Bastion

"One of the locations operated by Strategic Hospitality, recognized in the Outstanding Restaurateur category." - Missy Frederick

"Bastion offers two fairly distinct experiences: On one hand, it’s a serious dining venue, and on the other, it’s a lively bar. While the big bar on the side is known for its cheeky (literally) murals, colorful nachos, and daily punch cups, the small 24-seat restaurant helmed by James Beard finalist Josh Habiger serves a set tasting menu with whimsical interpretations of traditional dishes, from raw beef with squid ink and sesame to cobia with fennel and milk bread. Somehow, it all comes together. —JGJ" - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones, Ellen Fort

"If restaurants could have astrological signs, Bastion's would be Gemini. That’s because this Wedgewood-Houston spot has two very distinct sides: a rollicking, come-as-you-are bar with nachos and punch cocktails, and a small dining room that’s serving one of the best and most well-thought-out tasting menus in Nashville. While the menu changes, you can count on a minimalist style of cooking that’s confident without being showy. The service is typical of similar fine dining places—welcoming, but not annoyingly in-your-face—but at Bastion, they sometimes even let people bring their own records and play them for the room. We also love that you can skip the tasting menu altogether and grab a stool at the bar upfront if you just want some of the city's best nachos." - jackie gutierrez jones 2, carlo mantuano, ann walczak

"WHEN: Monday-Friday, 5-7pm THE DEAL: $8 Daiquiris, Tequila + Sodas, Old Fashioneds, Mocktails, Wine by the Glass, Beer & Shot When Bastion’s loading dock-style door opens for Happy Hour in the big bar, the vinyl records are already spinning with funk, jazz, or maybe psychedelic rock. The space could be the set of any dramedy based in NYC where the main character tries to find themselves—think lots of exposed brick, painted murals, paper lanterns, and enough string lights to keep any Brooklyn patio lit. Their classic daiquiri reigns supreme, and the Tequila + Soda also pairs extremely well with their legendary nachos—technically every cocktail pairs well with the nachos because that’s the only food they serve. Post up at the bar for some people-watching, or look for the arcade game turned table-for-two if you’re on a date." - adam sloan

"If restaurants could have astrological signs, Bastion's would be Gemini. That’s because this Wedgewood-Houston spot has two very distinct sides: a rollicking, come-as-you-are bar with nachos and punch cocktails, and a small dining room that’s serving one of the best and most well-thought-out tasting menus in Nashville. In terms of tasting menus around town, it’s one of the more affordable ones (a five-course meal runs $125 per person before tax, tip, and drinks). While the menu changes, you can count on a minimalist style of cooking that’s confident without being showy. It’s hard to pinpoint how much is happening with each dish until you watch the chefs assembling something like an oyster starter that marries the zest of green garlic with the sweet creaminess of buttermilk. Constructing each dish is like playing culinary Operation, and the chefs at Bastion never set the buzzer off. photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin photo credit: Casey Irwin The service is typical of similar fine dining places—welcoming, but not annoyingly in-your-face—but at Bastion, they sometimes even let people bring their own records and play them for the room. We also love that you can skip the tasting menu altogether and grab a stool at the bar upfront if you just want some of the city's best nachos. photo credit: Casey Irwin Food Rundown photo credit: Andrew Thomas Lee Tasting Menu Your meal in the dining room has about five courses that will start with a group of snacks. They’re essentially single-bite teasers for what’s ahead. You might see oysters, sometimes topped with an inventive foam or edible plants and flowers. Duck usually makes its way on there as a heartier protein course, along with a funky dessert. While the dishes constantly change, you can count on interesting and experimental flavor and texture combos that are anything but boring. photo credit: Andrew Thomas Lee Bar Menu Nachos are the only thing on the menu at the big bar, and lucky for all of us, they’re always there. Some expert-level Tetris skills are on display, with perfectly stacked layers of chips, chicken, queso, jalapeños, radishes, pickled red onion, and salsa, all topped with a dollop of sour cream. In terms of drinks, there’s always a fantastic punch of the day that’s well-balanced, insidiously boozy (the alcohol never slaps you across the face), and the perfect foil to a deliciously salty pile of nachos." - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones