Best Things to Do in Germantown Nashville
Germantown sits just north of downtown and is Nashville's oldest and, many would argue, most underrated neighborhood. It's quieter than East Nashville, less touristy than the Gulch, and home to some of the best restaurants in the state. If you care about food, spend a morning or evening here.
Rolf and Daughters
Rolf and Daughters is consistently one of the most celebrated restaurants in Nashville — handmade pasta, wood-fired dishes, a focused and seasonal menu, and a room that feels like a special occasion even on a weeknight. James Beard nominated. Book well in advance.
Butcher and Bee
Butcher and Bee is a James Beard-nominated restaurant with a menu built around vegetables, house-made cheeses, and whole-animal proteins. The brunch and lunch are both excellent, and the dinner service is one of the best in the city. Reservations recommended.
Henrietta Red
Henrietta Red is Julia Sullivan's oyster bar and American restaurant in the heart of Germantown. Raw bar, excellent brunch, and a dinner menu that's earned national attention. One of Nashville's best.
Biscuit Love (Germantown Location)
Biscuit Love's Germantown location is the original, and it tends to have a slightly shorter wait than the 12 South outpost. Same menu — the Bonuts, the East Nasty, and enough biscuit variations to require multiple visits.
The Sutler and Patterson House
The Sutler is a music venue and restaurant in Germantown with excellent cocktails and regular live music programming. Patterson House nearby is one of Nashville's best cocktail bars — serious program, knowledgeable bartenders, and a menu that changes seasonally.
Germantown Walking
Germantown is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Nashville. The restored Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park and the Farmers Market make it excellent for a morning walk or a leisurely afternoon.
Nashville Farmers Market
The Nashville Farmers Market at the edge of Germantown is open year-round and is one of the best in the Southeast. The market house has vendors year-round, and the seasonal markets are excellent for local produce, artisan foods, and independent vendors. Free to walk through.
Pre-Arrival Grocery Delivery for Germantown Rentals
If you're staying in a Germantown Airbnb, Music City Weekend Co. delivers stocked fridges and rental amenities directly to your rental before check-in. Come back to a full fridge after dinner at Rolf and Daughters. Shop the full catalog at musiccityweekend.co/shop, or learn more about Nashville grocery delivery and fridge stocking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Germantown Nashville known for?
Germantown is Nashville's oldest neighborhood and is known for its Victorian architecture, James Beard-nominated restaurants, proximity to downtown, and a quieter, more residential character compared to the tourist areas of the city.
Is Germantown Nashville worth visiting?
Yes — especially for food. Germantown has a higher concentration of excellent restaurants per block than any other neighborhood in Nashville. If you care about eating well, it deserves at least one meal, if not a full evening.
How far is Germantown from downtown Nashville?
Germantown is about half a mile north of downtown Nashville and is easily walkable. It's a 10-15 minute walk from most downtown hotels, or a 5-minute Uber ride.
What is the best restaurant in Germantown Nashville?
Rolf and Daughters is consistently cited as Germantown's best restaurant and one of Nashville's best overall. Butcher and Bee and Henrietta Red are close behind. All three require advance reservations on weekends.