Located on the main level of the stylish Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Hutton Hotel, the new WestEnd Kitchen & Bar offers a relaxed, modern spot for classic cocktails and delicious Southern food.
Lit by spare, contemporary chandeliers and awash in blue and orange, the warm space features comfortable booth seating, cane-backed chairs and marble-topped tables. Bold elements (metallic floor tiles and iron and brass finishes) and charming touches (reclaimed wood floors) give off a trendy-yet-playful vibe. A double-sided marble bar joins the restaurant with the stylish boutique hotel’s lobby.
The menu includes a respectable wine list along with straightforward cocktails. Dishes like hush puppies with cave-aged cheddar, pimento and shaved ham as well as crispy Carolina rice with a fried egg, fermented collards, pickled chili and sorghum-glazed chicken will satisfy traditional and adventurous palates alike.
Our Inspector's Highlights
- WestEnd Kitchen & Bar offers hearty and classic Southern fare, elevated by both the presentation and the ambiance inside. Enjoy the savory duck hash in the morning and return in the evening for flavorful bites like roasted shishito peppers and cola-glazed bison ribs.
- Pull up a leather-covered stool with dangling buckles at the bar during happy hour to rub elbows with hotel guests. Or wander over to the open-concept dining area, complete with living-room-style couches and chairs, for a pre-dinner cocktail.
- The wine list is composed by taste and feel — bubbles, blush, bright and crisp, rich and full, fresh and juicy, bold and earthy. Let those categories be your guide to the right vintage to fill your glass.
- The friendly waitstaff is quick and attentive, ready to cater your best possible evening. Ask for local tips and late-night hot spots, and the servers will point you in the right direction.
- Let the staff know you’re a first-time guest and you’ll receive a complimentary Moscow mule. It’s a delicious tart and lime iteration that deserves a place on the menu.
Things to Know
- The dress code varies at the Nashville restaurant. In the morning, you’ll feel comfortable wearing casual clothing. Lunch at the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant is also casual, but you’ll see a range of outfits, from shorts (especially in the steamy summer) to denim to the occasional suit. Come dinnertime, you’ll see people in slacks and button-downs, cocktail dresses and stylish jeans.
- Complimentary valet parking makes this an ideal place to eat without the complications of finding a metered space downtown.
- Reservations aren’t needed here — the expansive restaurant floor means there is plenty of room to spread out with a large group, but there are also plenty of nooks and crannies available for an intimate dinner for two.
- Views from the restaurant windows overlook West End and a less-than-picturesque vantage of a fast food restaurant. If possible, steer clear of the windows and face the gorgeous hotel interior instead.
The Food
- The dinner menu features a mix of classic staples, all with a modern touch. Don’t miss the burger, slathered with flavorful onion jam and two hearty slices of bacon, or the bison ribs, which are simultaneously lean and tender.
- The charcuterie plate includes a variety of goodies, including raspberries, cherries and a slab of fresh honeycomb to accompany three soft local cheeses selected by the chef.
- A staff favorite, the beer-can chicken comes with golden skin, and is served with a delicious turnip puree that accentuates the bird’s savory flavor.
The Drinks
- There are no gimmicks here, just solid classic cocktails that make you eager to order more. The Old Fashioned is especially nice, particularly when poured with one of the bar’s top-shelf bourbons.
- Order a pint of Blackberry Farm’s Classic Saison to get a taste of another high-end Tennessee property.
- If you’re looking for something refreshing, Le Maison Fizz provides a welcome lightness, with vodka, St-Germain, prosecco and a splash of grapefruit.
Getting There
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