Geist, Germantown

Restaurants in Nashville are opening and closing at such a rapid rate it's hard to keep up. By the time I want to go back to my favorites, they are already closing their doors. There are some closures that don't surprise me and some that break my heart. I'm going to try my hardest to keep frequenting and mentioning the establishments that are knocking it out of the park and may be lost in the shuffle.  One that is fairly new on the scene that I want to stick around is Geist.

Geist is in a historic former blacksmith shop in one of my favorite neighborhoods, Germantown. I applaud anyone willing to use something already existing than be housed in the ugly modern boxes going up everywhere.  Just like other areas in Nashville, the character of Germantown is falling to the developers and big money. It's good to see something survive and be used.

I would return to Geist on that reason alone, but thank goodness they know how to wine and dine. I mean, come on, Champagne Garden!

The cocktail menu is well curated. It's inventive but not too crazy.

As is the custom nowadays, the plates go from small-shareable to larger-sized entrees. The larger plates weren't huge so you could keep one to yourself if you wanted.  I often skip the bread in favor of other things but this bread was worth it!

The heirloom carrots with farmers cheese (above) and the charred beets with goat cheese, chicken schmaltz, and preserved lemon (below) were fresh and interesting and even got my carnivore son to eat some veggies.

For our mains, we had braised pork, tagliatelle, and pesto and chicken confit, sausage and white beans.

I feel Geist has done something here that will give it longevity: they are just different enough that the food is not something you could make in your own kitchen, but is comforting enough that you can keep coming back.

Super complicated menus appeal to tourists and special occasion, once-a-year diners. As a resident, after a long day or week, I want comfort, not a challenge. The champagne garden felt like I was in a neighbor's backyard.  Our server was laid back but knowledgeable. I think this is the perfect escape from the chaos downtown. 

I claim no authority on why some great restaurants close and some that are half-assing it stay open.  I do know that there is no excuse to have a mediocre meal in Nashville no matter how much money you spend.

Support the people who work just as hard for that money as you do.

Explore the menu

Reserve your table at Geist on Resy