Locals of Seattle and Nashville seem to care about many of the same things: abundant live music, exhibits that explore that robust musical fabric (MOPOP in Seattle, a whole array of options in Nashville), solid food and drink, and maintaining the city’s distinctive character in the midst of rapid growth and change.
While the climates and topography may be quite different in these two enticing cities, you’ll find surprising similarities, too — as well as some crossover residents who’ve called both destinations home.
Ryan Lobe is one such example. As an instructor at Nashville’s Liquor Lab, where you can hone your cocktail-making skills during lively, interactive classes, Lobe also bartends at Gramp’s Garage, owned by a friend who happens to hail from Seattle, as well. (Lobe grew up in Edmonds, and moved to Seattle proper once he turned 21.)
Now, as a Tennessee resident, Lobe finds many similarities between East Nashville and the city where he grew up. “[East Nashville] is a very diverse neighborhood full of artists, musicians and hospitality professionals,” he says.
Nashville Skyline (Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp)
A few of Lobe’s Nashville suggestions that showcase further crossover connections include: Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk, a “fantastic karaoke bar” on the city’s eastside that’s a collaboration between Dave Young from The Crying Wolf (Nashville) and Dave Flatman and Chris Jones from Screwdriver Bar in Seattle, which is “hands down” one of Lobe’s favorite bars in the country. “Hubba has an amazing collection of rock n’ roll and pop culture memorabilia,” he says. “My wife and I actually had our wedding reception there back in October.”
And one of Lobe’s favorite Nashville restaurants — Peninsula — is owned by two Seattle transplants, Craig Schoen and partner Yuriko Say. “They set out to open their restaurant a few years ago before the big Nashville boom and quickly became a staple in the community,” says Lobe. Their chef, Jake Howell, received a James Beard Award last year, and the restaurant received the Bib Gourmand from the Michelin Guide. The pair also just opened their second concept, Charmers, in Nashville’s Germantown.
For those wanting to experience Nashville’s distinctive flavors for themselves, several direct flight options exist from Sea-Tac (on Alaska and Delta, for example). Yet, if a trip’s not in the cards right now, there are plenty of ways to experience Tennessee-esque fare and flair right here on Seattle soil.
Here are just a few of the many ways to get in the southern spirit:
SAVOR HOT CHICKEN FOR THE WIN
Seattle’s southern food lovers flock to spots like Dave’s Hot Chicken in Capitol Hill and Sisters and Brothers, which Lobe describes as “a great hot chicken joint in that little corner where Queen Anne, Interbay and downtown meet.” In another small-world connection, he adds, “It is a collaboration of one of the old partners from The Crying Wolf (Nashville) and one of my old bosses and good friends, Drew Church, who also owns the legendary cocktail bar, The Hazlewood, in Ballard.” At Sisters and Brothers, spice levels span from “naked” to “insane,” and southern-inspired sides include slaw, mac and cheese, collards, hush puppies, okra and fried green tomatoes.
READ MORE | Sisters and Brothers bring the sizzle of Nashville hot chicken to Seattle
In Nashville: This is a loaded question, with many locals having strong opinions on the best hot chicken around. Answers range from popular spots like Hattie B’s and Party Fowl, to Acme Feed & Seed, where hot chicken bites get served up with a side of live music inside an historic 1890 building right off Broadway’s main drag.
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken (Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp)
HEAR MUSIC IN AN INTIMATE (OR GRAND) SETTING
Most Seattleites know which venue best fits their vibe and genre preference. Ballard’s Tractor Tavern, for example, has long been known for showcasing genres from country to rock on its intimate stage. You’ll also find funky cowboy boots dangling from the ceiling and square dances that regularly liven up weekday nights. Others flock to Little Red Hen to get their country music and two-stepping fix.
To enjoy a sit-down experience in a grand setting, however, Seattleites know to check out happenings at downtown’s Benaroya Hall, from symphonic productions to National Geographic lectures. The venue will close for six weeks this summer for a $20 million renovation project.
In Nashville: Everyone’s heard of institutions like The Bluebird Cafe, Ryman, and Grand Ole Opry (which turned 100 in 2025), and they are all worth a visit in our opinion. Yet touring the Scherhorn Symphony Center, considered one of the world’s finest acoustical venues and the city orchestra’s home since 2006, gives a different perspective of Nashville’s musical range. The intimate, 1,800-seat Laura Turner Hall features soundproof windows and a 3,500-pipe concert organ. If your timing aligns, we recommend checking out collaborations between the symphony and local superstars like Trisha Yearwood and Dolly Parton.
BUY A RECORD, GRAB A DRINK
Capitol Hill’s Life on Mars is not only one of the city’s hippest spots for grabbing a cocktail and delicious vegan fare; their cauliflower wings have received much praise, and we’re particularly fond of brunch items with names like Disco Poutine Breakfast Bowl and Benny & The Jets. Added bonus? You can add to your vinyl collection while here, as they sell 50+ albums to be purchased online or in the bar. (Here are some current titles.) Plus, during their vinyl happy hours, you can play the album you’d like to purchase — or any of the venue’s thousands of options.
Now, record lovers can also join the Life On Mars Club. It costs $50 a month and, aside from a vinyl selection, comes with perks like merch, special members’ events and discounts. The venue also just started accepting submissions of local artists’ vinyl consignment. “The artists keep 100% of the revenue if they are approved to sell,” explains Leigh Sims. “We just want to highlight the amazing local scene here.” Tip: The restaurant-bar will be “going big” for FIFA viewing too, Sims adds, so keep an eye out!
In Nashville: Shop for vinyls while sipping cocktails on the second floor of the recently reopened Ernest Tubb Record Shop. In storied spaces that, over the decades have hosted talents from Loretta Lynn and Hank Williams to Johnny Cash, wander the maze of five floors that include hidden lounges, lively honky-tonk stages and an open rooftop bar with great views of the action below.
Carter Vintage Guitars-Gulch (Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp)
STOCK UP ON LOCAL GOODS LIKE ARTISAN CHOCOLATE
Seattle-based artisan company indi chocolate makes small-batch, handcrafted, bean-to-bar chocolate right in Pike Place (in the newer section, directly next to Old Stove Brewing Co). Load up on sweet treats to go, or enjoy goodies and beverages inside the airy shop — like drinking chocolate and cacao-based teas.
In Nashville: Perhaps after a tasty brunch at East Nashville hangout Frothy Monkey, head across the street to Olive & Sinclair — the first bean-to-bar makers in Tennessee and perhaps all of the south. Slow-roasted and stone-ground in small batches, their select single-origin beans get combined with pure brown sugar for a smooth taste that’s often paired with other unexpected flavors. (The team here prides themselves on collaborations with other makers.) This is a great place to load up on gifts for yourself or others; best sellers include their duck fat caramels, Mexican-style cinnamon chili chocolate bars and Bourbon nib brittle. We’ll say yeehaw to that!
Whether you’re discovering Seattle’s honky-tonk scene or exploring Nashville with fresh eyes, you’re in for a journey smooth as Tennesee whiskey.
Grimey’s East (Courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp)
Corinne Whiting is a freelance writer for Seattle Refined. Follow more of her adventures here.