When you’ve been to Nashville as many times as we have, you get to know all the best spots. National Pavement Expo Show Manager Amy Schwandt has all the inside information on where to spend your time when you’re not at the show.
The Most Important Meal of the Day:
It’s important to make sure you have a full belly before heading to your conference sessions. Amy’s favorite breakfast spot is Puckett’s Grocery.
“This is not your typical bacon and eggs breakfast,” she says. “The setting is lively and unique in that it has a grocery store vibe. I love that they have breakfast specials that change daily. They also have an award winning French toast dish that’s to die for.”
Located on Church St, breakfast is served from 7am-11am daily, with a full menu available after.
Amy’s Pick: Bubba’s Egg Benedict with Fried Chicken.
“This meal will keep you full all day,” Amy says. “It’s sure to give you that energy you need for the bigger than ever show floor.”
Let’s Lunch:
After a busy morning fueling your brain in conference sessions, it’s probably time to re-fuel your body before a busy afternoon at the show. We recommend Jacks BBQ on Broadway for a quick lunch bite.
“In my opinion this is the #1 BBQ choice in Nashville,” Amy says. “It’s within walking distance of the convention center, they’ll get you in and out quick and back to the show. There are a lot of authentic southern side dish options. You’re going to find everything that you like here.”
Amy’s Pick: Texas Beef Brisket Sandwich with Baked Beans and Mac & Cheese.
“The BBQ sauce has a really smoky flavor and the sandwich is huge,” Amy says. “Plus the Mac & Cheese is to die for. I’d suggest a double order.”
If you’re looking for a more formal lunch meal, check out Merchants.
Also located close to the convention center on Broadway, Merchants has a unique feel to it with dining up and downstairs.
“Upstairs is more white table cloth, quiet, formal,” Amy says. “Downstairs has a more modern, busy feel to it and the bar is always happening.”
Amy says this spot is great for dinner too, but be sure to call ahead for dinner reservations.
Amy’s Pick: Duck Fat Tater Tots and Fried Green Tomatoes.
Cocktail Anyone?
Finally, the best part of the day. Right after the show closes, attendees and exhibitors can most likely be found at Barlines in the Omni Hotel.
“After a long day at the show, you can’t go wrong with a vodka martini straight up with a blue cheese olive,” Amy says. “Not only is Barlines directly across from the convention center, but they also have live music nightly and huge tv’s for sports fans!”
We also recommend the Maple Smash at Barlines. This bourbon cocktail is strong and sneaky!
If you’re looking for a cocktail with an experience that’s away from the crowd, head to The Patternson House. Located on Division St., this unique bar is just a 5-10 minute taxi ride from the hotels.
“This place is great,” Amy says. “Not only do they have an extensive cocktail menu, but the venue is set in an old house with a James Bond theme. You have to check in and then you are walked behind a black curtain to your table. It makes you feel like you go back in time in this top-secret speakeasy.”
Since this place is quite popular, there is always a line to get in. Amy suggests to go there right at six o’clock for a pre-dinner drink and to not plan on eating there as they only have a small snack menu. She also wouldn’t recommend going with more than 4-6 people because the wait time to get in will increase dramatically.
Amy’s Pick: Bicycle Thief. “It’s a vodka cocktail with an elderflower liquor – the combination is absolutely delicious!” Amy says. “It’s perfect to help you unwind. And if you don’t like vodka, they have pages and pages of cocktails listed by liquor preference.”
The Main Meal:
While Nashville has always been known for the music scene, the foodie scene here is booming as well. Here are Amy’s top picks for dinner.
We hope you bring your whole crew with you to the show and so does Pinewood Social. This place is great for large groups and has a very unique setting. On top of that, they have a bowling alley, bocce ball court, an outdoor pool area (for lounging only – no diving!) and other bar games to keep your whole team entertained and relaxed after those long show days.
“This place is one of the best kept secrets in Nashville,” Amy says. “Your crew will love the atmosphere, the good food and the huge bar area. I love the unexpected but delicious combinations of food they have here too. When I heard there was a bowling alley, I didn’t expect the atmosphere to have the upscale, fun vibe…but this place really has it all!”
Pinewood Social is located a half mile from downtown hotels, very walkable.
Amy’s pick: Salmon with English Pea Puree.
Need to get away from the hustle and bustle for a quiet night out? Make a reservation at 5th and Taylor.
5th and Taylor is a 10-minute cab ride from downtown hotels and offers guests a more relaxed atmosphere. Recommended for a small group.
Amy’s Pick: The Halibut with Andouille Sausage, Corn and Peppers. “You have to try the fried apple pie for dessert,” she says.
Other Spots for Dinner - Make Your Reservations Early!
The Palm - The place for steak in Nashville, located just minutes from downtown hotels on 5th Ave.
Il Mulino - Chic Italian restaurant specializing in pizza and authentic dishes, also on 5th Ave.
Etch - Fresh modern cuisine, with menus changing often. Located within walking distance on Demonbreun St, Etch has a small bar so grab a cocktail before you go.
The Southern - Located on 3rd Ave, this place is known for their oysters. Amy says to try the fish and grits!
Authentic Nashville:
Of course you can’t come to Nashville without trying some Hot Chicken!
For the authentic hot chicken experience, visit Hattie B's on 19th, about a 10 minute cab ride from the convention center. Expect for a long wait in line for this spot, but it's worth it.
A Night Out:
The thriving nightlife is one of the many reasons we love Nashville so much. You can find live music at every bar on the Broadway strip, every night of the week.
If you’re looking for the authentic honky-tonk experience in Nashville, it doesn’t get much better than Tootsies. Featuring three levels of bands, drinks and fun, Tootsies is the epitome of a Nashville honky-tonk. Go early and stay late – this place is always crowded!
Not into that scene? Try The Gulch to get away from the strip. Located about a mile from the crowd, The Gulch area has at least 10 different bars and restaurants within that area that aren't considered honky-tonk and won’t be as crowded as Broadway. There is a great Irish Pub, Bar Louie, Cantina Laredo and even a French restaurant, just to name a few!
Sweet Tooth:
If you have a sweet tooth or need to take something home to the kids, stop by Savannah’s Candy Kitchen on Broadway for all your favorites and some new unexpected treats!
They offer free samples of pralines to customers entering the store, fresh off the pan. You can take home gift baskets of fudge, gourmet popcorn, turtles, candied nuts and so much more.
Amy’s Pick: Milk Chocolate Gopher. “You have to try this! The fresh pecans and ooey gooey caramel goodness topped with milk chocolate cannot be beat,” she says.
