights like a cheesesteak at weekend brunch.

2316 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 292-7766
(615) 292-7766

12 South Taproom and Grill

2318 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

Over a decade of serving top-notch beers and above-average pub grub has made 12 South Taproom something of the neighborhood living room, a relaxed place to gather with friends and have solid burgers and sandwiches, tacos and burritos, and a few hearty entrees. The family-friendly bar even has daily specials and a kids’ menu with treats like quesadillas.

2318 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 463-7552
(615) 463-7552

Mafiaoza’s

2400 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

Another long-time neighborhood hangout with a sibling in Franklin, Mafiaoza’s attracts a wide range of diners, from families to groups of friends. You can order New York-style pizza by the slice or as a whole pie, not to mention an array of Italian American appetizers, salads, and pastas with plenty of meatballs and red sauce.

2400 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 269-4646
(615) 269-4646

Bottle Cap

2403 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

Whether you’re looking for a place to watch sports or just do brunch, Bottle Cap has you covered. Since opening in 2020, it’s become a local haunt, largely thanks to a weekday happy hour of cocktails, wines, and beers for $6 or less from 4 to 7 p.m. Add an order of loaded fries topped with buffalo chicken or carne asada. Earlier in the day Friday through Sunday, you’ll find cheeky brunch dishes like the Wake N Steak potato hash bowl and the Recovery Bowl with cheesy grits, a poached egg, and a braised short rib.

2403 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 915-0732
(615) 915-0732

Five Daughters Bakery

1110 Caruthers Ave, Nashville, TN 37204

Five Daughters Bakery now has several locations across the South offering the fried treats that put this Franklin-based business on the map — namely the 100-layer doughnut, a croissant hybrid that can take several days to create and comes in flavors like chocolate sea salt and maple glaze. The simple but cute counter-service 12 South location also offers yeasted doughnuts, seasonal flavors, and vegan and paleo doughnuts free of many allergens including gluten.

1110 Caruthers Ave, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 490-6554
(615) 490-6554

The Butter Milk Ranch

2407 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

The Instagram-friendly Butter Milk Ranch fits right into this picturesque neighborhood, but style doesn’t trump substance here. If the line’s too long, grab a coffee and an over-the-top pastry like babka croissant from the takeout counter to fuel a mural-filled walk. If you have more time, settle in for a boozy brunch with friends. The full-service menu from chef Alyssa Gangeri includes playful takes on classics like egg bowls, omelets, burgers, and croissant sandwiches alongside coffees, teas, ice cream sodas, and brunchy cocktails from bloody marys to espresso martinis.

2407 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 465-8300
(615) 465-8300

Urban Grub

2506 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Urban Grub turned a car wash into a surprisingly charming restaurant that has long since cemented its status as a neighborhood essential. During dinner, oysters and charcuterie share the menu with Southern specialties and steaks, while weekend brunch offers all your mid-morning favorites — sticky buns, doughnut holes, omelets, shrimp and grits, and steak and eggs — plus an all-you-can-eat seafood and charcuterie bar.

2506 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 679-9342
(615) 679-9342

Frothy Monkey

2509 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

This locally grown chain combines cafe, coffee roaster, and bakery, serving a simple and satisfying menu (including all-day breakfast) that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Always bustling, the 12 South location of Frothy Monkey is a comfortable neighborhood spot where people linger from morning through dinnertime, including on a dog-friendly patio. Start your day with a cup of coffee and the California: two fried eggs over medium with avocado and sprouts atop sourdough toast. Gluten-free and vegan options abound here.

2509 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 600-4756
(615) 600-4756

Bartaco

2526 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

Perpetually boisterous, the 12 South location of the Bartaco chain gives coastal vibes with its white-washed patio, bright interior, and small, street-style tacos with fillings from Baja fish to falafel. Order a tray of tacos, tangy guacamole, spicy margaritas, and other Mexico-inspired dishes like glazed pork belly rice bowls for the table.

2526 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 269-8226
(615) 269-8226

Edley's Bar-B-Que

2706 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

Widely popular for melt-in-your-mouth meats smoked low and slow, laid-back Edley’s Bar-B-Que got its start in 12 South before expanding throughout Nashville and beyond. Barbecue nachos, shrimp tacos, chicken sandwiches, and pork platters all deserve a try, and this is also a great place to cool off with a boozy Bushwacker, a milkshake-like cocktail highly popular here in Nashville.

2706 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 953-2951
(615) 953-2951

Burger Up

2901 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

This kid-friendly neighborhood staple is best known for its juicy, well-sourced burgers: Beef, bison, quinoa and black bean, and turkey patties come topped with the likes of pimento cheese and truffle aioli. Just don’t miss Burger Up’s fried pickles, tasty salads (hello, chopped kale), and fries dipped in house-made ketchup.

2901 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 279-3767
(615) 279-3767

Epice

2902 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204

Cool, contemporary design and fresh, aromatic Lebanese dishes have made Epice a neighborhood star. Highlights include hummus, grape leaves, lahmeh, sayadeya, and a house salad with goat cheese and fig vinaigrette; these go great with flavorful cocktails and mocktails. If you can, sit on the patio.

2902 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
(615) 720-6765
(615) 720-6765

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