Where to Eat in October: The Chef & I, Redheaded Stranger, JWB Grill, and More

Since moving from the Gulch, The Chef & I has taken advantage of the expanded space to create new dining experiences in addition to their popular chef’s table tasting dinner. A decadent brunch menu attracts plenty of weekend traffic, and a generous happy hour features drink specials seven days a week.

The 1 Hotel chain markets itself as the most sustainable lodging option in town, emphasizing the use of recovered material in the decor, high-efficiency plumbing and lighting systems to reduce resource usage, and mindful selection of materials down to clothes hangers made from 100% recycled paper. In the 1 Kitchen restaurant, the kitchen focuses on sourcing fresh seasonal local ingredients to create a menu of regional specialties while limiting food waste.

Call 615.510.0400 to make reservations.

NashHouse has become an all-day dining destination thanks to changing menus of elevated Southern fare from breakfast until late night. A giant video wall shows all the big games, and live music fills the space every evening. Conveniently located in the heart of SoBro, it’s a great spot to hit up before a sporting event at the nearby Bridgestone Arena or a concert at the Ryman or Schermerhorn Symphony Hall.

Already a neighborhood favorite for its “Joyful Hour” and rotating series of “Burger Night” specials, Hathorne is returning back to its vegetable-forward roots with the appointment of new executive chef Chris Gass. The new top toque promises a laser focus on locally-sourced produce and on Hathorne’s unique brand of fine dining hospitality in a casual atmosphere.

Call 629.888.4917 to make reservations.

5th & Taylor offers one of the most dramatic dining spaces in Nashville, featuring a massive statue of city namesake General Francis Nash astride a horse looking down on the dining room and vibrant works of art (many of which were painted by chef Daniel Lindley) accenting the tall walls of the restaurant. Lindley’s creativity also shines in the open kitchen where his staff works a large wood-fired grill to send out creative dishes that are the chef’s homage to the American family meal.

As if the fact that you are dining in a Margaritaville Hotel isn’t enough of a hint, once you realize that the name of this restaurant represents the initials of James (Jimmy) William Buffett, the coastal cuisine of JWB Grill makes sense, even in the middle of a landlocked state. Southern soul food like pimento cheese hushpuppies, collard greens and barbecue pork ribs complement seafood and steaks, and a slice of legit Key lime pie is a necessary ending flourish to any meal in Margaritaville.

If you had “Hawaiian-style izakaya” as the theme for one of Nashville’s newest restaurants on your culinary bingo card, you’re a winner, thanks to The Hart! In addition to a Kahuna burger that Jules from Pulp Fiction would call “a tasty burger,” The Hart specializes in globally-sourced seafood to create a menu of sushi and Asian-inspired grilled dishes. Order 24 hours in advance for the showstopper dish, a roast kalua pig served family-style to the table.

Call 629.231.4006 to make reservations.

City Winery is definitely one of the premier venues to enjoy both good food and great music. In addition to an entertainment calendar filled with local and nationally-touring acts, City Winery offers a full dinner menu of shareables, salads, and international entrees in their cozy Barrel Room Restaurant & Wine Bar, plus it’s no surprise that their wine list is exceptional.

Chef Bryan Lee Weaver’s ode to soulful Southwestern cuisine like tacos, burritos, and a legendary green chile cheeseburger was recently featured on “Diners, Drive-in, and Dives,” so it might be tough to grab a reservation even if they offered them. Don’t be afraid of the lines; order up a cheesy crunchwrap and enjoy a beer at the bar while you wait for a table to open so you can settle in and enjoy a virtual trip to West Texas courtesy of Redheaded Stranger. Willie Nelson should be proud.

No reservations.

As expected, the steaks at STK are top-notch and the highlight of the menu, but don’t sleep on other options like miso-glazed Chilean sea bass, Maine lobster linguine or a shellfish platter made up of selections from STK’s bountiful raw bar. Later in the evening, the vibe gets even more festive as live DJs pump up the party crowd with energetic playlists.