Ryan Poli

Since its opening in 2011, Nashville’s The Catbird Seat has been one of the most progressive and lauded restaurants in the country. It’s a chef-centric place where the kitchen’s the stage, and is surrounded by a 22-seat counter. Snagging a coveted reservation means guests get to interact directly and intimately with the crew in the kitchen as they serve up a globe-trotting degustation menu. Leading that crew is Chef Ryan Poli. Seeing as it’s located in Music City, U.S.A., The Catbird Seat’s playlists play a pivotal role in the dining room. As eclectic and varied as the menu offerings can be here, it should come as no surprise that the musical selections would follow suit. Ryan’s playlist includes everything from Tupac to Trey Anastasio to Sister Sledge.

“At Catbird Seat music is also part of the experience,” Ryan told us.”We take great care in choosing what the guest will be listening to during their meal. Music should add to the experience, and never be a distraction or an annoyance. You know you have the right mix when you look around the restaurant and people are boppin’ and groovin’ to the beats while they eat, at that moment we know we are crushing the tunes.”