Looking for a walkable, cozy neighborhood that feels like you’re in the city without actually being Downtown, is home to local businesses and feels like a neighborhood? Germantown is the place for you. Full of incredible apartment buildings, townhomes, and family homes coupled with chef-made restaurants, bars, and boutiques, Germantown has a little bit of something for everyone.
One of our favorite things about Germantown is the restoration of historic buildings. The Griff is situated in a restored factory building and home to chef-owned neighborhood star The Optimist, Le Loup, Star Rober and Jacqueline. Ford Fry thought of every detail in this building, from secretly numbered keys that restaurant customers can snag as a memento to custom made wallpaper to his very own take on a writer’s round based bar. Optimist has some of the most incredible seasonal menu items in Nashville, but the absolute star is the (FREE!) dinner rolls smothered in butter with a dash of sea salt (don’t be afraid to ask for seconds). Le Loup, opening soon upstairs, is a sea creature inspired high end cocktail bar. For the more casual, sun soaked happy hour, visit Jacqueline aka the patio bar outside for boozy slushies and happy hour deals. Star Rover, opening soon on the far end of the property, will feature live music. Don’t fear, Fry would never stick you with a bar menu. Expect birria tacos, chef inspired brunches, and many more surprises.
Germantown boasts a walking trail that goes along the river, through the neighborhoods and around parks. It’s perfect for dogs, humans, babies, and anyone who wants to stay on the beaten path but still grab some fresh air. Germantown has a selection of the best local gyms in Nashville. Visit Shed Fitness for a full body group workout, Steadfast Yoga for a relaxing meditation class, or the newly opened Nashville Pilates Company. There are also public playgrounds, outdoor workout areas, and plenty of spots to picnic in grass. The streets are walkable and you can expect a coffee shop, local dining, boutiques or a cute neighborhood house on every corner. Stop in to Barista Parlor, one of Nashville’s cult following coffee shops and dive into their extensive record collection, snag a bag of coffee to bring home, or snap a photo with their famous motorcycle. Not into the edgy coffee shop vibe? Walk a few blocks for a more homey feel at Red Bicycle, order a crepe and enjoy the outdoor seating with one of their seasonal coffee specials.
Locally owned boutiques are plenty in Germantown, and have something for every occasion. Alexis + Bolt carries a wide selection of the newest trends, including digs for men, women, babies, and dogs. Grab a glass of wine from their kitchen, browse the home goods area, or stop by for an event hosted in their onsite space, Versed. Walk next door to Poppy + Monroe and pick up any clean skin care/nail care/self care or treat yourself to a clean manicure or pedicure. Need to find a gift for someone (or yourself)? Golden Slipper is a few blocks away and carries local made products. Find all of your picnic needs here, create a gift basket for someone you love, or join in a workshop. Lover of candles? They have at least 20 housemade scents so there’s definitely something for everyone.
Foodies love Germantown for every reason – the casual grab ‘n gos or the chef owned restaurants. City House, famous for their ever-changing menu and awesome chef collabs uses fresh ingredients and has a Sunday dinner that will satisfy anyone’s craving for a home cooked meal. Happy hours aren’t hard to find in Germantown either, they’re on every corner (literally). Mother’s Ruin, a New York original, has craft cocktails to die for and queso that will knock your socks off. They have a full menu that doesn’t ever disappoint, indoor and outdoor seating and gives off a vibey feel to anyone. We highly recommend drinking a few “Sunday Shorts” and heading in to take selfies with the Shia Labouf collage in the bathrooms (don’t ask, just do).
Stopping by Taylor Street Collective is a must in Germantown. You can snag a local beer (our favorite in the city) at Bearded Iris, a coffee at the Taylor Street coffee shop, or meet a splattering of incredible local vendors and businesses inside. The Arts organization hosts monthly art markets featuring members of the Collective and gives attendees a chance to meet local artists, shop for incredible pieces and explore the interior warehouse.
Germantown is one of the most charming neighborhoods in Nashville, with something to do on every corner and lots of streets to walk, eat, shop, and enjoy life on.