Reviews

Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar Nashville Review

Posted on by Corey Gasman
Band playing at Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
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Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar Nashville Review

Last updated: February 2026 by Corey Gasman

Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar

Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar • 220 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37201, United States

Visited: November 21, 2024 · Rating: 5/5

Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar was easily my favorite live music spot during our Nashville trip. We visited twice during a four-night stay, and both nights delivered high-energy performances with strong blues and rock covers that kept the crowd engaged from start to finish.

The Atmosphere

Located in historic Printers Alley, this bar stands out from the Broadway scene by offering a more intimate live music experience. The venue is small, which adds to its charm and creates a lively, close-up feel with the band.

The New Orleans-inspired vibe is a fun change of pace, and the wraparound metal balcony is a great place to grab a seat if you can find one. Sitting upstairs gives you a perfect view of the stage and the crowd below.

Drinks and Pricing

Drink prices are on the higher side but consistent with most downtown Nashville bars. Expect to pay around nine dollars for beers and about fourteen dollars for cocktails.

While not cheap, the quality live music and unique atmosphere make it worth it.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for live blues music in Nashville with a New Orleans flair, Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar is a must-visit. It is a great alternative to the busy Broadway bars and an excellent choice for a memorable night out in Music City.


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Reviews

Etch Nashville Review: Standout Scallops and Downtown Dining Prices

Posted on by Corey Gasman
etch sea scallops
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Last updated: February 2026 by Corey Gasman

etch

etch • 303 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37201, United States

We had dinner at etch in downtown Nashville, just steps from the Country Music Hall of Fame. Location-wise, it is an easy choice if you are already in the area. Overall, the meal delivered strong execution on the main dishes, but a few details kept it from being a full five-star experience.

What We Ordered

We started with the Beet and Berry Salad. It was flavorful, but leaned much sweeter than expected. There were only a couple slices of beet compared to a larger portion of greens, and the goat cheese semifreddo read more like frozen cheesecake than traditional goat cheese. Interesting idea, but it needed more acidity to balance the sweetness from the berries and semifreddo.

The entrées were where etch really shined. The scallops were beautifully cooked, tender and buttery, and easily the standout dish of the night. They were the kind of scallops that make you pause mid-conversation.

The filet was equally solid, cooked just right and served with beef jus, a red wine gastrique, and a tarragon shallot butter that added richness without overpowering the meat.

Filet at etch in Nashville

Filet with beef jus and red wine gastrique at etch Nashville.

Service and Pricing

Service was friendly, attentive, and efficient. The kitchen was happy to split each dish onto two plates since we were sharing, which we appreciated.

That said, we did have a small pricing hiccup. We added one extra scallop and were told it would be eight dollars, but it appeared on the bill as thirteen. At sixty-four dollars for four scallops total, it definitely stood out.

The atmosphere is polished but leans a bit corporate, more business dinner than cozy night out. Pricing reflects the downtown location. Our total came to $214 before tip and $258 all in for one salad, two entrées, two glasses of wine, and one cocktail.

Final Verdict

Overall, etch is worth trying if you are already downtown, especially if scallops are your thing. The food is well executed, but you are paying premium prices for the location and overall experience.


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FAQ: etch Nashville

Do you need a reservation for etch Nashville?

Reservations are a smart move for dinner, especially on weekends or if there is an event downtown. Walk-ins can work at off-peak times, but this is not the kind of place to gamble on at prime hour.

The scallops were the standout dish and the one I would recommend first. If you want a classic steak option, the filet was well cooked and nicely layered with sauces and butter.

Yes. It is priced like a downtown Nashville restaurant. You are paying for the location and experience. If you are watching budget, save it for a planned night out.

Polished and professional. It leans more business dinner than romantic date night. Still a nice experience, just not especially intimate.

Yes. The kitchen split dishes onto two plates without issue, which made sharing easy and seamless.

Yes. It is centrally located and very close to major attractions like the Country Music Hall of Fame, making it convenient if you are already downtown.

Reviews

The Mockingbird Nashville Brunch Review: Creative Dishes and Fun Cocktails

Posted on by Corey Gasman
Chicken and Biscuits
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The Mockingbird Nashville Review: Creative Brunch Downtown

Last updated: February 2026 by Corey Gasman

The Mockingbird

The Mockingbird • 121 12th Ave N A, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

Brunch at The Mockingbird in downtown Nashville stood out thanks to a creative menu, playful cocktails, and food that genuinely delivered. We visited on a Saturday morning around 10:30 a.m. While it was calm when we arrived, the dining room filled quickly as we were finishing.

What We Ordered

Service was excellent from the start. Friendly, attentive, and well paced without ever feeling rushed.

I ordered the Chicken and Biscuits, which ended up being the highlight of the meal. The chicken was perfectly crispy, the biscuits were fluffy and tender, and everything was covered in a savory gravy with just enough heat to bring the dish together.

My wife chose the Pork Belly Fried Rice, and it did not disappoint. The pork belly was crispy and caramelized, while the fried rice struck a great balance between sweet and savory flavors.

We also shared a side of tater tots with truffle aioli. The tots arrived hot and crunchy, and the aioli was rich, creamy, and full of flavor.

Pork belly fried rice at The Mockingbird Nashville

Pork Belly Fried Rice at The Mockingbird in downtown Nashville.

Cocktails and Vibe

The drinks are part of the appeal here, and the Punch in a Bag lived up to the hype. Served in a Capri Sun style pouch, it was boozy, fruity, and surprisingly well balanced. It added a playful energy to brunch without crossing into gimmick territory.

The overall vibe is relaxed, upbeat, and social. It feels fun without being chaotic.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a fun but genuinely good brunch spot in Nashville, The Mockingbird is an easy recommendation. With creative comfort food, inventive cocktails, and a relaxed downtown atmosphere, it is a strong choice for weekend brunch in Music City.


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FAQ: The Mockingbird Nashville Brunch

Do you need a reservation for brunch at The Mockingbird?

Reservations are recommended for weekend brunch, especially after mid-morning. Early arrivals may get seated quickly, but the restaurant fills up.

The Chicken and Biscuits are the standout and a safe first choice. The Pork Belly Fried Rice is also excellent if you want something rich and savory.

It manages to be both. The cocktails are playful and memorable, but the food holds its own and never feels secondary.

Yes. Signature drinks like the Punch in a Bag are part of the experience and are well balanced rather than overly sweet.

Relaxed, social, and upbeat. It is a good spot for groups, casual celebrations, or an easygoing weekend brunch downtown.

It works well for both. You can keep it casual with comfort food or lean into cocktails and make it more of an event.

Reviews

Assembly Food Hall Nashville Review: Diverse Dining, Live Music, and Rooftop Views

Posted on by Corey Gasman
Assembly Food Hall exterior sign
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Last updated: June 2025 by Corey Gasman · Rating: 5/5

Assembly Food Hall

Assembly Food Hall • 5055 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, United States

Assembly Food Hall is a fantastic choice in downtown Nashville for a quick lunch, casual dinner, or feeding a group with different tastes. During our mid-June visit, the place was buzzing with energy, and it is easy to see why.

This massive food hall brings together a wide range of cuisines under one roof, making it simple to please everyone in your party.

What You’ll Find Inside

The vendor lineup covers everything from Nashville hot chicken and Southern barbecue to sushi, tacos, wood-fired pizza, pho, and even a classic Philly cheesesteak.

Over several visits, I tried the BBQ, pizza, pho, and the cheesesteak, and every meal was solid. Most dishes fall in the fifteen to twenty dollar range, which feels reasonable for the quality and variety offered in such a central location.

Atmosphere and Rooftop

One of the highlights of Assembly Food Hall is the live music, which adds to the lively Nashville atmosphere. It feels very much in step with the Broadway energy outside.

There is also a rooftop bar and restaurant offering skyline views and refreshing cocktails, making it a great spot to unwind after exploring downtown.

What to Know Before You Go

This is not the place for a quiet conversation. It gets loud, especially during peak hours, and finding a table can take some patience.

That said, the hall is well organized, clean, and the ordering process is quick and efficient.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a casual dining spot in Nashville with huge variety, bold flavors, and an energetic vibe, Assembly Food Hall is an excellent choice.

Come hungry, explore the vendors, and enjoy the convenience of having so many options in one place.


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Reviews

Harper’s Nashville Review: Exceptional Steakhouse Dining with Cocktails and Classic Desserts

Posted on by Corey Gasman
Close up image of a steak from Harper's.
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Last updated: June 2025 by Corey Gasman · Rating: 5/5

Harper’s

Harper’s • 2 Lea Ave, Nashville, TN 37210, United States

Dinner at Harper’s in Nashville was outstanding from start to finish and easily ranks as one of our favorite meals in the city. The evening combined excellent food, polished service, and a stylish yet comfortable atmosphere.

Drinks and Starters

We started with classic martinis, the perfect way to set the tone. I then switched to a glass of Post & Beam Napa Cabernet Sauvignon priced at twenty-five dollars. It was smooth, bold, and an ideal pairing for steak.

From the raw bar, we ordered the Big Eye Tuna Sashimi priced at twenty-four dollars. It was fresh, flavorful, and arrived with a dramatic dry ice presentation that added a fun visual element.

We also ordered the Wedge Salad, which was thoughtfully split for us without asking. It featured cherry heirloom tomatoes, Nueske’s smoked bacon crumbles, blue cheese, and a creamy herb buttermilk dressing that brought everything together.

The Main Course

For the main course, we shared the sixteen-ounce New York Strip priced at eighty-five dollars. The cut was excellent, cooked beautifully, and served with a rich demi-glace.

On the side, we ordered a half portion of Brussels sprouts that were crispy, caramelized, and finished with a savory sauce.

Dessert and Final Touches

Dessert was the Crème Brûlée priced at thirteen dollars. The top was perfectly torched with a silky custard underneath, served alongside fresh berries.

As a generous final touch, the restaurant treated us to two complimentary glasses of Lambrusco, a classy and memorable gesture that capped off the evening beautifully.

Atmosphere and Service

Service throughout the evening was attentive and professional. The vibe at Harper’s feels modern yet cozy, making it great for both couples and groups.

A tip for visitors: request one of the booths. They are especially comfortable and well suited for conversation.

The only small drawback was the presence of flat-screen televisions visible from the dining room, which slightly distracted from the otherwise refined setting.

Final Verdict

Harper’s delivers on every level with top-quality food, excellent cocktails, strong service, and a welcoming atmosphere.

If you are looking for one of the best steakhouse experiences in Nashville, Harper’s is absolutely worth a visit.


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