Nashvillians have an exciting new downtown dining option thanks to the recent opening of Liberty Common, a gorgeous restaurant situated on the ground floor of the 222 Building at 207 1st Avenue South. The project is the brainchild of local restaurateur Terrel Raley, the creative force behind concepts like East Nashville’s Holland House, The Pharmacy, and most recently, Butchertown Hall in Germantown.
Inspired by Raley’s visits to Paris, Liberty Common definitely has a French café vibe with soaring windows allowing in plenty of light to the airy, expansive main dining room. Even though the restaurant can seat 200 diners, it still feels intimate thanks to decor that features the essential elements of the traditional brasserie, such as copper pendants brought in from overseas, a brass back bar, opal glass sconces and marble architectural features.
In collaboration with executive chef and partner Jeffrey Rhodes, Raley has developed menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner that revolve around classic French dishes and techniques combined with traditional Southern comfort food, a concept that Raley calls “Southern brasserie.” Signature dishes include steak frites, duck cassoulet, Belgian waffles and a fantastic croque madame. Rhodes’ menus will be complemented by fresh biscuits, pastries, and desserts made in-house by pastry chef Jessica Collins along with a full café service of espresso, fine tea and hot coffees.
The long marble bar displays shelves heaving under the weight of exotic liqueurs and spirits used to create inventive cocktails, an extensive selection of wines including plenty of great by-the-glass options and a beer list showcasing local breweries plus regional and European favorites. Don’t miss out on the pastry case strategically positioned at the end of the bar in case you want to get a sweet treat to go.
What might well become the restaurant’s most popular dish is their Liberty Fried Chicken, made with Springer Mountain Farm whole chickens prepared using a recipe and techniques developed over years of experimentation by chef Rhodes. The perfectly fried crispy golden brown chicken is available as part of sandwiches, lunch plates or in half and whole chicken platters. Diners can even order an entire Family Supper for parties of four or more which includes a whole chicken plus two side dishes and flaky biscuits.
When weather allows, Liberty Common will open up the wall of windows on the far side of the bar to create a traditional French café-style patio along 1st Avenue offering a lovely view of the Korean Veterans Bridge and the opportunity to listen to performances at Ascend Amphitheater right across the street without having to buy a ticket. Free music, great drinks and exceptional fried chicken? Count us in!
Liberty Common
207 First Ave South
Nashville, TN 37201
(615) 649-8900
www.liberty-common.com
Contributed by Chris Chamberlain
