The Work Trip Playbook: Nashville Edition — A Business Traveler’s Guide to Music City

Nashville is one of the most popular destinations for conferences, bringing in hundreds of thousands of people to the city each year to take in more than just the music scene.

But the city has also cemented itself as a growing hub for tech companies over the recent years, with a growing number of up-and-coming fintechs and massive healthcare ventures alike putting down local roots. It is also a popular spot for new tech giants looking to build bigger offices or regional HQs outside of the Bay Area, meaning there are even more people coming into town for tech-centric work trips.

But what should you do once you touch down in Music City? We’ve got you covered.  We asked leaders in the city, including the team at Launch Tennessee and the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, for their suggestions on where to work, eat, and sip when in town. Bookmark this Visitors Guide as you prepare for your work trip to Nashville.

Where To Meet Fellow Entrepreneurs

Nashville Entrepreneur Center (NEC): The hub for startups and founders, with collaborative spaces and a direct line into the city’s entrepreneurial community. Be sure to check out their entrepreneur-friendly events happening throughout the year.

The Lighthouse: The Lighthouse is a unique house for founders in Nashville. Check out their website for upcoming events that are open to the public.

Go-To Spots To Get Some Work Done

Switchyards (Various locations) - While it is members only, Switchyards’ four locations are worth checking out if you are looking for a quiet place to get some heads-down work done

Nashville Entrepreneur Center (NEC) – The hub for startups and founders, with collaborative working spaces

Public Library Downtown (Main Branch) – A grand, quiet setting for focused work, with good Wi-Fi and plenty of seating

WeWork and Industrious (Gulch & Downtown): Both offer coworking spaces if you need a more professional environment for a day

The Malin: Stylish coworking space in buzzy Wedgewood Houston neighborhood that includes two libraries and a terrace

Where To Schedule Your Coffee Meetings

Barista Parlor: A Nashville staple with multiple locations across the city. Spacious spot that is perfect for meeting clients or colleagues

Bongo Java (Belmont location): Across from Belmont University, this coffee shop is a quirky, historic, and a longtime gathering spot for Nashville creatives

Crema: A Downtown Nashville staple with plenty of tables. On top of pastries and coffee, Crema serves a light breakfast and lunch menu. Just a short walk from the Nashville Entrepreneur Center

Dozen: In the Woodbine neighborhood, offering everything from pastries to savory sandwiches

Neighborlily: Germantown staple that is owned and operated by a local entrepreneur. Hot food available on weekends, with coffee and pastries during the week.

Pinewood: With the slogan ‘a place to meet,’ Pinewood serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And if you are looking for a break from meetings and emails, the space has a bowling alley and a cocktail bar.

Steadfast: Located in Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood which provides plenty of street parking

Yeast Nashville: In East Nashville, Yeast offers authentic Czech-style kolaches

Where To Book A Work Dinner Reservation

Butcher & Bee: Mediterranean-inspired small plates with a focus on serving local, seasonal produce and ingredients

City House: Italian food with pizzas and pastas. A James Beard Award winning restaurant. Private dining options available

Etch (Downtown): Open kitchen restaurant known for its cocktail menu

Epice: A Lebanese restaurant with a modern, intimate vibe

The Finch: American cuisine in the Gulch neighborhood, available for large parties

Folk (East Nashville): Modern Italian-inspired cuisine with large group dining options available

Harper's: Steakhouse in the Southbank neighborhood, next to the Nashville Entrepreneur Center, in the old Trolley Barns

Henrietta Red: American-style food and oyster bar, and a James Beard Semi Finalist. Private dining options available

The Henry: Serving modern American food with group dining options available

Iggy's: Italian cuisine in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood

Jasper’s: Casual dining spot that is a place for larger team dinners or for those looking to catch a game on one of their TVs

Luogo: Italian cuisine in The Gulch neighborhood

Monell's: Located in the popular Germantown neighborhood, Monell's is known for its Southern food/charm

Pelato: Brooklyn-Italian cuisine

Rolf and Daughters: New American-style food with long, communal tables that is great for a large crowd

5th and Taylor: American cuisine in the popular Germantown neighborhood

What To Do In Between Meetings

Acme Feed & Seed: A well-known Broadway Honky Tonk with three floors and a rooftop view

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: A central place to enjoy a stroll or ride, with a great view of the city’s booming skyline

Country Music Hall of Fame: A must for country music enthusiasts

Fifth + Broadway: A central food hall and retail destination downtown where people can grab a range of cuisines representing some of Nashville’s best local restaurants

Monday Night Brewing: A center for craft beer and happy hours or networking events

Nashville Adventures Tours: For city walking tours (including history walks, bar crawls, ghost tours, and coffee morning walks)

N.B. Goods: A Nashville staple for apparel-related souvenirs

Neuhoff District: A redeveloped industrial area that’s becoming a creative hub for Nashville’s creative community. The district includes Close Company (cocktail bar), Monday Night Brewing, and the coworking space Industrious

Radnor Lake: 30 minutes outside Nashville’s city center, this offers people a scenic walk around Tennessee’s nature

Robert’s Western World: A go–to downtown honky tonk for those looking for live music. Locals say to grab their fried bologna sandwich

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Author’s Note: Special thanks to Chloe Morrison, Lindsey Cox, Eller Kelliher, Rory Levine, Sam Davidson, and Rob Williams for their insights in bringing this article to life