Once upon a time in Miami’s late-night bar scene, the best you could hope for was a watered-down mix of booze and juice sloshing around in a plastic cup. But over the past decade, the Magic City has ushered in a mixology renaissance that has put the world on notice. Now, handmade tinctures and bitters mingle in crystal coupes with artisanal ice and deliver a cocktail scene that looks and tastes sexy.

You’d almost be forgiven for driving past Shelbyville, a small, bucolic town located about 60 miles south of Nashville, where rolling pastoral lands give way to a place best known for Tennessee Walking Horses and pencil manufacturing. But now, the city is the gatekeeper for an important piece of Tennessee’s storied distilling history — the legacy of America’s first and only African American master distiller, Nathan “Nearest” Green.

For those visiting, for those without the desire to host all those relatives and for those who despise dishwashing, give thanks — for these fine Nashville dining establishments providing an alternative come Thanksgiving day. These restaurants are all open on Thanksgiving, November 28 ready to throw down Turkey Day style, with some stress-free traditional feasts plus other outside the turkey box holiday options. The most stressful part of your day can be making reservations — but get that out of the way early, as it’s the busiest day of the year for many of these restaurants.

Forget about perfecting that giant butterball turkey and pick up the phone, because everyone knows those hours spent toiling in the kitchen could be better spent arguing about politics over wine and warm apple cider. While some people spend months preparing to host the perfect Pinterest-worthy Thanksgiving meal, not everyone looks forward to all of that prep and stress.

When Cuban immigrants came to Miami in the 1950s and 60s, they forever changed the city’s food landscape with a single sandwich – the Cubano. The formula is deceptively simple – take one part roast pork, one part ham (Tampa also throws Genoa salami into the mix), lovingly layer them with some mustard, pickles and Swiss cheese between two buttered slices of Cuban bread and throw the whole thing into a hot press. The result? A culinary legend.

Being a carnivore in Miami’s Caribbean and Latin-influenced foodscape is a breeze. Need proof? Look no further than the roast pork, creole-sauced goat and citrus-marinated hunks of tuna dished up all around the city. But if your tastes run closer to tofu than T-bones, Miami’s budding vegan scene has plenty to keep your palate entertained. From a taco shack churning out all-vegan fare to a hidden oasis of artful animal-free dishes, these Miami vegan restaurants will encourage you to eat your veg

Don’t let the occasional big-chain coffee shop fool you — Miami runs on Cuban coffee. This strong caffeinated concoction made from Cuban espresso and sugar not only helps locals power through a midday slump, but it bridges social barriers and provides lubricant for idle office chatter or heated political debates. The drink, also known as cafecito, is so deeply entrenched in the local culture, the mayor of the City of Miami proclaimed 3:05 p.m. Miami’s official cafecito break time. The first rul

When the alcohol industry comes up in discussion, most people mentally flash to an image of a stodgy male distiller or a mustachioed barkeep throwing together a mix of bitters and booze at a bar. “There’s a perception that the spirits industry is dominated by males,” says Carrie Drury, owner of Harvest Beverage Company. “But we’re learning that there are just as many—if not more—female consumers, and that’s starting to be represented in some incredibly talented purveyors, executives, winemakers

Ever wonder what it takes to be a bartender? Liquor Lab has answers—and they’re sharing them with Nashville’s cocktail enthusiasts. The brainchild of West Point grad and entrepreneur Owen Meyer, Liquor Lab puts the art of mixology in the hands of those who typically sit on the receiving end of the bar. Here, guests are taught how to shake, stir, and sip their favorite drinks while learning the history behind them from a category-specific professional. It’s a concept that’s gained traction with

Turns out a triple heel tap won’t get you past your bedroom, much less transport you to Oz. But, starting August 9, Headquarters Beercade launches its “No Place Like Home” pop-up experience — and that just might be the next best thing. Nashville’s biggest arcade bar has dabbled with pop-up concepts before, reinventing itself as a holiday wonderland during their “Reindeer Games” event in December and the Mos Eisley cantina for a May 4th “Star Wars” tribute. This time around, the 6,500-square-fo

When your family business involves making ridiculously delicious Bourbon for the masses, life is pretty damn good. That’s assuming you’d want to get into business with your family in the first place, eh? Well, that was a gamble Wes Henderson took when he asked his father, legendary distiller Lincoln Henderson, to co-found Angel’s Envy with him. Lincoln, who was doing whatever it is that Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Famers do when they retire, decided to give it a go with his son, and you know what they say about the family that makes Bourbon together... Yeah, we’re not sure either. But they probably throw a hell of a holiday party.

Tipsters, readers, and friends of Eater Nashville always want to know: Where should diners eat right this very minute? What are the newest and hottest restaurants? And while the Eater 38 is a crucial resource covering old standbys and neighborhood essentials across Nashville, it is not a chronicle of the city’s “it” places. Thus, the staff offers the Eater Heatmap, which changes regularly to highlight where the food-crazed crowds are flocking.

After six years dishing up rustic Mediterranean eats at critically acclaimed Rolf & Daughters, Philip Krajeck could have sat back and enjoyed his success. But that wasn’t in the cards for the James Beard Award-nominated chef. Instead, he set about doubling down with Folk, a rustic ode to the art of pizza that clinched him Eater’s 2018 Chef of the Year award.

There’s nothing wrong with grabbing a cold brew at a Broadway honky-tonk. But when Nashville wants a great cocktail, there’s no shortage of bars ready to step up to the plate. Glittering rooftop lounges: check. Dimly-lit speakeasies: check. A double-wide trailer owned by a guy who looks like that jolly bearded guy up in the North Pole: that’s a resounding “check.” This map details the must-try bars around town, the ones with singular drinks and standout barkeeps who know their way around a bott

If coffee is one of your essential food groups, you’re in good company in Miami. And that’s more than just coffee talk—WalletHub recently listed Miami as one of the country’s top 10 coffee cities. Along with the traditional coffeehouses and roasters most people rely on to get their fix, Miami locals also turn to a very special caffeinated treat to get them through their day—Cuban coffee, or cafecito. This strong shot of espresso whipped with sugar has been known to electrify even the most seasoned caffeine connoisseurs. The thimble-sized shot is so beloved the City of Miami proclaimed 3:05 p.m. as Miami’s official cafecito break time back in 2013.

Cheers to Friday, and to Nashville’s new bi-weekly weekend planner, where Eater Nashville’s editors and contributors recommend a few restaurants or bars to explore. The list incorporates a mix of newer restaurants, old standbys worth a revisit, and fun under-the-radar finds around town. Got a restaurant recommendation? Send a message with a brief description as to why Eater Nashville should check it out for inclusion in the next weekend planner. For those in favor of cognac-spiked cereal When

Dust off those steins — the Nashville Oktoberfest is getting ready to take over Germantown October 11–14. One of the biggest Oktoberfest celebrations in the country, this year’s celebration of all things Bavarian will span 10 city blocks and feature live German music, a pup parade, a dachshund derby, and a 5K run (presumably to make room for all the brats). Four days packed full of pretzels, sausages, and beer might require a bit of a warm up. Fortunately, there are are several events around tow

They say that the way to a person’s heart is through the stomach. Italians know this. That’s why no one can seem to get enough of their heart-warming, soul-fulfilling plates of pasta goodness — keto diet and all. In fact, it’s safe to say that Italians have the market covered when it comes to a universally-beloved comfort food. Luckily, Nashville has several savory Italian standbys ready to fill that lasagna or carbonara craving. Here are 10 local options that showcase some of the best that Ita

Latin American dishes are a bit tricky to track down in Nashville—it’s still a small (but mighty) scene. That just means there’s plenty of room for opportunity. It’s time to explore what Music City has to offer in the realm of flaky Cuban empanadas, pork-stuffed Salvadoran pupusas, and cheesy Venezuelan arepas. For this map, Eater focused on restaurants with South American and Caribbean menus.

Once upon a time, asking for a gluten-free meal around town practically guaranteed a blank stare. But Nashville’s come a long way, and those with a gluten allergy or sensitivity can indulge in a perfectly blistered pie crust or an al dente bowl of pasta alongside the best of them.