Trace Restaurant

03/30/06

Totally Mediocre with a Fancy Menu

by whitless at Citysearch

The appetizers (crab cakes and bruschetta) were outstanding. The entrees were nothing special. The shrimp gnocchi was better than the duck I ordered. Worst part: my mashed potatoes were ice box cold. They tried to warm it up, but the interior was still chilly.

In short: nice wine list, and good atmosphere for the easily-impressed. However, people who are serious about fine and progressive dining won't be so easily swayed. The menu itself (as in the words) are just trying too hard to sound fancy. But, it's a nice place for the unsophisticated who will be impressed by the descriptions, prices, and plating.

Another word of caution: part of the dining area is adjacent to the bar, which is smoky.

Tin Angel is more inventive, Cheesecake Factory is more diverse, and Melting Pot is more romantic. All three offer a better dining experience for a slightly lower price point.

• Pros: Trendy, Service
• Cons: Overpriced

01/08/06

User review by openfire

by openfire at Citysearch

The service was alright, very polite but also quite slow. Our waitress didn't seem to know much about the menu when asked for recommendations. The food was mediocre at best, at least for the price. The bartender was loud and could be heard from our table in the front dining area. Even mocked customers and waitresses audibly. Dining area was a little cramped and we could hear all conversations around us, not a "classy" vibe. Overall, a mediocre dining experience, expected much better, especially in the village.

10/27/05

Thanks for the reviews

by nashvp at Citysearch

I ate here about 4 years ago. "Ok" or "just alright" are my initial thoughts when I try to think back. Then again, I dont remember the name of the dame I ate with either. It's time I try again due to the numerous good reviews, and look forward to posting a my own soon.

08/19/05

First Date

by coryav at Citysearch

I have always heard great things about this restaurant but had never dined there before. I was more than impressed as was my date for the evening. The food was truely the best I have had in Nashville and the atmosphere was perfect for a first date. Very romantic and classy, yet not overly formal. I will definitely be back again soon.

07/30/05

ECLECTIC TO SAY THE LEAST!!!!!

by cheyguy2308 at Citysearch

I personally apologize for all bad reviews!! Really, people can speak their minds, but even our assistant server was the most polite and gratuitous individual. Since when your experience says it all........my companion and i were there Friday night and had the most terrific time. Food, fun and friends all absolutely wonderful!! Please Enjoy!!

• Pros: good parking, personable service
• Cons: drinks R extra strong

07/24/05

Will not eat here again...

by jmorgand at Citysearch

A friend of mine and I ate in the front dining area at around 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 23. Our waitress first appeared at the table rather quickly, and then we waited, and waited and waited... She was cordial, but we nearly starved waiting to give her our orders and then getting our food. I had the pork tenderloin, which was bland and overpriced. Overall, it was a very disappointing experience. I would certainly never take a date there. (Quick addition - the menu was not all that it could be.) I would go elsewhere if you want to have a pleasurable dining experience.

• Pros: Atmosphere, Location
• Cons: Overpriced, Limited menu, Bad wait staff

07/03/05

Service In Dining Room Ruins Experience

by usarocks at Citysearch

Food very good and creative. Have eaten here many times. I will not eat dinner in dining area again, as the service is always consistently the worst. The staff is rude and acts like they are inconvenienced by having to wait on you. Ruins the entire experience! Everyone I know who has eaten there has had similar experiences. The reviews here claiming good service, sound as if the owner wrote them, and obviously don't reflect reality. The exception- the bartenders are all great, consummate professionals. Would not take clients or date in dining room again, even if it were on the house.

• Pros: food, bartenders
• Cons: dining room service

06/21/05

Great for Business Dinners

by bankingchic at Citysearch

I recently took 12 of my VIP clients to The Trace for dinner. They provided us with a private room and put together an amazing customized menu for us. The service was great and the food was some of the best I've ever had. It was a fantastic evening!

06/15/05

New Owner recreates the Trace

by lovealot at Citysearch

A new owner took over the Trace a few months ago and the food is incredible. We had the Shrimp Gnoochi and Sea Scallops. They were incredible. Also, they have every wine you could ever want. I think they had like 300 or 400 wines to choose from by the bottle and over a 100 by the glass. The atmosphere was cool. Also, they opened up the Patio room on the side with this great big plasma TV and projection screen where they were showing music DVDs

• Pros: Great food, Great wine, Good service
• Cons: Can get crowded

Trendy restaurant in Hillsboro Village attracts an older, professional crowd.

by Contributor at Citysearch

In Short
With its contemporary furniture, black-clad servers and glass front walls that slide up in the warmer months, this local hot spot has an upscale atmosphere. Much of the clientele consists of country-music industry professionals from nearby Music Row. The menu includes a mix of pasta, steaks and salads. In the late evening hours, the restaurant morphs into a bar scene.