12South Specialty
Establishment
neighborhood
Christie Cookie Co.
2606 12th Ave. S, 12South
For a sweet treat in 12South, this new outpost of Christie Cookie’s offers fresh-baked cookies, brownies, and cakes, as well as ice cream sandwiches. We love the integrity with which their goods are made—they don’t use preservatives and use ingredients like chocolate made from sustainably-farmed cocoa beans.
Las Paletas (Closed)
2911 12th Ave. S, 12South
A paleta is a Mexican version of a popsicle—a sweet, frozen pop made with fresh fruit (and sometimes even with vegetables and nuts). This adorable little shop, which was founded by two sisters who grew up in Mexico, makes them fresh daily with seasonal fruits and vegetables. Unsurprisingly, kids go crazy for these.
Five Daughters Bakery
1110 Caruthers Ave., 12South
Between raising a family (they actually do have five daughters) and growing their small business, Five Daughters owners Isaac and Stephanie Meek definitely have their hands full. Isaac comes from a family of bakers—his grandfather baked cakes and his father owned a pizza shop—and he's made this fledgling bakery famous for a 100-layer donut, which tastes like an overly decadent cronut and takes three days to make. Between those magnificent creations and their sister sweets, like paleo donuts (grain, dairy, and sugar-free) and arguably the best cupcakes in town, it's no surprise that they sell out both here and at their Franklin and East Nashville locations, every day.
Frothy Monkey
2509 12th Ave. S, 12South
Always bustling with students, freelancers, and passersbys, this cozy shop sprawls through asmall house including a porch, which is lovely in the summer. Come early for coffee, workthrough the afternoon and finish the day with their stellar dinner options. There are several other locations throughout the city, including Downtown and the Nations.