The May Hit List: June, Audrey, Liberty Common, and More

In the first year since opening, Sean Brock’s masterstroke ode to Appalachian cuisine suffered from the Yogi Berra-ism, “Nobody goes there. It’s too crowded.” It’s true that reservations were a little tough to score early on as diners flocked to experience the multi-course flavor voyage that was the subject of national-scale raves, Brock has added a Sunday evening service to offer more opportunities for more people. Take advantage of his generosity and book a seat for this truly unique experience.

Downstairs from June, Brock has also opened up more dining opportunities at the more casual Audrey with the addition of brunch on Saturday and Sunday. The menu features classic Southern morning dishes made with heritage Appalachian ingredients as well as a unique egg dish prepared using the historic classic mère Poulard technique invented in the 1890’s that creates a magical omelet that puffs up like a souffle with a kiss of smoke from the open hearth.

Ahead of a move to a larger flagship restaurant in the Highland Yards complex in East Nashville, Otaku Ramen has started up a new venture making and selling their delicious noodles directly to consumers. In addition to retail sales, Nashville’s favorite ramen shop has begun to use those house-made noodles in some of the delicious bowls that they serve in its restaurants. This represents a real innovation as alkaline noodles are notoriously difficult to produce consistently, but Otaku Ramen has them dialed in!

No reservations; visit Otaku Ramen’s website for more details.

The bright and airy dining room of Liberty Common has made it a favorite spot to meet for a festive happy hour, a boozy brunch, or a dinner of inventive bistro fare, and the fact that the front door is mere steps away from Ascend Amphitheater makes it an ideal pre-show destination now that concert season has started up again. A weekly Thursday night jazz series features some of Nashville’s most talented female musicians, so that’s another great time to plan a visit.

The menu and vibe at HEARTS are inspired by the vibrant dining scene of Melbourne, Australia, a city that boasts more cafes per capita than any city across the globe. Enjoy breakfast all day with choices ranging from hotcakes to egg dishes to sandwiches, and now that HEARTS has opened a second store in 12 South, your brunchy options have doubled.

No reservations; see the menus at both locations here.

Emmy Squared’s Detroit-style pies continue to propel the NYC-based chain toward world pizza domination, and Nashville’s four locations represent a major beachhead of the battle. In addition to pizzas with a seemingly impossible chewy and crunchy crust and just the right amount of crispy melted cheese to provide the craveable frico dripping over the edge of the pie. Emmy Squared also features one of the city’s most decadent burgers, Le Big Matt, two patties dressed with greens, pickles, “sammy sauce” and gooey American cheese.

Not only do the owners of this local restaurant group offer a menu of incredible pizzas, cinnamon rolls, and craft beer (how can you go wrong with that?), but they also give back to the communities where they open restaurants by targeting underserved neighborhoods near HBCUs, employing local workers, and offering them college scholarships. They earned a nomination from the James Beard Foundation this year as outstanding restaurateurs, a recognition that is well-deserved.

No reservations; see the menu here.

Despite the best efforts of state legislators to clamp down on drag shows in Tennessee, the fabulous fun lives on at Suzy Wong’s House of Yum! Three queenly performers entertain the crowd with raucous performances of campy classics. The menu of Asian-inspired brunch dishes is worth the price of admission alone.

Old Blue Eyes’ family cooperated with local investors to create an ode to Sinatra’s Palm Springs lifestyle at this clubby new restaurant and lounge in the heart of downtown. Examples of the crooner’s artwork adorn the walls along with classic paintings and photos of Sinatra and his Rat Pack pals, and the menu of chophouse dishes and Italian fare would make him proud. Settle into a luxurious leather booth, order a glass of Jack Daniel’s, and enjoy the show.

Call 615-866-2224 for reservations.

Since opening five years ago, answer. has become a neighborhood fixture in Sylvan Park and a godsend for families looking for a way to feed the household without messing up the kitchen. The restaurant offers weekly family suppers to carry out and heat up at home with pickups on Wednesday and Sunday. Dining in is also a smart choice, and they always save a few spots at the bar for walk-ins even if it’s a last minute decision.