NASHVILLE, TN
Inspired by my love for country music, I packed my bags and headed east. The itinerary consisted of bar hopping, chowing down at my extensively researched list of vegan restaurants, and catching Brett Young in concert. Everything in between would just be icing on the cake.
The Southern V in Nashville’s Buchanan Arts District almost didn’t make the cut. I thought that because it wasn’t yet firmly established, serving food out of the “blue shack in the back,” my time would be better spent at the brick-and-mortar restaurants. Silly me. Visiting this family-run, casual dining spot ended up being a highlight of the trip!
Husband and wife duo Clifton and Tiffany each play on their strengths. He is the courteous host and co-owner, wearing several hats at The Southern V to keep things running smoothly, while she continues to perfect the taste of classic southern favorites, including soft and buttery biscuits, spicy fried chik’n, and potato casserole. Rounding out Team TSV are their two adorable daughters, Eden and Norah.
Chik’n and Waffle & Biscuit and Spread
There are two kinds of people in this world—those who like their food extra spicy and those who can’t handle the heat. Whichever you are, The Southern V’s got you covered. Their crispy, savory chick’n is made hot or not. But then comes the more difficult decision… Will you have it in a soft and fluffy vegan butter biscuit or over a homemade waffle and organic maple syrup?
As always, the hardest part about visiting a place with so many delicious options is not getting to try them all! Tiffany has also expertly veganized Mac n’ Cheeze, BBQ Ribz, Sweet Potato Pie, and gravy to pour over those warm, golden biscuits.
Potato Casserole & Veggie Scramble
Craving some homemade comfort food yet? Make sure you plan accordingly before heading over. The Southern V made its long-anticipated move into a nearby storefront in the spring of 2018, but their hours are currently limited: Thursday and Friday, 10 am–2:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am–3:30 pm. You can’t dine in right now. However, there’s patio seating or you can order curbside or through a self-serve kiosk.
Check out their website or Instagram page for special hours and menu changes. Pro Tip: Get there early because items might be limited. Otherwise, you might be disappointed when it’s your turn to order and Cliff tells you they just ran out of donuts!
Apple Fritters to go
⭐️ Must Try: Biscuits and Potato Casserole ⭐️
Exploring the city
Luckily, November weather in Tennessee is perfect for being outdoors and enjoying the fall colors. Less than three miles from The Southern V is Centennial Park, home to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens. One of Nashville’s top tourist attractions, the Parthenon even boasts its own 42-foot statue of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war.
Parthenon
But wait! The Parthenon is more than just a faux temple. It houses an impressive collection of art, donated by James M. Cowan. I learned that the sixty-three oil paintings on rotation here are merely a fraction of the approximately 700 pieces he collected over his lifetime.
After perusing the vivid displays of imagination on canvas, wander through the park for beautiful views of the lake and trees ornamented in shades of gold, red, and green.
Centennial Park
