Black Owned in the Music City
For a long time, Nashville was overlooked as a tourist destination. But as of recently, people have been more vocal about its virtues. From its place in musical history, to the hospitality of its people and the food, Nashville has opened its arms to people who enjoy a good time. When you’re taking a trip to the city, add some great Black Owned Historical destinations like the National Museum of African American Music to your itinerary and don’t forget to visit the birthplace of Nashville Hot Chicken, Prince’s Hot Chicken. This guide will help you get started on your visit, and don’t forget to check out all of our listings right here.
The new owners of 8th and Roast started out as fans of the business before acquiring it. Now each of their locations offers a welcoming environment and food made with local ingredients. The company prides itself on having great relationships with their partners and paying more than fair trade prices for their beans. Visit them for a pick me up or to get started on your mornings when you’re in Nashville.
Chicken and Waffles doesn’t have to be boring and Coneheads is out to prove that to you. This restaurant serves chicken with waffles in a specially made cone. This unique concept started in 2019 and is also serving their “Cone Dogs”, wings, and for vegetarians, cauliflower wing for locals and visitors alike.
Hi-Fi Cookies is a bakery with cookies inspired by both music and nostalgia. Their cookies are sweet treats that are named after great artists and songs in all genres, leaning into the city’s history as a music capital. Stop in and grab a half dozen eschewing the chains that have become more popular these days.
The National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) officially opened in January 2021 to celebrate the music styles that were created or influenced by African American people in America. Its 6 galleries feature artifacts, memorabilia, and state of the art technology to tell the story of Black Music. On your visit to the Music City, this museum has to be high up on your list of tourist destinations.
Fisk University is one of the top and most well known HBCU’s in the country. For those looking to experience more black art, the Fisk University Art Galleries are a mandatory place to stop by. Make sure you check the campus for its hours for the galleries themselves, but the University itself is a destination you should check off of your list.
One great thing about the diaspora of black people in America is that in every city, you will find soul food and its close relative, Caribbean cuisine. Riddim N Spice is the spot to visit in North Nashville for those looking for some of that West Indian Flavor. Here you can get everything from oxtails to jerk jackfruit to fill your belly and give you a likkle riddim.
Hot chicken has been taking over the country but none of it happens if it isn’t for Prince’s Hot Chicken. This original hot chicken has been around for almost 100 years, serving up fresh, crispy hot chicken to bring a tingle and flavor to your tongue. This gold standard for hot chicken can be found at 3 locations in the area, so stop in to get a taste of history and the inspiration for so many others that would follow.
Whiskey lovers, here is your moment. Uncle Nearest’s distillery is open daily so that you can see the entire process behind the number one black owned spirits brand in the country. They offer both tours and tasting during the day, so make your reservation for this highlight of your trip to Nashville.
The Germantown Pub is not just a Sports Bar. The restaurant, located on Monroe St., is a gathering place for the community known for great service and great food. The diverse clientele comes for the great trifecta wings, carefully crafted drinks, and burgers. It’s a great place to catch a game when you don’t want to be at home on the couch and want to be in a friendly atmosphere.
Brothers with a dream and a family tradition were not to be denied. Bag Lady’s is an homage to the matriarchs of their family, but also a testament to perseverance. With no money, and Covid providing yet another obstacle in their desire to open up, Brandon and James Littleton were finally able to gather enough to start up a food truck. While things started off slowly, it did pick up and now you can visit them at their brick and mortar location for a menu that starts at the item most others just throw in, the fries. Stop in and get fresh hand cut fries in a variety of ways, or just by themselves if you so desire.
Jefferson Street Sound is a non-profit organization established to preserve the music and entertainment history of Jefferson Street. The facility includes the museum as well as a rehearsal hall and production studio. Their programming is building a bridge to that legacy with education and through the exhibits featured using the unique position of Jefferson Street as a stop on the “Chitlin’ Circuit”.
Slim and Husky’s is the artisan pizza that you didn’t know that you needed. Started by three friends and Tennessee State University graduates, this growing chain of pizza places is bringing its own flavor to the industry. The owners saw this business as a way to start something that could provide jobs to their community. It turns out to be that and more. This is a staple now and at the forefront of what artisan pizza is today. Stop in and grab a pizza and chase it with their special cinnamon rolls for a quick and tasty meal.
Emerson Grace is an upscale womens clothing store in Nashville. The owner, Kimberly Lewis utilizes her experience asa fashion buyer to ensure that her store has a great selection of the best contemporary fashion. Not only does it feature some of the best National and International brands, but there is also a local spotlight where she highlights regional brands and helping to nurture their growth.
