Kristen Shoates
City Guide WriterKristen Shoates a writer and marketing strategist specializing in nonprofits, artists, and small businesses. She is passionate about telling stories and helping entrepreneurs and world changers turn their visions into reality. Kristen co-owns Sky Studios, a Nashville music lessons and recording studio, with her husband, and in her free time, loves travel, music, books, being outdoors, and any chance for a new adventure.
Arnold’s Country Kitchen is a great meat and three spot for weekday lunch or for when you want to eat Thanksgiving food and it’s not November.
Marché in East Nashville is a low-key brunch and lunch spot with a wide range of French pastries and a Croque Madame that’s great for sharing. Or not.
When you want a really good burger, a strong cocktail, and to sit at a large wooden bar or table with strangers, head to Burger Up in 12South.
City House is an Italian restaurant in Germantown that’s nice enough to take your stuffy father-in-law to, but casual enough for your quirky aunt too.
Loveless Cafe is a greater Nashville institution where you go for great biscuits and supper, which you’ll know about if you just woke up from 1890.
There are lots of hot chicken spots in Nashville, but Hattie B's is the best. Order a two piece, some sides, and a beer. Repeat as necessary.
Mas Tacos Por Favor in East Nashville makes the best tacos in town. They also have great tortilla soup and elote, if you can’t live on tacos alone.
Kayne Prime is a steakhouse in The Gulch where you should go after getting signed by RCA or the Titans, or just when you have a per diem to blow.
Butchertown Hall is a Texas-inspired spot in Germantown that's great for an afternoon of sipping mezcal cocktails and snacking on barbecue and tacos.
