The March Hit List: Boqueria, Le Loup, Skye, and More

Tapas, paellas, and Spanish wines have landed in Nashville’s Fifth + Broadway development, adding a new set of flavors to the hot chicken and burger-filled dining scene downtown. Tapas skew toward classics like pan con tomate, tortilla Española, and gambas al ajillo, with a couple of larger, entree-size options like a Catalan-style roasted chicken with salsa verde. Your best bet to try the most? Choose from the chef’s menu options, which include a set menu of Boqueria favorites ($52 per person) or the Boqueria Experience, which includes a taste of 30-month-aged jamón Ibérico.

Just a quick trip up the staircase from The Optimist is a new destination for consuming sea creatures and cocktails. Le Loup is the latest from the Ford Fry Group, bringing a playful bar scene and the aforementioned seafood. Of course there are oysters, but a section of broiled or chilled options includes clams, live scallops, prawns, and blue crab. There are tater tots topped with various caviars, steak tartare, and more tater tots that have been absolutely drenched in melted raclette. The cocktail menu is extensive, and every bit as good as its downstairs brethren. Head over sans reservations for a delightful evening that could end with fire in the form of bananas Foster, served tableside.

East Nashville’s newest brunch spot is Snooze, which bills itself as an “A.M. Eatery.” That means day-drinking with bloody marys, mimosas, and a full bar, and a menu of pancakes, omelets, Benedicts, and breakfast sandwiches. It’s open from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., so it’s a great option for both early birds and bachelorettes in need of a hangover cure. This is the first location of the chain in Tennessee, which has locations in California, Colorado, Texas, and beyond, bringing their “breakfast but different” ethos to Music City.

Fall down the rabbit hole at The Fairlane Hotel’s new Alice in Wonderland-themed bar, The Alice. Yes, there are large, psychedelic-looking mushrooms on display, life-sized chess pieces, and a red velvet settee, just like the one our blonde protagonist lounged upon in the classic Disney adaptation. The drinks follow suit, with names like Off With Her Head, and Have I Gone Mad? Food is an afterthought, with savory scones, a charcuterie board, and sweet pastries, so plan accordingly so you don’t go mad after too many playful cocktails.

A nostalgic burger joint has sprouted in Franklin, courtesy of the restaurant group behind Deacon’s New South and Puckett’s Grocery. At Burger Dandy, the menu is all about smashburgers, crinkle-cut fries, and milkshakes, with classic hot dogs and a chicken sandwich thrown in for good measure; vegetarians can opt for a black bean burger, too. Bonus: Adults can partake of beer, wine, and spiked milkshakes.

Native Nashvillians will rejoice to learn that the rotating restaurant atop the Sheraton Grand Hotel is back in action, this time in the form of a sassy cocktail lounge called Skye. Locals and tourists who never had the opportunity to dine 28 floors up in a rotating dining room can now stop by for a drink and experience the magic. It’s a proven fact that 360-degree views pair nicely with a glass of wine after being whisked up from the lobby by an express elevator.

It’s ramen weather, with no sign of spring just yet. So, settle into a booth at this cozy izakaya for bowls of rich, porky tonkotsu ramen with chashu, and perfectly soft soy sauce eggs. Beyond ramen, the yakitori selection is excellent (always get the wagyu-stuffed padron pepper), and the sushi is fresh. Highballs, cocktails on tap, sake, beer, and wine will keep the party going. It commands a wait on the weekends (and weeknights, actually) so make sure to plan ahead when the ramen craving strikes.

Germantown is hopping these days, particularly around lunchtime at this new Italian market. Head into this cute and tiny spot to pick up one of their large-and-in-charge sandwiches, like saucy meatballs topped with pesto, mozzarella, and Parmesan on crusty bread, or the “bologna” sandwich that’s piled with mortadella, smoked provolone, and olive tapenade. There are also hearty salads, soup, and meatballs with toasted bread, too, all of which are best taken to-go; there’s no real seating area inside. The market has specialty Italian items, like canned tomatoes, dried pasta, and olive oil, while fresh pasta made in-house and deli meats will round out your at-home dining plans.

Nashville food scene darling Henrietta Red turns five years old this month, and it’s only gotten better with age. Chef Julia Sullivan has stacked the menu with Southern-influenced seafood dishes like snapper with coconut collards, and pickled shrimp toast with cream cheese, herb pistou, and Castevetrano olives. Celebrate their big milestone by heading in for briny, perfectly shucked oysters and red snapper ceviche, cocktails, and festive vibes at dinner and weekend brunch.

Nashville has become known for its signature hot chicken, but meat n’ three has been at the heart of the city for just as long. Like the name implies, a meat n’ three serves plates of a homey protein like meatloaf or fried chicken with Southern sides like whipped potatoes, cornbread, fried okra, and squash casserole. Elliston Place Soda shop, a star of the genre, recently had a major upgrade with a move to a fresh new building next door to its original space on Elliston Place. Fans can still stop in for plates of classic Southern food, burgers, sandwiches, and of course, milkshakes, sundaes, and all the delights of a classic soda counter.