Campus Visit? — Here’s where you should eat!
You just got accepted to Vanderbilt and are planning a campus visit to check out the school and the town in order to decide whether you’d like it or not? Well — look no further than here (and all the links I’m providing) for places to eat in Nashville!First things first, schedule your campus tour. There a a few different types that are organized as general, for freshmen and sophomores beginning the college search, and for admitted students. If you already know what you want to major in, don’t be shy! — email the department chair and see if they can talk to you for a it. (My parents and I wandered around the biology building and someone was nice enough to show us the greenhouse on the top floor.)
Hungry? Well, here is an extensive list of awesome places near campus that are frequented by students and delicious!
- Pancake Pantry –> A Nashville staple, go early or at some random time of the day because the lines out of this restaurant can extend down the street. Breakfast is served all day, but the lunch and dinner meals are also amazing. (I suggest the sweet potato pancakes, but they really are all fantastic!)
- Fido’s –> Another Nashville favorite, Fido’s is a quaint little coffee shop/restaurant that also serves breakfast all day where you will find lots of people having long discussions over a cup of delicious coffee or studying with laptops. (Here, I suggest the Hueveos Rancheros, yum! Also, the cookies and muffins are to die for…and everything else.)
- Cafe Coco –> Probably my personal favorite, Cafe Coco is a 24/7 restaurant (with a varied and eclectic clientele) with a small stage and bar in the back. During this weather, I suggest sitting outdoors, but the inside of the restaurant is fun to look at too. I have tried a good amount of the food here and it is LITERALLY all HEAVENLY. But, I’ll give major props to their caffeinated creations (the Neapolitan is amazing, though rarely listed) and my favorite veggie burger of all time (and I’m not a vegetarian) the “Veggie Rockefeller.” Trust me, you’ll be back.
- Cabana –> Looking for a fancier meal with the folks (or friends), go to Cabana. You don’t have to dress up, but don’t dress down either. I haven’t tried much here, but the specials they have are fantastic and I would trust them with my life.
- Bread N Co –>
- Noshville –> Nashville’s signature New York Delicatessen goes semi-Kosher. There are pickles on every table, and everything is fantastic. Come here for a deli sandwich, some fries, and a cookie or two. This place comes highly recommended by hungry students.
- Blackstone’s –> I mention this one because it is my dad’s favorite (they brew their own beer and have excellent burgers). Like sauerkraut, bratwurst, fish n chips, or a good ol’ fashion burger — this is your place. With an attached brewery that has won many a competition, this is a favorite of the parents. (I suggest the Tuscan Artichoke Soup if you’re not that hungry and the Fiery Flapper Sandwich if you really are.)
- Monell’s –> Southern comfort served family style, come here for some good ol’ cooking and some loud conversations. I haven’t been here yet, but I know I absolutely HAVE to go before I graduate.
- Loveless Cafe –> I’ve ever been here either, but it’s another must-do Southern comfort restaurant that sometimes has concerts.
DESSERT TIME: And since it’s spring, let’s just go ahead with ice cream and fro-yo!
- Pinkberry –> Totally not unique to Nashville, but this fro-yo shop is situated right across West End Ave. from Vanderbilt’s campus and constantly has Vandy students in it eating their healthy, but delicious frozen yogurt. (I suggest original tart with kiwi and mango pieces, and mochi…but really you can’t go wrong.)
- Jeni’s –> So so so so so so soooooOoOooOooo good. You can get selected flavor’s of Jeni’s ice cream at Hot n’ Cold on 21st, but I suggest taking the drive to East Nashville to the home base where you can try many a more creatively fantastic flavors. There are specials that are heavenly, but please at least ask for a taste of “Wildberry Lavender” and “Riesling Poached Pear” !!!
Hope you enjoy your campus visit and eat well in Nashville! =)