The Best Late-Night Eats in Nashville

Located in the trendy 12 South neighborhood, Mafiaoza’s is a family-friendly pizza and Italian restaurant that also has a setting perfect for romantic dinner dates. An outdoor enclosed seating area is great for those who enjoy a breath of fresh air with their meal. You’ll find plenty of dishes to choose from, including fried cheese ravioli sticks, which are sure to satisfy those late-night hunger pangs.

With semi-private curtained booths – or cabanas – and a dimly lit atmosphere, Cabana is a Hillsboro Village hot spot known for its cozy, romantic vibe. Each cabana has a television and music player hook up so that you can watch your favorite date night movie or listen to your favorite tunes as you dine. The restaurant specializes in Southern comfort food, offering dishes like blackened catfish, crab hush puppies, and lobster brie mac and cheese. There are also plenty of bottled beers, martinis, and wines from which to choose.

Shrimp pasta | © jeffreyw / Flickr

If you’ve got a craving for something spicy, the original hot chicken spot in Nashville, Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, is still standing after almost 100 years. The restaurant stays open until 4 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; therefore, you can squeeze in a pre-breakfast meal, or enjoy a kick of chicken heat after a night out. Stop in for a small serving of tenders, or try a whole chicken plate.

Whether you’re in the mood for waffle fries, a club sandwich, or a juicy burger, you’ll find a menu full of American pub food with a Southern twist at M.L. Rose. The restaurant serves over 90 craft beers, along with appetizers, salads, and desserts. No matter what you’re craving, this late-night eatery has plenty to offer.

If you stop into Cafe Coco for a late-night meal, you just might find yourself enjoying a bite with the sounds of live music playing in the background. The café not only serves food around the clock, but it also welcomes singer-songwriters for various live music events. Grab a sandwich, pizza, or a panini, or indulge your sweet tooth with a treat from the dessert menu. The quirky café makes cheesecakes, brownies, and gelato daily, in addition to its à la carte offerings.

Located in East Nashville is the popular Tenn Sixteen restaurant. The menu is full of non-traditional, creative foods like deviled eggs, fried green tomatoes, and fried pickles, as well as more Southern-oriented favorites like okra, cheese grits, gumbo, catfish, and hot chicken. There is also a brunch menu and dessert menu for those who prefer more classic menu options with sweeter flavors.