When in Nashville, Indiana where can one go to get some typically southern grub? Why the Nashville House of course! You better make sure you want some Southern comfort as it were, because you’re going to feel down right country in every which way while here!
The Long History
There’s so much history that’s to be learned when it comes to The Nashville House. So much so, that they have an entire page dedicated to its beginnings on their official website. So if you’re in the mood to delve deep into their back story, here’s your chance! https://www.nashvillehousebc.com/about-us/
Present owner, Andi Bartels, 40, gives me the low down on where the name of the historical restaurant originated.
“At the time it was first opened boarding houses were usually referred to by the owner’s name and “House”. Nashville has several of these old boarding houses that are named similarly (Ferguson House, Bartley House, etc.). Since the Nashville House was used to board people and there was more than one owner, they named it using the town’s name instead of the owner’s name.” Complicated, and yet simelatensouly simple.
The Owners & Future Plans
Though Andi and her husband are the co-owners of the beautifully kept restaurant, she wasn’t the first operator of the ‘House’. According to the ‘House’s’ history on their official website, the restaurant has had many hands claiming the structure since its early beginnings. When asked if she’s ever owned any other restaurants, she tells me,
“This is our first restaurant, though I grew up working here. My dad owned a total of four restaurants, 2 hotels and multiple shop rentals in town while I was growing up.” And much to great delight, Andi goes on by saying that they are opening a new restaurant in town at The Ferguson House.
“It will be a bistro featuring international specials as well as breakfast and lunch staples.” Exciting news for those looking to expand their taste buds from Southern cuisine to international fan fare.
And if Andi and her husband weren’t busy enough, she expounds on what they do during their time when not working at either restaurant.
“My husband has an FBO (fixed base operation) in Seymour, Indiana where he does aircraft maintenance, restoration, flight instruction and banner towing. He also is a pilot at UPS and I am the Art Teacher at Brown County High School in Nashville.”
This would explain why the mugs for sale in their gift shop area are so well designed, and beautifully executed. I myself had to snag one before leaving The Nashville House, as I couldn’t resist the charm, and beauty that went into making these high-quality mugs.
But that’s not all. The husband and wife duo have just opened up their latest business, which is an airbnb rental in the historical town of Brown County. A cute little house, you might want to consider this as your place to stay before and after you eat at the quaint restaurant. https://airbnb.com/h/fergusonsuites1
The Interior Design
One of the most eye-catching and fun parts about being at The Nashville House is the interior design. You will feel like you’re in a log cabin out in the woods somewhere, but cozy and uninhibited at the same time. When asked who came up with the great décor and vibe, Andi explains all.
“The interior design relies a lot on the architecture – the large wooden beams and stone fireplaces. My dad and mom were the owners before me and they were the ones who chose all of the furniture you see. When my husband and I decided to re-open The Nashville House, we worked together to design an inviting interior with what we had. We used the retail counters that had been there since the 40s to create our bar and the retail space that we currently have. We also raised the counters to make the bar. Additionally, we switched out some old light fixtures and curated the antiques from what we already had. My husband and I also designed the outdoor seating space, and I even designed the railing that we had specially made for the patio.”
The Food
To see more photos of The Nashville House, click here
Now onto the best part of the article – the food. There’s no question that when you’re visiting The Nashville House there are some basic staples you’re going to be tempted to dive in for, and skip the rest. But don’t be deceived – there are some secretly delicious things on the menu you may not even think to try, and you absolutely should!
While their most popular dish is their Fried Chicken (I mean, that’s where it’s at when it comes to down home cooking, right?) – you might be surprised to find out what my favorite pick of the evening was. And it wasn’t the fried chicken. Though, I can’t deny I was licking my fingers all evening picking at it little by little. Even polishing the rest off when I got home that night. But I digress…
Their signature dish is, yep, you guessed it. The Fried Chicken.
But my favorite dishes were something no one could predict. For starters, you can’t leave without trying their Cuban Sandwich. It’s am-a-zing. And while I may use that adjective a lot in my videos, this is truly a time where it needs to be highlighted. A.Ma.Zing.
Prepared with pulled pork that they smoke on site for 8 hours, the Cuban also includes their home-made ham. Perhaps these are all reasons why no one should leave without ordering this. Even if it’s in addition to any of their other dishes. You must try this sandwich. You will not regret it.
Second on my list, and what was an absolute game changer for me, was the Pulled Pork Sandwich. With again, that smoked pulled pork, the barbeque sauce and the other goodness that was wrapped up in this bun were some of the most flavorful and mouthwatering I’ve ever had. And yes, these were, in my humble opinion the best things you’re going to taste when you come here.
Of course though, you must try their fried chicken. Because it’s fried chicken. Duh. You also need to order their appetizer shrimp and their Fried Green Tomatoes. Because these are all things that you will not be sorry about.
And as far as desserts are concerned, there’s nothing that I didn’t like. But their Skillet Brownie is the best. Yes, I said it. Eat it, you will be delighted as I was.
Last but not least, you can’t leave here without trying one of their amazing (there’s that word again) cocktails. While they may have beer and wine on the menu, their cocktails are a must, even if this is the kind of place you might think a beer and a shot of whiskey or bourbon would do better. Not so, dear reader. The cocktails are all delicious, at least the two I tried and even their moonshine was a treat.
What Makes Them So Special
When asked what makes them special, Andi reminds me that they are in a great location. And it’s true. In the heart of Nashville, there’s no spot better that would fit the restaurant named after the town. She adds,
“We have home cooked food, and we really focus on making everything from scratch, offering a nice variety of choices.” All true, and well said. Finally, Andi really opens up with something near and dear to her heart.
“I love being able to keep this piece of local and family history going. It almost didn’t happen as I was unsure what to do after my father passed away. I have always loved The Nashville House – it was my father’s first business and was really the heart of all of his businesses he would eventually have. I grew up here – helping out from the time I was 7 years old. I learned to count change at that young age, since we didn’t have a cash register at that time, just a cash drawer. I helped the hostess seat people as a little girl too.
Later, I did just about everything from bussing and waiting tables to “dipping dinners” which is what we called being a line cook at the steam table. Now, my own children have a chance to experience a little of that themselves. My daughter likes to help out in the country store and my son helped out a ton with our restoration work. I love my community and I love being a part of it in multiple ways. As I teach at the local high school, I know many of our younger employees in 2 different settings and I love that. I love giving them the opportunity for their first jobs and watching them grow.”
What a remarkable woman with a remarkable past, and remarkable attitude. A great role model for the rest of us to strive at success and making opportunities possible for the youth around us.
I loved visiting The Nashville House, if for no other reason than for the experience itself. It’s a great piece of history in our wonderful country and it’s one of the many reasons this restaurant is so special.
So the next time you’re in Nashville, Indiana, remember where to get your delicious lunch and/or dinner. Just make sure that when you do stop in you let them know Lisa sent you!
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