Nearest & Nicest
Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
2800 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
The closest and most spectacular option. Famous for its indoor atriums, gardens, and water features — it’s practically a destination itself.
Nashville Guide
Bagels, Bars, and Stays
Near us & the airport
Airport Option
Hyatt Place Nashville Airport
721 Royal Parkway
Nashville, TN 37214
There are also plenty of budget-friendly airport hotels in the area if you’re looking for a simpler, cheaper stay.
Near downtown
Downtown
JW Marriott Nashville
201 8th Avenue South
Nashville, TN 37203
Historic Downtown
The Hermitage Hotel
231 6th Avenue North
Nashville, TN 37219
Downtown
Omni Nashville Hotel
250 Rep. John Lewis Way South
Nashville, TN 37203
Everything bagel approved
The North American Bagel Expert’s picks
Josh takes bagels very seriously. Over the years he has visited hundreds of bagel shops across the country, developed a rigorous review system, and graciously accepted the title of “North American Bagel Expert.” Here are his Nashville recommendations.
Arguably the best in town
Crieve Hall Bagel Co.
4825 Trousdale Dr #228, Nashville, TN 37220
Also at 3701 Gallatin Pike Unit A, Nashville, TN 37216
Fresh, fermented sourdough bagels born in a home kitchen during quarantine. A true mom-and-pop operation that grew into a local legend through word-of-mouth and exceptional quality.
Visit Website →Grip it and rip it
Pop-Up Bagel
NYC-based, publicly traded, no-frills perfection
The viral sensation built on simplicity: crispy crusts, soft centers, and the signature “Grip, Rip and Dip” approach. Sold by the bag with whipped schmears. Not famous, but known.
Visit Website →A neighborhood classic
Star Bagel
4504 Murphy Rd, Nashville, TN 37209
Nashville’s oldest locally-owned bagel shop. Fair pricing, freshly baked bagels, and the proper schmear ratio. Josh’s regular weekend fix was a challah bagel with lox spread — still a favorite.
Visit Website →Bars
Where to raise a glass
We have trashy tastes in bars, so take this as a sincere recommendation from two people who love a cold beer and a good story.
Our favorite
Donelson Pub
945 Allen Rd
Nashville, TN 37214
A classic neighborhood dive and the most likely home of our “afters.” The beer is cold, the vibe is unpretentious, and the $3 beers make it dangerously easy to stay awhile.
Just up the road from where we met
Tenn Fold Brewing
2408 Lebanon Pike
Nashville, TN 37214
A spacious local brewery right up the road from our first date spot. Come for the house-brewed beer, stay for the salads, pizza, and laid-back neighborhood energy.
Restaurants
Where to eat
Our favorite
Cafe Roze
1115 Porter Rd
Nashville, TN 37206
An all-day East Nashville cafe with fresh, simple food, beautifully designed space, and a cool yet approachable vibe. We love it for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a cocktail at the bar.
Our weekly spot
Salento Italia
329 Donelson Pike, Suite 303
Nashville, TN 37214
A cozy neighborhood Italian spot in Donelson where we find ourselves almost every week. Order the octopus — trust us on this one.
Late-night sandwich haven
Phat Bites
2730 Lebanon Pike B
Nashville, TN 37214
A Donelson institution with technicolor street art, scratch-made sandwiches, and a wild, welcoming energy. Open late and perfect for a no-frills feast.
Sports bar & live music
Scoreboard
2408 Music Valley Dr
Nashville, TN 37214
Wall-to-wall TVs, cold beer, live music, and late-night pizza right by Opryland. A laid-back spot to keep the celebration going after the reception.