Whether you're in a new relationship, planning a proposal, trying to survive a messy breakup (or trying to instigate one), here are some of Nashville's best (and, in some cases, perfectly worst) places to go no matter what your relationship status. Screw love — grub is all you need.

Living Single

Photo: Michael W. Bunch Gabby's Burgers and Fries

493 Humphreys St., 615-733-3119, gabbysburgersandfries.com



One of these days, you're going to meet someone special. Someone you want to see you at your most charming, your most appealing, your most suave or sultry. But on that occasion, sweet as it will be, you do not want that person to see you with a Joker smile of mayonnaise and a slimy grease goatee. (And don't even think about leaning forward — after all the onion you've been chowing down, it'd be like kissing Balerian the Black Dread.) That's why you need — nay, you MUST take advantage of every chance you have, right now, to down a sloppy, messy, ah-the-carefree-single-life Gabby's cheeseburger. And you might as well go for the sloppiest: the Chili Burger that spills meat, cheese, chili and fixins from all sides, as if the disintegrating bun were an exploding freighter and the toppings were Steven Seagal. (Not to worry: They'll fall on your fries.) So what if you look like Popeye's nemesis Brutus with an A1 Sauce beard? Nobody's looking — yet. And if they are, and they don't turn away ... consider your subscription to eHarmony terminated. JIM RIDLEY

The Stone Fox

712 51st Ave. N., 615-953-1811, thestonefoxnashville.com



If you're looking forward to dining alone, grab a seat at The Stone Fox's cozy bar for their weekend brunch and be served by some of the friendliest bar staff in Music City. But if you're hoping to make some new pals, order a plate or two of their insanely indulgent deep-fried pimento cheese balls and invite the table next to you to help themselves. Pimento cheese brings people together.

Pepperfire

2821 Gallatin Pike, 615-582-4824, pepperfirehotchicken.com

No one to impress? No problem! Pepperfire is the hot chicken haven for gluttons. The Peppercheese is their deep-fried cheese sandwich made with pepper jack, but if you're really hungry, go for the Tender Royale or the AppleJack. The former is a Peppercheese topped with three chicken tenders, and the latter is that very same thing, but rounded out with sweet apples. And you don't even have to share it.

Anywhere you want

Eat literally anywhere! You don't have to compromise with anyone! You don't have to spend an hour of your evening coming up with dozens of dinner suggestions only to have your brilliant ideas shot down by an annoying significant other who's obnoxiously picky yet indecisive. You don't have to share that pizza you ordered with a person who, 30 minutes ago, said they didn't want any pizza. You are living the dream. Eat whatever you want.

First Date

Photo: Eric England Pinewood Social

33 Peabody St., 615-751-8111, pinewoodsocial.com



First dates are tricky. You want to have a good time without giving everything away all at once. You need options — but not too many. Intimacy — but not too much. Drinks — but nothing trashy. And fun in no small part. Pinewood Social's got you covered. Here's my plan for you: Meet at the bar on the early side for a drink. I recommend something with ginger — I especially love the spicy-as-hell ginger mocktail. The bartenders are on point and, in my experience, are always willing to make you something special, which can make you look cool in front of your potential love interest. If the date's a dud, leave it at that with no harm done. But if it's going great, proposing that you stay for dinner is a smooth and easy way to gauge your date's interest. If they accept, you're in! Get a full order of Things on Toast, which is an assortment of delicious and unusual combinations of tiny toasts that changes seasonally and looks gorgeous. And if it's the kind of first date both of you want to stretch out as long as possible, invite some friends and rent a bowling lane or the karaoke room. But here's the clincher: After dinner, take a stroll across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge across the street, and soak up the romance. Good luck! LAURA HUTSON

Peace, Love and Pho:

2112 Eighth Ave. S., 615-942-0045, lovepeaceandpho.com

You can tell a lot about a person by the way they eat their pho. Are they adventurous and creative, flavoring it with a mix of spices and sauces? Are they a selfish jerk who hogs all the bean sprouts and lime wedges? Do they tear into the steaming bowl of meat and noodles with confidence? Or are they a little more reserved? Get all the insight you need with a simple bowl of broth and noodles — you'll know whether or not they're worth a second date by the last slurp.

Chauhan Ale & Masala

123 12th Ave N., 615-779-3770, chauhannashville.com



While there's no promise the first date will go smoothly, at least you'll know the meal will be perfect if you go Chauhan Ale & Masala. Celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan's restaurant doesn't have one flaw on the menu — from the the chicken pakora po' boy served with addictively crispy masala fries to their take on the meat-and-three, an Indian thali that features a rotating cast of specials. Even their "water of the day" is incredible. Plus there are always ridiculously attractive folks dining there — Reba McEntire and Taylor Swift have recently been spotted — so if the date doesn't work out, you can stick around and try to meet Plan B at the bar.

Gojo

415 W. Thompson Lane, 615-332-0710, gojoethiopiancafenashville.com



Great Ethiopian food is perfect for a first date, and Gojo is the best you'll find in Nashville. Their entrees, a variety of different steak, lamb, chicken and vegetarian dishes, come beautifully presented on platter of injera (flat and delicious bread that tastes a bit like sourdough) along with veggies and the most delicious lentils you've ever eaten. And since you're eating with your hands, typical dining rules go out the window, clearing the way to eat off each other's plates, like a more grown-up version of sharing a milkshake.

New Relationship

Photo: Michael W. Bunch The Villager

1719 21st Ave. S., 615-298-3020



Ah, new love. Or lust. Whatever. When you're in a newly blossoming relationship, you're usually still exhibiting pretty good behavior in front of your somewhat significant other, but time is precious, and it's time to get real. The Villager is the perfect place to test the waters and see if this relationship has legs, or if it's time to jump ship.

The Villager Tavern — a dank, dark and friendly hole in the wall wedged between the boutiques, bookstores and bourgeois eateries in Hillsboro Village — has a low-key vibe that will expose any high-maintenance red flags that your sweetheart might be hiding. Smoking indoors? Totally allowed. You want a fancy drink? They only serve beer. Don't like the music? Some jackass probably just put $20 in the jukebox, so you're going to have to wait a while. Have to pee? An owl — and his penis — is watching you (well, the drawing of one, anyway ... this is some of the best restroom graffiti in town).

But, see, this is the beauty of The Villager. If things are good, your date will roll with it. If not, well, how do you think he/she is going to react when really heavy shit happens? Take this opportunity to sit at the bar, have a few beers, and suss out the situation. If you see potential, hang out, order a sandwich, play some darts, and try to find your high school math teacher in one of the hundreds of photographs plastered throughout the bar. ABBY WHITE

Suzy Wong's House of Yum

1517 Church St., 615-329-2913, suzywongnashville.com



A dinner date again? Booooring! Instead of doing the predictable evening out, surprise your new bae with a Sunday trip to Suzy Wong's Drag'N Brunch. They serve delicious Asian-inspired brunch items like scrambled egg rolls and katsu chicken and waffles while the Play Mates from the neighboring Play Dance Bar put on drag performances to some of your faves, including Marilyn Monroe and Dolly Parton. Don't forget to bring cash so you can tip your dancers.

King Market

1801 Antioch Pike, 615-333-3103



If you're still feeling shy about this fresh relationship, head out to Antioch's King Market and gorge yourself on some amazing Asian food without worrying about seeing any familiar faces from your usual Nashville haunts. Start with the papaya salad and share the incredible pork larb. Afterwards, challenge 'em to a pinball battle at Game Galaxy Arcade, which is just a five-minute drive up the street.

Thai Esane

907 12th Ave. S., 615-454-5373, thaiesane.com



If you can't make the drive to Antioch (or maybe you aren't sure you want to be stuck in a car with this new love interest for that long), hit up King Market's sister restaurant, Thai Esane on 12th Avenue near South Street. It's got a casual and hip vibe and there's hardly ever a wait (surprisingly). Be sure to try the Esane Sausage, which is a combination of pork, lemongrass and onions served with delicious ginger sauce.

The Breakup

Photo: Michael W. Bunch Husk

37 Rutledge St., 615-256-6565, husknashville.com



Not every dance partner is Fred Astaire; not every chick you get stuck on a bus with is Sandra Bullock. Face it: You've had fun, but the fizz has left the Fanta. Still, you want to file away the pleasant warmth of the good times. So say goodbye like grown-ups: at Husk, where other people may be celebrating anniversaries and engagements, but not in a way that makes you feel like you're being taunted by a bachelorette party at The Melting Pot. You'll each have a stylish entrance, a sustaining meal and a classy exit; we strongly recommend the shrimp and grits — good old low-country Carolina comfort food, and heavy and filling enough that you won't do something stupid like sleep with them again for pity's sake.

And if the parting isn't such sweet sorrow? No sense polishing this turd. Agree to meet at The Cheesecake Factory, let 'em cool their heels for an hour in line, then text 'em the big F-U from your seat at City House. If they cheated on you, make it a Friday night. JIM RIDLEY

Charlie Bob's

1330 Dickerson Pike, 615-262-2244, charliebobs.com



If you're looking to make your breakup quick and dirty, Charlie Bob's simple Southern diner fare could be just the ticket. Daily meat-and-three specials, patty melts and burgers are all on the menu, but if you bring your soon-to-be ex during breakfast, at least you'll still have your whole day ahead of you once the deed is done. The Thumper Breakfast — which comes with pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage, hash browns and more — might take you a while to get through, so maybe opt for one of the biscuit sandwiches (fried steak or fried chicken, perhaps), and get the thing over with.

Robert's Western World

416 Broadway, 615-244-9552, robertswesternworld.com



What better breakup soundtrack than tears-in-your-beer honky-tonk music? Better still, the joint has a secret back door. Just slip out the back, Jack (or Jacqueline), make a new plan, Stan (or Stacy), etc. — oh, and snag one of them fried bologna sandwiches on the way out.

Fat Mo's

Various locations, fatmos.com



The advantage of Middle Tennessee's homegrown hamburger chain? Hello? Drive-thru much? Order a Little Mo (go ahead, get the bacon), a butter-pecan shake and the spicy fries, tell the dumpee the cashier forgot the ketchup — and as soon as the sucker clears the door, peel out. Feeling generous? Toss 'em the empty bag.

Proposing

Photo: Michael W. Bunch The Patterson House

1711 Division St., 615-636-7724, thepattersonnashville.com



The stereotypical proposal dinner is a choreographed, multicourse affair at some temple of white-tablecloth dining. But why be that stuffy? You're talking about spending your life together, so start out doing something romantic and fun — like snuggling up together in a booth at speakeasy-style cocktail emporium Patterson House. Go early; you don't want to waste time standing in line. Then peruse the spectacular slate of craft cocktails. The menus change all the time, but choose your favorite spirit and see what the mad-genius mixologists have concocted. Maybe get something festive like the Cheeky Aussie: bourbon, lemon, Lazzaroni Amaretto, egg white and Aperol. Graze on some snacks, like tater tots with horseradish cream or duck-leg rillettes in a Mason jar with giardiniera and toast points. As the evening proceeds, Patterson House can get noisy, but that's why you're there early, when the music tends to be mellow, like the soulful sounds of Sam Cooke. After you've popped the question and basked in some romance, go home and snog the night away like a cheeky Aussie. DANA KOPP FRANKLIN

Sinema

2600 Franklin Pike #102, 615-942-7746, sinemanashville.com



Top Chef contestant Dale Levitski opened Sinema less than one year ago, but it's already a fine-dining favorite thanks to its opulent, old Hollywood-inspired decor and innovative, beautifully plated dishes. Sure, it'd be the perfect backdrop to a dramatic proposal, but why predictably pop the question over dinner? Their Sunday brunch offers Bubble Service, which is a "table-side, make-your-own mimosa bar." Hide the ring among the mimosa fixings (but don't lose it!) and take advantage of the already flowing bubbly.

Flyte

718 Division St., 615-255-6200, flytenashville.com



It's not easy to ask someone to spend the rest of their life with you, so if you're worried about nerves, head over to Flyte, where the wine is just as important as the food. With more than 100 wines available by the glass, you'll be able to drink the edge off and, bonus, their menu comes with a phonetic pronunciation guide, so you don't have to worry about sounding like a tongue-tied goober on one of the most important nights of your life.

Union Common

1929 Broadway, 615-329-4565, unioncommon.com



Unlike Rolf and Daughters or The Catbird Seat, where communal dining often puts you in fairly close proximity to strangers, Union Common is a great place to go if you want to have a private conversation without feeling like everyone is eavesdropping. The menu makes it easy to splurge, should the night take a celebratory turn (a rib-eye will set you back $65), but Union Common also has a large selection of affordable small plates that are perfect for sharing. You have a wedding to pay for, after all.

Anniversary

Photo: Eric England The Catbird Seat

1711 Division Street, 615-810-8200, thecatbirdseatrestaurant.com



Like your partnership, eating at The Catbird Seat takes a lot of work. First, you have to secure the reservation. Catbird Seat accepts them up to 30 days in advance, and the calendar fills up quickly, so visit their website right at midnight for the best chance. Even then, it might take a few tries.

Next, you'll have to be prepared to pay. It is not cheap (you're looking at more than $300 just for dinner, and more if you want the drink pairings). But it's not all for naught — Catbird Seat really is an incredible place to celebrate life's most worthy accomplishments.

Over the course of about three hours, the chefs (who do most of their work right in front of you) deliver a dozen or so exciting dishes that will change the way you think about and experience food — from steak tartare that you scoop up into begonia petals and eat with your fingers to a gorgeous lemon cake paired with salt and fresh herbs (pictured).

A warning, though: Because dining at Catbird Seat is such a special event, you might think this is a great place to propose, but I urge you to reconsider. You and your partner will be dining in one small, not-at-all private room, sitting with 20 strangers at a U-shaped bar that wraps around the chef's work station. It's intimate, but not a great place to pop the question, unless you want an audience who may or may not be in the mood to share their $300-plus dining experience with you. MEGAN SELING

Margot Café & Bar

1017 Woodland St., 615-227-4668, margotcafe.com



East Nashville's Margot Café is cozy and utterly romantic, making it the perfect place for a quiet celebration. The menu, inspired by both French and Italian cuisine, is updated daily to make the most of local ingredients, and between the two floors, the bar and the patio, there are lots of little corners and nooks to gaze into each others' eyes and sneak kisses.

City House

1222 Fourth Ave. N., 615-736-5838, cityhousenashville.com



If you really want to reward yourselves for a job well done, head to City House and treat yo' self to a pork belly pizza. Or anything, really — the culinary gem in Germantown is run by chef Tandy Wilson, a food genius who was just announced as a James Beard finalist for the third year in a row. But don't get too carried away on dinner, you'll definitely want dessert, too — the cookie plate is a local legend.

Rolf and Daughters

700 Taylor St., 615-866-9897, rolfanddaughters.com



Every inch of Rolf and Daughters is dazzling — from the gorgeous reclaimed wood decor to the handmade leather pockets they bring your check in. Their impressive consideration is apparent in their Northern Italy-inspired menu, too — whether it's the simple sourdough and seaweed butter or the delectable squid-ink pasta. If it's good enough for Sean Brock and Connie Britton (both of whom have been spotted dining there), surely it's good enough for you.

Dining With Kids

Photo: Eric England Pied Piper Eatery

1601 Riverside Drive, 615-228-2795, piedpipereatery.com



There are two types of parents who take their small kids out for a meal: the Conscientious Parents and the I-Don't-Give-a-Damns. The latter, recognizable for their complete indifference to how much their rugrat is annoying other patrons, is so desperate to get out of the house that they're willing to take the kids anywhere for decent food, even if it means their 3-year-old ends up coloring in the middle of an aisle and tripping a server. The Conscientious Parent, however, looks for a place where the whole family can eat well and not get death stares from other diners or staff. In short, they're looking for Pied Piper Eatery, the Inglewood restaurant that's unafraid of your children and still serves a mean sandwich. Your kids will inevitably ask the waitstaff of East Side hipsters about their pink hair or shaved head, but the server will respond with a smile and will probably sit down and talk you through the massive, diner-esque menu. We loved the Mambo Italiano — Pied Piper's version of a chicken Parmesan sandwich — with seasoned fries dusted in paprika and other spices. But you can also do breakfast all day, grab a salad or dig into the pot roast. Just don't leave without a milkshake; it's for the kids. STEVE CAVENDISH

Mitchell Delicatessen

1306 McGavock Pike, 615-262-9862, mitchelldeli.com



You have a new baby and your brain is broken thanks to sleepless nights and nonstop crying. You need something cheap, easy and reliable. Head to Mitchell Deli for frill-free but absolutely delicious sandwiches made with local ingredients. The Reuben, the turkey avocado and bacon, the Tennessee tuna melt ... it's impossible to make a bad choice, so if you're really exhausted, just point to something on the menu. Plus, the jukebox is free, giving you the chance to listen to something other than Yo Gabba Gabba! for once.

The Pharmacy

731 McFerrin Ave., 615-712-9517, thepharmacynashville.com



If your kids are going nuts, distract them with The Pharmacy's awesome soda-shop offerings while you regain your strength with one of their insanely delicious burgers. The Farm Burger is a protein-filled feast of country ham, bacon and an egg with maple mustard, which'll leave you ready to battle your sugar-addled monsters. Bonus: They serve drinks in paper cups so you don't have to worry about Baby McGrabbyHands smashing glasses to the floor.

Omni Hut

618 S. Lowry St., Smyrna, 615-459-4870, omnihut.com



Black lights and fishtanks! Dishwasher-safe coconut shells! And pu-pu platters! The Omni Hut is the perfect bright and lively place for families and large groups. If there are a lot of you, get the Tahitian Feast, which is several courses of mostly finger food including sweet and pungent pork, egg rolls and Tahitian tidbits, rib ends cooked into chewy strips and slathered in Omni Hut's peerless teriyaki sauce. And if the wee ones survived dinner without any embarrassing tantrums, reward them with some ice cream served in a seashell with a flaming sugar cube. What kid doesn't love fire?

Going Through a Divorce

Photo: Michael W. Bunch Caffe Nonna

4427 Murphy Road, 615-463-0133, caffenonna.com



Just when you think there's nothing worse than being in a relationship that is clearly going down the toilet, you find yourself in the awkward position of having to go to dinner with your spouse to celebrate a birthday or a promotion or whatever it is that happy couples who actually like each other do. There once was a time in which you pledged " 'til death do us part," but now you have to give yourself a pep talk to even make it through the end of the meal.

Caffe Nonna, in addition to serving wonderful food, has a cozy, intimate vibe, so at least you're in a friendly place while you're stuck at the table with this person you despise. Oh, and they serve house wine in carafes. You're going to need a few of those. Yes, a few carafes. I have no idea how much is in a carafe, but this is not the time to do math.

Caffe Nonna's close quarters mean you might luck out and have a charitable stranger — perhaps distracted by the awkward, hopeless air surrounding your dining space — join your table, which will at least force the two of you to be on good behavior until the check comes. It might be the only thing that stops you from scooping up a handful of your delicious angel hair pasta with arrabbiata sauce and throwing it at your spouse. But, if not, just add it to the laundry list of things that you'll have to talk to your divorce lawyer about. ABBY WHITE

U.S. Border Cantina

7105 Highway 70S, 615-646-4100



They don't serve the best Mexican food in town (the cheese enchiladas are basically a lump of Velveeta wrapped in corn tortillas and then covered with more Velveeta), but the dark booths that line the walls at U.S. Border Cantina feel extra private thanks to stained-glass separators that go all the way to the ceiling (left over from the location's pizza parlor past). So plop down, ask your waiter to keep the margaritas and chips and salsa coming, and don't worry about having to brush off looky-loos while you and your soon-to-be ex hash through the sordid details of your split.

Edgefield Sports Bar & Grill

921 Woodland Street, 615-228-6422



If you need to live out a country song and get that sloppy and sad kind of drunk that can only happen post-heartbreak, head to East Nashville's Edgefield. It's a hole in the wall with cheap food and drinks (get the steak sandwich!), you can smoke inside, and if you're trying to work through some anger issues, they've got darts.

Gigi's Cupcakes

Various locations, gigiscupcakesusa.com



With their 3-to-1 flavorless-frosting-to-dry-cake ratio, Gigi's Cupcakes are the official dessert for anyone who wants to hate themselves. The more you eat, the worse you'll feel. If this split is a good thing, though, and you're not in the market to torture yourself, send a dozen of these sugar-bombs as a "peace offering" to your ex — let them suffer through the stomachaches and sugar shakes while you go on being the badass you are.

Want to Be Left Alone

Sushi Train

94 White Bridge Road, 615-353-8000, sushitraintn.com

Conveyor-belt sushi. For those times you need the world to revolve around you.

Red Bicycle

1200 Fifth Ave. N., 615-516-1986, redbicyclecoffee.com



Order a cup of pour-over coffee and a crepe (the Sunrise with egg, cheese and avocado is awesome), and take a seat in the one-sided booth that faces the wall.

Manny's Pizza

15 Arcade, 615-242-7144, mannyshouseofpizza.com



This hole in the wall sells great New York-style pizza by the slice and is too tiny to fit more than a few people at a time, so who needs friends?

Arnold's Country Kitchen

605 Eighth Ave. S., 615-256-4455, arnoldscountrykitchen.com



Eat roast beef until you get the meat sweats, then drown your sorrows in self-serve sweet tea.

Meet the Parents

The Sutler

2600 Franklin Pike #109, 615-840-6124, thesutler.com



An upscale but comfortable bar where you can wear jeans and eat pork-fat fries while still impressing the future in-laws.

Epice

2902 12th Ave. S., 615-720-6765, epicenashville.com



This incredible Lebanese restaurant (with a great patio) will show the out-of-towners that Nashville's so much more than hot chicken and meat-and-threes.

Etch

303 Demonbreun St, 615-522-0685, etchrestaurant.com

You can do no wrong at Etch, especially if you start with the pork belly appetizer.

Marché

1000 Main St., 615-262-1111, marcheartisanfoods.com

There will likely be a wait, as Marché serves one of the best brunches in town, but you can kill time by perusing their charming general store. (And if you're nervous, loosen up with their awesome sake bloody Mary.) Dinner's great too (and not as crowded).

Bachelor / Bachelorette Party

Acme Feed & Seed

101 Broadway, 615-915-0888, theacmenashville.com

With three floors (and a rooftop bar!) Acme Feed & Seed has everything you need for a night you can regret in the morning, including hot chicken and sushi, live music and DJs and every kind of alcohol imaginable.

M.L. Rose

4408 Charlotte Ave., 615-750-2920, mlrose.com

Avoid being a Lower Broad cliche (and the tourists) and take your penis straws to M.L. Rose for a night of skeeball, waffle fries and dozens of craft beers on tap.

Nashville Pedal Tavern

1514 Demonbreun St., 615-390-5038, nashvillepedaltavern.com

You and 14 of your closest friends can drink beer and pedal a bar on wheels through downtown Nashville while cars honk and pedestrians flip you the bird. Fun!

Monell's

1235 Sixth Ave. N., 615-248-4747, monellstn.com

Shake off the hangover with an incredible all-you-can-eat country breakfast of fried chicken, pancakes, biscuits and the world's greatest corn pudding. DoggyDate

Doggy Date

The Dog of Nashville

2127 Belcourt Ave., 615-292-2204, thedogofnashville.com

Build the dog of your dreams from their five different kinds of wieners, four different buns and dozens of topping options. And go for the tots over the fries.

Fido

1812 21st Ave. S., 615-777-3436, bongojava.com/fido-cafe

Order a Pink Poodle or a Milkbone and have a seat on their sidewalk patio for some of the best people and pup watching in Nashville.

Nashville Farmers' Market

900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., 615-880-2001, nashvillefarmersmarket.org

After running Fuzzy McFluffy Buns all over Bicentennial Mall, treat your pooped pooch to a Sloco sandwich and some Jeni's ice cream.

Taco Mamacita

1200 Villa Place, 615-730-8552, tacomamacita.com

Dogs can have margaritas, right?

Email editor@nashvillescene.com