Now on Resy: Ruby Sunshine, Lockeland Table, L.A. Jackson, and More Local Favorites

Brunch with a Southern accent (daily, from early morning to mid-afternoon) is the thing at this easy-to-wake-up-to suburban Nashville outpost of the popular South-wide Ruby chain. Breakfast tacos, shrimp & grits, eight different Benedicts, and more will keep brunch-lovers coming back.

You’ll feel welcome the moment you walk into this East Nashville neighborhood hangout in a former 1930s-vintage dry goods store — and chef Hal Holden-Bache’s alluring menu, including Southern-flavored dishes, wood-oven pizzas, and an empanada of the night, will keep you coming back. 

Dress to impress at this elegant-casual New Orleans-accented destination in the Thompson Hotel, where the knockout brunch is served seven days a week and you just might see a country music star or even a president’s wife tucking into the gumbo or the barbecue shrimp.

Come with friends to this glittery indoor-outdoor rooftop bar and restaurant atop the Thompson Nashville and order a gigantic cocktail to share (the vodka-based Devil in a New Dress serves four to eight) before moving on to the garlic Parmesan fries and the warm chocolate chip skillet cookie.

Expect lots of wood and brick, high ceilings, communal tables, a dangerously tempting whiskey selection, astounding pastas, and a menu of contemporary ingredient-driven fare with a nod toward Italy at Philip Krajeck’s Germantown favorite, nestled in the century-old Werthan Factory building.

You’ll definitely want to add this plant-filled, brick-walled neighborhood standout in McFerrin Park, from Rolf and Daughters founder Philip Krajeck, to your must-try list. There are a few meat and seafood dishes here, but pizza is the focus, from a classic tomato pie with mozzarella and basil to a clams and bonito creation.

Here’s a place that’s made for date night — a low-key but lively Hillsboro Village restaurant with a Southern-accented comfort-food menu; a head-spinning choice of cocktails, wine, and beer; and best of all, a series of semi-private curtained cabana booths, complete with TVs and iPhone hookups.