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Music City Food and Wine’s Guest Chefs Can’t Wait to Eat and Drink Here

Some of the festival’s visiting guest chefs dish on their old favorites and new spots they’re excited to sample

by Delia Jo Ramsey@EaterNashville Updated Sep 16, 2019, 11:32am CDT

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by Delia Jo Ramsey@EaterNashville Updated Sep 16, 2019, 11:32am CDT

Daniel Christopher Photography

With the 2019 edition of Music City Food + Wine Festival right around the corner, loyal food enthusiasts, chef groupies, and visiting chefs themselves are getting ready to descend on the city September 20-22 with hearty appetites.

Tickets to the festival are still available. Individual tickets to Sunday’s gospel brunch are sold out, but all-in tickets can still get visitors access to the event.

Since the guest chefs have to dine (and drink) someplace when in Nashville to fuel up for the big weekend, Eater asked many of this year’s incoming chefs what restaurants they’re most excited to try and where they can’t wait to dine again.

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If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Folk

Several visiting chefs are excited about Philip Krajeck’s already essential, newest restaurant on the East side.

Wine expert, author, and speaker Mark Oldman is hyped about the pizza and wine. “As I live in the pizza capital of America -- New York -- I don’t tend to crave other cities’ pizza. I make an exception, however, when it comes to Folk... You will marvel at the intensity of flavor of the wine-steamed-clam pizza, a wood-fired miracle zested up with lemon, chili bonito, and parsley. Wash it down with one of the restaurant’s many interesting lighter red wines, including lesser-known selections from Sicily and Eastern Europe.

Cheetie Kumar (chef/owner, Garland, Neptunes Parlour, Kings) looks forward to returning, too. “Some friends and I enjoyed a delightful meal here earlier this year. I am looking forward to their summer menu: eggplant with XO sauce, summer squash with ricotta and fig leaf and the favorite half chicken Milanesa. I love their wine and cocktail menu as well.”

Scott Conant, chef/partner at Phoenix’s Mora Italian gives a nod to something different at Krajeck’s pizza favorite: “Philip and his team at Folk and Rolf & Daughters are known for fire-blistered pizzas

and beautiful pastas — but the vegetables at Folk have my vote. Each veggie dish balances

textures, acid and flavor, set against a beautiful room with an outstanding cocktail and wine

menu.”

Open in Google Maps

823 Meridian St, Nashville, TN 37207

Visit Website

Wilburn Street Tavern

Mark Oldman says “When you are seeking the shelter of a dive bar, hot foot it over to the recently

revived Wilburn Street Tavern. It is a fine place to hang with locals, play some pool, and

knock back a few well-made cocktails.”

Open in Google Maps

302 Wilburn St, Nashville, TN 37207

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Avoid Valentine’s Day at These 11 Nashville Dive Bars

Lyra

Scott Conant: “I have heard great things about Lyra and Hrant’s menu. My wife is Turkish, and I have

a soft spot for Middle Eastern cuisine. Everything from the breads and hummus to roasted

meats and vegetables looks delicious.”

Open in Google Maps

935 W Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Chopper

Mark Oldman is a big fan of the vibes and the drinks at the long awaited tiki bar. “When the world weighs on your shoulders, head straight to the just-opened Chopper, which may well be the world’s first robot-themed tiki bar. Rather than ponder the theme too much, just order the potent rum-and-fassionola-fueled Robo Zombie (which comes in a custom ceramic robot mug), and everything will start to make sense.”

Open in Google Maps

1100 B Stratton Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Two Ten Jack

Scott Conant lists the East Nashville izakaya and ramen house as one of his favorites. The Phoenix based chef’s go-to order? “The garlic noodles, a cold draft beer and yakitori make for a perfect meal at this snug spot.”

1900 Eastland Ave #105, Nashville, TN 37206

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Rolf and Daughters

Rick Bayless (chef/owner, Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco, Leña Brava, Cruz

Blanca, Frontera Cocina, Bar Sótano) is most excited to try Rolf and Daughters. “Pretty much everyone I know who comes back from Nashville raves about this place.”

Chef/author Aarón Sánchez also lists Krajeck’s first restaurant as a favorite in town.

Open in Google Maps

700 Taylor St, Nashville, TN 37208

Visit Website

Rolf and Daughters

Also featured in:

Barista Parlor Germantown

Rick Bayless: “My son-in-law said I really need to grab breakfast and an espresso and tonic here.”

Pro-tip, visiting chefs: if it’s a weekend, get there early and secure a doughnut from Conny and Jonny — some of the best in the city.

Open in Google Maps

1230 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Where to Throw the Ultimate Bachelorette Party in Nashville

City House

Cheetie Kumar: “It seems every time I have found myself with a night off in Nashville, it’s a night when they are not open (before they expanded their hours). I will happily eat everything on the menu. Tandy Wilson is a force, obviously.”

Scott Conant: “This is one of my favorite restaurants, ever. I love how Tandy and team have repurposed the old house and it’s so cool to have dinner on the screened-in porch. I don’t normally go for catfish, but I am unable to pass up the opportunity to eat Tandy’s version. Also, the cookie plate at the end of the meal is total perfection.

Chef/author Aarón Sánchez echoes the other chefs’ excitement about Wilson’s essential Germantown restaurant.

1222 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Henrietta Red

Rick Bayless: “Henrietta Red sounds like the perfect place to unwind after an event for some

oysters and something from the wood-burning oven.”

1200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Butcher & Bee

Chef/author Aarón Sánchez said he can’t wait to visit the essential East Nashville restaurant — where Bryan Lee Weaver continues to shine with inventive vegetable-forward dishes and of course, that iconic whipped feta.

902 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Deacon's New South

Carla Hall is excited to revisit the steakhouse located “in the beautiful Life & Casualty building. They have great coconut cake and house-cured meats. They have a farm, too, so they offer beautiful produce as well.”

Open in Google Maps

401 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219

Visit Website

The bacon burger at Deacon's New South — The bacon burger at Deacon’s New South

Also featured in:

Robert's Western World

Cheetie Kumar says the Broadway staple is a must for her — “because no trip to Nashville is complete without a late night fried bologna sandwich with mustard and extra pickles. And a gin and tonic.”

Scott Conant: “No trip to Nashville would be complete without a late-night stop

at this Honky Tonk for a fried bologna sandwich / bag of chips / cold beer recession special

and twirl around the dance floor. Robert’s never disappoints.”

Open in Google Maps

416 Broadway B, Nashville, TN 37203

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Swett's

JJ Johnson, from Fieldtrip & Henry at Life Hotel says the decades old cafeteria-style restaurant is an institution. “I am trying to build one with Fieldtrip and I want to see what they do and how they do it — from the food to hospitality and just how they take care of their customers.”

Open in Google Maps

2725 Clifton Ave, Nashville, TN 37209

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Chauhan Ale & Masala House

Chef JJ Johnson says he thinks Maneet Chauhan is doing something special at her eponymous restaurant in The Gulch. “I want to go see if she is making beer and some of the best food in town. I’m looking forward to just experiencing something I have never had.”

Open in Google Maps

123 12th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Adele's

Scott Conant: “Waxman is a long-time friend and any chance I can get to eat his roasted chicken,

gnocchi and a glass of rose is a great day in my book.”

1210 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Chaatable

Cheetie Kumar: “I can’t wait to try Maneet Chauhan’s newest venture, paying homage to Indian street food. The menu looks incredible and I will have to recruit a group to join so we can try everything on the menu. Having had the pleasure of cooking with her on a few occasions during our “Brown in the South” dinner series, I know her as a joyous, positive

person and an impeccable chef.”

Carla Hall also looks forward to visiting Chauhan’s newest Nashville restaurant.

Open in Google Maps

345 40th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Peg Leg Porker BBQ

Rick Bayless: I’d really love to try the dry ribs here. I was raised inside a barbecue

restaurant—the Hickory House in Oklahoma was our family business for almost 40

years—and one of our specialties was the dry rub on our ribs, so I'm hoping to check

out a rack or two here.

Chef/author Aarón Sánchez also says he intends to pop into Peg Leg Porker for a plate.

Open in Google Maps

903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Arnold's Country Kitchen

Cheetie Kumar: “No trip to Nashville is complete without a stop here. I would be satisfied with a double serving of their greens, but I’m sure the table will be overloaded because it’s impossible to stop adding on as you walk through that line. Kahlil and staff embody Southern Hospitality — and the food is as nourishing to your soul as it is to your body.”

Scott Conant, chef/partner at Mora Italianin Phoenix says “It’s impossible to limit a meal here to a “meat and three.” If field peas or greens are on the menu, run, don’t walk. I also love finishing off a meal with a

slice of pecan pie. Kahlil and his family have made scratch cooking an art form.”

605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Visit Website

A red cafeteria tray on a wood table. Left plate topped with dark fried chicken, greens, cauliflower casserole. Right plate has slice of chess pie. — Fried chicken Mondays at Arnold’s — one of Nashville’s most iconic meals

Also featured in:

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

Mark Oldman says he can’t wait to return to pitmaster Pat Martin’s barbecue joint. “As soon as I contemplate a return to Martin’s, my taste buds rev hot for this institutions’ otherworldly, smoky wings. The Memphis dry rub wings are the path to paradise, ordered with a side of both the Alabama white and Palmetto gold sauces. Martin’s ribs, brisket burger, and baked beans are also masterfully executed.

Meanwhile, Carla Hall is a big fan of the bologna sandwich at the barbecue-focused restaurant.

2400 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Emmy Squared – Green Hills

Chef, author and television personality Carla Hall says she’s getting “pizza AND a burger” at the Brooklyn based restaurant that now operates two locations in Music City (in The Gulch and Green Hills).

Open in Google Maps

3821 Green Hills Village Dr, Nashville, TN 37215

Visit Website

Also featured in:

Prince's Hot Chicken Shack South

JJ Johnson lists the creator of fiery fowl as a must hit this time while in town, saying “I am excited to experience the place that built fried chicken with the spice. The first time I was down to Nashville, I went to Hattie B’s and this time around, I will be going to the other side of town.

Open in Google Maps

6539, 5814 Nolensville Pike #110, Nashville, TN 37211

Visit Website

Prince’s Hot Chicken

Also featured in:

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Folk

823 Meridian St, Nashville, TN 37207

Several visiting chefs are excited about Philip Krajeck’s already essential, newest restaurant on the East side.

Wine expert, author, and speaker Mark Oldman is hyped about the pizza and wine. “As I live in the pizza capital of America -- New York -- I don’t tend to crave other cities’ pizza. I make an exception, however, when it comes to Folk... You will marvel at the intensity of flavor of the wine-steamed-clam pizza, a wood-fired miracle zested up with lemon, chili bonito, and parsley. Wash it down with one of the restaurant’s many interesting lighter red wines, including lesser-known selections from Sicily and Eastern Europe.

Cheetie Kumar (chef/owner, Garland, Neptunes Parlour, Kings) looks forward to returning, too. “Some friends and I enjoyed a delightful meal here earlier this year. I am looking forward to their summer menu: eggplant with XO sauce, summer squash with ricotta and fig leaf and the favorite half chicken Milanesa. I love their wine and cocktail menu as well.”

Scott Conant, chef/partner at Phoenix’s Mora Italian gives a nod to something different at Krajeck’s pizza favorite: “Philip and his team at Folk and Rolf & Daughters are known for fire-blistered pizzas

and beautiful pastas — but the vegetables at Folk have my vote. Each veggie dish balances

textures, acid and flavor, set against a beautiful room with an outstanding cocktail and wine

menu.”

Open in Google Maps

823 Meridian St, Nashville, TN 37207

Visit Website

Wilburn Street Tavern

302 Wilburn St, Nashville, TN 37207

Mark Oldman says “When you are seeking the shelter of a dive bar, hot foot it over to the recently

revived Wilburn Street Tavern. It is a fine place to hang with locals, play some pool, and

knock back a few well-made cocktails.”

Open in Google Maps

302 Wilburn St, Nashville, TN 37207

Visit Website

Lyra

935 W Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Scott Conant: “I have heard great things about Lyra and Hrant’s menu. My wife is Turkish, and I have

a soft spot for Middle Eastern cuisine. Everything from the breads and hummus to roasted

meats and vegetables looks delicious.”

Open in Google Maps

935 W Eastland Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Visit Website

Chopper

1100 B Stratton Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Mark Oldman is a big fan of the vibes and the drinks at the long awaited tiki bar. “When the world weighs on your shoulders, head straight to the just-opened Chopper, which may well be the world’s first robot-themed tiki bar. Rather than ponder the theme too much, just order the potent rum-and-fassionola-fueled Robo Zombie (which comes in a custom ceramic robot mug), and everything will start to make sense.”

Open in Google Maps

1100 B Stratton Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Visit Website

Two Ten Jack

1900 Eastland Ave #105, Nashville, TN 37206

Scott Conant lists the East Nashville izakaya and ramen house as one of his favorites. The Phoenix based chef’s go-to order? “The garlic noodles, a cold draft beer and yakitori make for a perfect meal at this snug spot.”

1900 Eastland Ave #105, Nashville, TN 37206

Visit Website

Rolf and Daughters

700 Taylor St, Nashville, TN 37208

Rick Bayless (chef/owner, Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco, Leña Brava, Cruz

Blanca, Frontera Cocina, Bar Sótano) is most excited to try Rolf and Daughters. “Pretty much everyone I know who comes back from Nashville raves about this place.”

Chef/author Aarón Sánchez also lists Krajeck’s first restaurant as a favorite in town.

Open in Google Maps

700 Taylor St, Nashville, TN 37208

Visit Website

Rolf and Daughters

Barista Parlor Germantown

1230 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Rick Bayless: “My son-in-law said I really need to grab breakfast and an espresso and tonic here.”

Pro-tip, visiting chefs: if it’s a weekend, get there early and secure a doughnut from Conny and Jonny — some of the best in the city.

Open in Google Maps

1230 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Visit Website

City House

1222 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Cheetie Kumar: “It seems every time I have found myself with a night off in Nashville, it’s a night when they are not open (before they expanded their hours). I will happily eat everything on the menu. Tandy Wilson is a force, obviously.”

Scott Conant: “This is one of my favorite restaurants, ever. I love how Tandy and team have repurposed the old house and it’s so cool to have dinner on the screened-in porch. I don’t normally go for catfish, but I am unable to pass up the opportunity to eat Tandy’s version. Also, the cookie plate at the end of the meal is total perfection.

Chef/author Aarón Sánchez echoes the other chefs’ excitement about Wilson’s essential Germantown restaurant.

1222 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Visit Website

Henrietta Red

1200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Rick Bayless: “Henrietta Red sounds like the perfect place to unwind after an event for some

oysters and something from the wood-burning oven.”

1200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208

Visit Website

Butcher & Bee

902 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206

Chef/author Aarón Sánchez said he can’t wait to visit the essential East Nashville restaurant — where Bryan Lee Weaver continues to shine with inventive vegetable-forward dishes and of course, that iconic whipped feta.

902 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206

Visit Website

Deacon's New South

401 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219

Carla Hall is excited to revisit the steakhouse located “in the beautiful Life & Casualty building. They have great coconut cake and house-cured meats. They have a farm, too, so they offer beautiful produce as well.”

Open in Google Maps

401 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219

Visit Website

The bacon burger at Deacon's New South — The bacon burger at Deacon’s New South

Robert's Western World

416 Broadway B, Nashville, TN 37203

Cheetie Kumar says the Broadway staple is a must for her — “because no trip to Nashville is complete without a late night fried bologna sandwich with mustard and extra pickles. And a gin and tonic.”

Scott Conant: “No trip to Nashville would be complete without a late-night stop

at this Honky Tonk for a fried bologna sandwich / bag of chips / cold beer recession special

and twirl around the dance floor. Robert’s never disappoints.”

Open in Google Maps

416 Broadway B, Nashville, TN 37203

Visit Website

Swett's

2725 Clifton Ave, Nashville, TN 37209

JJ Johnson, from Fieldtrip & Henry at Life Hotel says the decades old cafeteria-style restaurant is an institution. “I am trying to build one with Fieldtrip and I want to see what they do and how they do it — from the food to hospitality and just how they take care of their customers.”

Open in Google Maps

2725 Clifton Ave, Nashville, TN 37209

Visit Website

Chauhan Ale & Masala House

123 12th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203

Chef JJ Johnson says he thinks Maneet Chauhan is doing something special at her eponymous restaurant in The Gulch. “I want to go see if she is making beer and some of the best food in town. I’m looking forward to just experiencing something I have never had.”

Open in Google Maps

123 12th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203

Visit Website

Adele's

1210 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203

Scott Conant: “Waxman is a long-time friend and any chance I can get to eat his roasted chicken,

gnocchi and a glass of rose is a great day in my book.”

1210 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203

Visit Website

Related Maps

Chaatable

345 40th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209

Cheetie Kumar: “I can’t wait to try Maneet Chauhan’s newest venture, paying homage to Indian street food. The menu looks incredible and I will have to recruit a group to join so we can try everything on the menu. Having had the pleasure of cooking with her on a few occasions during our “Brown in the South” dinner series, I know her as a joyous, positive

person and an impeccable chef.”

Carla Hall also looks forward to visiting Chauhan’s newest Nashville restaurant.

Open in Google Maps

345 40th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37209

Visit Website

Peg Leg Porker BBQ

903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203

Rick Bayless: I’d really love to try the dry ribs here. I was raised inside a barbecue

restaurant—the Hickory House in Oklahoma was our family business for almost 40

years—and one of our specialties was the dry rub on our ribs, so I'm hoping to check

out a rack or two here.

Chef/author Aarón Sánchez also says he intends to pop into Peg Leg Porker for a plate.

Open in Google Maps

903 Gleaves St, Nashville, TN 37203

Visit Website

Arnold's Country Kitchen

605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Cheetie Kumar: “No trip to Nashville is complete without a stop here. I would be satisfied with a double serving of their greens, but I’m sure the table will be overloaded because it’s impossible to stop adding on as you walk through that line. Kahlil and staff embody Southern Hospitality — and the food is as nourishing to your soul as it is to your body.”

Scott Conant, chef/partner at Mora Italianin Phoenix says “It’s impossible to limit a meal here to a “meat and three.” If field peas or greens are on the menu, run, don’t walk. I also love finishing off a meal with a

slice of pecan pie. Kahlil and his family have made scratch cooking an art form.”

605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203

Visit Website

A red cafeteria tray on a wood table. Left plate topped with dark fried chicken, greens, cauliflower casserole. Right plate has slice of chess pie. — Fried chicken Mondays at Arnold’s — one of Nashville’s most iconic meals

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

2400 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203

Mark Oldman says he can’t wait to return to pitmaster Pat Martin’s barbecue joint. “As soon as I contemplate a return to Martin’s, my taste buds rev hot for this institutions’ otherworldly, smoky wings. The Memphis dry rub wings are the path to paradise, ordered with a side of both the Alabama white and Palmetto gold sauces. Martin’s ribs, brisket burger, and baked beans are also masterfully executed.

Meanwhile, Carla Hall is a big fan of the bologna sandwich at the barbecue-focused restaurant.

2400 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203

Visit Website

Emmy Squared – Green Hills

3821 Green Hills Village Dr, Nashville, TN 37215

Chef, author and television personality Carla Hall says she’s getting “pizza AND a burger” at the Brooklyn based restaurant that now operates two locations in Music City (in The Gulch and Green Hills).

Open in Google Maps

3821 Green Hills Village Dr, Nashville, TN 37215

Visit Website

Prince's Hot Chicken Shack South

6539, 5814 Nolensville Pike #110, Nashville, TN 37211

JJ Johnson lists the creator of fiery fowl as a must hit this time while in town, saying “I am excited to experience the place that built fried chicken with the spice. The first time I was down to Nashville, I went to Hattie B’s and this time around, I will be going to the other side of town.

Open in Google Maps

6539, 5814 Nolensville Pike #110, Nashville, TN 37211

Visit Website

Prince’s Hot Chicken

Related Maps