The Rutledge in downtown Nashville is a modern American grill and sophisticated dining destination that sets itself apart with a blend of upscale cuisine, a trendy atmosphere, and a notable fine art collection.
Here is a comprehensive look at the restaurant, its offerings, and details:
What Makes The Rutledge Unique
The Rutledge offers a “feast for the senses,” distinguishing itself through several key features:
- Atmosphere and Ambiance: It features an upscale, trendy, and intimate ambiance with stylish decor, including soft blue lighting and elegant seating. It provides a more quiet and refined dining experience compared to the bustling Broadway area it’s near.
- Art Collection: The restaurant prominently features a gallery of one-of-a-kind fine art pieces from renowned artists such as RETNA, Mr. Brainwash, Alec Monopoly, and Terry O’Neill, making it a destination for art lovers as well as food enthusiasts.
- The Speakeasy: The downtown location includes a hidden “Anonymous” Speakeasy, offering a unique, intimate space for cocktails and private events.
- Culinary Blend: The menu offers a sophisticated modern approach to American classics, but also uniquely features fresh sushi, a rarity among traditional steakhouses or Southern-focused restaurants in the area.
History and Location
The Rutledge initially opened a location in the Cool Springs area. The downtown Nashville location is their second venture, situated right in the heart of the city.
- Downtown Opening: The downtown location is adjacent to the ground floor of the Four Seasons Hotel Nashville, placing it across from a scenic park and the Cumberland River.
- “The Rutledge Nashville” as a Music Venue (Historical Note): It is important to note that a separate, iconic music venue named “The Rutledge” was established in the early 2000s (around 2004) and was known for its intimate atmosphere (capacity of about 200) and for hosting countless emerging and seasoned artists across various genres. While the restaurant has no direct connection to this music venue’s operational history, the name echoes a significant part of Nashville’s music culture.
Highlight Menu Items and Customer Feedback
The menu is described as New American cuisine, featuring expertly grilled steaks, fresh sushi, and Southern-inspired bites.
| Category | Highlighted Dishes | Customer Feedback |
| Bites | Shrimp Wontons (Jumbo shrimp served with hot honey), Prime Rib Steak Rolls (Tender prime rib, caramelized onions, smoked gouda in fried wontons), Lobster Bites, Avocado Deviled Eggs (Topped with candied bacon) | The Wontons and Lobster Bites are frequently mentioned as “amazing” and “highly recommend.” The Deviled Eggs appetizer is also praised. |
| Entrées | Rutledge Prime Meatloaf (Must-try, packed with rich, smoky flavors), Hand Cut Ribeye, Filet Mignon, Salmon with Brussel Sprouts, Mahi-Mahi, Braised Short Rib. | The Rutledge Prime Meatloaf receives high praise for its great flavor. The Ribeye and Salmon are noted as delicious and perfectly prepared, with the food quality generally rated as exceptional (around 9/10). |
| Sushi | Spicy Tuna Tempura Roll, Shrimp Crunch Roll, Surf + Turf Roll (Lobster, filet mignon, etc.) | Customers appreciate the inclusion of fresh sushi, noting it as a pleasant surprise, though some reviews rate the sushi as average compared to other dishes. |
| Drinks/Desserts | Creative Seasonal Cocktails (e.g., ‘Pretty in Pink’), Specialty Old Fashioned, Lemon Mascarpone Cake, 6-Layer Chocolate Cake | Cocktails are described as “strong and tasty.” Desserts are noted as a perfect, indulgent finish to the meal. |
General Customer Sentiment:
- Service: Frequently described as top-notch and outstanding, with attentive and friendly staff who are well-versed on the menu. Servers like “Steve” are specifically mentioned by name for providing excellent service.
- Vibe: Posh, classy, and intimate, making it an excellent choice for a special occasion, fancy birthday dinner, or a romantic date night.
- Criticism: Some reviews mention occasional inconsistencies in food quality for certain dishes and that a few items may be overpriced relative to their quality.
Significant Events
The information gathered primarily focuses on the restaurant’s daily operation, ambiance, and art collection, rather than major, publicly documented historical events at this specific location. The venue itself is better suited for private dining events and parties in its dedicated rooms:
- Private Dining Room: Capacity of 50-65.
- Mezzanine: Capacity of 100-125.
- Anonymous Speakeasy: Capacity of 15-25.
You can check their official website’s “Events” section for a calendar of any upcoming public happenings.
Contact and Location Information
| Detail | Information |
| Address | 151 1st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201 |
| Phone Number | (615) 678-8063 |
| Website | The Rutledge |
| Reservations | OpenTable or via their website |
| Map Location | View on Map |
The Rutledge’s downtown location is conveniently located with easy access to Broadway for an after-dinner walk or night out. Parking is available nearby, including a garage right next door.
