Madison is one of my favorite Nashville neighborhoods. It’s where my grandparents chose to live, where my parents grew up, and where I spent many of my childhood summers. However, lots of my fave Madison places have closed (so long, Book Attic 💔), and some of the recommendations below come from current resident and local musician Ellen Angelico.
🍽️ Where To Eat & Drink
- Grams Coffee and Tea is such a warm and inviting hangout spot, whether you’re visiting with friends or working remotely. They frequently play live music, and their baked goods are amazing.
- Subscriber Dominique M. recommends Madtown Coffee, with great food, and where folks can add “open seat” placards to their tables to make new friends.
- Grab groceries and some amazing tacos at Garden Fresh Market.
- Get excellent Japanese and Korean food at Sapporo, including sushi.
- For BBQ, Shotgun Willie’s is the place, and for pizza, Pinky Ring Pizza.
- Have a pint and a Grillshack burger with Cumberland River views on Yazoo Brewing Company’s patio.
- Or end your day with a drink at Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge.
🛍️ Where To Shop
- The Madison Goodwill is hands down the best in Nashville. It’s huge, well-organized, and consistently has good stuff. And right next to it is a ThriftSmart!
- Find records and lots of cool random stuff at The Great Escape.
- Thrift an outfit and support a good cause at Pink Glitter Thrift Boutique.
🛼 What To Do
- Every Sunday from May to the end of October, Madison hosts one of the best local farmers markets at historic Amqui Station. There are so many great vendors, live music, and food trucks galore. Check out the museum while you’re there!
- Peeler Park has beautiful trails, both paved and unpaved, and a huge feral cat colony!
- Eastside Bowl is not only a bowling alley, but also an excellent place to catch live music.
- Rivergate Skate Center has been around since I was a kid.
- Kids will love the indoor playground Lost Worlds Dinotopia.
- Don’t miss the inaugural Grassroots & Nudie Suits music and arts festival this Saturday, Sept. 13!
