Updated July 2025
Just north of downtown, Germantown blends 19th-century charm with some of the best eats and drinks in the city. Historic brick buildings, tree-lined streets, and a growing lineup of bars, bakeries, and boutiques make it one of Nashville’s most walkable and stylish neighborhoods. Whether you're coming for brunch, date night, or just want to wander with a coffee in hand, our Germantown guide covers the best places to eat, drink, shop, and explore—like a local.
Things To Do
925 3rd Avenue North
Combining live music, 19 bowling lanes, four fully stocked bars featuring a plethora of local beers, a menu curated by the Blue Ribbon Restaurant Group, and a patio that provides great views for Nashville Sounds games at First Horizon Park, Brooklyn Bowl is the ultimate night out.
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19 Junior Gilliam Way
Home to the Nashville Sounds, First Horizon Park boasts a great view of the skyline. Grab your tickets & play ball!
600 James Robertson Parkway
Pack a picnic or take a stroll, Bicentennial Park is beautiful any time of year. Rich with Tennessee history and architecture, the park has World War II Memorials, an amphitheater, and the Rivers Of Tennessee Fountain.
900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd.
Shop fresh produce and support local farmers, artisan retailers, and small businesses. They've got 24K square feet of plant space, Gardens Of Babylon, who specialize in indoor plants, garden design, and sustainable landscaping. The market is open year round, with an international food hall, restaurants, and shops.
500 Cowan St.
Work on that back swing from a climate-controlled bay at Topgolf. You can let loose, enjoy the full service bar and menu, and the golf balls keep score all on their own! Check out all the available games, and plan your visit with friends.
2004 Jefferson St.
The Mission of JSS Museum is to preserve the history, honor, and educate people about the music and entertainment legacy of Jefferson Street in Nashville while bridging that legacy with education, grassroots programming and cultural interest through exhibits. Their museum recreates the experience of being back on Jefferson St. where night clubbing took place between 1940-1970s, and allows music enthusiasts alike to experience the sights, sounds, and stories of historic Jefferson St.
1201 5th Ave. N
Chocolate and coffee by day, absinthe bar by night. Lock in a date with the emerald green spirit, this after hours absinthe experience offers signature cocktails and traditional drips - all very delicious.
1000 Rosa L Parks Blvd.
Observe the cultural, political, social, and economic history of Tennessee through preserved artifacts, collections, and exhibits. They offer guided tours, or you can explore on your own. Admission is free!
Places To Eat & Drink
1400 Adams St.
A seafood lover's heaven - The Optimist has all kinds of fresh oysters, lobster, scallops and fish dishes. The place is beautiful inside and out, very spacious and elegant - and the patio is primo for those warmer days.
101 Van Buren St.
Enjoy their hop-focused offerings like IPAs and DIPAs, as well as select fruited sours and stouts. Located right along the greenway, you can go for a bike ride or job then pop in for a cold one. They've got a nice patio to play board games, lots of choices on tap, and all you fave flavors canned and ready to stock your fridge.
1239 6th Ave N.
Brunch seven days a week? We fully support this brilliancy. Steak & Egg Hash, Bacon Egg & Cheese Croissants, French Toast Sticks and more - you can devour the best of breakfast with mimosas, bloody marys and iced lattes at this Germantown Pub.
1213 6th Ave N.
Locals and tourists alike can't help but flock to this destination bakery in Historic Germantown. Dietary restrictions welcome - they've got gluten-free and vegan options in addition to their traditional varieties.
708 Monroe St.
Fully decked out sports bar with casual fare - lots of wing options and pub favorites like chicken and waffles, Nashville hot burgers, and some drink deals that give happy hour true meaning.
313 Jefferson St.
One of our favorite places to watch the Titans games (and sports in general), Neighbors has plenty of room for you and your crew with even more TVs. Order chicken, pulled pork, or brisket - all their meats are smoked in house and packed with flavor. From games nights to the food, it's a pretty action packed place!
1416 4th Ave N.
Best of both worlds - you can enjoy Texas-style BBQ and Tex-Mex at Butchertown Hall. They've got smoking their meats down to a science. Hit up happy hour on the patio and take advantage of those awesome margarita specials!
1004 4th Ave N.
If you can walk past this place and the smells from the cooker don't steer you inside, you must possess some super human level of restraint. They've always for the wood grill and smoker fired up at this Oktoberfest-inspired restaurant and beer hall - nearly 40 beers on tap!
1308 Adams St.
Monday Night Brewing taproom is such a vibe. They've got year-round and seasonal brews, so you'll just have to pop in and try a few. Drink out on their expansive outdoor seating, which is totally making the most of the unique architecture.
1235 6th Ave N.
Visit the OG Monell's location to feast on their delicious meat and three menu with other divine Southern classics. From breakfast bites to dinner dishes, once you've tried one you'll be back for the rest.
700 Taylor St.
The whole menu is phenomenal, but the desserts - OMG. Sourdough ice cream, blueberry, and miso breadcrumb - that combo is true bliss. Whether it's family-style or out for a date, the ambiance is just right for any occasion.
Where To Shop
314 Madison St.
Find unique and darling gifts or personal home decor - their thoughtfully curated selection of local artisans, home goods, candles, plants, and more make this Germantown boutique one of our go-tos when an occasion pops up!
402 Madison St.
An eclectic space offering vintage and present day items, you can browse a wide variety of antiques, clothing, artisan pieces, and gifts!
1212 4th Ave. N
Come for the women's dresses and jumpsuits, and stay for the stationary, candles, blankets, pillows and other home decor items - it's hard to just get one thing, it's all so cozy! Take a look.
1201 5th Ave N, Apt 101
Whether you want a makeover or simple maintenance, your stylist at Truman Grey's will have you feeling and looking your best when you leave their chair. There are lots of products you can purchase to keep your hair and skin radiant, along with some vases, candles, and decorative home items.
Community Organizations
ShowerUp is a non-profit organization whose mission is to build relationships, restore hope and dignity, and show the love of God to those experiencing homelessness by providing them with shower services and personal hygiene care. Find ShowerUp at the Jefferson St. Bridge and other locations in Nashville.
Strings for Hope has spent the past decade impacting the local Nashville community. Utilizing second hand musical strings allows them to provide second chances for survivors of addiction, domestic violence, and sex trafficking. Through employment in their program, survivors receive supplemental income and learn job skills while in transition. If you'd like to donate strings, there are a few drop-off locations for ya.
Tennessee Craft champions the local fine craft movement by supporting growth and creative expression for all artists, building a platform for high-quality craftsmanship and reinforcing the importance of fine craft for the entire community. As a nonprofit, they rely on the help of their talented members, supportive donors, committed sponsors and selfless volunteers to serve creators and the community. If you're interested in interning or volunteering, here's some more info.
McGruder Family Resource Center2013 25th Ave N.
The partners of McGruder FRC are committed to helping build strong families, eradicate multi-generational poverty and create environments of opportunity through Family & Adult Programming, job training, hunger relief, and housing security. Donations are accepted for a number of categories including emotional support, home furnishings, disaster relief, and basic needs.
707 Monroe St.
By providing humane education and a safe environment that builds and fosters caring human-animal connections, we can stop the cycle of animal cruelty. They bring together rescued shelter animals and young people facing adversity to create hope and a sense of connection. Crossroads Campus also equip young adults with the job and life skills they need to break negative cycles and live a life of empowerment. Adopt a pet or get involved!
