The September Hit List: Calacas, CAMP, Authentique, and More

Just a few months after opening the doors, chef Sean Brock’s newest restaurant in the very polished new Grand Hyatt is firing on all cylinders. Continental cuisine through the lens of Brock’s borderline obsessive research into the roots of American cuisine arrives in the form of thick slices of rich pate en croute and perfectly cooked prime rib with horseradish cream and sticky, savory au jus. A prix fixe option is now available (and encouraged), wrapping in the entire menu with choices of entree and dessert. Cocktails are particularly balanced, from a clear and deeply chilled Gibson to a beautifully bitter espresso martini to finish the meal. 

A true neighborhood gem is operating in the heart of Green Hills, serving plates of Southern-influenced classic dishes like seared scallops with grits and brown butter sauce, and fried green tomatoes with cajun remoulade. It’s an ideal destination for a lunch on the patio with a glass of chilled wine, or a casual dinner with friends. 

From the owners of East Nashville’s cozy bistro, Once Upon a Time in France, comes Authentique Wine Bar, located just across Gallatin Road. It’s a place for diners to grab a glass while waiting for a table at the bistro, but it’s also an Art Nouveau-inspired landing spot for wine by the bottle and glass, and plates of beautiful French cheese and meats. It’s less than 1,000 square feet, so prepare to get to know your neighbor, and maybe even share a bottle or two.

A new destination for fried dough has popped up in Midtown, delivering a selection of zanily topped treats like a campfire doughnut with marshmallows and chocolate, and turtle cheesecake. But unlike many of our local doughnut shops, there’s a menu of savory breakfast fare as well, including breakfast tacos, sandwiches, and açai bowls, too. Coffee, matcha lattes, kombucha, and fresh juices are also on hand. The black-and-white tiled interior is perfect for enjoying a morning treat on the way to the office downtown, too.

For the adventurous drinkers out there, you’re invited to an East Nashville bar serving cocktails inspired by National Parks. The Mammoth Cave mixes rye, mushroom, vermouth, cardamaro, and vermouth, while the Great Smoky Mountains combines Dickel 12 year, pecans, blackberry shrub, and lemon. Not only will these drinks inspire a road trip, but a portion of proceeds from each drink will go toward conservation of the corresponding park. The decor matches the rugged outdoorsy theme with reclaimed wood and tufted leather banquettes worthy of a mountain lodge. Reservations are available for seated cocktail service.

Beat the late summer heat in an absolutely massive arcade emporium filled with pinball machines, vintage arcade games, and multiple full bars to please every gamer. The outdoor patio boasts fire pits for when the weather gets cooler, plus large outdoor games like giant Jenga. Food trucks rotate through to provide fuel for lengthy gaming sessions, too. 

Modern Mexican cuisine has hit downtown Nashville, with beautifully composed plates of pork pibil tamales, carne asada with fresh corn tortillas, and perfectly fried chile relleno. There’s a deep list of tequilas and mezcals, with cocktails like palomas and Oaxaca old fashioneds available for easy refreshment. Inside is a sleek ode to Mexico with an emphasis on Dia de los Muertos; expect skulls, velvet banquettes, and dramatic lighting that’s perfect for date night.

From the talented crew behind Nashville-based and Black-owned chain Slim + Husky’s comes EG & MC, a tapas restaurant with Southern flair. The name is the initials of the four founders, but also stands for “educated, gifted, melanated creatives,” and sets the scene for the very hip North Nashville eatery, where fried chicken and collard green egg rolls, peach barbecue-glazed yam mac ‘n’ cheese, and smoked meats headline the menu. Cocktails, beer, wine, and very good vibes are also on the menu at this loungey spot.

Street tacos are the name of the game at the newly opened Tacos 1989, occupying the former home of Night Train Pizza. There’s a long list of expertly prepared taco fillings, from carnitas and barbacoa to tripe and tongue. There’s also burritos, quesadillas, bowls, and specialties like chiludos, bacon-wrapped peppers stuffed with cheese and shrimp. Add an agua fresca or Jarritos for the complete experience.

Nashville’s beloved Greek diner has found a new home on Belmont Boulevard in the former location of Asian-fusion restaurant PM, after it was uprooted from its longtime Melrose location. It’s now operating in full swing, offering the entire menu of omelets, Benedicts, and skillets at breakfast, and spanakopita, mousaka, gyro burgers, and more at lunch and dinner.