Pelican & Pig
East Nashville, Nashville
Restaurant in Nashville, United States
Book with PearlThe Read
Dress
Smart Casual
Why go
Pelican & Pig is a better fit for an East Nashville dinner date or small celebration than for a quick, low-commitment meal. The strongest reason to book is the occasion feel.
About Pelican & Pig
Is Pelican & Pig worth planning for dinner in Nashville? Pelican & Pig is a Nashville venue with evening hours Wednesday through Sunday and a smart casual dress code.
Choose it for a Nashville dinner, not a quick lunch plan
Pelican & Pig is closed Monday and Tuesday, then opens for evening service Wednesday through Sunday: 5–9 PM on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and 5–10 PM on Friday and Saturday. Pelican & Pig does not offer lunch hours, so lunch should not be treated as an option.
The strongest guidance is practical: plan around dinner hours and dress smart casual.
Confirm key details before you commit
If any of those factors are important to the night, ask the venue directly before booking or arriving.
For broader trip planning, use the full Nashville restaurants guide alongside the full Nashville bars guide if the night needs a pre- or post-dinner stop. If the stay matters as much as dinner, the Nashville hotels guide is the cleaner starting point.
Planning details
- Hours
- Monday: Closed · Tuesday: Closed
- Location
- 1010 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
- Reservations
- Book on OpenTable
- Website
- pelicanandpig.com
- Phone
- +16157306887
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Pelican & Pig reads like a confident neighborhood restaurant that has quietly taken root on Gallatin Avenue. The room favors thoughtful, lived‑in hospitality over spectacle: owners and teams are betting on locals and regulars rather than transient foot traffic. That translates to an unforced, relaxed energy: less about white tablecloth formality and more about carefully considered cooking and service. The restaurant sits comfortably in East Nashville’s evolving dining corridor, offering an approachable, charming counterpoint to the city’s more theatrical destinations while retaining a clear sense of purpose and community.
Best For
This is a dinner‑forward, neighborhood spot that suits date nights and relaxed evenings out with friends. Its placement in a residential corridor means Pelican & Pig is oriented toward sustaining regulars; expect an experience that rewards lingering conversation and plates meant to be enjoyed without pretense. The kitchen aims for considered American cooking rather than haute tasting menus, so it’s a good pick when you want quality food in a convivial, low‑key setting: ideal for couples, small groups, or locals who appreciate thoughtful, unfussy service.
Ordering Tips
Keep the focus on the menu’s signature preparations: the corn ribs, pork chop and ribeye are highlighted for good reason and are reliable ways to sample the kitchen’s strengths. Because the restaurant positions itself between casual and considered, expect confidently executed, ingredient‑driven plates rather than highly formal multi‑course service; choose a protein as your centerpiece and add a few shared sides or starters to round the meal. Approach the meal with relaxed pacing and dishes designed for tasting and conversation.
Venue details
Ambiance
Comfortable and cozy atmosphere centered around a completely open kitchen and wood-burning hearth, with a food-focused, casual yet attentive vibe.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Sourcing
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Smart Casual
- Noise Level
- Conversational
- Service Style
- Upscale Casual
- Meal Pacing
- Leisurely
- Capacity
- Small
- Kitchen
- Modern
- Menu Format
- A la carte, Small plates
- Dietary
- Vegetarian friendly, Gluten-free options
Signature Dishes
- corn ribs
- pork chop
- ribeye
Know before you go
Know Before You Go
- Getting there
- 1010 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Planning details
Hours
- Monday
- Closed
- Tuesday
- Closed
- Wednesday
- 5–9 PM
- Thursday
- 5–9 PM
- Friday
- 5–10 PM
- Saturday
- 5–10 PM
- Sunday
- 5–9 PM
Location
Restaurant context
How Pelican & Pig compares in Nashville
Choose Pelican & Pig when the priority is an East Nashville dinner with more occasion energy than a fast casual stop. East Side Banh Mi is the better value play for a quicker meal, while SS Gai is the cleaner pick when Thai food and a known $$ signal matter more than a slower dinner setting.
For diners cross-shopping around experience quality, Kisser is the stronger Japanese-specific choice, while Peninsula is the better match for Southern American direction. Pelican & Pig makes more sense when location and ambiance are driving the decision.
Authentique is the one to compare if the night is more about drinks and a relaxed East Side feel. If booking ease is the deciding factor, Pelican & Pig's easy difficulty rating helps, but groups should still confirm seating before planning a celebration around it.
Explore Nashville
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Pelican & Pig guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Pelican & Pig
| Venue | Location | Cuisine | Awards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pelican & Pig | Nashville | No published awards | |
| East Side Banh Mi | Nashville | No published awards | |
| SS Gai | Nashville | $$ · Thai | Michelin Guide American South 20262025 Michelin Bib Gourmand |
| Authentique | Nashville | No published awards | |
| Kisser | Nashville | Japanese | Michelin Guide American South 20262026 OAD Casual in North America Recommended2025 James Beard Award Semifinalists2025 OAD Casual in North America2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand |
| Peninsula | Nashville | Southern American | Michelin Guide American South 20262025 James Beard Award Semifinalists2025 James Beard Awards2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand |
How Pelican & Pig Nashville compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to Pelican & Pig?
Pelican & Pig lists a smart casual dress code. Aim for polished but comfortable dinner wear rather than formal attire.
Is lunch or dinner better at Pelican & Pig?
Dinner is the recommended choice. Hours are Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 5–9 PM, and Friday and Saturday from 5–10 PM. Pelican & Pig is closed Monday and Tuesday, and lunch hours are not offered.
What are alternatives to Pelican & Pig in Nashville?
Other Nashville options to compare include East Side Banh Mi, SS Gai, Kisser, and Peninsula.
Is Pelican & Pig good for a special occasion?
It can work as a planned Nashville dinner if the hours and smart casual dress code fit what you want.
