Embrace Nashville's Subculture: Urban Cuisine & Cafe

Nashville has no shortage of culture. From the honky-tonks to a full-scale replica of the Parthenon, Music City is one-of-a-kind. Yet many of us have seen a different side of the city lately: one where the streets that used to throb and buzz with excitement, now buzz with an eerie silence. While many of us locals rub our eyes in disbelief at Google Maps' lack of traffic, visitors across the country cancel flights and un-book their Airbnbs. Many of us felt a wave of defeat, tragedy, and grief from the tornado that destroyed many homes and businesses in East Nashville. And before we could even catch our breaths, COVID-19 wiped out the livelihood of friends, neighbors, family, and fellow Nashvillians.

Nashville has always been a city of strength, a city with grit, and a city with heart. There's no doubt that Nashville will come alive, again, once the chill of Coronavirus has passed, but will our local businesses?

Our community, despite being spread over 500 square miles is tight-knit. We look out for each other. Even before the stay-at-home order forced people into their yards, the people in McMurray, Crieve Hall, Green Hills, and elsewhere came together for those in-need. Across the city, we give when we can and support local businesses and artists, but for most, COVID-19 has taken away the opportunity to be as #NashvilleStrong as we want to be.

But we must stand arm-in-arm to rebuild the foundation of our culturally rich city. Now more than ever, it's time to embrace our local eateries, breweries, and coffee shops. And to begin this mission, I urge my Nashville neighbors to embrace our very own Subculture. That's right. Subculture Urban Cuisine and Cafe.

If you've never had a chance to try this perfect little gem of a cafe, you have been missing out. Subculture embodies all the quirky, unique, and spicy gusto that makes Nashville so special.

Subculture is a come-as-you-are cafe that cares first and foremost about the quality of their cuisine. The menu is original, inventive, and can only be described as "a collage of all that is wonderful and tasty!"

Never heard of Subculture? You've probably driven past thousands of times without noticing this best-kept-secret of Nashville. Subculture is tucked between an H&R Block and a Cici's Pizza off of Nolensville Pike. You probably know the plaza -- it's the one with the closed Babies-R-Us. But don't let the location fool you. This nonchalant, unimposing cafe is bursting with more flavor, friendliness, and originality than most know what to do with. In fact, I dare you to take a peek at the menu and not order twice as much food as you can eat in one sitting.

Subculture's menu is like eating around the world, but with a menu curated to only include the freshest ingredients and the best local brews. From the Cubano to the various types of Ramen to the crepes, you cannot go wrong no matter what you order (take note for those of you that can never decide what kind of food you're in the mood for). Subculture even offers some of the most scrumptious vegan and vegetarian options I've ever had the pleasure of tasting. That's right, veg-heads, you have to try the 3 Butternut Tacos!

Want the perfect date spot for coffee or a dulce de leche crepe? Subculture has you covered. Want to feed the kids a healthy meal with ingredients you will recognize? Subculture. Looking for the perfect place to grab a drink with coworkers on a Friday evening? That's right, subculture. In fact, they even have cider on draft (be still my heart!).

And while Subculture's food makes me feel more at home than any other restaurant in Nashville, the amazing people that work there that make me return time and time, again. And while this quaint restaurant is anything but huge or fancy, the staff literally bend over backward to make sure every plate that hits the table is perfect. And keeping with the laid-back international atmosphere, I've never experienced any subtle hints that I should vacate my table (like you've probably experienced during Sunday brunch anywhere nearby 12-South or downtown).

If Nashville's soul could be re-incarnated as a sandwich, it'd probably be Subculture's very own take on Nashville hot chicken, the SC Chicken Sandwich.

So, now it's your turn, Nashville. If you want to enjoy a meal that rivals Broadway's color, vibrancy, and energy, support the much-deserving Subculture. This small business deserves a big boost today, tomorrow, and from here on. So, stop by for a Cappuccino on the way into the office once the time comes. Pop in for a mid-day empanada. Spread the word that Subculture is just around the corner and deliciously Nashville. Just don't blame me when you get addicted to their crispy garbanzos or Hot Chicken Ramen.