I’ve lived in Nashville for almost 13 years now and a while back, started making flowcharts to help Kentucky fans figure out which bars and restaurants to try while in town for the SEC Tournament. As Nashville has grown by leaps and bounds, keeping up with what’s new, what’s closed, and what’s still good has become increasingly difficult, but hopefully these will help you navigate around town and try something new.

**As a general disclaimer, yes, I realize there are tons of restaurants in Nashville, especially new ones, but these are my favorites. If yours isn’t on the list, don’t be offended. Just add it in the comments section.**

Where to Eat

Top 5: Butcher and Bee, Jeff Ruby’s, Two Ten Jack, Margot, and Five Points Pizza

Where to Drink

Top 5: Tootsie’s, Headquarters Beercade, The George Jones rooftop, Broadway Brewhouse, and Smith & Lentz

Tips

– The Friday morning KSR show will be at TIN ROOF BROADWAY. Other shows TBD, but this is where KSR fans will likely congregate throughout the weekend.

– Nashville still allows smoking in bars (21+), but fortunately, most bars downtown have opted to go smoke-free. I can’t wait for the day it’s like that everywhere.

– If you’ve been to Nashville in the past few years, you know traffic is horrible. If you’re downtown, it’s best to walk, but if you’re staying outside the downtown area or just feel like venturing out (which you definitely should), I recommend using Uber or Lyft. Both are cheaper and more pleasant than cabs, and well worth not worrying about or paying for parking (which can cost a fortune). If you’re driving, use the Waze app to navigate traffic and construction.

Is it your first time using Lyft? Help a sister out and use the code “TYLER380” for a FREE ride up to $20. Same thing for Uber, promo code nrdp8.

– Electric scooters are all the rage in Nashville right now, with at least five different companies (Lime, Bird, Jump, Lyft, Spin) offering them across the city. They’re EVERYWHERE downtown, and while very fun, not the safest thing in the world. The number of accidents are skyrocketing and people rarely wear helmets, so if you do choose to ride one, have your wits about you. Also, ride on the street, not the sidewalk, for goodness’ sake.

– The Nashville MTA Green Line bus provides FREE transportation around downtown Nashville and the Gulch, so keep an eye out for it. (It’s green.) You can also rent bikes via the B-Cycle stations around town or try JOY RIDE, the free golf cart shuttle service (to order a shuttle, call 615-285-9835).

– The Sunkist Soda SEC FanFare has moved from Broadway to the Walk of Fame Park across from Bridgestone Arena and behind the Hilton. The event is free to the public and features food, drinks, interactives, live entertainment and much more. It will be open Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. through 7 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

– Finally, if you’re going to the games, be aware of the SEC’s CLEAR BAG policy:

Most of all, prepare to have a lot of fun. See you soon!

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