Midtown

This tiny restaurant above Patterson House only holds 22 seats, and serves an intimate tasting menu that's given it a reputation that extends far beyond the city of Nashville. The restaurant also acts as a chef incubator, designed to regularly introduce new chefs to the city.

Brothers Ben and Max Goldberg's Strategic Hospitality group is behind some of the most beloved restaurants in Nashville, including Patterson House (along with The Catbird Seat, upstairs), Bastion, Henrietta Red and Pinewood. Le Sel is their spin on a classic French joint, featuring oysters, a great roast chicken, and moules frites. The decor, on the other hand, is a lot less classic—the space is filled with cool, off-beat art and decorated with quirky feminine touches like pink velvet banquettes and black-and-white striped painted floors.

Here’s a real old-fashioned speakeasy, where getting into the bar requires some work and house rules dictate you must stay seated once in. It’s well worth it. The prim and proper mixologists, in their old-fashioned uniforms, make miracles happen with the ingredients.

GP stayed at the Hutton Hotel for three weeks and truly enjoyed the whole experience. It's really well kept and has an eco-friendly bent, which means no bathtubs in order to conserve water, LED lighting, and a hybrid courtesy vehicle when in need. If you’re staying for an extended period and need a night in, the dining room is nice for a bite and a cocktail. There’s also the Analog Music Venue for live performances (check the website for a full schedule).