For the 16th year, we set out to find the Best of Nashville, the best bars, restaurants, media, arts, entertainment and politics. As we combed the streets—Eighth Avenue, Nolensville Road, Woodland Street, 12th Avenue South, Belmont Boulevard—looking for the best falafel, microbrew and pedicure, we found something we hadn’t seen in past years. The best of our city is not just inside restaurants, bars and salons; it is in the dynamic neighborhoods that house them. This year, more than ever before, we saw the transformation of gritty urban pockets into streetscapes, destinations, even points of community pride. So this year, we present the 2005 Best of Nashville, a celebration of our city’s neighborhoods.
ALL PHOTOS BY ERIC ENGLAND unless noted.
Thanks to John Holleman and Company. John Early, Trish Moalla, Wesley Paine, Jack Hoke, Sally Hoke and maskmaker Doug Berky. Thanks to Taqueria Doña Tere, Knock Out Wings, Bar twenty3.
Best Bagels1. Bruegger’s2. Star Bagel3. Alpine BagelBest Cheeseburger1. Rotier’s2. Fat Mo’s3. Cheeseburger Charley’sBest Pizza Chain1. Papa John’s2. Pizza Hut3. Mellow MushroomBest Pizza Non-Chain1. DaVinci’s2. Pizza Perfect3. MafiaOzasBest Catfish1. Cock of the Walk2. South Street3. Sportsman’s GrilleBest Barbecue1. Whitt’s2. Hog Heaven3. Judge Bean’sBest Ribs1. Famous Dave’s2. Calhoun’s3. Corkey’s BarbecueBest Subs1. Jersey Mike’s2. Subway3. Sub StopBest Deli1. Noshville2. Goldie’s Deli3. Jason’s DeliBest Place to Buy Bread1. Provence2. Bread & Company3. PaneraBest Dessert1. Sunset Grill2. Provence3. Yellow PorchBest Ice Cream1. Maggie Moo’s2. Baskin Robbins3. Ben & Jerry’sBest Bakery1. Provence2. Bread & Company3. Sweet 16Best Health Food Store1. Wild Oats2. Turnip Truck3. Plumgood FoodBest Produce1. Farmers Market2. Produce Place3. Wild OatsBest Seafood1. Publix2. Wild Oats3. Harris TeeterBest Gourmet Store1. Wild Oats2. Fresh Market3. Plumgood FoodBest Williamson County Restaurant1. Flying Horse2. Saffire3. Stoney RiverBest Goodlettsville Restaurant1. Chef’s Market2. Demo’s3. KabutoBest Murfreesboro Restaurant1. Demo’s2. Toot’s3. Don Pablo’s Best Nashville Restaurant1. Margot Café & Bar2. Zola3. The AcornBest Chinese1. P.F. Chang’s2. Chinatown3. August MoonBest Indian1. Sitar2. Shalimar3. Cuisine of IndiaBest Italian1. Amerigo’s2. Antonio’s3. Mama Mia’sBest Japanese1. Kobe Steakhouse2. Goten3. BenkayBest Mediterranean1. Kalamatas2. Mediterranean Cuisine3. AnatoliaBest Mexican1. Las Palmas2. La Hacienda3. La PazBest Thai1. Royal Thai2. Siam Cafe3. SalathaiBest Vietnamese1. Kien Giang2. Miss Saigon3. Pho BacBest New Restaurant1. Jim & Nick’s2. tayst3. Rumours Wine BarBest Outdoor Seating1. Yellow Porch2. La Paz3. The AcornBest Original Menu1. Mambu2. Zola3. Margot Café & BarBest Waiter/Waitress1. Sandra Costa, The Acorn2. Matt Swafford, PF Chang’s3. Tawny, Athens Family RestaurantBest Chef1. Margot McCormack2. Jim Napolitino3. Deb PaquetteBest Ethnic1. Sitar2. Anatolia3. Horn of AfricaBest Caterer1. Clean Plate Club2. Tom Kats3. Kristen Winsten Catering
Best Seafood1. Florida Seafood Kitchen2. Yellow Porch3. New Orleans ManorBest Steakhouse1. Fleming’s2. Ruth’s Chris Steak House3. Morton’sBest Sushi Bar1. Ru Sans2. Virago3. Samurai SushiBest Vegetarian1. Grins Cafe2. Calypso Café3. Wild OatsBest Meat-And-Three1. Slyvan Park2. Arnold’s3. Swett’sBest All You Can Eat1. Shoney’s2. Monell’s3. Ru San’sBest Breakfast1. Pancake Pantry2. Noshville3. Cracker BarrelBest Brunch1. Margot Café & Bar2. Red Wagon3. Tin AngelBest Power Lunch1. The Palm2. Sunset Grill3. Yellow PorchBest Romantic Dinner1. Melting Pot2. Margot Café & Bar3. ZolaBest Late Night1. Sunset Grill2. Cafe Coco3. Waffle HouseBest Take Out1. Calypso Café2. PF Chang’s3. Bread & CompanyBest Delivery Other Than Pizza1. Off the Grill2. Plumgood Food3. RomaBest Place When Someone Else is Buying1. The Palm2. Morton’s3. Ruth’s Chris SteakhouseBest Cheap Eats1. Calypso Café2. Baja Burrito3. VandylandBest Restaurant With a View1. Germantown Café2. The Acorn3. Sole MioBest Place to People Watch1. Virago2. Bar twenty33. Bound’ryBest Bar to Nurse a Hangover1. Jackson’s2. South Street3. Broadway BrewhouseBest Bar That Makes You Feel You’re Not in Nashville1. Bar twenty32. Virago3. The AcornBest Wine List1. Sunset Grill2. Fleming’s3. The TraceBest Bartender1. Josiah Corbin2. Stephanie Johnson, The Mirror3. Hunter Briley, The AcornBest Coffee House1. Fido2. Bongo Java3. StarbucksBest Neighborhood Pub1. McCabe Pub2. Corner Pub3. Family WashBest Brewhouse1. Boscos2. Broadway Brewhouse3. BlackstoneBest Place to Buy a Keg1. Frugal MacDoogal’s2. J.J.’s Market3. YazooBest Dive Bar1. Springwater2. The Villager3. Red DoorBest Sports Bar1. Sam’s Bar & Grill2. Bailey’s3. Jonathan’sBest Happy Hour1. Chili’s2. Sam’s Sports Bar & Grill3. Red DoorBest Selection of Beers on Tap1. Flying Saucer2. Broadway Brewhouse3. Beer SellarBest Margarita1. Rosepepper Cantina2. La Paz3. Las PalmasBest Martini1. The Trace2. Mirror3. ViragoBest Knowledgeable Server in a Wine/Liquor Store1. The Wine Shoppe at Green Hills2. Frugal MacDoogal’s3. Midtown Wine & Spirits SuperstoreBest Grocery Store1. Publix2. Kroger3. Harris TeeterBest New Bar Club Opened Since Oct. 20041. Decades2. City Hall3. Layl’a RulBest Honky Tonk Club1. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge2. Robert’s3. The StageBest Pick-Up Bar1. Tin Roof2. Virago3. Bar twenty3Best Gay Bar1. Tribe2. Play3. Lipstick LoungeBest Lesbian Bar1. Lipstick Lounge2. Tribe3. CabaretBest Strip Club1. Ken’s Gold Club2. Christie’s Cabaret3. Deja VuBest After Hours Club1. Faded2. Kiss3. ExsessBest Karaoke Bar1. Ken’s2. Lipstick Lounge3. Lonnie’sBest Place to Throw Darts1. The Villager2. Blue Bar3. Beyond the EdgeBest Place to Shoot Pool1. Buffalo Billards2. Blue Bar3. Bailey’sBest Place to Dance1. Play2. Bar twenty33. Johnny Jackson’sBest Place to See Independent Films1. Belcourt Theatre2. Green Hills Regal Cinema3. Sarratt CinemaBest Place for a Cheap Date1. Centennial Park2. Baja Burrito3. Belcourt TheatreBest Bowling Alley1. Melrose Lanes2. Strike & Spare3. Dave & Buster’sBest Day Trip1. Chattanooga2. Fall Creek Falls3. Jack Daniels DistilleryBest Public Golf Course1. McCabe2. Harpeth Hills3. HermitageBest Private Golf Course1. Legends2. Governors Club3. Richland Country ClubBest Charity Event1. Artrageous2. L’ Ete’ du Vin3. Swan BallBest Local Sports Team1. Titans2. Predators3. SoundsBest Park1. Centennial2. Percy Warner3. ShelbyBest Place for a Jog1. Percy Warner2. Shelby3. CentennialBest Place to get a Ticket1. Belle Meade Blvd.2. West End3. Briley ParkwayBest Community Role Model1. Steve McNair2. Brock Kidd3. Martha IngramBest Local Politician1. Phil Bredesen2. Bill Purcell3. Adam DreadBest Local Politician You Love to Hate1. Adam Dread2. Bill Purcell3. Bill FristBest Local Sports Celebrity1. Steve McNair2. Eddie George3. Drew BennettBest Local Liberal1. Larry Woods2. Mary Mancini3. Phil BredesenBest Local Conservative1. Steve Gill2. Phil Valentine3. Bill FristBest Free Fun1. Movies in the Park2. Centennial Park3. Shakespeare in the ParkBest Thing That’s Changed in Nashville in the Last Year1. Plumgood Food—launch of local online grocery delivery service 2. 12th Avenue South3. TrafficBest Category We Forgot1. Organic and Natural Grocery Delivery Service2. Best Outdoor Club 3. Best Dog ParkBest Neighborhood1. East Nashville2. Sylvan Park3. BelmontBest Next Mayor1. Bill Purcell2. Howard Gentry3. Bob ClementBest Metro Council Member1. Mike Jameson2. Adam Dread3. Ginger HausserBest Metro Council Member You’d Like to See Gone1. Ludye Wallace2. Adam Dread3. Carolyn Baldwin TuckerBest Country Radio Station1. 98 WSIX2. 95.5 The Wolf3. 650 WSMBest Rock Pop Radio Station1. WRLT Lightning 1002. 96.3 Jack FM3. 107.5 The RiverBest Urban Radio Station1. 101.1 The Beat2. 92Q3. 96.3 Jack FMBest Radio Deejay1. Gerry House2. Coyote McCloud3. David HallBest Talk Radio Host1. Dave Ramsey2. Phil Valentine3. Mary Mancini & Freddie O’ConnellBest Local News Channel1. WSMV-Channel 42. WTVF-Channel 53. WKRN-Channel 2Best Local News Anchor1. Demetria Kalodimos2. Dan Miller3. Chris ClarkBest Local TV News Reporter1. Darian Trotter2. Ben Hall3. Larry BrintonBest Local TV Weatherperson1. Bill Hall2. Lelan Statom3. Lisa PattonBest Local Sports Writer1. Joe Biddle2. Hope Hines3. David ClimerBest Local Columnist1. Brad Schmitt2. Ms. Cheap3. Gail KerrBest Local Music Writer1. Peter Cooper2. Jason Moon Wilkins3. Lucas HendricksonBest Local Feature Writer1. Kay West2. Jim Ridley3. Ms. CheapBest Local Political Writer1. Larry Daughtrey2. Liz Garrigan3. Roger AbramsonBest Local Media Celebrity You Love to Hate1. Brad Schmitt2. Steve Gill3. Mindy McCreadyBest Recent Scandal1. Perry March2. Tennessee Waltz3. Mindy McCreadyBest Scandal Not Yet Reported1. Various Frist illegalities2. Ethics in Bredesen’s cabinet3. Corrupt police departmentBest New Retail Shop Opened Since Oct. 20041. Mega Used Books & Discs2. Apple Store Green Hills3. Mad ModBest Fitness Workout Club1. YMCA2. Gold’s Gym3. The ClubBest Martial Arts Studio1. David Deaton Karate Studios2. Conrad Jones Karate3. Moss Tae Kwan DoBest Yoga Pilates Studio1. Hot Yoga2. 12 South Yoga3. WillowBest Metaphysical New Age Store1. Magical Journey2. Galactic Gateways3. Earth StuphBest Cool Hotel1. Hermitage Hotel2. Opryland Hotel3. Loews VanderbiltBest Adult Video Store1. Hustler Hollywood2. 21 Up3. Purple OnionBest Place to Buy a New Stereo/Television1. Best Buy2. Circuit City3. H.H. GreggBest New Bookstore1. Davis-Kidd2. Borders3. Barnes & NobleBest Used Bookstore1. BookMan/BookWoman2. Mega Used Books & Discs3. Rhino BooksBest Sporting Goods Store1. Academy Sports & Outdoors2. REI3. Bass Pro ShopBest Bicycle Store1. Cumberland Transit2. Gran Fondo Cycles3. Bike PedlarBest Shopping Mall1. The Mall at Green Hills2. CoolSprings Galleria3. Opry MillsBest Department Store1. Dillard’s2. Hecht’s3. ParisianBest Vintage Clothing Store1. Hip Zipper2. Vintage3. Venus & MarsBest Local Men’s Clothing Store1. Levy’s2. Oxford Shop3. VintageBest Local Women’s Clothing Store1. Posh2. Jamie3. bamboóBest Place to Buy Jeans1. Posh2. bamboó3. Boutique BellaBest Consignment Store1. Designer Finds2. Designer Renaissance3. GoodwillBest Dry Cleaner1. Village Cleaners2. Nicholson’s Cleaners3. Dove’sBest Shoe Store1. Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse2. DSW3. PoshBest Jewelry Store1. Village Jewelers2. Genesis3. Jared Galleria of JewelryBest Florist1. Emma’s Flowers & Gifts2. The Tulip Tree3. IlexBest Antique Store1. Carissa’s Armoires & Antiques2. Gas Lamp Antique Mall3. Pre to Post ModernBest Place to Buy Eyewear1. Image Optical2. LensCrafters3. SeeBest Hair Salon1. The Edge of Belle Meade2. Dion’s South Hair Design3. ElanBest Hair Stylist1. Bill Vandiver at The Edge of Belle Meade 2. Richard Dion3. Chuck Williams at Dante’s Image StudioBest Manicure/Pedicure1. Venetian Nails and Spa2. Charles Scarbro at The Edge of Belle Meade3. Illusions Salon & Day SpaBest Skin Care Center1. Elan Skin & Laser Center2. Gold Skin Care Center3. Apropos Advanced Skin Care & Day SpaBest Spa1. The Edge of Belle Meade2. Blue River Canyon Day Spa3. Illusions Salon & Day SpaBest Waxing1. Mindy Norris at The Edge of Belle Meade2. Gracie’s3. Wafa at TibaBest Tanning Salon1. Cool Tan2. The Edge of Belle Meade3. Tan 2000Best Therapeutic Massage1. Charles & Sherry Scarbro at The Edge of Belle Meade2. Illusions Salon & Day Spa3. Essential TherapyBest Tattoo/Body Piercing Studio1. Lone Wolf Tattoo2. Icon Body Piercing3. Forever YoursBest Doctor For a Nip & Tuck1. Dr. Glenn Buckspan2. Dr. John David Rosdeutscher3. Dr. Joe DelozierBest Dentist1. Dr. David Dickerson2. Dr. Ben Cannon3. Dr. William ManningBest Lasik Surgery Center1. Loden Vision Centers2. Wang Vision Institute3. Arrowsmith Eye InstituteBest Divorce Lawyer You Don’t Want Representing Your Spouse1. Rose Palermo2. Jim Martin3. Robyn Lynne RyanBest DUI Lawyer1. DUI Mike2. Roger May3. Erik HerbertBest Auto Dealership1. Beaman Automotive Group2. Lexus of Nashville3. CarmaxBest Pre-Owned Auto Dealership1. Beaman Automotive Group2. Carmax3. Global Motor SportsBest Auto Service Center1. Beaman Automotive Group2. Firestone Tire & Service Centers3. Alexander Chrysler PlymouthBest Bank1. SunTrust2. AmSouth Bank3. Bank of AmericaBest Place for Continuing Education1. Nashville State Community College2. Vanderbilt University3. Belmont UniversityBest Real Estate Agent1. Richard Courtney2. Pat Skow3. Larissa LentileBest Apartment Complex1. Laurel House Apartments2. The Grove3. Nashboro VillageBest Loft Urban Living Space1. Laurel House Apartments2. Werthan Mills Lofts3. The Bristol on BroadwayBest Place to Buy Cool Home Accessories1. Global Soup2. Pier 13. Urban Decor
Best Place to Buy Furniture1. Sprintz Furniture2. Global Soup3. Urban DecorBest Nursery Garden Center1. Bates Nursery & Garden Center2. Home Depot3. Lowe’sBest Pet Store1. PETsMART, Inc.2. Nashville Pet Products Center3. Wags & WhiskersBest Pet Grooming1. Wags & Whiskers2. PETsMART, Inc.3. Doggie Doo’sBest Veterinarian1. Value Vet2. Berry Hill Animal Hospital3. Murphy Road Animal HospitalBest Pet Boarding Day Care1. The Farm2. Miss Kitty’s Bed & Bath3. Four PawsBest Art Gallery1. Frist Center for the Visual Arts2. Art & Invention Gallery3. Plowhaus Artists’ CooperativeBest Local Visual Artist1. Juliana Ericson2. Brenan Sharp3. Bryce McCloudBest Professional Performing or Musical Arts Group1. Nashville Ballet2. Nashville Symphony3. Nashville OperaBest Local Theatrical Acting Group1. People’s Branch Theatre2. Nashville Children’s Theatre3. Tennessee Repertory TheatreBest Local Band1. Luna Halo2. The Features3. Will HogeBest Local Songwriter1. Sam Brooker2. Darrell Scott3. Marcus HummonBest Chain CD-DVD Store1. Tower Records2. Best Buy3. Media PlayBest Non-chain CD-DVD Store 1. Grimey’s New & Preloved Music2. The Great Escape3. CD WarehouseBest Place to Buy Vinyl1. Grimey’s New & Preloved Music2. The Great Escape3. Phonoluxe RecordsBest Place to Hock Used Music1. Grimey’s New & Preloved Music2. The Great Escape3. CD WarehouseBest Place to Buy Used Musical Instruments1. Nashville Used Musical Instruments2. Corner Music3. Sam AshBest Musical Instrument Store1. Corner Music2. Sam Ash3. Guitar CenterBest Writer’s Night1. The Bluebird Cafe2. Artist Revolution Good Music Night3. 8 off 8th at The Mercy LoungeBest Place to Have a Showcase1. 12th & Porter2. The Bluebird Cafe3. The BasementBest Place to Hear Live Music1. Ryman Auditorium2. 12th & Porter3. The Mercy LoungeBest Concert of 20051. Coldplay at Starwood2. Bonnaroo3. Dave Matthews at StarwoodBest Local Music Celebrity1. Sam Brooker2. Keith Urban3. Joshua PayneBest Church Music1. Christ Church Cathedral2. Grace Church3. Bellevue Community ChurchBest Place to Worship1. Christ Church Cathedral2. Grace Church3. Bellevue Community ChurchBest Pediatrician1. Dr. Frank J. Haraf Jr.2. Dr. Robert Mallard3. Dr. Nancy BeveridgeBest Daycare1. Creative Care Center2. Cooperative Child Care3. Holly Street Day CareBest School K-41. University School of Nashville2. Julia Green Elementary School3. The Ensworth SchoolBest Middle School1. University School of Nashville2. The Ensworth School3. Franklin Road AcademyBest School 9-121. University School of Nashville2. Hume-Fogg Academic Magnet3. Hillsboro High SchoolBest Teacher1. Evelyn McGregor2. Frankie Holloway3. Laura DeitrickBest Playground1. Fannie Mae Dees Park (Dragon Park)2. Red Caboose Park3. Parmer ParkBest Summer Camp1. YMCA Camp Widjiwagan2. Whippoorwill Farm Day Camp3. Superstars at Hillboro Presbyterian ChurchBest Local Toy Store1. Phillips Toy Mart2. Toys R Us3. KB ToysBest Kid-Friendly Restaurant1. O’Charley’s2. Chuck E. Cheese’s3. McDonald’sBest Place to Take Kids When It’s Raining1. Adventure Science Center2. Bellevue Center3. Chuck E. Cheese’s
