Twelve years of showing up

Hidden gem of Nashville. I can’t believe I waited so many years to go. This last weekend I had the privilege of attending a Tin Pan South show at the Station Inn. Inside you’re transported back three decades into a humble, eclectic, old timey, cozy listening room. Far different from the noise, glamour and modernization of the Gulch. The place is small, seating about 150 max, which makes the whole experience feel very intimate. No frills, just good talent and a fun experience. You can order from a simple menu of pizza, popcorn, and a few other snacks. Drinks are limited to sodas and beer. But the best part is the authentic vibe and great talent that showcases in this historic space each night.

Star Rover Sound is doing something really fun on Adams Street. It’s a dinner and live music concept tucked into a smaller, more intimate setting. Think cozy venue feel, not a big flashy production. It’s the kind of place that gives you something a little different from your usual Nashville night out. We went on a Saturday and I ordered the steak. Every steak comes with the full spread and you really do get your money’s worth. The steak was cooked and seasoned well and the meal comes with a salad featuring a standout buttermilk dill dressing that I really loved, unlimited rolls with that perfect touch of sweetness and salt, and a huge basket that’s half onion rings, half fries. Those fries deserve a special mention. Thicker cut with an incredibly crispy exterior, almost like a potato skin in fry form. For drinks I ordered their Filthy Martini and they let me call my gin of choice. Gin drinkers, you’ll appreciate that. It was well crafted and exactly what I wanted. There is a $10 charge added to your bill that goes directly to the band, which I think is completely reasonable especially given the meal you’re also getting. Parking is not validated or covered so plan accordingly. The band playing when we visited Saturday around 7:30 wasn’t the most memorable I’ve heard in Nashville, but the lineup rotates so your experience may vary. Either way, having live music as the backdrop while you eat adds a really nice energy to the evening. Overall a worthwhile and unique addition to the Nashville dining scene.

Must try. I love pupusas, and this spot brings everything you want. The small business is an all woman staff that cooks up delectable El Salvadorian cuisine in a no frills homey atmosphere. My partner and I visited on a Friday evening around 7:30pm and it wasn’t overly crowded. I ordered a pork and cheese pupusa along with a carne asada baleada. The pupusa was served with all the typical staples, slaw in a huge container and the hot sauces. They came out hot and fresh with the perfect blend of soft, flavorful inside and crisp exterior. The star of the show was the beef tacos, flavor bombs with a nice char on the meat. The staff was friendly and their menu is offered in Spanish and English. The kitchen is open and you can see the staff working hard on your meal after you order. This is now added to my list of staples in Nashville.