DEK of Hearts' Favorite Tennessee Stops
DEK of Hearts, the band that has taken the nation by storm with their powerhouse lyrics and vocals on The Voice Season 28, share their favorite Tennessee stops and things to do in Nashville.
DEK of Hearts, the Tennessee-based, country-pop trio formed by Dylan John, Emily Clapp and Kollin Bailey, were one of the finalists of Tennessee Songwriters Week 2025 and performed at the iconic venue The Bluebird Cafe in February 2025.
Since then, their unique blend of pop, gospel, bluegrass and R&B landed them on Niall Horan's team on The Voice Season 28, finishing third place in the competition. The trio shared their favorite restaurants and things to do in Tennessee. Check out their top stops to add to your Tennessee vacation itinerary, especially things to do in Nashville.
DEK of Hearts' Favorite Tennessee Restaurants
Opry Backstage Grill – Nashville
You never know who you may see dining at at Opry Backstage Grill, one of the many good restaurants in Nashville known for its food that celebrates Tennessee, plus live music. Enjoy favorites like Trace Adkins’ Just Fishin’ fried catfish, smothered pork chops, barbecue and meatloaf. Local brews and cocktails featuring Tennessee spirits are so good, you’ll want to stay awhile.
- Significance of destination: Kollin got to meet and have dinner with the legendary Ricky Skaggs at Opry Backstage Grill. Serves breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Parking information: Parking is available onsite
- Operational hours: 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day
- Special events/happenings: Live music is hosted throughout the week. Check Facebook and Instagram for performance schedules.
Hawkers Asian Street Food – Nashville
The bold, delicious and authentic flavors of the street food served at Hawkers Asian Street Food is a must-stop when you're in Nashville. You’ll fall in love, too, with the pork belly baos, chicken dumplings, spiced lamb street skewers, chili garlic edamame and the spicy kimchi. Noodle dishes, Bibimbap and curry dishes will have you craving for more after your first bite.
- Significance of destination: Hawkers Asian Street Food is a favorite date night spot for Emily and her husband
- Parking information: Limited lots onsite and street parking. Best to go during nonpeak hours.
- Operational hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Wednesday; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Friday-Saturday
The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden – Nashville
Sink your teeth into a craft burger, handspun shakes and handmade phosphates at The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden. Go wild with the White Oak BBQ Burger featuring house-made Coca-Cola BBQ sauce, provolone, local bacon from Gifford’s, crispy onion straws and pickles. Or, enjoy the Black Bean Burger made with a black bean patty, Pico de Gallo, guacamole, vegan mayo and lettuce. Whatever you order, Emily recommends the sweet potato fries and one of the homemade phosphates to round out your meal.
- Significance of destination: This burger hotspot is where Emily loved to frequent when she first came to Nashville and still loves to frequent when she’s in town.
- Parking information: There is a free lot located behind the restaurant. Additional street parking is available on McFerrin Ave., Chicamauga Ave. and other surrounding residential streets.
- Operational hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Sunday-Saturday
Pinewood Social – Nashville
Pinewood Social is a great local hangout for exceptional food, bowling, yard games on the patio and more. Get breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, plus brunch Friday-Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy craft cocktails, dishes like the Chipotle Avocado salad, grain bowls, green chili brisket, or the fried chicken plate.
- Significance of destination: Dylan’s favorite bar is Pinewood Social. He used to work there and served famous musicians in downtown Nashville all the time.
- Parking information: Three hours of free parking is availabe at the nearby Trolley Barns Garage, located off Lea Avenue. Scan the validation QR code at the host stand.
- Operational hours: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday-Saturday
- Special happenings: A great place for bowling, lawn games on the outdoor patio like bocce, mini golf, ping pong and cornhole and seasonal dipping pools on a first-come, first-serve basis with pool floats, towels and sunscreen available for purchase.
Dose. – Nashville
Start the day is with a cup of local coffee from Dose. Grab and go a latte, matcha or hot tea before starting your Nashville adventures for the day, or cozy up in the light-filled café that is also a full-service restaurant. When you’re hungry, dig in to the street corn quinoa salad, breakfast burrito, breakfast poutine, rosemary biscuit sandwich or the veggie bagel stacked with cucumber, avocado, arugula, tomato, sprouts and tzatziki or hummus.
- Significance of destination: Dose is DEK of Hearts' favorite way to start a day in Nashville. The East Nashville location features a bodega full of locally sourced artisan goods and food.
- Parking information: Onsite parking varies by location. Onsite parking is available at the West Nashville location; limited onsite parking at the East Nashville location and limited onsite parking at the Old Hickory location.
Operational hours:
West Nashville
6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday
7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday-SundayEast Nashville
7 a.m. to 5 p.m. dailyOld Hickory
7 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Drusie & Darr – Nashville
Photo Credit: Drusie & Darr
From internationally acclaimed Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, enjoy an elevated night of dining at Drusie & Darr in Nashville’s iconic Hermitage Hotel. The Jean-Georges menu changes with the seasons, ensuring you’ll get a unique experience every time. Drusie and Darr is a “once-in-a-lifetime culinary opportunity” you need to experience when in the city.
- Significance of destination: Kollin has tried some great dishes there including grilled cheese with egg yolk and the “best lava cake” he’s ever had.
- Parking information: Valet service available for $58. Nearby self-parking lots and garages with various rates are located around the hotel.
- Operational hours: Breakfast: 7-11 a.m.; Lunch: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Dinner: 5-10 p.m.
- Special events/happenings: Begin your evening with The Hermitage Hotel during 1910 Hour, named in honor of the hotel's founding year happening every day 4-6 p.m. Start with a champagne piaff and caviar deviled egg in the Grand Lobby. Head to Drusie & Darr for a classic, dirty or espresso martini and herbed fries and finish with a sparkling rose at The Pink Hermit paired with a strawberry sorbet. 1910 Hour costs $19.10.
Tacos Lopez – Nashville
The hidden gem Tacos Lopez serves authentic Mexican cuisine including mouthwatering tacos. Satisfy your cravings with pollo asada al carbon, tostada, fajitas and tacos stuffed with meats from spicy pork, chicken and Mexican sausage.
- Significance of destination: Tacos Lopez is DEK of Hearts' fourth meal destination, an ideal place for a late night bite.
- Parking information: You don’t even have to leave your car, thanks to the hospitable, fast service the staff provides by taking orders directly at your car.
- Operational hours: 10 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 3 a.m. Saturday
House of Cards – Nashville
House of Cards is a unique dining experience that blends enchanting dishes with live magic performed by some of the nation’s leading magicians. Step into the intimate, dimly lit restaurant with interiors of rich red draping, overstuffed booths and candlelit tables. Savor delicious American wagyu prime rib or a tomahawk, Chilean sea bass, rack of lamb and vegan surf & turf featuring marinated portabella caps and oyster mushrooms served with roasted tomatoes, pearl onions and haricot verts with a vegan demi-glace over the whole dish. While dining, you'll be entertained by close up magic by magicians performing at all times.
- Significance of destination: The restaurant would get DEK of Hearts’ nomination as an official state culinary experience, one you don’t want to miss. “It was seriously some of the coolest things we’ve seen at House of Cards,” said Emily. “It was one of those things where we said ‘We have to do this once a year.’ Some of the best food we’ve ever eaten in our whole lives and the shows are so cool like up-close magic. The drinks are great and the big magic show you can see at the end. The people are just so kind there and treat you so well.” One of her favorite dishes is the elk tenderloin, marinated in coconut milk, expertly seared and served over purple potato puree and garnished with chimichurri and crisp fried leeks.
- Parking information: Validated self-parking is available at the Pinnacle Bank Building Parking Garage located at 150 3rd Ave S. Nashville, TN 37201. You must have a receipt of purchase at House of Cards for validation. Parking validation is given at the host stand.
- Operational hours: Dinner: Opening at 6 p.m.Monday-Thursday; opening at 5 p.m. Friday-Sunday; Brunch: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday
- Special events/happenings: Complimentary tickets for the multiple nightly magic shows in the Carter the Great showroom are given to patrons who order an entree.
Monell’s – Nashville
Photo Credit: Michael D. Tedesco, Journal Communications
Pile your plate high with food that’ll fill you up and warm your soul. Monell’s in Nashville serves up Southern favorites family-style at dining room tables sprinkled throughout the restaurant that evoke community, hearts around the table and togetherness. Fried chicken, smothered pork chops, cheese grits and biscuits and gravy are waiting for you.
- Significance of destination: DEK of Hearts’ new, soon-to-be-released single, “Something in the Well” brings to Kollin’s mind’s eye Monell's. “The song talks about homemade biscuits, bacon on the table and you praise the Lord. I see the setting at Monell’s where you’re sitting around the table, you got good Southern food and people are just passing the plate. It’s some of the best food. It’s Southern. It’s country.”
- Parking information: Street parking is available. Visiting during nonpeak hours is encouraged for street parking availability.
- Operational hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday; 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5-8:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
- Ticket pricing:
Breakfast:
Monday-Friday: $16.95 (Adult); $12.95 (Child)
Saturday-Sunday: $17.95 (Adult); $12.95 (Child)
Midnight: $17.95 (Adult); $12.95 (Child)
Lunch:
Monday-Friday: $16.95 (Adult); $10.95 (Child)
Saturday: $17.95 (Adult); $12.95 (Child)
Sunday: $23.95 (Adult) $14.95 (Child)
Dinner:
Tuesday-Thursday: $18.95 (Adult) $12.95 (Child)
Friday-Saturday: $22.95 (Adult) $15.95 (Child)
Café Rakka – Hendersonville
Everything at Café Rakka, a family-owned Mediterranean restaurant, is made fresh daily. The hummus, yogurt and cheeses are prepared from scratch, using recipes that date back to the ‘Fertile Crescent,’ known as the cradle of civilization. Savor baba ghanoush, shish tawook (chicken kabobs), mediterranean salads, tikka masala, lamb korma and the beef shawarma on the sajj Rice Bowl featuring turmeric rice, pickled turnips and onions, fresh herbs and pita bread on top.
- Significance of destination: DEK of Hearts raves about Cafe Rakka that is frequented by songwriters, famous music artists and was featured in Guy Fieri’s hit TV show, “Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives.”
- Parking information: Cafe Rakka has its own parking lot.
- Operational hours: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Saturday
DEK of Hearts' Favorite Things to Do in and near Nashville
Bluebird Cafe - Nashville
What is Tennessee known for? Iconic music venues where everyone from Ricky Skaggs to Taylor Swift and Trace Adkins have performed. Enter The Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. The music venue with its intimate, living room-style stage is beloved by locals and visitors alike. Catch a songwriters in-the-round session or an open mic night at the 90-seat venue for a perfect Nashville night.
- Significance of destination: DEK of Hearts performed as 2025 Tennessee Songwriters Week finalists at The Bluebird Cafe. They love how classic and authentically Nashville it is. “They haven’t changed a thing since they opened!” raved Kollin, Emily and Dylan.
- Parking information: Limited parking is available onsite. A larger gravel lot is located behind the cafe.
- Operational hours:
Sunday
Early Show - Sunday Spotlight: doors open at 5 p.m., show at 6 p.m.
Late Show - Sunday Writers’ Night: doors open at 7:30 p.m., show at 8 p.m.
Monday:
Early Show - Open Mic Night: doors open at 5:30pm, show at 6 p.m.
Late Show - Blue Monday: doors open at 8:30 p.m., show at 9 p.m.
Tuesday-Saturday:
Early Show - doors open at 5 p.m., show at 6 p.m.
Late Show - doors open at 8:30 p.m.; show at 9 p.m.
- Special events/happenings: Check the show calendar for in-the-round performances, Sunday Spotlight series on upcoming artists and writers nights to hear from the songwriters behind chart-topping hits.
- Ticket pricing: Tickets vary based on performances.
The Listening Room - Nashville
Your meal at the Listening Room Cafe in Nashville tastes even better while listening to songwriters on stage who have penned No. 1 hits for world-renowned stars from Dolly Parton to Taylor Swift. It’s a unique Nashville experience with great food, music and hospitality in a downtown venue.
- Significance of destination: Kollin thinks the Listening Room Cafe has the best chicken tenders in Nashville.
- Parking information: $15 valet service is available onsite.
- Operational hours: 3-11 p.m. Sunday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday
- Special events/happenings: Writers rounds happen on the Main Stage every day. Check the show calendar for specific ticket and concert times. Free live music every day can be enjoyed in the front bar with Happy Hour shows 4-5:30 p.m. Monday-Sunday and noon to 1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
- Ticket pricing: Tickets for shows typically range $15-25, though may be higher for special concert events. All ticket sales are final.
Shelby Bottoms Greenway – Nashville
Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Natural Area is an urban outdoor oasis in Nashville. Cross three pedestrian bridges for a scenic ride along the trails. The 960-acre park has three miles of Cumberland River views, bottomland hardwood forests, open fields, wetlands and streams. More than 5 miles of paved ADA accessible trails for hiking, biking, running, skating, birding and wildlife watching are available. If you want to get deep into exploring nature, more than 5 miles of primitive trails snake through the natural area as well.
- Significance of destination: DEK of Hearts loves to bike and be active at Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Natural Area. “You just see so much that you wouldn’t even imagine right off the highway,” said Emily.
- Parking information: Parking is free and plentiful at the Main Trailhead at 1900 Davidson St. Nashville, TN 37206 and at the Forrest Green Trailhead at 2032 Forrest Green Dr. Nashville, TN 37216
- Operational hours: Shelby Bottoms Greenway and NAture Park is open dawn until dusk every day.
Cummins Falls State Park – Cookeville
Photo Credit: @rmckee.life
Find your ideal outdoor adventure close to Nashville at Cummins Falls State Park in Cookeville, Tennessee. Permits are required to access the gorge. You can sign up for one on Tennessee State Parks’ website. The thundering 75-foot waterfall is also accessible via the Falls Overlook Trail. For more hikes, consider the Delia Bell Meadow Trail, 3 miles of trail that includes an overlook of the Blackburn Fork River and the Upstream Trail, a moderate trail that offers access upstream from Cummins Falls.
- Significance of destination: Dylan loves hiking, especially at Cummins Falls State Park because “you can literally hike right up to the waterfall through the river.”
- Parking information: The main parking area is located above the falls.
- Operational hours: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during the off-season and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in-season. The gorge area closes at 5 p.m. during in-season. Hikers at the bottom of the waterfall must start walking out at 5 p.m. in order to get back to the parking lot and exit the park by 6 p.m.
- Special events/happenings: Special events are hosted at Cummins Falls State Park throughout the year including guided early morning hikes, survivor technique talks, reptile programs and classes like candle making. Check out the calendar for upcoming events.
Chattanooga
Their ideal adventure is found in Chattanooga. The outdoor oasis found just minutes outside of downtown Chattanooga is a treasure trove for any adventure seeker. Find hiking, mountain biking, stream fishing and rock climbing. Rent a cabin or tiny house in the mountains for a peaceful escape.
- Significance of destination: Chattanooga is hailed as Tennessee's Scenic City for its stunning views at overlooks and along hiking trails, biking trails and rock climbing locations conveniently located a few minutes from downtown. In addition, top family attractions include the Tennessee Aquarium, Ruby Falls, the largest underground waterfall in the U.S., and Hunter Museum of American Art which includes one of the most complete collections of American art.
- Special events/happenings: Major festivals and events happen in Chattanooga each year. Annual events include Nightfall, a Friday-night music series May-August, Riverfront Nights May-August, Three Sisters Bluegrass Festival in October, Chattanooga Hip-Hop Week in October, Chattanooga Motorcar Festival in the fall and weekly music and entertainment at the Chattanooga Market.
