The food philosophy at 417 Union is a reflection of their love of history. The main floor dining room honors the WWII era and celebrates many heroes, both military and civilian, while the upstairs dining room remembers the American Civil War with an emphasis on the battles of Nashville and Franklin. Rotating daily specials could include fish and chips, fried chicken, meat loaf or clam chowder, while the regular menu is full of deliciously updated classics. The Omelette 417 is filled with fresh herbs, mushrooms, bacon and Swiss cheese. If you come for lunch, expect more classics, like a patty melt, burger, Reuben, fried green tomato BLT and Monte Cristo.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Breakfast is served all day, every day, complete with a full-service bar, mimosas and Bloody Mary's.
Hollie's expert tip: Get a hash - any hash. The prime rib version is slow roasted with onions, seasoned potatoes, eggs and fresh sliced tomatoes.
After two years in business, The Nashville Biscuit House has found a big base of East Side love thanks to their commitment to consistently serving up solid breakfast dishes and tasty meat-and-three options for lunch. They're only open until mid-afternoon and serve breakfast the entire time, so you know there has to be some winners on the menu. In the morning, try the classic Nashvillian with two eggs, bacon or sausage, grits or homefries, and toast or a biscuit. Sugar-lovers will gravitate to the pancakes or French toast and the brave can opt for the Ultimate Platter. Filled with their famous biscuits and layered with gravy, ham, bacon, cheese, four eggs and then covered in sausage gravy, the is a perfect post-drinking or pre-nap meal. Maybe both.
Recommended for Breakfast because: The biscuit is sacred in the south, and The Nashville Biscuit house takes that very seriously.
Hollie's expert tip: Ask and you can substitute bacon and sausage with healthier turkey options.
At The Pfunky Griddle, you are the cook thanks to a griddle set in the middle of the table where you can go to town whipping up dollar-size servings for the whole family. Batter comes in organic five-grain, unbleached white or gluten free, and at all-you-can-eat prices it just keeps coming. Choosing how to top it can get to be a problem thanks to the insane number of options, including M&M's, seasonal fruit, chocolate chips, applesauce, pecans, Nutella or peach preserves. The griddle isn't only for pancake though. You can use it to cook your French toast, eggs, potatoes and grilled cheese too - each with plenty of add-ons like roasted red peppers and shredded steak. Fancy coffee drinks like a espresso chai combo elevate the experience for adults wrangling excited kids around the table.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Sure you could do this at home, but the staff won't be there to help you clean up.
Hollie's expert tip: It's all about the toppings, with dozens of options to spruce up your pancakes, eggs and potatoes.
This legendary breakfast joint near Vanderbilt University serves one of Nashville's tastiest morning meals, especially if you're in the mood for their signature pancakes. For a delicious initiation, smother an order with your topping of choice - old-fashioned maple syrup, cinnamon-cream, or even raspberry cream. If you're really hungry and flapjacks just won't do, a waitress may be able to talk you into the Grill Cook's Medley with fried potatoes smothered with eggs, cheese, peppers, and who knows what else! Most of the employees have been around for years and if you come often enough they'll remember exactly how you like your eggs.
Recommended for Breakfast because: A Nashville tradition since 1961, the pancakes are delicious and the people watching is top notch.
Hollie's expert tip: Go at off hours if you want to avoid the nearly-perpetual line. Who says you can't eat pancakes at 2 p.m.?
This fast-casual breakfast chain has something on the menu that meets the criteria for any a.m. craving. Omelets, crepes, Benedicts, skillets, waffles, pancakes - they do it all. Classics like chicken fried steak and eggs share space with south of the border options like a breakfast burrito filled with chorizo, refried beans, potatoes, and eggs, topped with pork green chili and cheese. The Monte Cristo crepes are a pure indulgence, thanks to melty bacon and cheese on the inside and sweet powdered sugar and raspberry sauce on the outside. Coffee also takes center stage, and in addition to the strong drip variety, lattes, mochas and machchiatos are available for the sipping. Bloody Mary's and mimosas get the day off to a buzzy start, and midday lunch options get you through to the afternoon when LePeep shuts it's doors for the day.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Despite its chain status, Le Peep still puts a focus on fresh ingredients and service that starts with a pot of coffee on the table.
Hollie's expert tip: Order a glass of the fresh-squeezed orange juice, made right on site from the giant juicer. Make it a mimosa - just perfect with a pile of gooey buns.
A gem of a cafe, situated on the eastside of the city, Sky Blue Cafe is known for its superb breakfast options (like buckwheat pancakes), and offering a happy variety for vegetarians. This quaint cafe also caters to meat-lovers, and their breakfast menu is served all day. It includes breakfast burritos, omelets and unforgetable eggs benedict. Lunch items include a variety of sandwiches - like the delicious portobello mushroom, soups and salads. Sky Blue Cafe features a selection of beverages made with Drew's Brews Coffee, including espresso, cappuccino and frappe. Spice up your drink with a shot of your favorite Torani syrup flavor, and don't forget to have add a little sweet as a treat!
Recommended for Breakfast because: Sky Blue Cafe keeps it local with coffee from Drew's Brews and bagels made right down the street at Bagel Face Bakery.
Hollie's expert tip: Try the buckwheat pancakes.
Breakfast is served all day at this fun coffeshop and cafe. Rustic brick walls, old tile floors, and marble countertops create a comfortable atmosphere conducive to hanging out or studying, allowing it to serve as a necessary part of the Hillsboro Village scene. Menu items include a breakfast Meat and Three, Salmon Scramble, Egg McFido, and bagel sandwiches like the Bachelor with almond butter, banana, local honey and cinnamon-sugar on a cinnamon raisin bagel or Hangover bagel with cream cheese and your choice of sausage. The Juevos Cubanos, includes eggs scrambled with tomatillo salsa, poblano peppers, cheese, hash browns, red salsa, sour cream, avocado and tortillas. Dinner brings a whole new vibe and menu.
Recommended for Breakfast because: With fresh ingredients and innovative options, breakfast at Fido is elevated beyond coffee and a muffin.
Hollie's expert tip: Space in the former pet shop is tight, so plan accordingly and avoid the parking in back at all costs. It's not worth it.
Nashvillians absolutely love Loveless Cafe. It's the perfect spot for a heavenly, home-cooked breakfast or dinner. Known for their Southern specialties made from scratch, including fried chicken, buttermilk biscuits, pit-cooked pork, southern-fried catfish and pork chops, Loveless has been satisfying patrons for decades. If you're craving breakfast, any time of day, they serve up an incomparable all-day breakfast menu featuring favorites like country ham and red-eye gravy, homemade granola, buttermilk pancakes and steak biscuits, this local gem has been satisfying wearing travelers since the 1950's. A true music city gem, Loveless is proud to use all local and regional ingredients.
Recommended for Breakfast because: A landmark in Nashville dining, the cafe maintains quaint country charm, good cooking and famous biscuits.
Hollie's expert tip: Try the buttermilk biscuits!
Ever been in the Music City and craved a bit of the Big Apple? If you are looking for Nashville's best bagel shop, your search should start (and probably stop) at Noshville. With two Middle Tennessee locations this New York-style deli serves up breakfast bagels the way they were meant to be - large, hard, smothered in cream cheese and Nova or lox, and accompanied by a piping hot cup of Joe. If you don't get enough at breakfast, try coming back at lunch when they serve their deli sandwiches and hot soups. Noshville does not accept reservations, but you can phone in your order in advance if you like.
Recommended for Breakfast because: Breakfast all day long, you can even order your food online so you can avoid the crowds during the busy breakfast and lunch rush.
Hollie's expert tip: Business meetings happen all day long and you never know what VIP you'll see.