The Arcade Nashville — Local services in Nashville-Davidson

Contrary to some of the reviews, as a native Tennessean, this place has never been a place to go "shopping", not in my lifetime at least. It is an eclectic mix of restaurants, a shoe shine shop, a hair salon, an ancient post office, etc. That "run down" feel that some people complain about is called authenticity and charm. This site is very old, if you want new, go to the mall. There are, at my last count, about 12 individual and culturally unique restaurants either within or just outside of the arcade, no chain restaurants either. This a popular lunch destination for many folks that work downtown because of all the different food options. If you've already paid to park somewhere close, or are staying in one of the nearby hotels, you should definitely give it a try. My fave is the Back Alley...

Really three and a half stars. Three and a half because the first time I went they were closed. They have wierd hours and are closed Sundays. As others have posted there are many shops closed. The upstairs art galleries were nice to walk by. The view upstairs is nice also from the balcony, but it was HOT. The few restaurants and the Walgreens were about what we expected. Sadly the peanut store didn't survive the pandemic. It was nice to see it once, it was worth the trip. Keep in mind they don't have a actual restroom for the arcade. We had to borrow a key from one restaurant to use the employee bathrooms, which were clean. Also do your research on their hours as they do...

this place used to be the heart and soul of downtown. now its just another tourist trap to take your money. every store sells almost identical merchandise. no chinese food, no chicken place, no hotdog place. they even got rid of the post office. there is a bagel shop and a bar with a pizza place but not as good as the old one. varallo's the oldest restaurant in tennessee is right outside the arcade is the best thing about the place. if your looking for overvalued cowboy hats and boots this...