Nectar: Urban Cantina — Restaurant in Nashville-Davidson

I've been a loyal longtime customer since Nectar opened it's doors. We take out of town guests here because we love it so much. My sister was visiting. I've worked in the service industry before, so I am usually very accommodating to the dinner rush, being in the weeds as a server etc. Tonight , however, was a rough one!

We put our names and knew it was a 30 minute wait or so. We had a party of 2 adults, 2 older kids plus 2 babies with high chairs. (Check the schedule for the host working on May 24 at 7:00 because she was rude). When our number was called she wanted to sit us at the tiniest table that barely fit two adults comfortably. She put the two high chairs on the ends blocking the walk ways. I asked to wait for a larger table or even if we could sit outside because while we were waiting there we saw several large families leave. She assured me she would check. I sat the kids down, but didn't want them to get too settled if she had a spot outside for us.

Almost 10 minutes went by and we weren't greeted by our server yet so I thought they were figuring it out. I walked to the hostess stand again and politely asked if we could sit outside. She rudely and abruptly said there was no room. I went outside and looked and there were 4 large picnic tables with no one sitting at them. I walked back in and shared my amazing discovery and again politely asked if we could sit there and that we wouldn't be long. She said there were two parties coming in, one with 8 people and one with 9. I said ok, if they don't show up could we go sit outside? She very sarcastically said it would not be a possibility that she was about to text them. Ok, I wave the white flag. Let's just order and eat and we will let the kids play outside after.

It took forever to get greeted, but our server was nice and took our order. We had been waiting for a while so we knew what we wanted. We waited a very LONG time for the chips and salsa....20 minutes! It was a bit frustrating to wait that long that I almost asked her to cancel it. It was also frustrating because we were trying to keep our kids happy at this teeny tiny table.

I had not eaten inside in a very long time so I never noticed these newer tiny tables, but at best they are a two top, it's really pushing it to fit 4 people comfortably. It's like they took their picnic table and cut it in half. You can barely fit your appetizer plate on the table if you are chips and salsa. I would not eat at these tables again unless I was just with one person.

I knew it was busy so we were patient. The kids got their meals, but then my sister and I waited for another 20 minutes before the server came over and asked if we had gotten ours yet. She looked puzzled. She left for a long time and didn't return back to let us know what was wrong. Did she forget to put in our taco order? Did they run out of an item? I took the baby outside and walk him for 15 min. I come back in to check on my sister, still no tacos! Weird. I asked if she knew what the hang up was and she didn't.

I walked back down to the outside and walk around again for a while. I come back, still no tacos. At this point, I've stacked plates up of the kids' finished meals. Then, a runner arrives with our tacos. I've worked in the industry before and this would've been a great check in for a manager or explanation from our server. Hangry, we just wanting to eat fast to let the kids go play. We did just that. We ate and got the bill. There still was no explanation for this long of service or an apology.

We walked outside and surprise, two of the same picnic tables I had checked well over an hour perviously were still empty. I'm not sure why that hostess had to be so intentionally difficult. Although this is a salty review, I hope the Nectar team can make some adjustments to the seating indoors and remind the staff about being polite and just letting guests know if there are disruptions to their service. I know this is not usually the experience we have at Nectar. The food is always great. I was just so disappointed in my...

A gift card brought us in....but the great food, ambiance and service will keep us coming back! Just returned home from am amazing lunch at Nectar Urban Cantina. The place is super sunny and airy and was totally packed (a sure sign it's a good restaurant).

We started with the Mexican flag, which was a trio of their tomatillo salsa verde, poblano queso and their fire-roasted salsa. We were surprised by the large portions for this appetizer, it was practically a meal in itself (and we're pretty stoked we had enough of each to take home for a night snack!). All were really great, but the tomatillo salsa was really unique (and our favorite) -- not something you can typically find in a mexican restaurant...and the store bought is never anything special.

I had the fried fish taco and the brisket taco (Yazoo dos perros decker) -- the beer-braised brisket was FANTASTIC. I am a Dos Perros fan to begin with, but the double decker was amazing with the cheese between the flour tortillas...and the special touch of the oozed side-cheese. I also think the horseradish crema MADE THIS TACO exceptional!

My husband had the fajitas which also looked incredibly fresh and fantastic. He literally inhaled his lunch, so I only got to try some of the rice. The jalapeno's BTW, looked fresh grown out back....and they are always a fam favorite in our house. Double plus.

We saw so many gorgeous dishes coming out of the kitchen, that we will definitely be back. We are also stoked to come back for some live music. Donelson is a bit of a drive for us (we are spoiled in Mid-town)...so imy only question for the owners is...if Pancho & Lefty's ever leaves Sylvan Park can you PLEASE open another Nectar in our...

THE ATMOSPHERE: Nectar: Urban Cantina is a unique and fun experience to the Donelson area. It blends trendy Tex-Mex with a coffee cafe. The food is tasty and the decor is bright and fun, and I bet on a nice day they have the large garage doors open. The cafe has "grab-and-go" options if you're in a hurry or just want a good cup of coffee, and the restaurant offers a fun dining experience.

THE FOOD: The food here is very good and honestly everything looked tempting. We ordered the black bean hummus (very unique and delicious, highly recommend), the Pork Nachos, and a Chipotle Chicken taco with elotes and fries. My only complaint with the food is the Pork Nachos, which had much to be desired in terms of volume of queso. The amount of protein and veggies on it were great, but there was little queso which led to a fairly dry dish.

THE SERVICE: My biggest complaint and the reason for 4 stars comes from the service we experienced. We walked in and stood at the host stand for about 3 - 4 minutes before someone walked up and sat us. I understand a restaurant is very busy and people get tied up with things, but when we sat down our server never came. I waited another 7 - 8 minutes before I got up from the table, walked back to the host stand, informed him that our server never showed up, and then walked back to our table. After another minute or two our server arrived and took our orders.

I know this is a newer restaurant so I plan on revisiting again in the future in the hopes of being able to modify my review to 5 stars as the concept of Nectar: Urban Cantina is really cool and the food is delicious. But until then, 4...