New on Resy: Folk, Emmy Squared, Peg Leg Porker, and More

New on the East Nashville scene, Folk comes from Philip Krajeck, acclaimed chef and owner of Rolf and Daughters. Fun, seasonal and inventive, the menu highlights local produce, regional ingredients, and naturally leavened wood-fired pizza. Seasonal specialties include ramp toast, mussel escabeche, lamb meatballs with English peas and bagnet vert, and a pie with fermented potato, provolone picante, green garlic, and pancetta. The neighborhood vibe is casual and lively, enhanced by an ever-evolving natural wine list and specialty cocktails.

The second iteration of Emmy Squared (the original is in Brooklyn, NY) and sibling to Emily (another kind of pizzeria-meets-burger joint, also rooted in Brooklyn), Emmy Squared Nashville is home to spectacular Detroit-style pies. That means the pizza here is rectangular (not round) and utilizes the “frico” technique, in which cheese is drizzled on the edges of the pie to create a crispy brown crust. Beyond the main event, the menu extends to include salads and sandwiches which shouldn’t be ignored. Among the highlights, the Caesar, attention-grabbing “Le Big Matt” burger, and signature spicy fried chicken sandwich.

A Nashville native with deep-seated roots in West Tennessee BBQ culture, pitmaster Carey Bringle developed an appreciation for barbecue at a young age—Bringle fondly recalls family gatherings at places like Bozo’s Hot Pit Bar B-Q, Lewis’ Store, and Leonard’s Pit Barbecue. Peg Leg Porker opened in Nashville in 2013 to offer his award-winning BBQ, sauces and rubs, a new line of professional-grade home smokers, and two award-winning Tennessee Straight Bourbon Whiskies. In 2016, Eater national critic Bill Addison named the dry ribs here the best in America.

Woolworth on Fifth honors the history of its past by serving as a welcoming place for all (this registered historic site, formerly F. W. Woolworth, was home to some of Nashville’s first lunch counter sit-ins during the civil rights movement). The menu explores the roots and history of Southern culinary arts, with ingredients and techniques that can be traced all over the globe, from North Africa to East Asia to South America; while the basement level of the restaurant hosts a variety of live music with a lineup of genres ranging from funk to swing, gospel, and jazz. Don’t miss the fried hot harissa chicken sandwich.

Set in a ca.1900 blacksmith shop in Nashville’s historic Germantown, Geist is a charming bar and restaurant opened in early 2018. Sophisticated yet unfussy, an evening at Geist is akin to dinner at a friend’s home. The restaurant takes a timeless approach to internationally-influenced cuisine, with dishes ranging from charred beets with goat cheese, chicken schmaltz, and preserved lemon to braised pork served with tagliatelle and pesto. The bar program features classic cocktails, highlighting the best ingredients found regionally. Best of all, enjoy concoctions from notable bartenders across the country—like the Old Cuban, from Audrey Sanders of NYC’s Pegu Club, and a mezcal-based libation from Boston’s Drink.

Southside Grill is a family-run restaurant with a homey vibe and a rustic feel. Owner Bill Darsinos has been running ship for over 35 years, providing for a deep roster of regulars, and overseeing a kitchen that puts out American fare with a bit of Greek influence, in honor of the family’s roots. There’s grilled octopus with olive oil lemon sauce, and then there’s meatloaf with gravy and mashed potatoes. If that’s not Greek-American, what is?

The Row Kitchen and Pub pays homage to country singers and songwriters with Nashville-inspired cuisine (“food so good it will make your momma proud”) and an interior lined with historic photography and memorabilia. It’s a two-tiered space comprised of a high-energy bar and patio area that boasts live music every night and a more relaxed main dining area. Owned by Kelly Black, a local restaurateur and hit songwriter (with over 30 major label cuts and eight top 40 singles), The Row is where Earl Bud Lee sold the rights to Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” for a bar tab.

Locally owned and operated, 51 North Taproom is a neighborhood restaurant in Nations, West Nashville. With a classic American menu of jalapeño patty melts, Southern fried chicken, and the like, the kitchen aims to please. When it comes to drinks, 51 North does not skimp; the bar boasts 30 rotating taps of craft beer and a seasonal cocktail menu.