One of Nashville’s hottest neighborhoods (if not THE hottest), 12 South has emerged as the perfect one-stop destination to live, eat, drink, play, and socialize. Stylish shops, beautifully-restored homes, charming coffee shops, and a wide array of dining options are all within walking distance. You are likely to find a vintage guitar, local craft beer, gourmet popsicle, hand-stitched pair of jeans, and a fabulous meal all in one visit.
Start a unique shopping adventure at one of the new developments on the ground level of 12 South Flats including Emerson Grace, an LA-based women’s contemporary fashion shop, and Hero, an upscale clothing boutique. Dine at Josephine, a new contemporary restaurant featuring refined American farmhouse cuisine, and stop by the new full-size local shop for Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams for dessert. Don’t forget to check out the famous, 12 Daughters Bakery on Caruthers!
Take a walk to Judith Bright and accessorize with handmade designer jewelry perfect for everyday wear. Find treasures in clothing, jewelry, and accessories at Serendipity Emporium, or find used, excellent quality vintage and consignment clothing at Savant Vintage Couture.
Next, head to MODA Boutique, an eclectic, elegant boutique that features Modern, Original, Distinctive Apparel and Accessories. Close by is Imogene + Willie which is housed in an old gas station, and has become a local hangout for visiting celebrities from Gwyneth Paltrow to ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons.
For music and music accessories, look no further than Corner Music Store. From the unique, boutique amps and guitars to the widely-acclaimed logos, Corner Music Store offers it all. Across the street is Summer Classics, a premier outdoor furniture manufacturer. On the same block, Reese Witherspoon’s lifestyle brand store, Draper James, offers a bright shop full of clothing and housewares.
Stroll down the street to Snow Gallery that features talented local artists and ever-changing exhibits. Across the street in a former gas station is White’s Mercantile, opened by Nashville songwriter and Hank Williams’s granddaughter, Holly Williams. White’s Mercantile is a general store for the modern tastemaker and is a convenient place to pick up kitchen staples along with items such as cutting boards, cashmere sweaters, and scarves. After all this shopping, pamper yourself in one of the chic salons like Trim Classic Barber or Green Pea Salon.
When it comes to dining in 12 South, the opportunities are endless. Taqueria del Sol is a fast-casual chain out of Atlanta specializing in what it calls ‘from scratch’ Southern, Mexican and Southwestern dishes.
Mafiaoza’s Pizzeria & Neighborhood Pub is located in the heart of the 12 South district, and it fits right into the bustling neighborhood. With the slogan “Welcome to the Family,” you know you’ll feel at home in this Godfather-themed restaurant. Right next door, Embers Ski Lodge was inspired by the social scene at Aspen Mountain’s Ajax Lift and a spring skiing deck party in the French Alps. Embers Ski Lodge features the largest selection of whiskey in Nashville and an inventive drink menu created by global mixologist Gary Hayward.
On the other side of Mafiaoza’s is 12 South Taproom, the quintessential friendly neighborhood hangout. It has 22 different beers on tap, an eclectic menu which includes hummus, oysters on the half shell, a jerk chicken sandwich, and shrimp tacos as well as a great lineup of live music. Enjoy the décor of Hatch Show Poster motifs, artwork painted on tabletops, and wall designs fashioned from beer bottle caps, or when the weather is nice, sit out on the outdoor patio.
The Flipside features fresh spins on chicken, with the main item being ‘Jack’s Best Chicken’ that can be served in 15 different ways. The restaurant interior has a ‘1950s Palm Springs-style vibe.’ A new neighborhood bistro, Epice, offers authentic Lebanese foods reflective of Lebanon’s flavorful Mediterranean cuisine.
After lunch or dinner, cool off your taste buds with a visit to Las Paletas. An authentic Mexican Popsicle shop, Las Paletas makes fruit and vegetable popsicles from old family recipes. Stripped bare of any accessories, two stand-alone freezers separate the customers from the two sisters who own the shop, and a chalkboard with the flavors of the day is the only menu in the store. Don’t be afraid to try unusual flavors like avocado, corn or hot chocolate (chocolate with hot peppers!).
One of 12 South’s busiest restaurants is Burger Up. This upscale burger joint brings a menu of burgers, salads, soups and appetizers made from as many locals ingredients as the owners can get their hands on, with their prized ingredient (local beef) coming straight from the Triple L Ranch in Franklin.
Across the street is another quality barbecue joint to add to Nashville’s roster: Edley’s Bar-B-Que. Uniting the meat-and-three with a traditional barbecue restaurant, this fast-casual eatery serves up smoked pork, chicken, turkey, brisket, ribs, wings, and much more. Their large patio is an ideal place to grab a bite and get immersed in the busy 12 South neighborhood.
Urban Grub features a menu filled with several different cuisines from Southern-style seafood and a raw bar with oysters, a charcuterie menu, and Latin dishes complete with tacos and enchiladas.
Get your caffeine fix at the neighborhood coffee house Frothy Monkey. With a selection of coffees and teas from all over the world, as well as a delicious breakfast and lunch menu filled with local ingredients, the Frothy Monkey is a popular neighborhood spot. Located close to the Frothy Monkey is Portland Brew, offering locally-roasted coffee, tea, sandwiches, and baked goods in an intimate, hipster atmosphere.
New to the neighborhood is 12 South Center, a three-story, mixed-use building offering retail and residential space. Retail tenants include Bartaco, a casual street food concept, and Craft South, a shop offering fabrics, yarns, and handcrafted gifts.
***ORIGINALLY POSTED BY VISIT MUSIC CITY.
