There's no shortage of great hangouts in Nashville, but some of my favorites are the places that are more frequented by the "Nashville Vets". It's not that I've got anything against the "cool kids" - I just like the feeling I get when I'm around the guys that have been through the ringer (and then some) and lived to tell about it. I think it gives me a sense of hope that I don't get while sitting at one of the "regular's bars", listening to everyone talk about the twelve different showcases they've got scheduled next month. (Side note: Although not, the quotation marks seem contemptuous, so I'm gonna try to stop using them now...)
Anyhow, my first Brown's Diner experience was with Wayd Battle a few years back. Brown's sits conveniently close to Music Row, and has been around for ages. It offers a dining room and separate bar area that both make you feel like you've been there before - and maybe your grandparents, too. They're known for one of the best burgers in town (and the chili ain't bad, either). Much of the original decor still hangs in the bar and the original coffee maker is still being used in the diner. The bar area is an old boxcar, hauled-in by the original owner to save money on taxes. Most of the staff (and patrons) have been there for years. Much of the original decor still hangs in the bar and the original coffee maker is still being used in the diner.
Industry vets are almost always found sitting in the bar telling stories, talkin' shop, skirting around political talk and discussing what makes good beer "good". I love hearing their song selections on the jukebox and someone typically ends up strumming a guitar for a few minutes. The atmosphere lets you feel like you're part of the
OLD Nashville, even if only for a moment. And that's WAY cool to me. If you're new in town, I highly suggest swinging by Brown's Diner and just listening to some of the chatter - it'd probably do ya some good.
