Germantown: Dining, Nightlife, & Entertainment In Nashville’s Oldest Neighborhood
Beyond its illustrious music scene and neon lights, Nashville, Tennessee is home to an eclectic array of neighborhoods, all with their own individual feel and demographic. Franklin and Brentwood’’s close proximity to Music City means that we can explore like locals, finding the pockets that may be overlooked by tourists traveling from more distant destinations. Follow along to learn more about Historic Germantown, the oldest and quaintest neighborhood in all of Nashville.
History Of Germantown
Considered the first suburb of Downtown Nashville, Historic Germantown was settled in the 1850s by European immigrants. Although primarily German, the neighborhood became home to many first-generation immigrants including Irish, Italian, Swiss, and Jewish people who came to the United States and settled in Nashville, Tennessee.
As the neighborhood flourished large, brick town homes were established alongside worker’s cottages. This architectural landscape still remains today, showcasing a tradition of craftsmanship and a diversity in socioeconomic backgrounds. Historic Germantown became a Registered Historic District in 1979. The same year, the neighborhood was also designated a city arboretum by the Nashville Tree Foundation, as over 100 species of trees grow in Germantown. The tree lined streets, red brick infrastructure, Victorian influence, and historic homes have preserved an old piece of Nashville, speaking to the city’s longstanding charm and cultural diversity. In more recent years the area has experienced a revival, becoming a beloved local hub of arts, culture, entertainment, and nightlife.
Dining in Germantown
As you may have guessed, Germantown is home to some of the chicest and most delicious spots to eat in the city, whether you’re looking for quick, bold flavors before a night out, a breakfast of champions, or a menu fit for even the most refined of palates.
Little Hats Italian Market is a local favorite, with newly opened locations in Nashville’s Hillsboro Village and Franklin’s Cool Springs. The original, however, takes up residence in Germantown. A true Italian experience, Little Hats serves an ever evolving menu of fresh, hand-made pasta, soup, salad, made-to-order sandwiches, and dessert. You can also shop for gourmet ingredients and imported goods in the Little Hat’s market.
Germantown Café has been a neighborhood haunt for over 20 years, with a straightforward, Southern-inspired menu that speaks for itself. The café also has a signature bar and cocktail program, serving their take on classic beverages. Nestled in the center of Historic Germantown, the modern, sleek atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for afternoon catchups, date nights, business lunches, or special occasions.
Geist Nashville is a bar and restaurant housed in a historic blacksmith shop in Germantown. The shop was originally opened in 1886 by German immigrant John Geist Senior. Until 2006, the John Geist and Sons Blacksmith Shop was Nashville’s oldest family owned and operated business. Paying tribute to the building’s roots, Geist Nashville kept the family name and carefully renovated the property to create a beautiful, sophisticated dining space that honors the Geist legacy. The restaurant menu features favorites like seasonally flavored risotto, handmade pastas, sea bass, salmon, tuna tartare, truffle fries, and more.
The Goat Germantown is a restaurant and community space with several locations across the greater Nashville area. The restaurant concept also has several locations in North Carolina, Ohio, and Texas. The Goat is known for being a vibrant social hub, complete with a versatile menu, lively games, drinks, happy hour specials, club events, and gameday deals. The space is also ideal for hosting private and social gatherings, with ample resources to help make event planning a breeze, no matter the occasion.
Red Bicycle Coffee and Crepes is a boutique coffee company with a unique and charming twist. Alongside gourmet brews, their menu features French toast, sandwiches, avocado toast, breakfast burritos, and, of course, your choice of breakfast, savory, or sweet crepes. Nashville’s boutique, gourmet coffee company aims to offer guests a pleasant dining experience with comfort flavors and an atmosphere reminiscent of a European cafe. An obvious neighborhood hit, Red Bicycle has expanded to 6 locations across the Greater Nashville area since the first Music City location opened in Germantown in 2008.
Barista Parlor is a popular coffee shop known for specialty brews, an artistic atmosphere, and its vintage racing decor. Alongside high-quality, ethically sourced coffee, Barista Parlor also serves a breakfast menu that includes house-made buttermilk biscuits, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast burritos, bagels, and breakfast plates. Although the coffee shop has expanded beyond Music City, the original location is close to home, in East Nashville. You can visit the Germantown location everyday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. to grab a quick bite, beverage, or purchase wholesale coffee.
Jonathon’s Grille is an American Restaurant and Sports Bar with locations across Middle Tennessee. With no less than 55 TVs and daily happy hour deals, Jonathon’s Grille Germantown is an ideal place to catch a game or catch up with friends. Their vast menu features favorites like burgers, flatbreads, pizza, wings, quesadillas, and much more. Open until midnight on weeknights and 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the grill also offers an awesome late night menu.
Taco Mamacita has restaurants in Nashville and Chattanooga, with a popular location right in the heart of Germantown. The chain, “fresh-Mex” restaurant concept specializes in fusion tacos, Peruvian chicken, fresh guacamole, queso, and handcrafted margaritas and cocktails. The eclectic Germantown dining room prides itself on bold, fusion flavors and friendly service.
Pelato brings the spirit of Brooklyn to Music City, serving up Italian comfort food in the chicest of spaces. The menu is full of small, sharable plates including garlic bread, fresh mozzarella, potato croquettes, prosciutto di parma, street style arancini, chicken parmigiana, fried calamari, baked stuffed shells, and more. The restaurant, which has locations in Nashville and Charleston, is family-owned and committed to the celebration of Italian culture.
The Optimist Restaurant brings coastal flavors to a landlocked state, serving up some of the most decadent seafood in Nashville. The restaurant is located in the historic Hammer Mill building and has a menu whose main focus is fresh, ethically sourced seafood. Options include oysters, she crab soup, grilled swordfish, the “Two If By Sea” creekstone wagyu and warm lobster in butter (The Optimist’s take on surf and turf), and of course, wine and cocktails that compliment the restaurant’s signature dishes. The vintage, maritime atmosphere is complimented by an outdoor patio and seasonal bar, Jaqueline, and upstairs craft cocktail lounge, Le Loup.
5th & Taylor is an upscale dining experience located in a former Germantown warehouse space. The open, artsy dining room is carefully designed for comfort and luxury, punctuated by curated artwork and a bustling, golden atmosphere. The menu features refined versions of dinner favorites, including scallops, black hawk American wagyu, twice baked spaghetti squash, king salmon, and much more.
Butchertown Hall is a contemporary, American restaurant in Germantown serving a menu full of premium smoked meats, wood-fired steaks, and Tex-Mex favorites alongside a stellar selection of beverages. The restaurant is named for one of Germantown’s historic nicknames “Butchertown,” a name inspired by the German immigrants who once worked as butchers in the area. The dining room and beer garden are as inviting as they are elegant.
Tailor Nashville is a South Asian American restaurant that offers a dining experience like that of an intimate dinner party. Guest can enjoy a menu that celebrates South Asian American cuisine during a coursed meal that is accompanied by exceptional service. The restaurant has incredible accolades, named one of the best new restaurants in the U.S. by reputable publications. Reservations are required to dine, though you can enjoy a cocktail in their Living Room Bar Thursday-Sunday, no reservation required. Keep in mind that the coursed dining experience ranges from $75-150 per person.
Nightlife
Going out in Nashville can look a lot of different ways, depending on what part of the city you find yourself in. Germantown is a great place to enjoy being out on the town at a slightly slower, more local-minded pace that you might encounter down on Broadway.
Tempered Fine Chocolate is a Germantown gem. Not only do they sell decadent, made-to-order chocolate and coffee during the day, the shop moonlights as local absinthe bar, Green Hour. Green Hour offers absinthe flights, pours, cocktails, wine, snacks, and other classic beverages. While visiting Green Hour, artisanal chocolates are also available for purchase.
Sonny’s Patio Pub & Refuge is an indoor/outdoor neighborhood hang-out with great food and drinks, an expansive patio, games, TVs, and plenty of space to hang (Sonny’s is especially popular during football season). Likewise, The Clubhouse at Sonny’s offers karaoke every Friday and Saturday night.
Sidecar Bar is next door to Sonny’s Patio Pub & Refuge, and is even connected via the back patio. Sidecar is known for great beverages—including spirited cocktails—and bar bites. With space to catch the game and nightly happenings, Germantown’s Sidecar Bar is the perfect place to party.
Sauced Wine Bar, a Brooklyn-based concept, opened in Germantown in early 2025. The low-lit, intimate bar offers wine in a variety of flavor profiles and price ranges. Sauced is a curated, menu-less wine and food experience, with a focused guest experience and personalized, sommelier-like service.
Mother’s Ruin in Germantown is a Nashville outpost of a New York City bar. Mixing the vibes of your favorite local bar with a the aesthetic of a swanky cocktail spot, Mother’s Ruin is open daily until 2 a.m. Also note that Mother’s Ruin offers brunch 7 days a week, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Von Elrod’s Beer Hall And Kitchen brings Oktoberfest vibes to Nashville all year round, with 38 taps, an incredible menu full of smoked meats, superb happy hour deals, and some of the best weekend brunch offerings that Music City has to offer. House favorites at Von Elrod’s include local and seasonal brews. The beer hall doubles as a sports bar and is another great place to enjoy gameday.
Bearded Iris Brewing is a brewery and taproom that serves a rotating selection of old-world style beer, batch cocktails, beer alternatives, and wine. The taproom features a spacious patio and board games, making it a great place to gather. The brewery is also located on the Nashville Greenway, making it a popular stop for bikers and runners at the tail end of their workout.
Frankie J’s is a laid-back and welcoming neighborhood bar located in a converted house in the heart of Germantown. The bar and grill offers great drinks, Mexican comfort food, and a full-service coffee bar. Frankie J’s is pet-friendly, as long as dogs remain well behaved and on-leash.
Germantown Pub is a true Nashville watering hole, perfect for locals who are looking for a casual night out. The pub features tap brews, cocktails, a pub menu full of American fare, and space to gather around a game or good conversation. The pub is a tried-and-true neighborhood classic with the kind of laid-back, welcoming atmosphere that draws people in.
Tailgate Brewery is a Nashville original, with several locations across Middle Tennessee. Serving up great beer and pizza, the Germantown location is especially exciting due to its close proximity to both the Nashville Sounds Stadium (First Horizon Park) and Brooklyn Bowl. Tailgate Brewery also happens to be Nashville’s first craft seltzery, offering small-batch seltzers in addition to a 30-handle rotation of craft beers and ciders.
Neighbors is a local favorite, with popular locations across Nashville, Franklin, and Murfreesboro. One of the most recognizable sports bars in our region, the Germantown location is no exception to the rule. The perfect place to gather with friends and neighbors, the bar is within walking distance from First Horizon Park and Brooklyn Bowl, making it a great stop after a game or a show.
Entertainment & Shopping
Some of Nashville’s top entertainment destinations are housed in Germantown. It’s a great place to have fun, whether you’re an avid sports fan, history buff, patron of the arts, or all of the above.
Brooklyn Bowl is one of Nashville’s most unique live music venues, with an intimate feel, incredible lighting and sound, and a stellar lineup of live shows. Alongside hosting some incredible performances, the venue also features 19 bowling lanes, 4 bars, and dining areas. The bowling alley is located right next to the stage, meaning that guests can rent a lane while they catch a concert, making for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
First Horizon Park is Nashville’s premier ballpark. The state-of-the-art stadium is home base of the Nashville Sounds, Music City’s minor league baseball team. The facility has also served as a venue for soccer games, festivals, concerts, and other public and private events. First Horizon Park has been a corner stone of Germantown since 2015. As an added bonus, Germantown bar Third and Home rises right above the park, providing one of the best patio views in Nashville come gameday.
The Tennessee State Museum is located in Germantown and showcases years of Tennessee art and history. The museum has 6 permanent exhibits: Natural History, First Peoples, Forging a Nation, The Civil War, and Reconstruction. Exhibits feature films, artifacts, films, interactive displays, and educational programming. The museum is free and open to the public Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. –to 5 p.m. The campus also houses the Tennessee State Library and Archives.
Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a 19-acre park situated at the foot of the Tennessee State Capitol. Capital Hill rises just above Germantown, overlooking the park. The urban park features greenspace and landmarks of Tennessee history, including a giant granite map of the state, fountains which represent our major rivers, patriotic memorials, and engraved pathways that showcase our collective past. The park is a great way to unwind outdoors while paying respect to the heritage of the Volunteer State.
The Nashville Farmers Market is adjacent to the Bicentennial Mall State Park and is an incredible space to shop. The farmers market is year round and is a great place to purchase from local farmers, artisans and small businesses. The facility includes 2 open-air sheds, a vibrant garden center, a shared-use commercial kitchen, and a retail and food hall that houses over 30 restaurants and shops. The building is open daily from 8 a.m. until 8 p.m., though individual business hours vary based on vendor.
Bits & Pieces Antique Boutique is a fun place to shop in Germantown. Nestled in a warehouse space, Bits & Pieces carries a variety of treasures, from antiques and clothing (vintage and new) to artisanal pieces and gifts. The shop rents out booths to local makers and vintage sellers, ultimately supporting small business and Nashville artists. Rotating, carefully curated items give customers a chance to find pieces that are truly unique, providing a shopping experience unlike anything else in the area.
The Nashville Oktoberfest is a popular annual event that takes over 10 blocks, covering Germantown with incredible vendors, beer tents, music, and festivities. General admission is $10, and includes access to party tents, live performances, a pup parade, authentic food, and more festival happenings. Note: There is also a festive 5k, The Annual Bier Run, that weaves through Germantown come festival time each year. If interested, you can resister for the run here. 2025 marks the 46th year of Nashville’s Oktoberfest, which will take place October 2-5.
100 Taylor Art Market is held on the the 3rd Saturday of every month from 4-9 p.m. Providing a platform for local artists, the event hosts over 60 vendors each month. Hosted in an expansive space in Germantown that once served as a mill, the event is free to attend and to display at, aiding in the noble mission to further Nashville’s artistic landscape. Alongside the opportunity to browse local art the market also has live music, food, and drinks. Free drinks and free parking are offered to market guests.
Visiting Nashville, TN
There’s a reason Nashville has become one of the top cultural destinations in the nation. Alongside its more obvious attractions, Music City’s neighborhoods each provide a different way to connect to local culture, allowing you to tailor your exploration depending on what kind of excursion you’re after. To tackle Nashville neighborhoods with the finesse of a local, check out our guides to each neighborhood:
- Nashville’s 12 South Neighborhood: Restaurants, Shopping, & Things To Do
- Visiting Nashville, TN: Your Guide To Broadway History, Honky Tonks, & Hidden Gems
- A Local’s Guide To The Coolest Spots In East Nashville, Tennessee
- Explore The Gulch: Visiting Nashville, TN With Kids
Beyond its geography, Nashville is home to some of the most famous festivals and events in the United States. Some main attractions include CMA Fest, Iroquois Steeplechase, and the Nashville Antiques & Garden Show. These annual happenings are worth attending at least once in your life (but don’t just take our word for it).
You can experience the best of Tennessee right here in Franklin and surrounding areas, and our close proximity to Nashville only adds to the appeal of the places we call home. Nashville, Tennessee is much more than meets the eye, and richly cultured neighborhoods like Germantown are the proof. What are you waiting for? Head up I-65 and experience the diverse atmosphere and culture that makes Music City one of the most frequented (and most cherished) destinations in the South.
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