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Neighborhood Spotlight on Sylvan Park: Where to Eat, Shop & Walk
One of Nashville’s favorite neighborhoods, Sylvan Park is confined by Richland Creek, Charlotte Avenue and the railroad tracks. With a growing restaurant scene, one adorable boutique, locals who love their community and ample opportunities for exercise, Sylvan Park is a desirable place for many. “Sylvan Park is a lovely, quiet and safe place to live,” says Steve Swartz, membership secretary of the Sylvan Park Neighborhood Association. We couldn’t agree more — here’s what’s to love.
The neighborhood’s continued growth is tempered by the community’s laid-back energy. Families, young professionals and empty nesters come looking to weave themselves into the fabric of the community. Each business owner supports their community and each community member supports neighborhood businesses. Take a look at this eatable, shop-able, walkable neighborhood.
WHERE TO EAT
On the Charlotte end of Sylvan Park, Miel, Bobbie’s Dairy Dip, Bajo Sexto, Hattie B’s, Coco’s Italian Market and Thistle Stop Cafe (currently closed for renovations) draw diners for everything from ice cream cones to fine French cuisine. These restaurants dot the map on Charlotte Avenue from 52nd to 46th. East of 46th, you will find M.L. Rose, FLIP Burger, Farm Burger, Double Dogs, Castrillo’s Pizza and Salt & Vine. Although technically Sylvan Park, this area has seen so much growth that it is beginning to stand alone. It is the restaurants on Murphy Road/46th Avenue (from dose. to Vegan Vee), though, that are undeniably in Sylvan Park.
dose. opened in 2009 to bring the neighborhood great coffee, freshly baked goods and tasty lunch options. Their breakfast menu is a favorite at StyleBlueprint for their gluten-free treats, especially the cinnamon scone. Down the road, where Murphy Road meets 46th Avenue, Star Bagel also serves breakfast. Known for their — you guessed it — bagels, Star Bagel is the oldest locally owned and operated bagel shop and bakery cafe in Nashville. In addition to their breakfast and lunch bagel sandwiches, they offer salads, soups and coffee drinks. If you continue towards Charlotte Avenue, you will find the neighborhood’s newer breakfast option, Vegan Vee, a dedicated vegan and gluten-free bakery that creates delicious (whether you are gluten-free or vegan or neither) muffins, donuts, cupcakes, rolls and cookies. They only open their doors on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, but you can find their treats sold around town.
McCabe Pub, Park Cafe, Local Taco, Edley’s Bar-B-Que, Caffé Nonna, Nonna’s Pizzeria and Neighbors open their doors for lunch and dinner. These restaurants sit near the newly constructed roundabout and welcome Sylvan Park locals and visitors. McCabe Pub has held court in the neighborhood since 1982. They have Southern favorites, such as meatloaf, chicken fingers, catfish sandwiches, homemade soups, casseroles, hand-cut salmon and of course, burgers. Their bacon burger is aptly named the Best Bacon Cheeseburger in Town.
“We have been very lucky over the last 35 years to be nestled in one of the best neighborhoods in the city,” Stefanie Dean Brown, co-owner of McCabe Pub tells us. “You can’t get a better location in town than Sylvan Park these days. Its proximity to Music Row, Belmont, Vanderbilt and downtown has always made it desirable. Our father was raised in the neighborhood and attended Cohn High School, and my sisters and I were raised in this restaurant, so we’ve been around to watch the change. The Pub has always been a home away from home to many customers — a place where you will always see someone you know or they know you — whether having a business lunch or dinner with your family. I think our customers really represent the best of Nashville, that small town yet big city feel. The neighborhood (and Nashville) has visually changed a lot over the last few years but we think its heart has stayed true. It now definitely consists of many more young families than it ever has in my opinion, but that’s pretty cool because it means Sylvan Park will be ‘home’ to a few in this next and current generation. And, we hope we can stay part of that for many years to come by keeping our hearts true as well. We aim to continue to do what we do well everyday and promise to bring in a few new things here and there just to keep you on your toes.”
Read More about the Sylvan Park Neighborhood at Style Blueprint
Dana Battaglia Homes 