Geist’s ‘Less Is More’ Design Aesthetic Is a Breath of Fresh Air

One of Nashville’s oldest properties has a new purpose, as Geist bar and restaurant will open in the former home of a 118-year-old blacksmith shop on March 14. Nearly three years in the making, the newest venture from owner Doug Martin has been an intensive restoration and renovation project, and Eater Nashville has the first look inside.

Built circa 1900 at 311 Jefferson St. and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, Geist’s ‘less is more’ design, a collaboration between Martin, his team, and local designer Anne Marie Garcia of Sobremesa Design, is a noticeable departure from many of Nashville’s recent openings. The shell of the original building has remained intact, and the interior has maintained a much rawer look than typically seen, with brick walls, hardwood floors and exposed wood ceilings throughout.

The 2,400-square-foot interior features a main bar with seating for 16, as well as open lounge options. Two separate dining rooms offer seating ranging from two-tops, five-tops, and a table for ten, bringing the inside capacity to 80.

The outdoor ‘Champagne Garden’ and courtyard can hold between 50 and 80 diners, depending upon the configuration. It features two working fireplaces, one as a cooking hearth for the restaurant, that are fashioned out of bricks from one of the building’s original interior chimneys.

Hours of operation will be 5:30 p.m. to midnight Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to midnight on Saturday (with the kitchen opening at 5:30 p.m.), and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday (with brunch served all day).