Neighborhood Guide
A Curated Guide to the South Gulch, Nashville
July 19, 2024
Our exclusive travel partners at Essentialist have put together an overview of Nashville’s South Gulch neighborhood—what makes it special, what to see, and where you’ll want to eat and drink.
All members of The Malin are eligible for a complimentary Essentialist membership (valued at $2,600), which provides access to unforgettable curated travel experiences around the globe.
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About the neighborhood
The Gulch has been wholly reimagined over the past two decades. What was once a busy railroad yard fell into neglect after World War II and stood largely abandoned for nearly 50 years.
Today, the neighborhood is a sleek and vibrant hub of see-and-be-seen eateries, trendy shops, and magnetic murals that pull visitors in with an effortlessly chic aesthetic—it’s the upscale antithesis to Broadway’s bright lights and booming sounds. The Gulch was the tenth project in the United States to be awarded the LEED-ND distinction for sustainability, and Paseo South Gulch is carrying on the LEED tradition with its own brand of sustainability initiatives.
The emerging microneighborhood is poised to take over as the Gulch’s central hub, with some of Nashville’s best and brightest flocking to the area, including The Catbird Seat, James Beard Award semifinalist Maiz de la Vida, and NYC’s Blind Barber. Interconnected walkways, alleys, and terraces make the Paseo South Gulch easily walkable, with quick access to hotels, residences, and plenty of outdoor activities. Here’s how to make the most of a visit to the Gulch, below.
Where to eat
Arnold’s Country Kitchen
A classic meat-and-three, Arnold’s has been a Nashville institution since 1984, casually serving up hearty portions of proteins like country fried steak, pork chops, and roast beef coupled with Southern sides ranging from black eyed peas to mac and cheese.
Maíz de la Vida
A James Beard semifinalist, Julio Hernandez’s Maiz de la Vida uses a special process called nixtamalization to turn heirloom corn into tortillas that defy expectation with their sturdiness and intricate minerality. Test it out for yourself with an order of sirloin steak tacos or the chicken birria with a side of beef consomé for dipping.
St. Vito’s Focacceria
At the warm and whimsical St. Vito’s, you’ll find Sicilian-style pizza known as “sficione” served whole or by the slice. Roasted potatoes, pepperoni, and giardiniera are nestled into fluffy tufts of focaccia that more than satisfy.
The Catbird Seat
An experimental incubator for new chefs, The Catbird Seat transforms itself with each new chef who takes the helm. What you can count on: an intimate tasting menu experience with dishes that never fail to surprise, challenge, and excite the palate.
The Iberian Pig
Situated in a former chocolate factory (right around the corner from St. Vito’s), the Iberian Pig offers loads of exquisite Spanish tapas, charcuterie, and wine in a moody bi-level space.
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