As Nashville’s oldest continuously operating restaurant in its original location, Elliston Place Soda Shop holds a special place in the local restaurant community. The street was named for the Elliston family who originally owned most of the property along the present day Elliston Place corridor. It has been a prime location for shops since the early 1900s. The building at 2111 Elliston Place that houses the Soda Shop was originally opened as a grocery. The grocery eventually became a pharmacy in the 1920s. In 1939 Lynn Chandler redesigned part of the pharmacy to open the Soda Shop. Our drug store neighbor remained until 1965.

The location of the Soda Shop is on the national register of historic places and is mentioned in the book 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. The landmark Soda Shop’s nostalgic atmosphere makes it a popular filming site for music videos, television commercials and photo shoots. Celebrities and local and national politicians frequently stop in for a visit. Given its long history in the community the Soda Shop is remembered fondly by both current and former Nashvillians. less