Nashville Spotlight: The Finch

The Finch in Nashville, Tennessee, is a modern American grill that stands out for its blend of elegant dining and approachable atmosphere, situated in a historic and vibrant area of the city.

Here is a detailed overview of the restaurant:

What Makes The Finch Unique and Its History

The Finch’s uniqueness stems from its location and sophisticated concept:

• Location and Ambiance: It is nestled in the historic Union Station building complex, a key landmark in Nashville. The interior is designed to be elegant yet approachable, featuring a sweeping marble-top craft cocktail center bar that anchors the space. The decor, with its floral accents and gold-toned fixtures, is described as a “modern take on timeless style,” giving it a bright, airy feeling that one customer likened to an “outdoor garden.” The owners, Milkshake Concepts, positioned it as a stylish staple suitable for both casual encounters and formal engagements.
• The Concept: The restaurant defines itself as being “at the intersection of fun and fine dining,” offering an “oasis of culinary craft and casual sophistication.” The name itself plays into this—a flock of finches is called a “charm.“

While there is no information about significant historical events that took place at the restaurant itself (as it is a modern establishment within a historic building complex), its location next to the Union Station Nashville Yards Hotel and the Frist Art Museum places it at the center of a historical and cultural hub. The venue is specifically designed to host events and large parties, offering a beautiful setting for celebrations.

Highlight Menu Items

The menu, crafted by Chef Rodman Shields, offers a sophisticated take on American classics with global influences.

Highly Recommended Dishes:

Customer feedback frequently highlights these dishes:

• Shrimp & Grits: Praised by one guest as “the best shrimp and grits I have ever had (better than Florida!).” This dish features smoked bacon, green onion, tomatoes, and a white wine jus.
• Meatballs: Described as “very good” by patrons, served with San Marzano tomato sauce, house whipped ricotta, focaccia, and Calabrian chilis.
• Volcano Rock Shrimp: A popular appetizer with volcano sauce, spiced peanuts, and sliced scallions. One guest noted, “THE UNDER THE SEA SHRIMP WAS MY FAVORITE! I nearly ate it by myself.“
• Tzatziki & Spicy Feta: A flavorful appetizer served with warm naan bread and baked pita chips.
• 12 Oz. Hawaiian Ribeye: Described as “tender and packed with flavor,” it is served with grilled pineapple, whipped mashed potatoes, and Caribbean chili butter.

Other Signature Selections:

• Entrées: Honey Sriracha Glazed Salmon (cedar plank roasted), Short Rib (with ancho chile demi-glace), Cajun Chicken (blackened chicken with spicy alfredo and gemelli pasta), and NY Strip Steak Frites (topped with a 17-ingredient L’Entrecôte sauce).
• Brunch Favorites: Honey Stung Chicken & Waffles (with hot honey and bourbon-infused maple syrup), Brûléed Bananas French Toast, and Short Rib Hash.
• Specialty Cocktails: The craft cocktail menu is extensive, featuring drinks like the “Early Bird Special” (with Grey Goose and espresso liqueur) and the “I Wanna Be a Millionaire” (a premium Herradura Añejo Tequila cocktail).

Customer Feedback

The Finch is highly rated, with reviewers often emphasizing the total dining experience:

• Atmosphere and Value: The restaurant is lauded as “a unique and beautifully done restaurant.” Customers appreciate that the food and drinks are “delicious while being well priced,” which is a rare find in upscale downtown restaurants. It’s considered a perfect spot for a date night, large celebration, or happy hour.
• Service: Service is consistently rated as excellent. Guests have reported “attentive service from staff who are friendly and accommodating,” with specific servers being mentioned for being “knowledgeable, attentive, and kind.”
• Food Quality: The food quality is generally very high, with appetizers and signature entrees receiving praise for being “full of flavor.”
• Points of Caution: While generally positive, some specific feedback has noted issues like appetizers (e.g., the Buffalo Egg Rolls) being served cold, some entrees being described as under-seasoned, or portion sizes being small for the price.

Essential Information