The Best Restaurants Near Vanderbilt University
When you visit Nashville, Tennessee, there are several restaurants located near Vanderbilt University that serve all kinds of tasty options from traditional American cuisine and steak to seafood and Italian cuisine. There are also tons of delicious spots serving up some real good southern classics. There’s no shortage of places to eat when it comes to finding something tasty near Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
590 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 238-2359
Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is an upscale, white tablecloth establishment with a full-service bar. They are open for dinner only and reservations are suggested as they fill up quickly. Here, you’ll find an assortment of delicious fish appetizers both hot and cold from options like shrimp, oysters, and crab cakes. Along with serving nice seafood dishes, they also serve hand cut filets, New York Strip, and pork chops with gourmet side dishes and tasty desserts. Make sure to enjoy a cocktail or one of their many wine options while you’re here.
Milk and Honey
214 11th Avenue Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 712-7466
Milk and Honey offers breakfast and lunch in a causal, upscale atmosphere with comfortable seating. The breakfast menu has egg dishes, brunch sandwiches, chicken and waffles, and many other breakfast classics. For lunch, they have options like deli sandwiches that come with fries or kale salad, a variety of wood-fired pizza, and salads. They serve the basics like juice and coffee, but they also have a full bar so take advantage of some of their tasty brunch cocktails.
Taco Mamacita
1234 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
(615) 730-8552
Gather your amigos, bring your appetite, and come on down to Taco Mamacita located in Germantown for a flavorful adventure. This is a very fun, Instagram-worthy spot with a pastel Tex-Mex vibe. Some menu favorites are the Sloppy José tacos, the Carnitas Fajitas, and the Birria Tacos. Don’t forget to try their delicious sangria and margaritas. With affordable prices and tasty food, this is a must-try spot for large groups.
Jaspers
1918 West End Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 327-4410
Jaspers is the neighborhood’s upscale sports bar with plenty of TVs and even a game room for its guests. You will find tasty appetizers, flatbread pizza, sandwiches, steak fajitas, creole pasta, and other great entrees on the menu. Finish your meal with a sweet treat like their ice cream sandwiches. They’re also serving brunch here so it’s all fun all the time at Jasper’s.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 802-5700
If you’re craving some fried chicken, Hattie B’s is the spot to check out. This restaurant is within a 10 minute walking distance from Vanderbilt University and is the perfect place to try out with some friends. The menu here has options like their hot chicken sandwich, chicken tenders, and tons of sides like their mouthwatering pimento mac and cheese, collard greens, and bacon cheddar grits. Pick your heat level from southern (no heat!) to shut the cluck up if you’re brave enough. Make sure you grab some of their delectable banana pudding for a great finish to your meal!
The Southern Steak and Oyster
150 3rd Avenue South Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 724-1762
This restaurant combines southern country-style cooking and American cuisine perfectly. This trendy upscale steakhouse has an oyster bar and a large full-service bar with a special cocktail menu for the bar. The dinner menu here has options like pork porterhouse, strip steak, fried chicken, and fish and grits. They’re serving up brunch on the weekends with options like steak and biscuit Benedict, ribs, the southern burger and shrimp and grits. Check out this spot for a good atmosphere and great food.
Bella Napoli Pizzeria
1200 Villa Place Ste. 206 Nashville, TN
(615) 891-1387
This casual pizzeria with a full-service bar and brick-tiled walls decorated with photos and paintings is a spot you should check out. They serve Napoletana-style pizza with a recipe that originated in Italy. The menu has several vegetarian and meat pies, pasta dishes, and chicken parmigiana. The bar serves a variety of wines, cocktails, and soft drinks. Make sure to end your meal with a tasty dessert and coffee.
Martin’s Bar-b-Que Joint
410 4th Avenue South Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 288-0880
This barbecue restaurant is located downtown near Music City Central and is a large, casual restaurant with a full-service bar, wood tables and chairs, and a beer garden with an open roof when it’s warm out. In the colder weather the beer garden has a covered roof and heaters. The beer garden has outdoor picnic tables, TV’s, games, a bar and live music. The menu has appetizers like BBQ nachos and brisket chili. For the main course, try their pulled pork or brisket sandwiches that come with a side. For tons of great BBQ options and a fun atmosphere, check this spot out.
Elliston Place Soda Restaurant
2105 Elliston Place Nashville, TN 27203
(615) 327-1090
Elliston Place Soda Shop is a diner and old-fashioned soda shop with your classic checkered floors and red bar stools. It opened in 1939 and has been remodeled over the last few years. They serve breakfast all day, lunch, and dinner. You will find anything you might be craving from tasty appetizers to soup, sandwiches, meat plates, salads, dessert, and more. Try a classic milkshake or ice cream sundae to really soak in all those vintage vibes. For some real tasty classic southern food and a cool atmosphere, stop in to Elliston Place Soda Shop.
The Stillery
113 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 942-8080
If you’re visiting Vanderbilt University and looking to grab a bite, The Stillery in Midtown is within walking distance of campus. This casual and fun restaurant serves up some real good, classic American food like pizza, salads, sandwiches, deviled eggs, and mac and cheese that is absolutely to die for! You can even get your chicken fix here too. Don’t forget to grab one of their mason jar cocktails too for a truly fun time! Come during the weekends to enjoy your meal with some live music.
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To learn more about the delicious food spots at other SEC schools, check out our Best Restaurants in the SEC guide, which includes all 14 college towns and their amazing eateries.
This article was originally published on May 16, 2022 and last updated on September 29, 2023. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
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