Most brunch spots serve basic eggs and toast, but this 12th South bakery transforms 140-layer croissants into cube-shaped breakfast masterpieces.
The Butter Milk Ranch specializes in small-batch pastries made from scratch daily with a chef-driven brunch menu serving all day.
The classy loud atmosphere with beautiful plants everywhere and decadent pastry displays creates Nashville’s premier day dining restaurant since opening.
What Makes The Butter Milk Ranch Special
The restaurant operates under the philosophy that brunch should be served all day, every day throughout Tuesday-Sunday service.
Pastry Chef and Partner Alyssa Gangeri leads the bakery team making everything fresh from scratch including 140-layer classic croissants at $8.
The Cube Benny with bacon and corn gravy transforms the iconic cube croissant into the most photographed breakfast sandwich earning 48 reviews.
The Story Behind the Croissants
The Butter Milk Ranch opened in Nashville’s popular 12th South District bringing small-batch bakery expertise to full-service dining throughout the neighborhood.
The smell of freshly baked croissants and stunning pastry displays greet guests immediately upon entering the front door throughout daily operations.
The C’Reuben featuring house-cured corned beef on pretzel croissant won Nashville’s Best Sandwich in 2021, proving savory croissants work perfectly.
Nashville’s Favorite Menu Items
Food Highlights
- The Cube Benny: Iconic cube croissant with bacon and corn gravy at $23 creates the signature breakfast sandwich with 48 reviews. The perfectly cooked components make this worth joining the hours-long Yelp waitlist throughout busy service. 🥓
- 12th South Scramble: Hearty scramble with big portions at $21 earns 46 reviews, though some wish it had more egg throughout preparation. The filling combination makes this the go-to brunch order for those wanting traditional breakfast flavors. 🍳
- Brown Butter Beignets: Warm fluffy beignets with lemon curd and brown butter snow at $13 create the 46-review favorite that starts mornings sweetly. The lemon curd proves especially delicious throughout French-inspired breakfast pastries. 🍋
- A Taste of the Case: Three daily pastries and biscuits served with seasonal jams and butters at $13 lets guests sample the bakery case. The 21 reviews prove this sampler creates the perfect introduction to the scratch-made pastry program. 🥐
- BMR Breakfast Croissant: Much bigger than expected at $21 with fresh flaky layers earning 20 reviews throughout morning service. The buttery croissant sandwich proves the cube isn’t the only breakfast option worth ordering regularly. 🥐
- Salted Honey Butter Croissant: Classic croissant with salted honey butter and Maldon sea salt at $8 creates simple perfection earning 25 reviews. The buttery flavor with salt and honey balance makes this the favorite quick grab-and-go option. 🍯
- Corned Beef Hash Skillet: House-cured corned beef at $24 creates 14 reviews worth of satisfaction proving worth the wait. The perfectly cooked steak components make this a must-order for those wanting hearty breakfast portions. 🥩
- Twice Baked Almond Croissant: Classic croissant with almond frangipane and sliced almonds at $8 earns 17 reviews throughout pastry offerings. The traditional French technique shows Pastry Chef Alyssa’s dedication to proper execution throughout the bakery. 🥐
- Dirty South Fried Rice: Pork belly fried rice at $24 brings unexpected Southern-Asian fusion earning 15 reviews throughout creative brunch menu. The delicious fried rice balances well though fatty pork belly proves rich for some throughout adventurous ordering. 🍚
- Loaded Ranchers: Crispy pork belly, ranch potatoes, smoked cheddar, queso, scallions, and ranch at $13 creates the IYKYK favorite. The 16 reviews prove this starter combination hits differently for those in the know throughout Southern comfort appetizers. 🥔
Atmosphere
The 12th South District location sits at 2407 12th Ave S with street parking or paid lots within walking distance.
Inside, the large beautifully decorated entryway showcases the pastry case and coffee counter with gorgeous plants throughout the classy space.
The loud dining room creates bustling energy where service stays excellent despite the busy pace throughout the popular breakfast destination.
Bottom Line
Visit The Butter Milk Ranch for Nashville’s premier breakfast featuring iconic Cube Benny, 140-layer croissants, and brown butter beignets worth the wait.
The Yelp waitlist system lets you join hours before arrival, making the 2-3 hour weekend waits manageable throughout popular 12th South dining.
Small-batch bakery with everything made from scratch daily proves Pastry Chef Alyssa Gangeri’s dedication to proper technique. 🌟
Address: The Butter Milk Ranch
2407 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 (12 South, Belmont/Hillsboro)
📞 (615) 465-8300
🕐 Tue-Sun: Bakery 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Dining Room 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Closed Mondays
Yelp waitlist available | Dog-friendly | Outdoor seating | Gift cards available | Gluten-free options