Places for Pets in Nashville

 

For the Pets

 

Cat Cafes

 

Mewsic Kitty Café

2519 Nolensville Pike, Nashville, TN 37211   615-891-2993

You can book online or walk-in.  $12 per hour, or $7 per half hour.  Monthly memberships are available for $40.

 

The Catio

2416 Music Valley Drive, Suite 114, Nashville, TN 37214   615-982-6185

$12 per hour. Besides kitty time, you can also book yoga nights, trivia, bingo, and many more experiences.

 

 

Dog Parks

 

Centennial Park

2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203

Located on a hill on the backside of Centennial Park, there are 2 gated areas for small and for large dogs. There are some trees for shade in the large dog park. Lots of parking available.

 

Fair Park Dog Park

Bransford Avenue/near Nashville Fairgrounds

This dog park, too, has an area for small and large dogs.

 

Shelby Dog Park

Shelby Avenue & 20^th Street

No separate area for small dogs.

 

Two Rivers Dog Park

3150 McGavock Pk

No separate area for small dogs. Lots of free parking. Paved paths available.

 

Downtown Dog Park

Riverfront Park

Has an eco-friendly artificial turf. No separation of large and small dogs.

 

Gulch Dog Park

1216 Pine Street

This park also has a separate area for small and large dogs. There are murals around to get some Instagram photos with your pup. One hour parking is available.

 

Edwin Warner Dog Park

50 Vaughn Road

The field is pretty open, so not a lot of shade.

 

 

Dog-Friendly Restaurants

 

Double Dogs

1807 21^st Avenue S., Nashville, TN 37212     615-292-8110

4017 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209     615-777-8500

Chicken wings, salads, burgers, and hot dogs; this place has something for everyone. It especially has a patio that you can bring your pooch to.

 

Fido

1812 21^st Avenue S., Nashville, TN 37212    615-777-3436

This café features exposed brick walls, local art on the walls, and study tables. This is the perfect place to grab a cup of java and study or do business. They also have a pet-friendly patio. They have good food, local beers, wine, and a full coffee bar featuring organic beans.

 

Peg Leg Porker

903 Gleaves Street, Nashville, TN 37203     615-829-6023

Monday – Tuesday 11am – 9pm; Wednesday - Saturday 11am – 10pm

Peg Leg Porker opened their doors in 2013 by owners Carey and Delaniah Bringle.  (Funny, I had a heart attack in 2013…coincidence?)  This family owned and operated establishment and pit-master have won numerous awards for their barbecue. 

I have to say that my litmus test for barbecue is ribs.  If a place has good ribs, then I know everything will be good.  I hate when you go places, and the ribs are super fatty.  These pork ribs are fall-off-the-bone delicious.  And the bark is wonderful.  The sides are made from scratch and terrific.  I highly recommend getting the dry rub ribs and adding the sauce at the table.  The dry rub is quite flavorful, and I am partial to the spicy sauce.  They also offer a lunch special Monday through Friday from 11am to 3pm:  a barbecue sandwich, a side, and a drink for $8.90.  There may be a line, but it goes quickly.  Order your food first, then, by the time you get your drink, they are calling your name to pick up your food.    They also have patio-seating.

 

Edley’s

2706 12^th Avenue S., Nashville, TN 37204    615-953-2951

4500 Murphy Road, Nashville, TN 37209    615-942-7499

908 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206     615-873-4085

Edley’s has multiple locations around Nashville. The ribs are good, but only served for dinner. The white sauce is something to try. They have a dog-friendly patio. They offer a delicious Bushwacker frozen drink and local craft beers.

 

Tailgate Brewery

7300 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209    615-861-9842

The taproom has a constantly rotating beer list, as well as wine, liquor, and non-alcoholic options. They offer delicious gourmet pizzas, loaded waffle fries, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. There is a covered barn as well as picnic tables outside for you and your furry friends to enjoy. I recommend the Peanut Butter Stout.

Beat the Heat at one of Nashville's Water Parks

 

Water Parks

 

Nashville Shores

4001 Bell Road, Hermitage, TN 37076

Nashville Shores offers a gigantic wave pool, 8 water slides, a water tree house, beach, and playground. Weekend General Admission tickets are $44.99, and Weekday General Admission tickets are $39.99. Season passes are also available.

 

Wave Country – Wave Pool

2320 2 Rivers Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37214

One of the area’s only wave-action swimming pools. There are two water flumes, two speed slides, and one kiddie slide. Tickets are just $12.

 

SoundWaves at Gaylord Opryland

2800 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214

This water park experience is only available for those staying at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. Discounts are available for Nashville residents with a room stay.

Top 3 parks for the kids in and near downtown Nashville

 

For the Kids

McCabe Playground

101 46^th Avenue N., Nashville, TN 37209

McCabe Community Center has a full fitness center, dance studio, exercise classes, indoor track, and more. They also have a greenway trail, game room, and outdoor playground for the kids to enjoy.

 

Dragon Park AKA Fannie Mae Dees Park

2400 Blakemore Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212

Known for its exquisite dragon mosaic sculpture, this park is tons of fun for the kids with a tunnel and a large playground. They also offer picnic shelters that you can reserve.

 

Centennial Park

2500 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203

Centennial Park is home to an exact replica of the Parthenon in Greece on 132-acres. There is a one mile walking trail, playground, lake, arts activity center, historical monuments, a sunken garden, band shell, events shelter, sand volleyball courts, and dog parks.

My favorite brunch places in Nashville

 

The Row

110 Lyle Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203     615-321-1224

The Row is a good place to get hot chicken, bbq, or a burger, so if you have friends with varying tastes, this might be a good stop for you. And their brunch is available seven days a week 8am until 3pm. They have live music every day starting at 6pm, and on Saturdays starting at 2pm. I hear they have a pretty good Bloody Mary bar as well.

Maggiano’s

3106 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203     615-514-0270

Maggiano’s offers their brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 3pm. Their Crab Cake Benedict is excellent. They serve Bloody Marys for $5 and occasionally, Mimosas for just $2!

 

Party Fowl

719 8^th Avenue S., Nashville, TN 37203    615-624-8255

Brunch at their original location is Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 2pm. The Bourbon Glazed Beignets are to die for! If you want to try hot chicken, this place will let you hit two birds with one stone: awesome brunch and one of the town’s best places to find Nashville hot chicken. And, of course, they offer Mimosas and Bloody Marys. BUT they also offer the ultimate Bloody Mary that they call Brunch For Two for $50. It’s a 55 ounce Blood Mary topped with two whole fried Cornish game hens, two whole scotch eggs, eight fried okra, and a whole avocado!

 

The Tavern

1904 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203    615-320-8580

If you are looking for a place with extended brunch hours, this is the place. They offer brunch Wednesday through Saturday from 10am – 3pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm. This is your fancier brunch place than the others that I’ve listed and there may be a bit of a wait because hipsters are on to this place.

Meat-n-3s in Nashville

 I know there are many, many more, but here are a few that tourists should be able to find easily. 

What is a mean-n-3? It's a restaurant that offers a selection of meat entrees plus a variety of vegetable sides...and yes, macaroni and cheese is considered a vegetable in the south!  So basically, it is a serving of meat plus 3 side items and choice of bread. Of course, you can always get a vegetable plate which would consist of 3-4 side items. 

Arnold’s

605 8^th Avenue S., Nashville, TN 37203    615-256-4455

A classic staple of Nashville’s lunchtime crowds. There will be a line, but it’s cafeteria-style. The hours are limited to Monday through Friday 10:30am to 2:45pm and Saturday 10:30am to 5pm.

 

Elliston Place Soda Shop

2105 Elliston Place, Nashville, TN 37203    615-327-1090

Elliston Place Soda Shop has moved from its original location, but is still as good as it always was. They serve breakfast all day. But they are known for their burgers and milkshakes. They have a daily meat choice of meatloaf, pot roast, turkey & dressing, and fried chicken along with other daily specials.

 

Wendell Smith’s

407 53^rd Avenue N., Nashville, TN 37209    615-383-7114

Wendell Smith’s serves breakfast starting at 6am. They have a little bit of everything from sandwiches to burgers to meat-n-3s. They have roast beef, baked ham, and bbq every day with other daily specials. And they have a large selection of sides to choose from.

 

Swett’s

2725 Clifton Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209    615-329-4418

Just 5 minutes from downtown and ample parking, this restaurant seats 110 people, so it’s doubtful you’ll ever have to wait for a seat. They have a large selection of meats as well as daily specials, fried corn bread, and lots of desserts to choose from. They are open from 11am to 8pm daily.

 

Johnny Cash’s Kitchen and Saloon

121 3^rd Avenue S., Nashville, TN 37201   615-20-9504

They serve breakfast from 9am to noon. Lunch and dinner starts at noon. It’s cafeteria-style. Meat, 2 sides, and bread choice are $14.99, so it’s a bit pricier than the other meat-n-3s. In addition to their daily entrees, they offer daily specials. 

Where to get a good burger in Nashville

 

Brown’s Diner

2102 Blair Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212     615-269-5509

Kitchen open 10:45am – 9:45pm

Brown’s Diner opened its doors in Nashville on December 26, 1927 and has been in continuous operation ever since.  From its start in a mule-drawn trolley cart, Brown’s has been synonymous with cheeseburgers and beers, and it claims to have Nashville’s oldest beer license.  The atmosphere is simple, no-frills, and never-changing with a clientele from college kids to old-timers.  If you are looking for a dark, dive-bar type place to grab a burger and a cold one, this is the place.  It looks like a trailer that has been added-on to, because it is! 

As far as the burgers go, they are simple and remind me of a burger you’d make at a backyard cookout.  It comes with all the dressing:  lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickle for just $5.  The fries are skinny, standard cut fries, and they are crispy.  There’s nothing that I hate more than limp, wilty fries, and this place makes them perfect for my tastes.  And the price can’t be beat!    

Nashville Underground

105 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201    615-964-3000

Monday – Friday 11am – open late; Saturday & Sunday 10am – open late; Weekend brunch until 2pm

Owned by rocker Gavin DeGraw along with his brother, Joey, Nashville Underground, formerly National Underground, is a place that you can get good food while also listening to live music.  They also boast a multi-level rooftop and beer that is set to 29 degrees, so you always have a cold draft.  And if you’re looking for a mechanical bull, they have one on the second floor.  This venue has six floors to provide music, food, and other entertainment. 

Their burgers are served on a toasted potato bun with lettuce, tomato, and onion and include a side of seasoned fries or a side salad.  They also have additional tops that you can like caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or jalapenos.  What’s great about these burgers is that they also offer the meat-free option of the Impossible Burger.  I was reluctant at first, but these burgers look, smell, and taste just like the real thing.  I was very impressed. 

The Underground also offers breakfast all day as well as several options for Nashville hot chicken. 

 

Bowie’s

174 3^rd Avenue N., Nashville, TN 37201    615-953-7155

Bowie’s is a dedicated rock bar located downtown, and is open Tuesday through Sunday. Enjoy Taco Tuesdays or Thirsty Thursdays. And did I mention that they have waffle fries? And if you are a vegetarian, they have the Impossible burger.

The Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Nashville

 

Double Dogs

1807 21^st Avenue S., Nashville, TN 37212     615-292-8110

4017 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37209     615-777-8500

Chicken wings, salads, burgers, and hot dogs; this place has something for everyone. It especially has a patio that you can bring your pooch to.

 

Fido

1812 21^st Avenue S., Nashville, TN 37212    615-777-3436

This café features exposed brick walls, local art on the walls, and study tables. This is the perfect place to grab a cup of java and study or do business. They also have a pet-friendly patio. They have good food, local beers, wine, and a full coffee bar featuring organic beans.

 

Peg Leg Porker

903 Gleaves Street, Nashville, TN 37203     615-829-6023

Monday – Tuesday 11am – 9pm; Wednesday - Saturday 11am – 10pm

Peg Leg Porker opened their doors in 2013 by owners Carey and Delaniah Bringle.  (Funny, I had a heart attack in 2013…coincidence?)  This family owned and operated establishment and pit-master have won numerous awards for their barbecue. 

I have to say that my litmus test for barbecue is ribs.  If a place has good ribs, then I know everything will be good.  I hate when you go places, and the ribs are super fatty.  These pork ribs are fall-off-the-bone delicious.  And the bark is wonderful.  The sides are made from scratch and terrific.  I highly recommend getting the dry rub ribs and adding the sauce at the table.  The dry rub is quite flavorful, and I am partial to the spicy sauce.  They also offer a lunch special Monday through Friday from 11am to 3pm:  a barbecue sandwich, a side, and a drink for $8.90.  There may be a line, but it goes quickly.  Order your food first, then, by the time you get your drink, they are calling your name to pick up your food.    They also have patio-seating.

 

Tailgate Brewery

7300 Charlotte Pike, Nashville, TN 37209    615-861-9842

The taproom has a constantly rotating beer list, as well as wine, liquor, and non-alcoholic options. They offer delicious gourmet pizzas, loaded waffle fries, sandwiches, salads, and appetizers. There is a covered barn as well as picnic tables outside for you and your furry friends to enjoy. I recommend the Peanut Butter Stout.

 

Edley’s

2706 12^th Avenue S., Nashville, TN 37204    615-953-2951

4500 Murphy Road, Nashville, TN 37209    615-942-7499

908 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206     615-873-4085

Edley’s has multiple locations around Nashville. The ribs are good, but only served for dinner. The white sauce is something to try. They have a dog-friendly patio. They offer a delicious Bushwacker frozen drink and local craft beers.