The Perfect Date: Solo Date

So whether by choice or not, you’ve found yourself without a date or pals to spend the day with. If you’re alone and life is making you lonely, you can always go … do whatever the hell you want! Here are a few quality ways you can ride solo in the general vicinity of Belmont, Vanderbilt and Hillsboro Village. Most of these things are fun to do with groups or a significant other, too — you can even count it as research.

Drinks

Casual: If you’re looking for a laid-back spot to knock back a few beers, watch a game or maybe polish up your darts skills, The Villager Tavern (1719 21st Ave. S.) is your best bet in an area that’s been rapidly losing old-school mainstay establishments. The menu consists of drafts and bottles (mostly domestics with a few local craft brews in the mix), and you can still smoke inside, if that’s your thing. If it’s not, consider going around the corner to Belcourt Taps (2117 Belcourt Ave.) — depending on the day and time, you might encounter live music, typically singer-songwriters performing originals. 

Fancy: The best places to imbibe sophisticated libations in Nashville aren’t in the Village, but if you’re looking in the vicinity, top picks include Old Glory (1200 Villa Place, Suite 103) and Barcelona Wine Bar (1200 Villa Place, Suite 110). But we’re talking about treating yourself, so a rich, thick mocha latte from Village stalwart Fido (1812 21st Ave. S.), sipped slowly while reading a book or your local alt-weekly newspaper (wink) might be exactly what the doctor ordered. Of course, your doctor isn’t here, so you could always chase it with a double-scoop cone at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams across the street (1819 21st Ave. S.).

Dinner

Casual: Brown’s Diner (2102 Blair Blvd.) is about as casual as you can get without eating at home, and the familial atmosphere is one part of the appeal. Another part is Brown’s famous cheeseburger, proportioned and seasoned just right and charred to perfection on a flattop. If you’re not in the mood for a burger, it’s tough to go wrong with a brisket sandwich at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint (3108 Belmont Blvd.), fish tacos from Taco Mamacita (1200 Villa Place), a plate from the steam table at International Market (2010 Belmont Blvd.), tiger tear salad at Thai Esane (907 12th Ave. S.) or a couple of slices from Two Boots Pizza (1925 Broadway). Folks looking for a meatless option will do better a little further afield — Gojo Ethiopian Cafe and Restaurant, Chauhan Ale and Masala House, and Avo (mentioned in our Palentine’s date ideas) come to mind — but you can get the tasty and much-buzzed about Impossible Burger at Hopdoddy Burger Bar (1805 21st Ave. S., No. 100) in the Village.

Fancy: Henley (2023 Broadway, on the ground floor of the Kimpton Aertson Hotel) is less than a block from Two Boots Pizza, and the atmosphere actually doesn’t feel too far away. While Henley is certainly swankier, its luxurious appointments are comfy and functional — the fine leather upholstery feels like it’s meant to be sat on — and you won’t feel underdressed in jeans and a sweater. Chef Daniel Gorman’s rotating menu has a wealth of options for sharing, but no judgment if you get a cheese board (with selections by The Bloomy Rind) just for yourself. Farm-to-table meats are the stars of the entrée menu, and the superb cocktail menu is augmented by The Manhattan Experience, a stellar happy hour (4-6 p.m. every day) offering eight carefully crafted variations on the Manhattan.

Activity

Casual: In a town where music permeates our culture — from work to social life and just about every facet in between — it’s easy to miss actually listening to it. We routinely have opportunities to witness some of the finest performers on the planet across an incredible array of styles and traditions, and seeing a show by yourself is one of the most rewarding ways to absorb their work. Intimate, casual spots near this part of town include The Basement (1604 Eighth Ave. S.) and The High Watt (1 Cannery Row). But even catching shows at Exit/In, the world-renowned Ryman or the Schermerhorn can be as formal or informal as you’d like. Keep an eye on those venues’ websites — and on the Scene's music section and calendar — for upcoming shows.

Fancy: Similarly, going to the movies with people you love or someone you’re just getting to know is fun, but it’s also gratifying to sit back and take in films all on your own. Especially in the wake of the extensive 2016 remodel that improved both the amenities and the screening experience, the Belcourt (2102 Belcourt Ave.) is one of the finest places anywhere to explore a thoughtful selection of arthouse fare, grindhouse gems and much more. It’s a big enough institution to secure intros and Q&As with actors and directors, and offer classes and seminars (both onsite and in schools), but small enough that you can get to know the staff. Even if you come alone, you’ll probably find someone to talk with about what you just saw. You can dress it up with wine or cocktails from the snack bar if you like — the popcorn, of course, is the ultimate treat. This month, the Hillsboro Village arthouse has repertory screenings like the Bob Fosse series All That Fosse and rotating Midnight Movies like Blade Runner and Akira, as well as much-anticipated new releases like Capernaum and more. See belcourt.org for showtimes and tickets.

*Editor's note: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified R.J. Cooper as the chef at Henley. He is no longer with the restaurant. We regret the error.