From rooftop hangs to must-try local eats, this Nashville neighborhood is where the city comes to life.
If there’s one Nashville neighborhood that nails charm, style, and walkability without even trying, it’s 12 South. Just minutes from downtown, this half-mile stretch packs more personality than most cities squeeze into an entire zip code. In this guide, we’ll take you through what to eat, what to see, and what to do in the neighborhood that really has it all.
THE BEST RESTAURANTS IN 12 SOUTH
12 South’s restaurant scene serves up flavor with serious style.
When it comes to the best meals in Nashville, 12 South is a flavor-packed stretch where nearly every block serves something worth sinking your teeth into. From white-tablecloth gems to grab-and-go staples, this walkable hotspot draws locals, foodies, and travelers chasing more than just hot chicken.
- Locust Tucked discreetly into a minimalist storefront on 12 South, Locust is the kind of place you don’t stumble into—you hunt it down. Award-winning chef Trevor Moran leads this Asian-inspired, Southern-influenced sensation that has quietly racked up national acclaim from The New York Times and Food & Wine.The lunch menu rotates with the seasons, but the beef tartare handrolls: built tableside with nori, capers, Bear Creek Farm beef, and a decadent swipe of Irish butter. Don’t skip dessert— a towering Japanese kakigori (shaved ice) layered with mousse, bergamot, and warm shortbread syrup.
Locust only runs Friday through Sunday. It’s a card-only, no phone, and no parties over four joint. Brunch requires a reservation, but the nighttime dumpling bar is walk-in only.
Pro tip: There’s limited signage, so look closely between the boutiques. Parking in 12 South can be tough. Aim for nearby residential streets or rideshare your way to dumpling nirvana.
- Urban Grub What do you get when you turn an old carwash into one of the hottest dining spots in Nashville? Urban Grub. This Southern seafood sanctuary is part smokehouse, part raw bar, and all-around culinary crowd-pleaser.This 12 South mainstay is the kind of place where champagne and oysters kick off a celebration, only to be followed by wood-fired meats, house-butchered steaks, and a lobster curry that’ll make you pause mid-bite. Urban Grub’s pork chop, in particular, is legendary. It’s cut thick, cooked medium, and exactly what your Southern comfort dreams are made of.
Pro tip: Reservations are recommended (and still might mean a short wait), but free valet keeps the parking stress at bay.
- The Henry Sleek, social, and seriously delicious, The Henry has quickly become 12 South’s best restaurant for everything, from power breakfasts to rooftop dinner dates. Housed in a two-story stunner at the 12 South Collection, this new-American restaurant offers a menu that delivers on all fronts.Executive Chef Helen Mora’s menu ranges from sushi (yes, all-day sushi!) to standout entrées like Korean prime skirt steak and rigatoni alla vodka. The all-American burger is a hit, but don’t overlook lighter fare like their well-seasoned smashed avocado toast or sushi favorites like spicy tuna on crispy rice.
Pro tip: Start your day at The Henry’s downstairs coffee counter, and come back later for cocktails at the bourbon bar.
- Bartaco Step into Bartaco in 12 South and you’ll feel like you’ve landed at a breezy coastal cantina—woven basket lights overhead, whitewashed walls, and just enough tropical greenery to set the scene. But behind the laidback vibe is a kitchen that’s all business when it comes to bold flavor.Tacos are the headline act— pork belly, falafel, crispy Baja fish, all tucked into palm-sized corn tortillas— but the “Not Tacos” menu is just as crave-worthy. From creamy guacamole and mahi-mahi ceviche to hearty pork tamales and rotisserie chicken, the dishes span flavors from Mexico to Asia to Peru. Pair it all with a fresh-squeezed margarita or a ginger mint iced tea that’s low-key unforgettable.
Pro tip: The portobello rice bowl with queso fresco is a sleeper hit, especially for vegetarians.
- The Cookery Housed in a cozy café with an Aussie flair, this breakfast-and-lunch spot is a haven of second chances, where formerly homeless or incarcerated men are trained in culinary arts and empowered to rebuild their lives. The menu leans comfort-classic with global inspiration: savory meat pies, creamy chicken salad, and crowd-favorite shrimp tacos.The star of the show is its giant cinnamon roll—pillowy, perfectly glazed, and worth every bite. If you’re lucky, you might catch a slice of the heavenly crepe that’s quietly been declared the best in town.
Pro top: Parking can usually be found in nearby residential spots, but come early if you want to avoid the midday rush.
- Postino 12 South Postino has officially landed in 12 South, and if it hasn’t already become your new neighborhood go-to, it’s only a matter of time. With a funky-chic interior (think vintage TVs and East Nashville antiques) and a spacious 135-seat layout—including an 80-seat patio that’s basically made for golden hour—it’s effortlessly cool, with bites and sips to match.This best 12 South restaurant’s menu is seasonal and shareable: paninis, curated charcuterie, and the beloved bruschetta board you build yourself. The fig, brie, and apple combo is a crowd-pleaser, but the salmon pesto and mushroom mascarpone bring serious flavor, too.
Pro tip: Grab a bruschetta board and you’ll also be giving back. $1 from each board goes to The Store, a local nonprofit fighting food insecurity.
- Bottle Cap If outrageous burgers and laidback vibes are your thing, Bottle Cap is calling your name. Set in a converted automotive garage with roll-up doors and a sidewalk patio, this locally owned gem delivers elevated pub food with a side of sports-bar energy.Catch the game on one of the many TVs while digging into crispy fried pickles or the show-stopping Titan Burger—a towering beast stacked with two patties, a chicken tender, bacon, fried egg, cheese, snappy sauce, and then topped with a mozzarella stick, jalapeño popper, onion ring, and pepperoncino. It’s the kind of over-the-top creation that landed it a spot on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, where Guy Fieri himself gave it the stamp of approval.
Pro tip: Parking can get competitive during peak hours, so plan to snag a spot along the surrounding streets or rideshare your way to this Nashville favorite.
- Epice Just before Sevier Park on the southern end of 12th Avenue, Epice is where you go when you’re craving something soulful, understated, and a little under the radar. With its stone-and-marble interior and pared-down décor, the space stays quiet—letting the food (and the conversation) take center stage.The menu is Lebanese with a modern touch, which includes arnabeet (fried cauliflower) drizzled in beet tahini, entrees like lahm (lamb meatballs with tomato ragout and pine nuts) or sayadeya, an aromatic grilled fish that surprises you with a tahini-herb sauce you’ll think about for days.
Pro tip: Snag one of the seven bar seats if you can, and always ask your server for a nudge on what to order—they know exactly what’ll hit the spot.
- The Smiling Elephant Located inside a charming, white wood-framed cottage on 8th Avenue South, The Smiling Elephant has earned its place as a Nashville legend for authentic, healthy Thai cuisine. This family-owned spot keeps it simple, focusing on MSG-free dishes made with fresh ingredients—many grown right on site.Known citywide for their iconic pad thai, the kitchen also turns out deeply flavorful daily curries (Panang Saturdays are a thing), warm ginger tea, and craveable dishes like cashew chicken or the off-menu favorite tofu rama—a silky peanut-sauce-drenched dish that regulars swear by.
Pro tip: If it’s your first time, ask your server about the curry of the day.
- Edley’s Bar-B-Que Edley’s is more than a BBQ joint—it’s a Nashville classic. Everything here is cooked low and slow over white oak, and you can taste the care in every bite. From melt-in-your-mouth brisket and pulled pork to juicy smoked wings and fall-off-the-bone ribs, this is barbecue that shows up hungry.Signature sides like creamy mac and cheese, smoky green beans, and golden cornbread make each plate a full-on comfort fest. And whatever you do, don’t skip the Bushwacker—a boozy milkshake that doubles as dessert and cocktail. Bonus: most of the menu is gluten-free-friendly, without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
Pro tip: Go for the brisket tacos or burnt ends platter if you want something off the beaten path.
WHERE TO SHOP IN 12 SOUTH
From indie boutiques to big-name brands, 12 South is Nashville’s style playground.
12 South isn’t just home to the best restaurants and colorful murals; it’s one of Nashville’s top destinations for curated, one-of-a-kind shopping. Some of the shops you should check out are:
- Emerson Grace A staple since 2013, Emerson Grace is where fashion-forward locals turn for elevated everyday pieces that’ll take them from brunch to boardroom. Founder Kimberly Lewis— a fashion veteran with Hawaiian roots and a West Coast edge— curates a polished, wearable mix of clothing, jewelry, footwear, and accessories from coveted brands like A.L.C. and Rag & Bone.While it’s best known for its effortless womenswear, Emerson Grace is also one of the few places in 12 South where style-savvy men can score a standout piece or two.
Pro tip: Don’t miss “The Local Focus” section, which highlights rising regional brands you won’t find in big-box stores.
- HART HART brings jewelry with purpose to the heart of 12 South— modern heirlooms designed to empower, inspire, and tell your story. Originally founded in Charleston, this boutique has found a second home in Nashville, offering custom charm necklaces, meaningful talismans, and personalized pieces that feel as soulful as they are stylish.Whether you’re marking a milestone, starting fresh, or just treating yourself, HART’s joyful, high-quality designs are made to manifest good energy and make you look incredible while wearing it.
Pro tip: Bring a loved one and design jewelry together. It’s an unforgettable bonding moment—and an unbeatable gift idea.
- Imogene + Willie Founded in 2009 by husband-and-wife duo Matt and Carrie Eddmenson, Imogene + Willie was born from a simple mission: to craft the perfect pair of jeans, responsibly made and proudly sewn in the USA. Today, their small-batch collection has grown to include men’s and women’s denim, vintage-inspired tees, handmade accessories, and limited-edition pieces that feel like future heirlooms.Locals and in-the-know visitors come not just for the “fits” (the signature “+” on the seam is basically a Nashville badge of honor), but for the space itself: rustic, lived-in, and undeniably cool.
Pro tip: Ask about their original Imogene and Willie items, or go for a softened pair if you’re not quite ready to break in raw denim.
- Serendipity 12th If you’re wandering down 12 South and craving a shopping experience that’s equal parts stylish, witty, and wonderfully down-to-earth, Serendipity 12th is your spot. Locally women-owned and proudly serving the Nashville community for over 20 years, this boutique has twice earned the title of Best Gift Shop in Best of Nashville, and for good reason.Inside, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated mix of women’s clothing, from cute graphic tees and cozy hoodies to dresses, denim, and everything in between. Add in quirky gift items, one-of-a-kind jewelry, and even treasures for the littles, and you’ve got a shop where you’re guaranteed to find something for everyone (yourself included).
Pro tip: Don’t rush. The joy of Serendipity is in the browsing and the friendly staff are pros at helping you find that just-right gift or your new favorite outfit.
OTHER LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
There’s always something to explore in Nashville’s most charming neighborhood.
In a city built on live music and Southern charm, 12 South manages to carve out its own slice of Nashville magic. From historic mansions to tree-lined parks, 12 South is packed with unexpected gems that go far beyond the Instagrammable murals and artisan lattes.
- Sevier Park Spanning nearly 20 acres, Sevier Park is a lush, urban escape that offers a much-needed dose of peace and greenery in the middle of Nashville’s trendiest neighborhood. It’s also home to the historic Sunnyside Mansion, an 1852 antebellum home that now houses the city’s Metropolitan Historical Commission (worth a peek if you’re curious about Nashville’s architectural past).Those in search of exercise and movement options have access to the Sevier Park Community Center, which has a full lineup of fitness classes, a weight room, indoor walking track, and even adult ballet. The park’s outdoor amenities include tennis courts, basketball courts, and picnic tables.
- Caroline House Historic Inn Tucked into a quiet, tree-lined street just steps from the heart of 12 South, the Caroline House Historic Inn is where timeless Southern charm meets five-star boutique luxury. This fully restored 1921 home is the only B&B in the neighborhood and it delivers far more than just a bed and breakfast. Guests rave about the peaceful atmosphere, the impeccably designed rooms, and the unique “breakfast tour” that introduces you to Nashville’s favorite local cafés.
- Zanies Comedy Night Club For over 40 years, Zanies has been Nashville’s go-to spot for stand-up that actually delivers. This iconic comedy club keeps things simple—no frills, just big laughs—with a steady rotation of household names, rising stars, and local talent hitting the stage every week.The vibe is intimate, the energy is electric, and with a layout where every seat hits, there’s really no bad night at Zanies.
EXPLORE THE BEST 12 SOUTH THINGS TO DO
Whether you’re exploring one of the best restaurants in the area, shopping for the perfect pair of jeans, or catching a sunset in Sevier Park, 12 South captures everything that makes Nashville shine. With its tight-knit community, walkability, and endless things to eat, see, and do, it’s no wonder why 12 South is the perfect place to call home.
If you’re ready to turn your 12 South daydreams into reality, The LCT Team – Onward Real Estate is here to help. With deep local expertise and a true passion for Nashville living, we’ll guide you to the 12 South home that fits your lifestyle just as perfectly as your favorite pair of boots.
Let’s find your dream home in one of Nashville’s most beloved neighborhoods. Call us at 615.595.5883, or send a message today for a consultation.
