East Nashville is getting cheeky. Fancypants is trying fine dining on for size, but not without making it “a little less serious and a lot more fun.” You’ll see what we mean when the restaurant opens at 921 Dickerson Pk. on Friday, July 26 — but for now, we’ll give you a little taste test.
Falling into its groove
You’ll spy remnants of the building’s former life as a Piggly Wiggly with its industrial aged concrete and exposed trusses, but following a year of construction and menu planning with design collaborator Powell Nashville, the restaurant is leaning into its new (or rather old) ‘70s-inspired aesthetic.
The 2,200-sqft space is drenched in funky patterns, bold hues of burgundy, emerald green, and gold + luxe velvet drapery. Keep an eye on the action via the open kitchen design when you kick back in various seating options, from upholstered booths and banquettes to a communal bar, chef’s counter, and covered veranda.
Can you dig it in?
Now that we’ve built up your appetite, we’ll serve the menu. Its grid-style layout allows guests to choose from a list of vegetable-forward plates that can be “mixed and matched, shared or not.”
This includes a crispy turnip noodle lasagne with Parmesan foam and potato chip-crusted chicken fried cauliflower with coconut gravy — a mouthful, right? If that dish piques your interest, don’t go searching for a menu online. You’ll have to make your reservation to see the full thing.
Keeping with the theme of paving its own path, Fancypants’ dessert and beverage menu puts a creative spin on classics. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a touch of nostalgia by ordering the funfetti cheesecake or trying the interactive sundae bar. Then, cap off the evening by sipping something from the “recognizable cocktail” list with unusual ingredients, West Coast wine selection, or hyper-focused beer options.
Visit for dinner service Thursday through Sunday beginning at 5 p.m.
