Brunch In Nashville, Tennessee: Neighborhood Favorites
There are few places that do brunch as well as we do it here in Middle Tennessee. A mixture of Southern flavors, urban resources, and all the hospitality you can handle is the perfect recipe for that sweet spot meal that’s not quite breakfast but not quite lunch. While we know a thing or two about brunch in Franklin and Brentwood, Tennessee, we also know a thing or two about the neighbors in Nashville, whose brunch expertise does not discriminate by neighborhood.
Navigating Music City can be a challenge, especially during busy times of the day or week, brunchtime certainly included. With this in mind, we’ve taken the liberty of breaking down some incredible brunch spots, by neighborhood, so you can start your day in Nashville sunny side up.
Brunch In Downtown Nashville
Downtown Broadway is undoubtedly Nashville’s busiest area, day and night, and for good reason. While it’s home of neon lights, Honky Tonk Highway, and sequins-covered cowboy hats, you’re also bound to find some of the finest brunch spots in the city downtown.
The Hampton Social is a 3-story restaurant that overlooks the Cumberland River, just minutes from the lively center of Broadway. Stories include a first-floor “Rosé All Day” lounge, second-floor dining (with a private dining option) and a rooftop terrace offering indoor and outdoor seating. Live music, a coastal-inspired menu, and great cocktails make The Hampton Social a gem of a dining option. Some brunch menu options include avocado toast, steak and eggs, their “Gatsby” breakfast, wild berry French toast, and more, accompanied by signature brunch cocktails. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Play Playground is one of downtown Nashville’s newest attractions. The public rooftop lounge comes stacked with beloved games and DJ sets. Guests of all ages can play while enjoying some truly incredible views. Separate from the playground level, which is ticketed and age restricted, the rooftop is free to enter. Their Sunday brunch is hosted weekly and includes highlights like bottomless mimosas for $26, bottomless Bloody Marys for $24, and a $24 brunch buffet with options like cheesy grits, breakfast tacos, Nashville hot chicken & waffles, and more. As if that wasn’t enough, brunch is accompanied by live music to set the mood. Reservations are recommended but not required.
417 Union is the perfect destination for anyone looking for classic American diner fare. A menu full of Southern comfort food in a friendly environment is surefire to start your day well in downtown Nashville. Breakfast is served all day, and the brunch menu features items like chicken and waffles, a big country breakfast, a western omelet, specialty pancakes, a brunch burger, and more. Their “eye-openers” include mimosas, rosemary palomas, Irish coffee, Bloody Marys, and more. You can stop by 417 Union Wednesday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Keep in mind they’re closed Tuesday.
Liberty Common is a chic cafe and bar in downtown Nashville, serving up a mixture of Southern comfort foods and French cuisine. A top-rated spot for brunch in the city, the cafe serves bottomless mimosas every single day. To go with your mimosas, brunch options include waffle benedicts, specialty buttermilk pancakes, egg plates, biscuits, brunch burgers, and Belgian waffles. If mimosas don’t sound quite like what you’re looking for, other cocktail and coffee options are available. Reservations are not required, but highly encouraged. An extended weekend brunch, Liberty Common hosts Thursday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Brunch In East Nashville
East Nashville has a reputation for being one of the coolest areas of the city, known for its unique restaurants, venues, and entertainment options. To spend a full day exploring one of the most locally beloved parts of Music City, fuel up with brunch at one of these top spots.
Hanna Bee Coffee is a family-owned coffee shop in East Nashville. Committed to being as eco-friendly as possible, Hanna Bee Coffee has instituted several noble sustainability practices, including using biodegradable and recycled material. They also emphasize superfoods in their colorful food and drinks. Alongside original latte flavors, their menu is packed with pastries, HBC granola bowls, sandwiches, and other breakfast treats. Note: Hanna Bee is a great place to find vegan options. The kitchen is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
The Treehouse is an American eatery and an East Nashville original. The treehouse-themed, farm-to-table restaurant is committed to local sourcing whenever possible. Located in a former family home in the 5 points area, The Treehouse offers indoor/outdoor seating and a fun, nostalgic atmosphere. Their weekend brunch menu is packed with Southern classics and Nashville flair. Local tip: call ahead on weekends. The Treehouse’s chicken and waffles and breakfast tacos are practically cult classics, and often sell out fast. Brunch is hosted Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Sky Blue Cafe is a home-style haven, offering the perfect balance of fresh finds and classic comfort food. Alongside a vast selection of coffees, juices, and teas, Sky Blue Cafe favorites include biscuits and gravy, eggs benedict, hot chicken biscuits, salmon benedict, omelets, brie French toast, buttermilk pancakes, and more. A perfect place to grab brunch any day of the week, the cozy East Nashville dining room is open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering dine-in and online order options.
Hearts is an Australian-inspired Nashville cafe, with 2 locations—East Nashville and 12 South. The cafe is known for its specialty coffee, fresh brunch/lunch menu, and full bar service. Some Hearts’ original menu items include corn & zucchini fritters, ricotta hotcakes, twice cooked French toast, cold smoked salmon toast, Bircher muesli (Swiss oatmeal), and more. In homage to down under, Hearts also serves sides of vegemite, a house specialty smoothie, and Aussie sausage rolls, among other baked goods. You can stop by Hearts from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Added bonus: Happy Hour is hosted daily from 2 p.m. until close.
Brunch In The Gulch
The Gulch is about as close as you can get to Broadway without venturing completely into the crowd. If you’re hungry for a lively, cosmopolitan vibe without all the hassle of downtown traffic, try brunching in The Gulch, where you’ll find some of the most popular brunch menus in Music City.
L.A. Jackson is a great spot if you’re looking for brunch and a view. The restaurant and bar has routinely been voted one of the best rooftops in Nashville, with indoor and outdoor seating available all year round. Their brunch menu includes specialty cocktails and eats like avocado toast, blueberry coffee cake French toast, a country ham and egg pizza, a tuna poke bowl, and more. Keep in mind that L.A. Jackson is a 21+ establishment and valid ID is required. Brunch is served Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Milk & Honey is a extremely popular brunch spot in the heart of The Gulch, well-known for their craft coffee and fresh mimosa flights. Perfect for a pick-me-up before or after going out on the town, Milk & Honey serves a variety of Southern-style brunch sandwiches, bowls, toast, homemade buttermilk biscuits, fresh juices, and specialty sweets that are baked in-house daily. The cafe is open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Milk & Honey does not currently take reservations. Keep in mind that wait times are likely.
The Pub brings the spirit of Union Jack to Music City. A central point in The Gulch, The Pub serves an expansive menu of food and drink in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere with tons of space and British flair. Their brunch menu includes a traditional British breakfast (baked beans, anyone?), chicken biscuits, “The Cure” egg sandwich, drunken waffles, and a signature “Hold The Hangover Bowl.” The Pub also has a full bar, so brunch cocktails or mocktails are certainly on the table, should you choose to partake. Available any day of the week, brunch is offered daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Two Hands serves up fabulous breakfast, lunch, and dinner with their Australian-inspired, health-conscious menu. Featured brunch favorites at the Nashville location include banana bread, acai bowls, lemon poppyseed waffles, steak and eggs, and much more. To pair with a fresh brunch, Two Hands has a selection of specialty lattes, coffee, tea, smoothies, and juices. Although not all of the cafe’s locations serve “brekky” items all day, The Gulch location does! Brunch is truly a state of mind, and you can get it at Two Hands from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday or 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Brunch In Germantown
Germantown takes the crown as Nashville’s oldest neighborhood, well known for its charm and laid-back, local atmosphere. It should come as no surprise, then, that the neighborhood is full of incredible local flavors, and brunch spots in Germantown are no exception to the rule.
Fancy Sandy’s is a top place to find a breakfast sandwich in Nashville. If you’re looking for a classic bacon (or sausage), egg, and cheese on a biscuit, bagel, English muffin, or croissant, Fancy Sandy’s walk-thru window is waiting to make your dreams come true. Attached to Germantown Café, the walk-thru window is conveniently located in the heart of the Germantown neighborhood. Alongside their online order and delivery options, Fancy Sandy’s half-priced sandwiches (every Thursday!) are one of Nashville’s best kept secrets. The walk-thru window is open daily from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Germantown Café has been a neighborhood staple for over 2 decades. The friendly restaurant and bar serves up classic, Southern cuisine with an innovative twist. When it comes to brunch, menu options include avocado toast, omelets, frittatas, French toast, shrimp and grits, Tennessee beignets, and more. Not to mention, Germantown Café serves a classic selection of brunch cocktails (don’t miss out on their “topless” options) and mocktails. A central point in Germantown, the restaurant serves brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Red Bicycle Coffee and Crepes is just a charming as one might expect. Their menu is full of gourmet beverages, sandwiches, French toast, breakfast favorites, and, of course, the obligatory crepes—available both savory and sweet. Nashville’s sweetheart, Red Bicycle first arrived to Music City in 2008 (the Germantown location was the first to arrive) and has since expanded to 6 locations in the Greater Nashville Area. Perfect for both early risers and those who favor the snooze button, Red Bicycle is open Monday through Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Butchertown Hall is one of Germantown’s premier dining destinations. The restaurant’s name and incredible menu pay homage to the German immigrants who once settled and made a living as butchers in the area. Specializing in smoked meats and Tex-Mex goodness, Butchertown’s brunch menu includes huevos rancheros, peach buttermilk pancakes, breakfast tacos, smoked barbeque, and more. Brunch is served at Butchertown Hall on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Brunch In 12 South
12 South is a well-frequented neighborhood of Nashville known for its walkability, luxury retail, and superb dining options. Just South of downtown, the bustling half-mile stretch welcomes locals and tourists daily with fantastic flavors and things to do, starting with incredible places to grab brunch in Nashville.
The Butter Milk Ranch is widely known to be one of the best brunch spots in the city, but don’t just take our word for it! The 12 South restaurant offers both a small-batch bakery and full-service breakfast and lunch services. Particularly known for house croissants, pastries, and Southern-inspired breakfast dishes, The mid-century-esque dining room draws a crowd, serving up their signature, chef-driven goodness from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Keep in mind that their bakery and counter service is available after that, remaining opening until 4 p.m.
Bottle Cap is a locally owned restaurant and sports bar, located right in the beating heart of 12 South. On any given day, you can find cold beer, cocktails, and pub food favorites at Bottle Cap, made to enjoy while you catch whatever game is on TV (Bonus: speaking of TV, their famous Titan Burger was featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives). And that’s not all. Weekend brunch specialties include chicken n’ waffles, buttermilk pancakes, build your own omelets, and more. You can enjoy brunch at Bottle Cap Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Frothy Monkey is a local legend known and loved here in Middle Tennessee, and 12 South is home to the original location. A pillar of the busy street since 2004, Frothy Monkey is a cozy spot at any time of day, with dine in, counter service, pick-up, and delivery options. The best part about Frothy Monkey Brunch? It’s served all day long, with options like their farm breakfast, loaded biscuits & chorizo gravy, vanilla-cinnamon French toast, shrimp & grits, and more. Snacks and boards, baked goods, and a lengthy list of beverage options (from coffee to cocktails) are also available. Frothy Monkey is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The Salty is one of the newest additions to 12 South, serving an all-day cafe menu full of small-batch donuts, specialty coffee, croissants, breakfast sandwiches, and power bowls. Their house specialty is “The Cragel,” a croissant-bagel hybrid filled with cream cheese and topped with everything seasoning. Known innovators in the mouthwatering world of coffee and donuts, The Salty has been a neighborhood hit since May of 2025. Truly the all-day cafe you’re looking for, The Salty is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Brunch In Hillsboro Village
Hillsboro Village is home to some of of the most famous breakfasts in Nashville. With its close proximity to Belmont and Vanderbilt Universities, the area is an unassuming gem and the perfect spot to spend a late morning or early afternoon enjoying some of the best brunch the city has to offer.
Pancake Pantry is perhaps one of the most revered names on this list. They’ve been serving the most famous pancakes in Music City since 1961, with a line out the door during breakfast and brunch hours that speaks for itself (don’t fret—it moves fast). The pancakes really are that good. While there’s also a downtown Nashville location, Hillsboro Village is home to the bonified original, serving 23 scratch-made varieties of pancakes alongside a menu of breakfast and lunch classics. The restaurant is open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bonus: For more pancakes in Franklin and Brentwood, click here.
Ruby Sunshine brings a taste of NOLA to Nashville, with menu favorites like Bayou shrimp, bananas foster French toast, biscuits and gravy, seasonal beignets, and more. Also a top-notch place to find a brunch cocktail, some of Ruby Sunshine’s top hits include ruby and Big Easy mimosas, an award-winning Bloody Mary, a peach Bellini, and bourbon milk punch. Seasonally flavored mocktails are also available. Leaving plenty of time to fit in a great brunch, the Hillsboro restaurant is open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Biscuit Love is another highly esteemed name on this list, and we’re no stranger to the restaurant, with nearby locations in downtown Franklin and Berry Farms. The Hillsboro dining room is conveniently located and popular, though the original location remains in The Gulch. True to their name, the beloved restaurant is known for their homemade biscuits, available in several variations alongside other hearty breakfast staples. Without fail, Biscuit Love is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., only shutting down shop for Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, and Easter Sunday.
Fido Café is a cozy place to land at any time of day, renowned especially for their all-day breakfast menu, which features local produce, dairy and meats. Named one of the best places to dine in the city, Fido also serves a full selection of coffee from their sister company, Bongo Java (it’s local!) alongside other beverage options. The cafe’s atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between chic and comfortable, aligning perfectly with what you might expect from a local coffee shop in the city. Incredible breakfast/brunch options include a breakfast burrito, chicken and waffles, the Fido scramble, pastries, and more. Stop by Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Flavor & Flair
If you’re hungry for something beyond brunch, we’ve got you covered . . .
- To narrow down restaurant options here in Franklin, Tennessee, take a peek at our guide to Franklin’s Foodie Neighborhoods.
- If you’re looking for flavors from all around the world, check out International Cuisine in Franklin, as well as Franklin’s top sushi spots.
- If you’re set on the Southern classics, barbeque in Nashville and Franklin might be calling your name. True to our roots, our county is also home to some fabulous Nashville hot chicken shops.
- If food sensitivities make dining out a bit more of a challenge, take advantage of our allergen-friendly guide to local restaurants and baked goods.
- For meals that move you, check out local food trucks that can be spotted right here in Franklin.
Great food is an excellent excuse to gather together. For specific occasions, check out the best spots for business lunches, private dining, or romantic dates in Franklin and Brentwood, Tennessee. Wherever, and whenever, you choose to dine, we hope you get a chance to break bread with those that you love, enjoying great food and even better company! Bon appetite!
