As you would expect, Nashville's Hard Rock includes a lot of country and western memorabilia. Among the more popular items on display are a guitar signed by Stevie Ray Vaughn and recording equipment used by Elvis Presley. It's a popular place, so expect a long wait for your burger and fries, the typical fare at any Hard Rock location. The gift shop next door sells T-shirts, key chains, posters and other music related items that make great souvenirs.
Brio Bistro Italiano is one of the nicest, upscale Italian restaurants in Nashville. Located along Highway 100 where Belle Meade and Bellevue meet, it is a little out of the way for downtown traffic, but a nice option for visitors of the Cheekwood and Belle Meade plantations. The food is delicious and the atmosphere is warm and inviting like a great traditional Italian ristorante. The flatbread is particularly tasty and worth trying, as is the fettuccine alfredo. Don’t be thrown by the name on the building versus the name on the menu - there seems to be a slight mix up as to whether the establishment is Brio or Bria - but the food and atmosphere more than make up for the name game confusion. -Lynn-nore Chittom
La Hacienda Mexican Restaurant is a local restaurant chain with seven different locations in the greater Nashville area. All across town, folks can find a delicious and affordable Mexican meal at La Hacienda. The menu includes typical Mexican fare with specialty margaritas and a variety of chicken and meat dishes. Chips and salsa are complimentary, but the cheese dip is worth the extra money. Live music is common at La Hacienda, and ranges from mariachi bands to jazz depending on the day. The decor at La Hacienda is colorful and festive, like something from a Mexican market. The service is fast and friendly and the food is always delicious. -Lynn-nore Chittom
Plaza Bar & Grill is not your typical Mexican restaurant in Middle Tennessee. The menu does not include a variety of combination plates available by number and the Speedy Gonzales lunch special is nowhere to be found. Plaza is not your run of the mill Mexican joint, it is a step up. At Plaza, both the meals and the atmosphere are authentic, while the prices are reasonable, and the selection is more exclusive. Daily specials dictate the majority of the menu and include such options as Arroz con pollo (rice with chicken) and Tostada de Ceviche (seafood open tacos). Plaza offers guests a delightful combination of Mexican flavors with an upscale flare. -Lynn-nore Chittom
Rosepepper Cantina is located just a few minutes from the popular five corners area of East Nashville. This Mexican hotspot specializes in Latin flavors from the state of Sonora, a region with Mexican, French and local influences. Entrees, such as the chile verde, are from this region and are exceptionally good at Rosepepper. Guests should also try one of their nationally recognized award-winning margaritas or enjoy something from a huge selection of tequila options. Every meal comes with complimentary chips and not one, but three different salsas: hot and spicy, green chile verde and mild. -Lynn-nore Chittom
Margaritaville has everything under one roof. The restaurant has capacity of accommodating over 300 patrons, hosts live band performances at their music stages and also houses a playable piano staircase. In addition, there is gift shop inside the restaurant. They serve a variety of American specials; salads, Volcano Nachos, fried chicken, but their burgers are to die for. The place is a bit pricey but a huge meaty and mean burger is more than enough for a single person and you cannot tackle the towering stack of nachos alone. Cocktails complement the food perfectly and live music gets the crowd going.