Pizza is a staple in the diet of many Americans, and the city of Nashville has no shortage of options to satisfy your cravings for a hot, cheesy pie. Five Points is probably one of the more well-known pizza restaurants in town. It serves pizzas NY style with daily scratch-made, aged-in-house, hand-tossed dough which is baked in old-school gas-fired deck ovens.

There are two locations, one in West Nashville and another in East (which was unfortunately destoryed in the recent tornado but will hopefully be back up and running soon!). I recently visited the West Nashville location (which has its own parking lot!) for the first time and was pleasantly surprised at how well my experience lived up to the hype.

The menu offers the typical options you find at pizza places – garlic knots, salads, strombolis, and of course, plenty of pizzas. The whole pies come in sizes of either 14″ or 18,” and prices vary depending on the toppings; you can get a 14″ plain cheese for $14 or splurge on an 18″ like the, “Habanero Cream Sauce Pie,” composed of house-made habenero cream sauce in place of tomato suace, bacon, oven-roasted tomatoes, red onions, fresh basil, and fresh & shredded mozzarella for $26. Other specialites include the, “Meatball Pie,” with sliced meatballs, red onions, garlic, fresh & shredded mozzarella, and tomato sauce on top, or the, “Pesto Pie,” with house-made walnut pesto, mushrooms, red onions, artichokes, and fresh & shredded mozzarella.

You may also order pizza by the slice which is a great option if you are dining alone, or if you are pickier than your friends and don’t want the same toppings they are having. “By the Slice” options are cut from 20″ pies and include cheese for $3.75, pepperoni for $4, prosciutto & basil for $5, the veggie slice of the day for $4.25, or the meat slice of the day for $4.50.

I went for lunch with a couple of my friends, so we got to take advantage of the lunch special, as well as avoid the crowd the restaurant is known for during dinner hours. Lunch specials are offered on weekdays from 11-2; they cost $9 and include a drink. You can choose between two slices of pizza, a half order of garlic knots & a salad, or one slice of pizza & a salad.

We all chose the pizza & salad combo bc #balance, and I got the veggie slice of the day which was the, “Pepper Party,” topped with red, green, & banana peppers, feta cheese, oil, & shredded mozzarella (pictured above). I usually prefer thick crust pizzas with red sauce, and I typically don’t fancy banana peppers. So, I was a little unsure of how I was going to like it. However, the thin crust, combined with the fact that there was no sauce, allowed me to really taste the flavors of the cheeses & toppings, and everything truly balanced out perfectly. The banana peppers added a nice sweet & sour kick, and the feta cheese simply took it over the edge. The crust was crisp, yet somehow still soft, and not at all overly baked which is hard to find in thin crust pizzas. I would definitely order this again.

Along with my slice, I got the arugula salad (see photo above) which was composed of arugula topped with house-cured orange peel, walnuts, grape tomatoes, & feta cheese with lemon vinaigrette dressing on the side. I don’t like walnuts or tomatoes, so my salad turned out to be pretty plain, but the taste of the dressing made up for any flavors that might have been missing due to the lack of toppings. I am very picky when it comes to salad dressings, and it was honestly one of the best I’ve had.

One of my friends tried the meat of the day slice which was the, “Hot Hawaiian,” composed of spicy capicola, pineapple, jalapeno, red sauce, & shredded mozzarella. She said it definitley lived up to its name and had to pick off some of the hot peppers, but she also thought the pineapple balanced out the heat nicely and said she would order it again. My other friend went with a classic slice of pepporoni, along with the spinach & gorgonzola salad which was complete with baby spinach, mushrooms, red onions, walnuts, dried cranberries, gorgonzola cheese, & mediterranean feta dressing (pictured below). She also stated both the pizza and salad were delicious and something she would order again.

If you are like me and need something sweet to finish off your meal, the menu offers cannolis for $4 each. I was too full to try one the day I went, but I will defintiely be back to sample one of these italian delicacies soon.

There are plenty of places you can go to get lunch for under $10, but I highly doubt it will include a delicious slice of pizza bigger than your head, a flavorful salad, and a drink. This is a true deal. Go take advantage of it for yourself, and see what everyone is raving about! Your taste buds deserve it.

Let’s taco ’bout the Mexican food scene in Nashville. There are literally hundreds of options, and I have written reviews on a few of the well-known spots, including Nada which is more upscale, and Taqueria del Sol which is more fast-casual. Taco Mama (not to be confused with Taco Mamacita) is not as well known, but does this mean it should rank lower on the list? I definitley don’t think so.

Taco Mama started in Alabama and has since expanded to North Carolina and one location in Tennessee on 21st Avenue in Nashville. It is a quick service restaurant with a funky vibe featuring an extensive menu that allows you to be creative without breaking the bank.

There are numerous choices of tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, salads, nachos, and quesadillas, along with the option to build your own. All quesadillas are served with a complementary side of chips & salsa, and taco & burrito baskets come with chips & salsa plus a side. Side options include honey chipotle corn, ancho chile slaw, cilantro-lime rice, mexican mac & cheese, black beans, chorizo refried beans, guacamole, and even queso! The prices vary depending on your choice of protein, but most choices are around $9 which is pretty incredible considering the size of portions they serve, and the fact that refills on chips & salsa are free.

I created my own burrito when I visited Taco Mama (pictured below). I was a plain Jane and chose chicken as my protein, but there are tons of other options like barbacoa, steak, grilled shrimp, ahi tuna, ground beef, pork, chorizo, flounder, and even a veggie mix for you vegetarians out there. Next, I chose several things from the seemingly endless list of fresh, free toppings. I got cilantro-lime rice, chorizo refried beans, grilled onions, lettuce, guacamole, and queso fresco. To top it all off, you can choose from several salsa & sauce options including, “Mama’s Chipotle BBQ,” “Red-Chile Butter Sauce,” & “Chipotle-Ranch.” (I did not add an additional sauce and instead chose to dip my burrito in the complimentary house salsa.) Lastly, I chose queso as my side because who wouldn’t take advantage of FREE queso?!!

This meal was delicious and filling. The burrito was HUGE, and the picture does not do it justice. I could taste each of the toppings I asked for and could see that none were left out. The guacamole and refried beans added a great texture to bring it all together. The chips had just the right amount of crispness and salt. The salsa was the perfect consistency, not too chucky or runny. The queso was smooth and creamy. The fact that I paid less than $10 for the entire meal made it even better.

I went to Taco Mama with a couple of friends, and one also built her own burrito. Like me, she chose chicken as her protein, but she added some different toppings and sauces and stated hers was tasty as well. She opted for guacamole as her side and reported it was delicious. She liked that it was smooth and not chunky like the guacamole at some other mexican restaurants.

My other friend ordered the “Justice is Served” taco basket which included two tacos with either flounder (grilled or fried) or grilled shrimp and ancho chile slaw, avocado, tomatotes, & roasted poblano tarter. She got one with grilled founder and the other with grilled shrimp (pictured below). They were both filled well with toppings, and she said they each tasted amazing. She also chose queso as her free side and agreed it was superb.

I think it’s pretty obvious I thouroughly enjoyed my meal at Taco Mama, and I will definitley be making plans to go back in the near future (or whenever quarentining is finally over). Since the restaurant is quick-service, it makes for a fast place to go for a fresh and filling meal. The prices are great, and the restaurant defintiley gets an extra gold star for offering free queso with certain meals. The only complaint I have is related to parking, and that isn’t even the restaurant’s fault. Since it is located on 21st Avenue, parking options are limited, but you may get lucky and find an open spot in the small reserved lot located behind the restaurant.

So, what are you waiting for? Quarentining won’t last forverer! When it ends, go get yourself a massive burrito with chips, salsa, & queso and see for yourself why Taco Mama is my new favorite Mexican restaurant in Nashville.

If you are looking to channel your inner white girl, there are several key spots to hit in Nashville, and Pinewood Social is definitley one of them. It has the aesthetic and the charm, but is it worth the price? Keep reading to find out. 🙂

Pinewood Social is located in the heart of downtown Nashville. Anyone who knows me realizes this is already bad news for me because of what it means for traffic and parking. Thankfully, Pinewood Social respects their guests by offering free customer parking in a near by lot, and if that lot is full, you can get your receipt stamped inside the restaurant so you are not charged at the paid lot either.

Once inside the restaurant, you are immediately immersed in white girl culture. The first area after the entrance is dedicated to making you comfortable while you study or work. There are a few tables, but this space is mostly filled with couches and furniture appropriate for lounging. Despite the fact that there is very dim lighting and loud music, there were several people in this area who appeared to be studying the night I went. It’s definitely not the type of environment I thrive in when I’m trying to get work done, but apparently it works for some people.

The next section of the restaurant is the main eating area. It is extremely spacious and filled with seating for probably at least 150 people. I went for dinner, but the restaurant is also open for weekday breakfast, weekend brunch, and lunch & dinner every day of the week. My group did not have to wait to be seated because we had reservations. I think this is the only way we would have ever been able to get a table as it was very crowded, so keep this in mind if you go.

The restaurant is pretty up-scale, so I was a little worried about the prices, but they were not as bad as I was expecting. I ordered the chopped kale salad which had red cabbage, brussel sprouts, feta, toasted almonds, & a balsamic-orange vinaigrette dressing (pictured below). It cost $12, but I added chicken which was an additional $5. This is more than I would typically want to pay for a salad, but the portion was very large, and I really enjoyed how all the flavors and textures came together. I am picky when it comes to salad dressings, but the balsamic-orange was delightful. Other salad options include the caesar, baby greens, and fried chicken. One of my friends ordered the caesar and said it was delicious also.

The appetizer or “snacks” menu includes several options such as chicken wings ($12), chipotle shrimp cocktail ($13), hummus ($10), crispy tots ($9), avocado toast ($10), and fried broccoli ($10). We did not order any appetizers to share, but one of the girls I was with ordered the chicken wings as her meal and said they were not her favorite but had a good BBQ flavor with a little heat.

Entree options include a grain bowl ($13), lobster roll ($22), grilled chicken sandwich ($13), turkey & brie sandwich ($14), salmon plate ($24), beef stroganoff ($22), and a mushroom pot pie ($19), among others. One of my friends ordered the cheeseburger which was made with the typical american cheese, lettuce, onion, pickle, mayo, & mustand and came with a side of fries, all for $13 (pictured below). She enjoyed the burger but stated she liked the one she recently had a Burger Joint better. She said the sauce on the burger did not taste like mayonaise or mustard, and she wasn’t sure how she felt about it. She also said the fries were good but nothing special.

Another one of my friends tried the reuben sandwhich which was composed of corned beef, swiss cheese, sauerkraut, russion dressing, and seeded rye bread (pictured below). It was also served with fries and cost $14. The friend of mine who ordered this dish happens to be quite the connoisseur of reubens, but she enjoyed every last bite of this sandwich and stated it received her stamp of approval.

Dessert is also offered (becuase what good restaurant could operate without one?). I did not sample any of these the night I went, but the “S’Mores Skillet Brownie,” sounded like something I might have to go back for.

There is also an extensive drink menu including everything from cocktails to lattes. I don’t drink alcohol, and I rarely drink coffee, so I can’t make any personal comments on this category. However, one of my friends ordered the, “Pinewood Mocha,” ($5) and said it was pretty tasty (pictured below).

When we finished dinner, we made our way into the bowling area of the restaurant (pictured below). We had previously reserved lanes which was good since there are only 6. It was just as cute as it looks in all the Instagram stories I know you have seen. There was even a seating area attached to our lane, but it was not quite big enough for our entire group of 8. I felt like we were on top of the groups on both sides of us because they also had large parties. I figured somewhere that is so devoted to serving groups would be better set up to accommodate parties of our size, but even the scoring system on the iPad only held up to 6 names. Two of the girls in my group had to keep their scores manually on a piece of paper, despite paying way more than normal for a game of bowling.

Overall, I had a good experience at Pinewood Social. I got to release my inner white girl and enjoy a nice meal with incredible service accomplished by a friendly staff. Although I paid more than I would regularly like to for dinner and a game of bowling, I expected higher prices because of the hype assocaited with the venue. I am glad I got to experience this hype for myself, but I now that I can say I’ve been, I will probably not return.

I don’t think it’s possible for one city to have too many restaurants that serve burgers, but if it was, Nashville would definitley be maxed out. I already have several go-to’s for burgers in Nashville (a few of which you can read about in my previous posts), but a new place called Burger Joint may have just earned itself a spot on my list.

The restaurant is named very appropriately. It is not a fancy eatery, nor is it a greasy fast food shop. It is the perfect in-between quick service stop for a delicious burger, fries, and milkshake, and it’s location on Centennial Boulevard makes this place even more appealing. It has it’s own free parking lot which is a huge plus since this has become extremely hard to find in Nashville. Upon walking in the restaurant, you stand in line to order and then seat yourself. There is music playing over the speakers, and although a large area in the restaurant is dedicated to the bar, it still has a family friendly atmosphere which is great for any age group.

The menu is quite extensive, yet simple at the same time. The owners have chosen to stick with burgers as the main entree choice, but there is no shortage of meats, cheeses, toppings, sauces, and buns. You can choose from several different burgers listed on the menu, or you can create your own. The price starts a $8 and increases depending on which options you choose. Meat choices include everything from classic beef to lamb, tuna, black bean, choizo, and turkey. There are 8 different cheese options, even including an almond “cheese” for you vegans out there. Additional topping options include the typicals in addition to tabacco onions, bacon, egg, pickled tamatillo, & avocado. There are also 9 different sauces including Tzatziki, chipotle mayo, and “Music City Sauce.” Bread options range from their standard brioche bun to wheat, jalapeno cheddar, & even gluten free.

There is truly a burger combination to please even the pickiest of palates. I actualy felt a little overwhelmed, so I decided to stick with one of the regular menu options, as did my friend. We were both astonished at the speed and size of our orders. I don’t even think 5 minutes had passed before we suddenly had two massive, steaming fresh burgers in front of us.

My friend ordered the, “Wagyu,” ($11) which was composed of muenster cheese, truffle mayo, tabacco onion, & lettuce, served on a brioche bun (pictured below). She said the flavors and textures combined perfectly, and she would happily come back to order the same thing again.

Although I am not vegan, I appreciate a good black bean burger, so I decided to give the one at Burger Joint a try ($9). It was served with avocado, pickled onion, & slaw on a brioche bun (pictured below). There was also a vegan chipotle aioli sauce which I got on the side because I was afraid it would be too spicy for my liking. Turns out, I should have been more worried about the heat of the burger itself, as it had a bit of a kick. However, even though I don’t typically like spicy foods, it contained just the right amount of spice to add some flavor without overpowering the rest of the sandwich. I did not end up liking the sauce, but the cool slaw and pickled onions perfectly balanced out the slight heat from the burger. The bun was also delicious, good enough to eat by itself.

The restaurant also keeps it pretty simple as far as side options go. The regular menu offers tots, sweet potato fries, or regular fries ($3) with a variety of topping options available including truffle ($6.50), chili ($7.50), or chorizo ($7.50). The worker who took our order said they were having a special offering of sweet potato tots the night my friend and I went, so we both decided we should give them a try (pictured below). We were definitley not dissppointed with anything about this decision other than the fact that we could have saved a couple bucks by only getting one order to share; the portions were huge! The only true negative thought I had about the entire meal was that the tots could have been a little more crispy.

There is a small section of “Not Burgers” on the menu at Burger Joint which lists items such as pimento cheese queso & chips ($8), “Nashville Hot Fried Pickles” ($6), chicken wings ($8), a “Hot Chicken Sammy” ($8), and a salad ($7). In addition, since no good meal is complete without dessert, there are classic shakes ($4) as well as root beer floats ($4) listed on the menu, along with what appeared to be freshly baked cookies and brownies available at the counter. Unfourtunately, the burger & tots were so delicous that I did not have room for dessert, so I cannot comment any further on the treats at this time.

Burger Joint might never gain the popularily other burger restaurants like, “The Pharmacy,” and, “Burger Republic,” have received, but the speed & quality of the service, taste of the food, value for the price, and free parking leave it unmatched by current competitors. Go give one of Nashville’s best kept secrets a try for yourself; I know you will agree.

Since I am in grad school, it is rare for me to go to a restaurant knowing I will likely spend more than $10-15.  However, it’s always fun to go out for a nice dinner every now and then, as long as the experience is worth the price.  I recently dined with a friend at a more upscale Mexican restaurant called Nada.  I enjoyed the dinner, but I am not sure if it was worth the pretty penny.

Nada is located on 21st Avenue, towards downtown.  The restaurant does not have its own parking lot, but they do offer $3 valet parking at the Kimpton Aertson Hotel next door.  I took advantage of this deal, but I was still not wild about having to pay for parking at a restaurant where I knew I was already going to be spending more than usual on my meal.

My friend and I went to Nada on a Sunday night, and I was afraid there might be a long wait, so I made a reservation online.  It ended up not being crowded at all, so we would have been immediately seated anyway. However, I was happy we were easily able to make a reservation just in case.

The restaurant was spacious and open with low-lighting, and it was decorated with tiled floors and walls — very aesthetically pleasing to say the least.  This made me even more excited to see the menu.  Everyone knows you can’t go to a Mexican restaurant without getting queso, so my friend and I ordered some as soon as we sat down.  This queso was not just any queso; queso at Nada is “fully loaded” (pictured above).  The waitress bought out a bowl with pico de gallo, black bean puree, rajas (whatever that is), and their house-made habanero “kreeper” salsa and poured a pot of melted smoked gouda cheese on top.  I was afraid it might be too spicy for my liking because of the habanero, but the combination of flavors made for the most perfect tasting dip, especially when paired with the most perfect textured tortilla chips.  The chips must have been house-made because they were unlike any I had ever encountered before.  They were thick, yet flaky, and had just the right amount of salt.  I was glad everything tasted so good because the dish rang in at an alarming $10.

My friend and I devoured our first basket of chips, and our waitress brought out a second.  We soon made it down to the bottom of the queso bowl.  This is where problems began with our waitress.  She assumed that since the bowl was almost empty, she should take it AND the still half full basket of the best tortilla chips I have ever tasted away.  She did not even ask if we were finished.  This made me a little mad, but I soon forgot all about the fiasco (or finasco if your name is Hannah Ann — s/o to all The Bachelor fans out there) when she brought out our meal.  The tacos were perfectly plated.  The only problem was my friend’s order was incorrect. The waitress had some how written it down wrong, even after she had an extensive discussion with my friend about which tacos she should try if she did not want anything spicy.  The waitress then proceeded to take the plate back after my friend had already touched one of her tacos before realizing the mistake.

While the waitress was back in the kitchen violating all kinds of health codes, we went ahead and tasted the sweet chili-glazed cracked potatoes with scallions & crema my friend ordered as a side (pictured above).  The only negative remark I can make about the potatoes is that we were given a very small portion for the price of $6.  They were baked beautifully—slightly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.  The sweet chili sauce and crema only added to the perfection.  

The waitress soon returned with my friend’s correct order, and we began taste testing our street tacos (which appear deceivingly large in the pictures above).  My friend and I both ordered the, “Mexico City Pastor,” which was composed of chile-marinated pork, onion, & pickled pineapple, as well as the, “Caramelized Cauliflower,” which had garlic-whipped goat cheese, scallion, macron almond, & fresno pepper.  I also got the, “Grilled Mahi,” with herb-marinated mahi, corn relish, & lime crema, and my friend tried the, “Amish Chicken Carbon,” composed of chicken, chile de arbol salsa, crema, & chihuahua cheese.  I was not disappointed with any of my choices.  The pork taco was a little hot, but the pineapple complemented the spice very well.  The goat cheese on the cauliflower taco was too overwhelming for my friend.  I had to agree it added a strong flavor, but I actually enjoyed it.  I think my favorite was the grilled mahi taco because of the delicious corn relish.

I opted for the street tacos ($3.75 each) so I could sample multiple flavors, but there are several other options on the menu, as long as you are willing to fork over some cash.  There are three salad options including a roasted beet & fuji apple salad for $14.  There are also two soup options, butternut squash & tortilla, each costing $7.  The, “communal cravings,” portion of the menu includes dishes such as jalapeño cheddar cornbread with whipped butter, sea salt, & honey for $13, and a peruvian shrimp ceviche with coconut milk, ahi amarillo, blistered shishito, onion, serrano, sweet potato, & peanuts for $14.  The “plates” portion of the menu is the most expensive.  It lists dishes such as braised chicken enchiladas with sweet corn, black beans, chihuahua cheese, & couscous for $19 and the Allen brothers skirt steak fajita with poblano pepper, guacamole, chipotle, crema, & chihuahua cheese for $26.

Overall, my experience at Nada was fair.  I have to rank the chips & queso as my favorite of any mexican restaurant I have been to before; however, the oddness of our waitress, combined with the expensive prices for very small portions of food, and the fact that I had to pay to park did not leave me wanting more.  It is a great place to try once.

The Eastern Peak is a restaurant serving Asian cuisine, and it is referred to as, “Nashville’s hidden gem for amazing Thai and sushi.” I would have to agree with this statement, as I was not disappointed when I finally got to give it a try with a couple of my friends.

There are actually 3 locations of the restaurant in Nashville and 2 in Kentucky, but we visited the one in Bellevue. My friends and I dined for an early dinner, so even though it was a Saturday night, we were immediately seated in the very nice, dimly lit restaurant which we were not dressed appropriately for… However, it was becoming crowded by the time we left, so consider going at an off time like we did so you don’t find yourself having to wait. Also, consider wearing something nicer than the t-shirt you wore to play pickleball in an hour prior, so you don’t get stares from everyone else in the restaurant who took time to shower before coming in…

My friends and I were all impressed with the amount of options on the menu, as well as the prices, considering how nice the restaurant seemed. There are about 10 different starters including spring rolls, crab ragoon, steamed dumplings, lettuce wraps, and even a sampler platter. Most are under $10, with one of the exceptions being the sampler which is $14. There are also 3 different soups, including traditional miso soup for $3.50, and 4 different salads, including a, “Shrimp Avocado Salad,” and a “Seared Tuna Salad,” which ring up at $13 and $14, respectively.

The sushi portion of the menu is very extensive, and since my friends and I actually did not try any, I won’t go into detail with this menu category. However, with options like the, “Roll Roll Combo,” which includes 4 pieces each of a California roll, spicy crab roll, spicy tuna roll, and crunch shrimp roll for only $16, I will definitely be going back to give it a try!

Red or green curry are options on the menu as well. Each is served with a bowl of Jasmine white rice. The price ranges from $11-16, depending on the protein you choose — chicken, pork, vegetable, tofu, beef, shrimp, or seafood.

Fried rice, noodles, and stir fry are 3 additional menu categories, and all have the same protein options as the curry. There are also specialty options within each category like, “Tom Yum Fried Rice,” which is made with Thai chili paste, “Pad Thai,” “Drunken Noodles,” and “Cashew Nut Stir Fry.”

The Entree portion of the menu is where the prices get a little more on the expensive side; however, the portions are larger, so the price might be worth it depending on your appetite. Each entree comes with a bowl of Jasmine white rice and either miso soup or salad. Options include chicken or salmon teriyaki, listed at $16 and $17.50, respectively. The most expensive listings are the, “Basil Duck,” which is $18, and the, “Grilled Thai Steak,” which is $20.

With so many wonderful sounding choices, my friends and I felt overwhelmed with the decision of what to get, but I decided I couldn’t go wrong in choosing something from the, “Favorites,” category. I ordered the, “Crispy Pork Combo,” which cost $14 (pictured above). It was a traditional dish unlike anything I had eaten before. The menu describes it as, “crispy pork belly and roasted pork served on a bed of Jasmine rice and boiled egg, topped with sweet red sauce, sesame seed, cilantro, and bok choy.” I had never eaten pork made either of the ways it was cooked in this dish, but now that I know pork can taste this good, I may have trouble eating a regular grilled pork chop ever again. I do not generally eat much fried food, but I cannot deny the level of deliciousness my mouth felt when I tasted the crispy pork belly. I didn’t think pork could taste any better, but I soon discovered I was wrong when I tried the roasted pork on the other side of the plate. It was cooked to perfection and had a great texture. The sweet red sauce that enveloped the dish tied the meat together perfectly with the rice and bok choy. I want to sample another option on the menu next time I go back to The Eastern Peak, but it will be hard to not order this meal again.

One of my friends also ordered from the, “Favorites,” category. She tried the, “Katsu Don,” which is described as, “a breaded tender pork loin served on a bed of steamed rice with egg, onions, scallions, and katsu don sauce” (pictured above). I don’t really know what I was expecting this dish to look like, but I definitely did not have this in mind. The pork, egg, onion, and scallion were baked together and formed a solid layer on top of the rice. My friend gave me a sample, and we both agreed she chose well. At only $12, this is a dish you can’t pass up! The pork in this dish also made me question why I ever thought grilling pork was the best way to eat it.

My other friend chose the, “Pad Thai,” from the noodle menu. It is described as, “stir fried, thin rice noodles with eggs, tofu, red onions, peanuts, radish, garlic, bean sprouts, scallions, and Pad Thai sauce, served with lime” (pictured above). I also got to try a sample of this dish, and my taste buds were delighted. I was leery of how all the ingredients would combine, but it produced a perfect flavor. My friend enjoyed every last bite!

My friends and I agreed we would all return back to The Eastern Peak and order the same dishes again because they were so delicious. My only complaint with the restaurant was the service. Even though it was not crowded until the end of our meal, our waiter was MIA for the majority of our visit. Thankfully, we had an entire serving bottle of water at our table, so we were able to refill our own drinks until the bottle ran out… However, I would still give the restaurant an overall 9/10 for the price, menu options, and the ride my taste buds took to another planet as I ate my crispy pork. Definitely don’t let another week go by without giving The Eastern Peak a try for yourself!

I’m venturing away from my typical posts about restaurants in Nashville to bring you a review of one of the most unique restaurants in Tennessee which happens to be located in my hometown of Columbia. If you are a Columbia native, you know the small building in the parking lot of the Shady Brook movie theatre has seen several businesses come and go over the years. Although it’s on the main drag in town, it seemed like no business would ever be able to thrive in that location. That is, until the Jensen’s opened up a family-run restaurant called, “The Dotted Lime.” Paul Jensen is a fourth generation chef who, along with his wife and their 13 children, decided to bring a new brand of dining into the culinary scene of small town Columbia, TN.

So, what is it that makes the restaurant so unique? Well, one of the biggest reasons is because it is allergen friendly. The restaurant is 100% gluten, tree nut, and peanut-free. Another reason is because it offers a “clean and local” menu. All of the chicken, pork, lamb, beef, and eggs are sourced from local farmers. Many dishes are also vegetarian and vegan-friendly, including breads and pastries. The restaurant even offers coconut wraps for customers maintaining a keto/grain-free diet. The Jensen’s understand dietary restrictions can be a limiting factor for many people when trying to enjoy a meal at typical restaurants. They truly want people of all dietary needs to be able to enjoy anything on their menu, and speaking from personal experience, I can say you will never notice the food does not contain gluten or other allergens. It seems impossible, but somehow, they have made healthy, clean food taste even better than your greasy go-to when you get a craving.

The restaurant is closed on Sundays and Mondays, but it is open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday-Saturday, in addition to special hours for dinner on occasion. The menu changes seasonally based on local availability and popularity of items. I kind of like the ever-evolving menu because it means there is always something new to try!

Usual breakfast offerings include the “Dotted Lime Omelette,” and “Really Big Breakfast,” complete with a side of sausage or bacon and potatoes. The menu lists typicals like pancakes and biscuits with various fillings and toppings such as chicken, bacon, or sausage gravy, and even one called the, “Sasquatch Biscuit,” which is composed of a single egg and cheese omelet, sausage, ham, and bacon. The, “panzzinos,” with either bacon or pork and egg & cheese are the most interesting of the breakfast menu items. What is exactly is a panzzino, you ask? Well, my friend, that is a great question. I honestly have no idea, but it’s delicious. It is similar to flatbread but even more fluffy. I guess you’ll just have to give it a try for yourself to see if you can figure out what it is!

There are also lighter options like smoothies for those that don’t want a heavy breakfast. However, someone with this mentality might change their mind after walking in and spotting The Dotted Lime’s homemade cinnamon rolls (pictured above). They are divine–almost sinful. I cannot even describe to you how good they are; let’s just say, you would never even suspect for a hot second they could be gluten-free, and you will never be able to look at a Pillsbury cinnamon roll the same again.

The lunch menu also offers several of the “panzzinos,” so if you come mid-day, you still have a chance to try one. The lunch panzzinos include options like, “Doc’s Bringing Home the Bacon,” which has pulled pork, cheddar cheese, bacon, aioli, & southwest slaw and a vegan offering called, “Kale Yeah!,” which has fresh kale, turmeric pickled cauliflower & onions, zucchini, yellow squash, & carrot with carrot hummus. There are two taco options, each served with two tacos and chips. The favorites portion of the menu lists specials like, “Lots of Yummy Things” which includes pasture-raised chicken breast that is fried and seasoned with their own Nashville Hot seasoning. It is served over grilled potato salad and topped with green chili, cheddar cheese, and ranch.

Biscuit burgers are also an offering on the favorites menu. The current one is the, “BBQ Biscuit Burger,” but I had the pleasure of trying the, “Lamb Biscuit Burger,” awhile back. Unfortunately, I do not have a photo, so you will just have to trust me when I say this sandwich was ridiculous-ly tasty. Just imagine a juicy locally-raised lamb burger with melty cheese all enveloped inside a warm, flaky, freshly-baked biscuit. It rocked my world.

The lunch menu also has pizzas, soups, and salads of various varieties, depending on what is in season. Basically, the only way you can go wrong at The Dotted Lime is if you do not grab a pastry for dessert. There are fresh muffins, cookies, brownies, donuts, etc., and you can even feel good eating them knowing they are made with “clean” ingredients. 😉

My favorite experience at the restaurant so far was my most recent visit for dinner. As I mentioned previously, The Dotted Lime is typically only open for breakfast and lunch, so when I found out they were going to be open for dinner, I knew I had to go. The dinner menu offered some “Sharing is Caring” appetizers such as pizzas and tacos and “Featured Entrees” such as a ribeye, shrimp & risotto cake, and lasagna, in addition to some of their regular lunch menu items.

My sister tried the, “Lamb Carnitas tacos,” and said they were very tasty (pictured above). The dish consisted of two tacos made with Scissortail Farm lamb carnitas, creamy visalia cheese, cranberry fennel relish, and Berbere spiced tomato and cucumbers, served with a side salad. Her only complaint was there was almost too much meat for the small corn tortillas to hold which actually seems like a good thing in my opinion!

I ordered the “Pumpkin Blue Corn Tamales” which were the secret menu item of the night (pictured above). I can honestly say I have never had a better tamale, even at an authentic Mexican restaurant. The blue corn tamales sat atop a bed of pumpkin stew with beans and a scoop of white rice, accompanied by a side of grilled asparagus. The tamales were filled with some sort of vegetarian mixture that was similar to the pumpkin stew at the bottom of the dish. If you are a meat lover, this meal might not be your pick, but I promise you will still enjoy it. I’m not sure if this item will be offered in the future, but if it is, I would make a special trip to the restaurant just to taste it again.

I did not think any flavors could combine more perfectly than the ones in my pumpkin blue corn tamales, but I discovered I was wrong when I tasted the dessert. My sister and I had trouble choosing between the offerings of the night–swirled carrot cake, 15 layer chocolate cake, a strawberry cupcake filled with blueberry and strawberry cream, and a vegan blueberry pie, but we settled on the carrot cake because one order came with two slices–one for each of us! Our taste buds reached a whole new level of happiness. The cake was perfectly moist, and the icing contained the right amount of sweetness. Even the cake to icing ratio was just right. Since the restaurant is nut-free, the cake did not contain walnuts like typical carrot cake which I loved since I don’t believe nuts belong in cake in the first place.

The Dotted Lime offers a unique dining experience you truly cannot find anywhere else. Whether you are craving something savory or sweet, everyone, even those with severe dietary restrictions, can enjoy a meal at this family-run restaurant. If you live in Columbia, I hope you realize how lucky you are to have this place in town, and if you live in Nashville or somewhere else in the surrounding area, I promise you won’t be disappointed if you make the drive down to give it a try.

When I hear about a new restaurant opening in Nashville, I am always excited to give it a try. A Mexican restaurant called Pancho & Lefty’s has had a location in downtown Nashville, but I try to avoid that area if possible because it is so busy. Therefore, I was anxious for the opening of the Sylvan Park location because I was finally going to be able to go without having to negotiate any parking issues downtown. Unfortunately, I was greatly disappointed with my visit. Hopefully this post will save you from having a similar experience.

Like the other restaurants in Sylvan Park, Pancho & Lefty’s doesn’t have much of its own parking because the building is so close to the street. However, there is plenty of free parking close by. I parked just up from the restaurant in the McCabe Park public parking lot and only had to walk a short distance to get inside.

I was very confused when I walked in because there was a hostess at the entrance, but she didn’t say anything to me or my friend. The style of the restaurant seemed to be pretty casual, and we didn’t see anyone else waiting. I assumed we were just supposed to seat ourselves. My friend and I looked around for a table but realized none were open. We then went back to the hostess and asked if we were supposed to put our name on a waiting list. She responded that we were (well thanks for telling us that when we walked in!) and stated the wait would be 30-35 minutes (for two people on a Thursday night!). I was starving but really wanted to try the new restaurant, so we decided to stay. There was not a waiting area, so my friend and I tried to stand up against the wall; I still felt like we were in the way. Finally, a waitress asked if we would like to sit at the bar while we waited. I was unsure if it would be acceptable to sit there if I wasn’t going to order a drink, but the bartender didn’t seem too annoyed.

After a full 40 minutes of waiting on our table, my friend decided to go back to the hostess to ask about the status of our table. Apparently our name had gotten lost in their records, and we weren’t even on the list! Thankfully, a table opened up pretty quickly, and we got to order. The food menu was not extensive, but I never view that as a bad thing because I take it to mean the chef must be really good at making the small list of dishes that are offered.

There were typical Mexican appetizers such as chips & either queso, guacamole, or salsa, as well as nachos which were topped with refried beans, roasted corn, pico de gallo, jalapeños, crema, and cilantro, in addition to queso. When I visited the restaurant, my friend and I opted out of ordering an appetizer because both of our meals included a side of chips and salsa. However, we soon discovered the portions were tiny (see photo below). I was upset because the salsa was some of the best I’ve ever had, but I did not want to order extra because it was not free like it is at most Mexican restaurants.

The “Cantina Especiales” section of the menu included a cantina salad, burrito bowl, quesadillas, and something called a “Pollo Mareado,” a dish composed of rotisserie chicken, green cabbage slaw, pickled onion, cotija cheese, salsa, cilantro, verde sauce, and crema, accompanied by a side of warm house-made flour tortillas.

I ordered the quesadillas (pictured above), and was highly satisfied with my decision. The dish was composed of two smaller house-made flour tortillas which were grilled to perfection and filled with muenster and jack cheese, corn, pico de gallo, and cilantro. As is, the plate costs $9, but al pastor, adobo chicken, tikka chicken, hot chicken, or beef can be added for an additional $3. The muenster cheese and corn contributed unique flavors not often found in quesadillas. I enjoyed every last bite and would definitely order this meal again.

The taco choices offer the most vast options of anything on the menu. Pancho & Lefty’s has 11 different tacos, all served on house-made tortillas or corn tortillas upon request. I won’t list them all, but some honorable mentions include the, “Migas Taco,” filled with scrambled eggs, muenster cheese, pico de gallo, fried flour tortilla strips, avocado slices, verde sauce, and cilantro. The, “Hot Chicken Taco,” is composed of a fried chicken strip with hot chicken seasoning, queso, chipotle mayo, and cilantro. The, “Cheeseburger Taco,” uses a double layer of tortillas, one soft and one crunchy, with black bean spread in between, to incase a mixture of seasoned beef, charred poblano peppers, queso, lettuce, pico de gallo, and cilantro.

My friend ordered three tacos which was $13. Each one looked truly delicious (pictured above). To our surprise, the best tasting taco turned out to be, “The Classic,” although the, “Cheeseburger Taco,” and, “Baja Fish,” were tasty also. My friend’s biggest regret with the order was getting three tacos instead of just two. Each taco was filled to the brim with toppings, so two would be plenty unless you have the appetite of my father.

Overall, I would rank Pancho & Lefty’s with a 5/10. My only negative comment on the food would be the portion of chips and salsa was much too small. The food tasted excellent and was reasonably priced when compared to similar restaurants. However, the fact that my party of two had to wait over 40 minutes to be seated on a week night was ridiculous. It was unacceptable to me that the hostess lost our name on the wait list and did not do anything to make up for our inconvenience. The restaurant could definitely benefit from some more competent employees as well as a formal waiting area so guests don’t feel like they are in the way while waiting for their tables. While I did enjoy the taste of the food, I don’t know if I can tolerate another visit like this one. If you decide to give the restaurant a try for yourself, I hope you have a much better experience.

If you live anywhere close to 51st Avenue in Nashville, you have likely at least heard of 51st Deli. It is a popular morning, mid-day, or evening quick stop for foods of all sorts. You can almost always get in and out in about 5-10 minutes if you are taking it to-go. I have visited the store several times, and I have never been disappointed with the food or the service.

Saying the menu is extensive is an understatement. Breakfast options are available all day and include everything from classics like bagel sandwiches, biscuits, avocado toast, and omelettes to specials like the “51st Morning Burrito,” the “Breakfast Reuben Sandwich,” and even “Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffles!” Of the breakfast offerings, I have personally only tried the “Beta-Feta” bagel which is composed of egg, tomato, avocado, and feta cheese, but the morning burrito is a favorite of many of my friends. It is huge and filled with gracious portions of egg, cheese, potatoes, peppers, onions, and your choice of either steak, chicken, or chorizo. The prices on the breakfast menu are very reasonable. Most of the breakfast sandwiches are around $6, and even the giant burrito is only $6.50.

There are so many lunch and dinner options I won’t try to list them all, but I will do my best to give a comprehensive overview. There are 23 different signature sandwiches and wraps; some are served hot, and others are served cold. You can also build your own sandwich if you somehow still can’t find an option to satisfy your cravings. Offerings include typicals like grilled cheese, philly cheese steak, chicken and tuna salad, club sandwiches, and BLTs as well as more unique options. “The Vegetarian” is composed of a black bean patty, spinach, avocado, feta cheese, cranberries, and honey mustard on a brioche bun. My personal go-to is the grilled chicken wrap which has avocado, swiss cheese, lettuce, and tomato, in addition to freshly grilled chicken, all rolled up in a spinach tortilla. It is delicious and very filling! Sandwiches and wraps range from $6-9 which I think is very reasonable considering their size and the fresh-tasting quality of the ingredients.

The salad bar offers a fresh caesar, greek, or garden salad with protein options including grilled chicken, turkey, ham, or bacon, in addition to almost every type of cold salad dish you could imagine — potato, macaroni, egg, citrus, tuna, chicken, and even ceviche.

The mexican portion of the menu includes tacos for $2 each or burritos, quesadillas, and tortas for $7 each. Customers can choose their meat and toppings, and an extra $3 will get you a side of rice & beans. Other side options are chips with either queso, salsa, or guacamole and fried plantains.

The menu also offers a signature burger for $6.99 which is listed as a half pound of Tennessee Hereford beef, lettuce, tomato, red onions, pickles, and mayo on a brioche bun. Other toppings like cheese, bacon, avocado, fried egg, and mushrooms can be added for an additional charge. I think the best thing I have ever eaten at 51st Deli was a burger (pictured above). I added provolone cheese and ordered fries to go with it (pictured below). I would honestly rank the burger and fries right alongside the ones at nice sit-down restaurants like The Pharmacy. The beef patty was juicy, and the bun was buttery and toasted to perfection. The fries were crisp, yet not burnt at all. The burger itself, along with the portion of fries, were both huge. I was only able to eat about half the order which made it an even better deal because I got two meals out of it!

51st Deli also has desserts including slices of New York cheesecake, chess pie, various cakes, and even cannolis! If you enjoy coffee with your sweets, they also serve Bongo Java coffee.

If this isn’t enough choices for you, 51st has hot plates with items like fried chicken and potato wedges available at both lunch and dinner. 51st Deli also has options like you would find at a market. There are various fruits, protein bars, chips, donuts, and endless options of bottled and canned drinks.

My one complaint regarding the store is the parking. It is located on the corner of 51st Avenue and only has a small parking area in front of the building. If you go during the lunch rush, you will likely have to park on a side road or at another business and do a bit of walking, but I promise it will be worth it!

No matter what you are in the mood for or how much time you have on your hands, 51st Deli will be able to serve your needs. If you haven’t been before, don’t waste any more time. Head on over and grab yourself an all-day breakfast item, one of their 23 signature sandwiches, or a delicious burger and fries!

You know the saying that pizza is always good, even when it’s bad? Well, that may be true, but you don’t have to apply that logic at Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria! Slim & Husky’s has some of the best tasting pizza I have ever had. I will definitely be going back.

Slim & Husky’s is like a high-quality pizza version of Subway. Upon entering the restaurant, you stand in line to choose ingredients, and you get to watch as the employees pile your pizza high with fresh toppings. Just like at Subway, the choices seem to be endless; however, unlike at Subway, you can add as many additional toppings as you would like at no extra charge, including proteins, if you choose a “build your own” pizza.

First, you get to pick from 6 different sauces. Choices include classic red, spicy red, slammin’ white sauce, spinach basil pesto, garlic shallot oil, or bean ragu (for the vegans out there). If you are like me, and the options seem too good to choose just one, you can request for one sauce on half the pizza and another sauce on the other half! I got half with slammin’ white sauce (which was basically alfredo sauce) and half with spinach basil pesto.

Next, you can choose to add spinach, and then select your cheese. I went with the S+H house cheese, but fresh sliced mozzarella and vegan cheese are also options. Then, you add protein. I got smoked chicken, but you can choose anything from shrimp or smoked salmon to classic pepperoni or canadian bacon. Lastly, you select veggies. Options include caramelized onions, mushrooms, roasted red peppers, cherry tomatoes, pineapple, and even oven roasted corn!

Once your pizza is assembled, it goes directly into the oven. You take your ticket to the register to pay and then wait for your name to be called. By the time I paid and got my drink, my order was already done!

All the pizzas at Slim & Husky’s are made with thin crust. Usually, I prefer thick crust, but the pizza here might have made me change my mind. It was perfectly crisp on the edges and soft in the center, and the combination I chose of the alfredo-like sauce and the basil pesto sauce paired well with my toppings which were plentiful and spread evenly across the entire pizza so there was a little of everything in each bite.

Additionally, the menu includes “drizzles” which are dipping sauces you can use to add even more flavor to your meal. I tried the “S+H Garlicky Garden Butter” which tasted just as good as it sounds, along with the “Balsamic Molasses” which tasted like a sweet version of balsamic salad dressing. My friend loves ranch and said the “Jalapeño Cilantro Ranch” was amazing. Other drizzle options are the “Honey Sriracha Mayo,” “Pineapple Chipotle BBQ,” and “Stoneground Peach Mustard.”

The menu also offers a “hotboy.” However, this hotboy is probably not the hot boy you have in mind. It is unfortunately a salad. Idk who would ever refer to a salad as a “hotboy” but it’s there for you green leaf lovers if you want it.

Everything sounds great about the restaurant, so what’s the catch? The price could definitely get you down. I got the “slim” pizza which is made with a 10″ crust and costs $12. It might be big enough to share if you have a small appetite, but I easily ate 6 of the 8 small slices. The fact that you can get unlimited toppings makes me feel a little better about the price, but I personally think $12 is a little much for a quick service meal. The “husky” is a better deal if you plan to share. It is a 16″ pizza and costs $15. I happened to go to the restaurant on a Tuesday and thought it was my lucky day because I noticed they have “$10 Husky Tuesdays.” The sign stated you could choose up to 4 toppings in addition to cheese and spinach, so that is what I did. However, when I took my ticket to the register, I was charged over $13. Apparently, the deal is only for the large sized, regularly priced $15 pizza, and even when the $10 deal is going on, the smaller pizza is still $12 plus tax. I was not a happy camper when I was enlightened of this fact. Next time, I will definitely order the larger pizza and just take my left overs home.

Another downer involves the cinnamon rolls. They are listed on the menu with several topping options including classic, “O.G. S+H House Rolls” which are topped with brown sugar sauce and cream cheese. The “Cookie Monsta” sounds the best to me and has white chocolate sauce, oreo, and peanut butter crumbles. My friend wanted to order some for us to share, but we were informed they don’t actually have any cinnamon rolls in the store. You have to go down the street to a different business to get them. This was disappointing, as that bit of information was not mentioned anywhere on the menu board.

The overall atmosphere of the restaurant also needs to be addressed. First of all, you should expect to wait in line for awhile if you go during prime meal times. I went around 1:30pm and had to wait for about 15 minutes to order. However, the pizzas cook quickly, so this is pretty much the only waiting you will have to do. I also need to issue a warning. This is probably not the best place to go for pizza if you want to take kids. Slim & Husky’s is a modern restaurant in an urban area, and the vibe inside the restaurant is true to the location.

Overall, the pizza is better than what you will find at similar restaurants, but because of the prices and faulty advertising, I can’t rate it higher than an 8/10. However, that won’t stop me from making another trip to Slim & Husky’s to get some of their delicious pizza, and you definitely shouldn’t let it stop you from giving it a try either!