12 South
12 South is one of Nashville's most walkable and flavor-packed dining corridors — a half-mile stretch of Victorian homes, boutiques, and some of the city's most celebrated restaurants. Here's a rundown of the best spots, with what reviewers and locals are saying.
Bars and Restaurants
bartaco
A trendy, coastal-inspired eatery serving up upscale street tacos, fresh guacamole, and fresh-squeezed margaritas in a completely cashless, open-air environment.
Edley's Bar-B-Que
A classic, highly popular Nashville barbecue staple known for its slow-smoked meats, delicious scratch-made southern sides, and an active open-air porch.
Frothy Monkey
This all-day café opened on 12th Avenue South in 2004 and became the kind of neighborhood coffee shop that people get a little territorial about. The rosemary honey latte and golden monkey are regulars on the order board, the Farm burger at lunch draws people who came for coffee and stayed for food, and the beer garden in back is a good reason to stick around in the afternoon. Equal parts coffee shop, lunch spot, and hangout.
Hearts
An Aussie-inspired all-day cafe offering vibrant breakfast platters, specialty espresso, and great brunch cocktails in a bright, friendly space.
La La Land Cafe
This LA-style specialty coffee café opened in 12 South in 2025 and immediately generated lines that stretch out the bright yellow-and-white storefront. Beyond the coffee, what sets it apart is the mission — the café is run in part by foster youth transitioning to adulthood through the La La Land Foundation, which gives the place a genuinely warm energy that reviewers mention as much as the drinks. The menu covers creative lattes, matcha, and pastries, and the banana cloud latte is the one people keep coming back for — light, creamy, and just sweet enough. The french toast latte and strawberry cloud foam matcha also have their fans. Expect a wait on weekends, but the staff and atmosphere tend to make it feel worth it.
Postino 12 South
A warm, retro-chic wine cafe specializing in eclectic bruschetta boards, paninis and a buzzing patio atmosphere.
The Butter Milk Ranch
A popular small-batch artisanal bakery and day-dining staple in 12 South, celebrated for its laminated biscuits, specialty pastries, and all-day southern brunch menu.
Urban Grub
A casual fine-dining destination anchoring the neighborhood, serving brunch and dinner — focused on fresh seafood, house-cured meats, and premium steaks.
Wanna Spoon Cereal Bar
A colorful, nostalgic dessert parlor serving up custom bowls of classic breakfast cereals, ice cream swirls, cereal-infused milkshakes, and signature sweet espresso lattes.