Nashville’s top picks: 2025 NASHtoday’s Best winners
Our winners have been selected by our amazing readers. | Graphic by 6AM City
Your votes are in. Congratulations to all of the NASHtoday’s Best nominees. We’re excited to announce our roundup of local winners who truly shine and make Nashville a better place to live.
From high-level dining experiences and accommodations to places to hang with your friends — here are your top choices in each of our categories.
🏠 Apartment Complexes
First place: Shelby House Runners Up: The Shay + The Reeve
📚 Book Store
First place: Parnassus Books Runners Up: McKay’s Nashville + The Bookshop
🍺 Breweries and Distilleries
First place: TailGate Brewery Music Row Runners Up: Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery + Monday Night Brewing - Preservation Co.
🥞 Brunch
First place: The Butter Milk Ranch Runners Up: Dozen Bakery + The Pancake Pantry - Hillsboro Village
☕ Coffee Shop
First place: Frothy Monkey Runners Up: Prickly Pear Coffee Co. + Flour Your Dreams Bakery & Cafe
Cinco de Mayo Grand Celebration | 12-11 p.m. | Plaza Mariachi | Free+ | This day-long celebration boasts live music, cultural performances, food trucks, and family activities.
Author Event: Tia Williams | 6:30 p.m. | Parnassus Books | $22 | Williams is joined by fellow author Julian Winter to discuss her new YA novel, “Audre & Bash Are Just Friends” — tickets include one signed copy.
Tuesday, May 6
Lamar Hunt US Open Cup | 7 p.m. | Geodis Park | $14+ | The night match against Chattanooga Red Wolves SC marks the first-ever meeting between the two clubs.
Pearl Jam | Tuesday, May 6 + Thursday, May 8 | 7:30 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $175+ | The band’s “Dark Matter” tour features opening act Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers.
Wednesday, May 7
Screenings on the Steps: “Top Gun” | 7 p.m. | W Nashville | Free+ | Grab a spring-inspired sip at the hotel’s rooftop bar before heading outside to catch an outdoor movie.
Thursday, May 8
Mother’s Day Mini Cake Decorating | 6-8 p.m. | Kinda Collected | $50 | Create your own mini cake with instructions from Shy Girl Baking — tickets include one cake and a reservation for two.
E+ROSE has arrived in East Nashville’s Inglewood neighborhood. The cafe at the corner of Haysboro Avenue and Gallatin Pike serves coffee, juices, smoothies, and plant-based eats daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Coming Soon
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream opens its second Nashville location on Thursday, May 15 at the former Nashville Sundae Club spot in the Gulch. The New York-based brand debuted in Edgehill Village two months ago and has a third location planned for Neuhoff.
Mansion Monday
Golden Ridge Estate sits on nearly 38 acres in Brentwood and is anchored by a cabin that once served as a “creative sanctuary” for George Jones and Little Jimmy Dickens. With a second 3,100-sqft home, fishing pond, barn, and outdoor kitchen, this property offers privacy, natural beauty, and room to grow.
Concert
DJO (aka Joe Keery from “Stranger Things”) is bringing his “Another Bite” tour to The Pinnacle this fall. Tickets for the Thursday, Oct. 2 show go on sale Friday, May 9. Shaboozy and Haim also announced shows at the venue.
Featured Deal
Get more for mom this Mother’s Day. Now through Monday, May 12, Woodhouse Spa Franklin is offering 10% more on any gift card over $300 when you use the code MOMFTN at checkout. Snag the deal.*
Wellness
Discover your biological age with a single blood test taken at home. Starting at $499, TruAge gives you a personalized longevity plan — save 20% with code WELLNESS20.*
Announced
While spots in our 2025 Parents’ Gift Guide are closed ahead of Mother’s Day, we have a few more for Father’s Day. Hurry — save 20% with code PGG2025 when you secure your spot now.
Category
Small Business Week
❤️ Small biz owners share the love
Folx Table, described as a “sit-down social network,” brings strangers together over a meal. | Photo by KT Sura via Folx Table
For Small Business Week, we asked local owners and employees what makes the city’s small business scene special. Their responses point to a common thread: a culture of support, collaboration, and community over competition.
Plus, don’t forget to take advantage of Small Business Week deals happening across the city through Saturday, May 10.
Te’Miyah Gray, Cosmic Cleaning
“Nashville’s small business scene thrives on a mix of Southern hospitality, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit, driven by a strong support network of incubators, accelerators, and local funding opportunities.”
Emma McCallie, Folx Table
“Small businesses here feel like your favorite dive bar — full of personality, a little scrappy, and everyone becomes a regular.”
Heather Kozain, Cloverbrook Candle Co.
“Nashville shows up for small business. Nashville small businesses show up for each other, too. There is always room for everyone.”
Cloverbrook’s Small Business Week deal: Use the discount code “NASH10" for 10% off online orders.
Did you know it’s possible to shop small on Amazon? Support small businesses and artisans across the country when you shop Amazon Handmade. We love these five items that can be personalized with your name or message:
The Force is strong at Chopper Tiki. Star Wars Day has passed, but the East Nashville cocktail bar is going full galactic with Star Wars Month. Expect themed mugs, decor, movies, music, and more throughout May — reservations are encouraged.
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