A Chef’s Guide to Music City
Chef Tandy Wilson is celebrated for blending Southern flavors with rustic Italian traditions at City House, his acclaimed restaurant in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood. Before opening City House in 2007, Tandy trained at Scottsdale Culinary Institute, cooked in California at Tra Vigne, and worked alongside Nashville chef Margot McCormack at Margot Café & Bar. His Southern-Italian approach has earned him repeated James Beard Foundation recognition as a Best Chef Southeast nominee. Below, Tandy highlights favorite spots around Nashville, from Southeast Asian markets and Memphis-style barbecue to record shops and classic burger stands.
Robert’s Western World
I go to Robert’s Western World for a fried bologna sandwich and great live music. The bands play strong sets throughout the day and into the night, so it’s a perfect stop whether you’re out for an afternoon bite or a late meal. The fried bologna may not be house-made, but the care and spirit are unmistakable.
416 Broadway, Nashville, TN; 615.244.9552; robertswesternworld.com
King Market
King Market offers some of Nashville’s best Southeast Asian eats. I’m especially fond of the sausage, crispy intestine and larb. Go with a group so you can share and sample across the menu, and be sure to explore the market section for unique ingredients.
1801 Antioch Pike, Antioch, TN 37013; 615.333.3103
Peg Leg Porker
Order a rack of ribs at Peg Leg Porker — classic Memphis-style ribs done well in Nashville. Their pepper jelly with cream cheese is a simple but addictive starter. If you like smoky, saucy barbecue, this is a must-visit.
903 Gleaves Street, Nashville, TN; 615.829.6023; peglegporker.com
Mas Tacos
Mas Tacos represents a new wave of Nashville restaurants: Mexican food shaped by local tastes and creativity. Everything I’ve tried has been excellent. Don’t miss the grits and chicken wrapped in a corn husk — their take on a tamale — and try a variety of tacos to appreciate the range.
732 McFerrin Avenue, Nashville, TN; 615.543.6271; facebook.com/mastacos
Dairy King
Dairy King is a classic counter spot. Grab a burger or choose from a meat-and-three plate, but don’t leave without a fried pie — it’s a local tradition and a perfect finish to the meal.
306 E Thompson Lane, Nashville, TN; 615.833.7362; dairykingnashville.com
Grimey’s New & Preloved Music
Go record shopping at Grimey’s. As a city with such a rich music scene, Nashville’s record stores are treasure troves. Browse for vinyl, then come back for live shows in the basement when your schedule allows.
1604 8th Avenue South, Nashville, TN; 615.254.4801; grimeys.com
Big Al’s Deli
Big Al’s makes for a great counter lunch. The burger and catfish are both standouts, and the welcoming, no-frills atmosphere makes it an easy favorite for a quick, satisfying meal.
1828 4th Avenue North, Nashville, TN; 615.242.8118; bigbigalsdeli.com
Fairgrounds Speedway
For a fun local experience, visit Fairgrounds Speedway for a night of racing. Bring earplugs, enjoy the energy of the crowd, and treat yourself to classic fair food like funnel cake while you’re there.
625 Smith Avenue, Nashville, TN; 615.254.1986; fairgroundsspeedwaynashville.com
Bobbie’s Dairy Dip
Bobbie’s offers lots of choices, and while the burgers are solid, my go-to is a dipped cone or a vanilla malt. It’s a nostalgic stop that captures a simple pleasure well.
5301 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN; 615.463.8088; facebook.com/bobbiesdairydipcharlotteave
About Tandy Wilson
Tandy Wilson opened City House in Nashville’s historic Germantown district in December 2007 in a space that previously served as the working studio for artist and sculptor Alan LeQuire. The restaurant focuses on thoughtful, ingredient-driven dishes that blend Southern tradition with Italian techniques, and it has become a staple of the city’s dining scene.
City House emphasizes quality local ingredients and careful preparation. Tandy has a particular interest in curing meats, and the menu frequently features house-cured salamis and hams. The dining room seats 124 and includes a chef’s bar where guests can watch the kitchen at work, creating an engaging dining experience.
Tandy’s culinary path began while attending the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where he moved from dishwasher to kitchen roles and discovered his passion for cooking. After earning a degree in hotel and restaurant administration, he trained at Scottsdale Culinary Institute and went on to work at Tra Vigne in St. Helena, California. He also spent time in Italy studying regional cuisine before returning to Nashville, where he refined his craft under Margot McCormack and later opened City House.
Beyond his restaurant, Tandy participates in the Southern Foodways Alliance and contributes to regional food events and festivals. His work has earned him several James Beard Foundation honors, including multiple nominations as Best Chef Southeast.
Feature image courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corporation.