Bad Idea

The story

Bad Idea – Contemporary Wine Bar & Restaurant in East Nashville, TN

A Converted Church in East Nashville

Bad Idea occupies a former church at 1021 Russell Street in East Nashville. The space houses a wine bar and restaurant that has quickly garnered national attention: named one of the 50 Best Restaurants in America by the New York Times and a James Beard semifinalist, it also holds a 2026 Michelin Recommended distinction. The kitchen’s approach is ingredient-driven and technique-forward, a hallmark of contemporary cuisine, turning out a seasonal menu designed to move alongside the wine.

Contemporary Fare with Precision

The dinner menu changes regularly, but recent offerings show the kitchen’s range. Snacks like Whipped Pimento Cheese with Aji Dulce Pepper Jelly and Baked Saltines sit alongside Parisian Style Steak Tartare with waffle fries. Small plates include Bay Scallop Crudo with Koji Cream and Preserved Meyer Lemons, or Spanish Octopus “Under a Brick” with fennel and tangerine. Mains range from Chicken “Forestiere” with wild mushrooms and toasted orzo to a Nashville Strip Steak with Tennessee BBQ butter. A ramp risotto with pickled ramps and pesto highlights the kitchen’s attention to seasonal produce. This is contemporary cooking that balances technique with straightforward pleasure.

A Wine Program Worth Exploring

The wine list at Bad Idea earned the 2025 Michelin American South Sommelier Award. It spans over 150 artisan selections from around the world, from grower Champagne and white Burgundy to skin-contact wines and aged Madeira. Flights and half-glass pours encourage experimentation, and the staff is eager to guide guests. The list reads like a who’s who of thoughtful producers—Coche-Dury, Raveneau, Giacomo Conterno, López de Heredia, and many more—making it a destination in its own right.