The Thrillist Awards: Nashville’s Best New Food, Drink & Everything Else

So, 2015 happened. You might not have noticed, because you were too busy eating, drinking, and generally cavorting at the dozens of amazing new Nashville spots that've opened in the past 12 months. But now that it's (pretty much) over, we can look back and unequivocally say that these were the places that won the year in Music City:

Ascend Amphitheater (address and info)
SoBro
For such a music loving city, it’s a wonder that it took Nashville so long to build an outdoor venue like Ascend Amphitheater. This live music site is located right on the riverfront and has a capacity of 6,800 people. If you haven’t made it to the amphitheater yet, you should definitely look into tickets for the 2016 live shows that start in April with artists ranging from Bryan Adams to Boyz II Men.

Soar Adventure Tower (address and info)
Franklin
Soar Adventure Tower is unlike anything else in the greater Nashville area. It’s quite literally a giant tower with multiple levels for varying degrees of adventure. Each participant is strapped into a safety harness using a belay system which allows you to challenge yourself on all of the various obstacles while staying safe 45ft above the ground. This is a great excuse to get yourself outside and do something adventurous.

First Tennessee Park (address and info)
Downtown
The Sounds aren’t new to Nashville but their fancy First Tennessee Park is. Located right in the heart of downtown, First Tennessee Park is a big upgrade from the previous home of the Sounds. It seats over 10,000 people and has some upgraded food options such as Pepperfire Hot Chicken (in case a plain hot dog and cracker jacks just won’t cut it for you). But don’t worry, the scoreboard is still shaped like a giant guitar.

Pioneer Gentlemen’s Barber (address and info)
The Gulch
This “turn of the century”-inspired barbershop opened up earlier this year with the mission of delivering a new and unique standard in men’s grooming. Men can enjoy a cold beverage while getting their shoes shined and their beard freshly trimmed. Best of all: every customer receives a free beverage, a complimentary neck and shoulder massage, as well as a scalp massage.

Little Octopus (address and info)
East Nashville
After the huge success of Otaku Ramen (POPs first venture), Little Octopus was a much anticipated new restaurant opening for 2015. They pride themselves in serving cultural cuisine inspired from around the world with options for everyone including vegans and meat lovers alike.

Music City Brisket (address and info)
Various locations
Should you find this food truck parked near you for lunch, make no hesitation in jumping in line and ordering one of their smoked beef brisket sandwiches. Music City Brisket might be new to Nashville’s food truck scene but they’ve quickly become one of our favorites. Their award-winning deep fried avocado fries are also worthy of a mention.

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Brita Britnell is a Nashville-based food photographer and writer who's on a mission to discover the best burger in Nashville. Follow her at @BBritnell.