Geist Nashville

Top tier Nashville restaurant that I feel gets left out of many best of lists in favor of newer trendy places. The location is a historic blacksmith shop and is tastefully appointed. For the holidays especially Christmas its more like Christmas blew up inside with decorations everywhere. The patio bar and restaurant tables all offer excellent seating options for intimate dates or mid sized parties. The food is creative with a menu that changes every six months or so. We had an excellent halibut that was crispy outside and tender inside complemented with fennel and oranges in a lemon butter sauce. Lamb house made gnocchi dumplings and butternut squash provided a warm savory textual sensation. You must get the bread. The house bread is 9 dollars but worth it. This is the best bread of any restaurant in Nashville if you love a yeasty bread like me. Reminds me of the old Quincy steak house rolls my grandmother used to squirrel away in her purse. Service is super friendly and they have a good cocktail program if a little less creative than other places. I did particularly like the spicy rum concoction that the bartender was kind enough to ask about spice preferences on. Prices are high though on par with other steak houses and upscale restaurants. Parking is limited so recommend getting a ride if possible.

First location and building. Location was good, parking was okay but can be a challenge if there is a baseball game or weekend. We came on a Thursday at 6:30 and the restaurant was busy but not packed. Quickly sat down for 8 (had reservation) and the table was already set up with water in the cups. The waitress from start to finish was the best - on top of everything and managed separation between courses well. The atmosphere was great in a cool building. Food. Across 8 of us we had five - Shrimp and Grits, Salmon, Lamb Gnocchi, Tenderloin and Pork Chops.. salmon was okay - nothing to write home about. Shrimp and Grits were done well and the grits were actually very well done. Lamb gnocchi was amazing, very filling, rich with tons of flavor. Tenderloin was solid and made well. The big hit was the Pork Chops - they were sampled but the table for at least a bite and everyone really enjoyed how they were cooked and the tenderness of the meat plus the seasoning was perfect. Potato salad was uniquely amazing and tons of food on the plate. Overall - solid place. Group of 8 loved the evening and food.