Whether you’re celebrating a Titans victory or drowning your sorrows after a Predators loss, I’m gonna go ahead and identify as being sports-bar deprived. It’s a chic excuse for always craving wings, nachos, and a cold one. A colleague of mine named Taylor Swift once proclaimed “sports are a choice,” and after some trips to Gallatin from Nashville, I tend to agree. So whether or not you’ve made the choice to watch the game, here are a few spots that will satisfy your cravings.
The Local Hendersonville
Returning to Gallatin from a long road trip gives you that good kind of exhaustion, the kind that makes you crave comfort food. Suddenly you’re ready to dive into something hearty and unpretentious, to soak up some local flavor…you could even become someone who (gasp!) orders a full rack of ribs on a Tuesday. Anytime I’m in that mood, I head over to The Local Hendersonville, which is the platonic ideal of a Tennessee sports bar—think cool vibes, awesome music, attentive waitstaff.
The famous G off burger is life-saving: the patty is juicy and perfectly cooked, and the service arrives before you finish deciding. They also have amazing jalapeño ranch, which you should get on the side of anything you order if you know what’s good for you.
Scoreboard at Cedar Creek
$ | (615) 288-3977 | WEBSITE
If you’re out on Old Hickory Lake and you need a good meal, Scoreboard at Cedar Creek is open for lunch at 2pm on weekends and has an amazing oyster selection. Get the fried variety with a cold beer on the side, duh.
The Lucky Rooster
$ | (615) 754-0263 | WEBSITE
I’ll never forget being 14 years old and learning that it wasn’t ‘normal’ to eat onion rings for dinner three nights a week. While that information did send me spiraling onto the bland treadmill of responsible eating for 15 years, it didn’t change my craving for a perfect crispy ring. Hence me falling in love with the onion rings at The Lucky Rooster. Golden, crunchy bliss that will make you happy to be alive for at least 20 minutes. They also have unreal grilled chicken with hot sauce.
Laci’s Halftime Sports Bar and Grill
$ | (615) 461-8362 | WEBSITE
Another place to grab a drink and cheer yourself hoarse is my go-to spot in Gallatin: Laci’s Halftime Sports Bar and Grill. Yes, I’m partial since I’m a regular there but the friendly bartenders pour the drinks right and the smoky atmosphere reminds you you’re in a real sports bar.
Double Dogs
$ | (615) 675-0505 | WEBSITE
After the touchdowns and the wings and the beers you’re going to need to settle in, embrace the mess, and have a chili dog. Food is celebration and anytime I’m craving comfort I immediately head to Double Dogs for their Hebrew National chili dog with hand-cut fries and side of buffalo sauce. It’s so satisfying for people who don’t hold back at all.
Jonathan’s Grille
$$ | (615) 675-5911 | WEBSITE
Another sports bar with the game-day energy you thought only existed on TV. There are plenty of big screens, frosty mugs brimming with cold beer, and the best bar food in town. Horseshoe sandwich, chicken fajita nachos, garlic parmesan wings, pepperoni rolls: Jonathan’s has an endless menu for you to choose from. And if you’re hungry like me, they also have fantastic bam bam shrimp. Grab a Tuesday deal and bring your dog to the patio afterwards to go full “Weekend Warrior” mode.
Buffalo Wild Wings
$ | (615) 230-9464 | WEBSITE
If wings and sports won’t get you going, maybe you need to get served. This is the most reliable spot in Gallatin. Things happen here. That’s all I can share at this point in time!
