Nashville Weekend Itinerary: Where to Eat, Drink & Explore

Planning a weekend in Nashville?

What you will come to discover is that Nashville restaurants rely heavily on reservations. We don’t recommend “winging it” here—it can leave you with long wait lists, and trust us, no one wants to be that person standing outside a packed spot waiting hours for the next table (yes, I said hours). So, to make it easy, we’ve curated a weekend experience with our favorite stomping grounds moments (actually really hard to limit this to just a weekend). Whether it’s your first time in Music City or you’re looking for a fresh itinerary, we’ve got you covered with an SOC-approved experience. This guide is packed with our go-to spots for live music, incredible food, and craft cocktails—all with easy reservation booking.

Friday Night: Live Music & East Nashville Cocktails

6:00 PM | The Listening Room Café

Kick off your Nashville weekend with a songwriter round at The Listening Room. It’s one of our favorite places with affordable tickets, and if you ask us, it’s a must. Grab some bar bites (get the fried pickles!), order a cocktail, and enjoy performances from the talented songwriters behind country music’s biggest hits. Reservations/buying tickets beforehand is highly recommended!

9:00 PM | Craft Cocktails in East Nashville

After the show, head over to East Nashville—our stomping grounds—for a more off-Broadway, local experience.

Attaboy – A true speakeasy with NYC roots. No menu, just tell the bartender what you like, and they’ll create something special. No reservations—first come, first served! If the waitlist is long, place your name and walk over to Up-Down and play some games until your table is ready.
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club – A cozy, upscale cocktail bar with an inventive menu (for our Bourbon lovers). Reservations available for groups of 4+.
Pearl Diver – A tropical escape with fun, island-inspired cocktails. Tiki bar influenced, always a vibe. No reservations needed!
RBQ – Typically, this is where you’ll find us with a gin gimlet in hand. If you’re feeling social, this is the spot with swings at the bar (perfect IG moment), treehouse vibes, and good people.

Saturday: Brunch, Shopping & A Night at The Ryman

10:30 AM | Brunch in 12 South

Don’t worry, Broadway isn’t going anywhere. Start the day easy with brunch in 12 South, followed by some fun shopping.

The Butter Milk Ranch – Make reservations early! This is your anchor spot. The food here is amazing, and we haven’t had a single thing on the menu that we didn’t love. Trust the process.

12:00 PM | Girls Go Shopping | Guys Relax at Embers

For the shoppers – Explore Draper James (Reese Witherspoon’s boutique), White’s Mercantile (a chic general store), and Imogene + Willie (custom denim). As you are shopping, you will find some great murals along the way!
For the guys – Hang out at Embers Ski Lodge, a casual bar with whiskey flights, craft beer, and a cozy ski-lodge atmosphere. Bonus: They usually have a two-for-one special, so we call this economical LOL.

6:00 PM | Dinner at Sixty Vines

We love this spot because it sits at the top of Broadway at 5th & Broadway. Show up a bit early, check out the shops, and grab a pre-dinner drink in the area. This wine-forward restaurant is perfect for sharing plates and sipping wine on tap. As you can imagine by the name—sixty wines on tap, and the view overlooks The Ryman. Reservations highly recommended!

8:00 PM | Show at The Ryman Auditorium

End the night with a live show at The Ryman, aka the Mother Church of Country Music. One of the most iconic music venues in the country. Check out their upcoming events and grab your tickets in advance! Broadway after if you get tempted.

Sunday: Brunch, Speakeasy & Rooftop Views

10:30 AM | Brunch at The Twelve Thirty Club

A stylish “honky-tonk” brunch spot with live music and a great brunch menu. Love the bloodies here along with their wings and grain bowl. Make sure to book a table ahead of time!

12:00 PM | Craft Cocktails at Pushing Daisies

Right next door to The Twelve Thirty Club, you’ll find Pushing Daisies, an underground speakeasy serving some of the best margaritas and agave-based cocktails in the city (as told by friends who take their margaritas seriously). If you’re a marg gal, go for at least one drink. You won’t regret it. This hidden gem is a must-visit for cocktail lovers looking for a unique post-brunch experience.

1:30 PM | Visit the Johnny Cash Museum

By now, you probably need a liver break. You can’t come to Nashville and not dive into some history. With the museum just down the street on Broadway, it’s a great mid-day reset before the final stretch. Dive into the life and legacy of The Man in Black with rare memorabilia, handwritten lyrics, and more. Buy tickets online for faster entry!

2:30 PM | Rooftop Bar Hopping on Broadway

Finish the weekend with drinks and live music at some of Nashville’s best rooftop bars. Good luck, and remember—you have a flight soon.

The Stage – Classic honky-tonk with great live music.
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge – A historic bar with a famous rooftop.
Nudie’s Honky Tonk – Home to the longest bar in Nashville, perfect for one last round.

Nashville is all about great music, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re here for a quick weekend or celebrating something special, this itinerary makes sure you hit all the best spots.

See you in Nashville!

A Nashville Weekend Guide- SOC Style