Capitol Grille is one of the area's finest dining establishments. Special touches include fine linens, candles, crystal and fine china. The quality of food and the exceptional service puts this restaurant in a class of its own. The extensive menu is classic American with a bit of Asian and Cajun influence. Unusual side dishes, such as eggplant fries, and cheese grits add pizzazz to the entrees. True adventure seekers should try the "Dinner on the Edge Menu" offering unique dishes at each course, paired with an accompanying wine.

The most authentic blues bar this side of Chicago is located in the 3rd Avenue office complex and strip mall. Wednesday night's feature house band, The Wooten Brothers, comprised of the insanely talented Victor Wooten (of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones) and his two brothers. The live music has another added benefit. Lines at the bar are very short, as everyone is near the stage listening to the tunes! Food is typical bar fare but still quite good. The burgers are excellent.

Nashville's premier R&B venue caters to the Blues purist. House band " "Stacy Mitchhart and Blues You Can Use and notable guest performers keep it real. Check the calendar or call for upcoming acts and performances. New Orleans-style Cajun cuisine is served nightly until midnight. Don't underestimate the spices, you'll might regret it, if you're not careful. Don't dare leave without tasting the jambalaya and gumbo.

Having staged the performances of renowned artists like Norah Jones, Robert Randolph and Moby in the past, The National Underground in Nashville is one of the most vibrant live music hangouts in Nashville. The bar is regularly visited by the followers of rock, country and pop music who love the intimacy it offers with artists/ bands. As for the food, the bar's charcoal grill dishes out some of the best tasting burgers you will find in Nashville. Walk in here during happy hours and avail discounts on PBR and wine. Open late till 3a on all days, this is one bar in Nashville you can vouch on for a great time.

Although it may not look like much other than an Italian flag from the outside, Manny's House of Pizza boasts what many Nashville residents would not hesitate to call the best pizza in the city. The thin crust, New York-style pizzas or the thick Sicilian pies come complete with all the classic toppings, nothing crazy here. In addition to the beloved pies, they also serve many of the most comforting Italian delights like eggplant parmesan, calzones, spaghetti and lasagna, among others. Wash your meal down with a pint (or pitcher!) of draft beer.

Taste of N'Awlins gets it right with spot-on, home-style Cajun cooking based on family recipes passed down from generation to generation. Guests can enjoy amazing Cajun favorites like chicken and sausage gumbo, crawfish etoufee, and lightly battered fried catfish done N'Awlins style. Owners Dale and Nikki Tamborella relocated to middle Tennessee from New Orleans in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina. With the restaurant business in their background, Taste of N'Awlins is their second restaurant since moving to Nashville. While the decor is still a work in progress, the food couldn't be better. Taste of N'Awlins is definitely worth the drive out to Joelton. -Lynn-nore Chittom

Athens Family Restaurant offers guests delicious Mediterranean entrees morning, noon and night. With breakfast served until 2:30p, even late risers have a chance at a delicious Greek breakfast. The morning menu includes a wide variety of traditional breakfast options as well as a few sprinkled with feta and spinach. For lunch and dinner, guests can find all sorts of Greek treats, and a few choices which are harder to find around middle Tennessee, including spanakopita. While the ambiance is somewhat lacking, the food more than makes up for it and the 24-hour service from Wednesday through Saturday make it a favorite for the late-night crowd. - Lynn-nore Chittom

Royal Thai in Brentwood offers guests some of the most authentic Thai flavors in middle Tennessee. Customers are met with the inviting, spicy aromas common to Thai restaurants, but the food and customer service at Royal Thai will exceed expectations. Great for large groups, lunch meetings or quiet dining, Royal Thai specializes in true Thai cooking. Menu items are seasoned with such amazing flavors as Thai curry, kha prao basil, kaffir limes, and phrik khi nu chili. Entrees are available at various spice levels, so be prepared to specify your preference. Common Thai specialties which are not listed on the menu may also be available upon request. -Lynn-nore Chittom

Judge Beans BBQ is a true Texas barbecue joint, no doubt about it. They serve an amazing brisket barbecue specifically designed to win over all of the pork- and beef-loving Nashville natives, and they're doing a pretty good job. The atmosphere is sparse and rustic with long wooden picnic tables for family-style seating. The menu is amusing and informative, both about the food and the owner. Read it closely for a good giggle before your food arrives. Be warned: Judge's makes it hot and spicy, but if you're looking for a true Texas treat, you may have found your new favorite place. - Lynn-nore Chittom

The brick and glass exterior is a departure from the historic downtown design, and the art deco lighting highlights the wrought iron and copper fixtures inside. Patrons will enjoy the counter seats surrounding the open kitchen. The menu here is the same classic menu that has made Merchant's famous in the Nashville area: crab cakes, pork Osso Bucoand and robust beef entrees. An express lunch is available and an expanded children's menu has been added.