Named for the European immigrants who first settled here in the mid 19th century, Germantown is a historic community on the National Register of Historic Places located just a few blocks northwest of downtown Nashville. The area is home to the Tennessee State Museum and Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, local boutiques and restaurants.
Known for its architectural charm and countless culinary destinations, this once off the beaten path neighborhood is as charming as can be and is now one of the most well traversed destinations in Nashville. There was a time when national publications didn’t recognize Germantown as Nashville’s hottest neighborhood and when America’s Best New Restaurant, Tailor Nashville, according to Bon Appetit, didn’t see eye to eye with local establishments helmed by James Beard Award winning chefs.
Growth has spawned some of Nashville’s most beloved food spots, making Germantown a culinary destination. Visitors and locals alike can savor the oysters and a cool vibe at Henrietta Red, homemade pasta on the patio at Rolf & Daughters, egg topped pizza at City House, Southern style breakfast, lunch, and dinners at Monell’s, a massive unpretentious burger at Jack Brown’s, platters of brisket at Butchertown Hall, a cup of coffee with a side of good vibes at Steadfast Coffee or Barista Parlor. And while its food culture is alive and well, the neighborhood also beckons visitors with brick sidewalks, historic homes dating back to the 19th century, a vast history worth diving into and a community of neighbors who care deeply about the place they call home.
As far as restaurants go, the first to enter the scene in 1989 creating the vibrant restaurant growth trend was Mad Platter, which almost made three decades when they shut their doors in 2016. Mother’s Ruin, a New York City transplant that is part bar, part restaurant with the potential to be the newest hotspot, opened in the space in early 2020. Germantown Café joined the neighborhood in 2003, and Tandy Wilson’s City House followed suit four years later in 2007. Southern inspired Silo and beloved Rolf & Daughters arrived as additional reasons to visit Germantown in 2012.
Outside of the neighborhood’s small historic footprint, more restaurants, parks and cultural destinations contribute to Germantown’s appeal. The Nashville Farmers Market is a year round market with an indoor food hall worth exploring. Bicentennial Mall provides space to stretch your legs and take in the views of the capitol. First Tennessee Park is home to the Nashville Sounds, the triple A affiliate to the Texas Rangers, and hosts a variety of fun events in the off season. And if you’re eager to experience the frenzy of downtown Nashville, you are only a few minutes away from Broadway.
But before you leave, check a few more spots off your list, a dinner party like experience at Tailor, brews at Bearded Iris brewery, a good time and tasty dinner at 5th & Taylor, something sweet at the Cupcake Collection, impressive design and champagne in the garden at Geist, creative sushi rolls at O-Ku, chocolate at Tempered, a modern American meal at Saint Stephen, and a deep dish and coma inducing pizza at 312 Pizza.
Anytime is a good time to visit Germantown, and it's annual events.
Music City Food + Wine Festival
Oktoberfest
Holiday Home Tour
Stroll the streets of Germantown to discover all of this and more!
Restaurants, Bars and Coffee:
Germantown Depot
Germantown Pub
Geist Bar + Restaurant
The Goat
Germantown Café
Sedona Taphouse
Von Elrod’s Beer Hall & Kitchen
Silo
312 Pizza Company
Steadfast Coffee
Barista Parlor
Butchertown Hall
Mother’s Ruin
Henrietta Red
Green Hour Cocktail & Absinthe Lounge
Vui’s Kitchen
5th & Taylor
Rolf & Daughters
Saint Stephen
Samurai Sushi & Korean Pub
Juice Bar
City House
The Picnic Tap
Monell’s
Steam Boys
Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria
Jonathan’s Grille
Tailor Nashville
Veggie Village
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
Cochon Butcher
Waldo’s Chicken and Beer
Top 5 Germantown Hotels
(no particular order)
The Germantown Inn
21 C Museum Hotel Nashville
The Joseph
The Bobby Hotel
Hyatt Place Nashville Downtown
The Annual Nashville Oktoberfest is from Thursday to Sunday, October 8-11, 2020, in Germantown. This is a free family friendly festival in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood.
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