As 12 South presses on in its evolution into a premier shopping destination, new dining establishments continue to join its ranks. Two recent additions to put on your radar include a neighborly all-day restaurant and a laid-back wine bar.
JASON BIHLER
The Henry
This concept from Sam Fox (The Twelve Thirty Club, Doughbird) bills itself as “the greatest neighborhood restaurant.” Judging by their cozy-clubby ambiance and welcoming spirit, they are on the right track. In dark wood and wine-colored hues, the new build features intimate seating at the marble bar or in leather-upholstered booths on the entry level, with a staircase leading to a large upper dining room and bar, the far end sporting a patio with retractable ceiling and windows, weather-permitting.
The cuisine is New American, an eclectic meld that includes classics like a cheeseburger and rotisserie chicken and global- inspired faves such as rigatoni á la vodka, shrimp tacos, and Korean flank steak. The doors open daily at 8 a.m. for the coffee bar and breakfast. Late morning morphs into lunch service, followed by dinner from 4 p.m. into the evening. Weekends are reserved for brunch specialties. The restaurant is also family-friendly, with a kids menu to boot. And brown liquor aficionados: the selection is immense.
Say you want to meet a friend for a drink and a nosh: the housemade pretzels and warm provolone fondue will do the trick. Other appetizers make noteworthy shares. The short rib dumplings have delicate wrappers encasing rich, tender beef served in a pool of ponzu sauce. Crafted in-house, it’s no surprise that these luscious bites sell out quickly. Shrimp cocktail gets a kick, first grilled, chilled, then accompanied with charred lemon and two sauces: a horseradish-forward red and the Henry (similar to a Louie sauce.) The flash-fried Umami Brussels Sprouts brushed in sweet soy live up to their umami claim and would also work well as a side dish to an entree.
From those main dish offerings, you can’t go wrong with the popular gingery Korean Flank Steak, grilled medium, sliced, and placed over double fried egg rice with sugar snaps, bok choy, peppers, and mint. Scallops are also nicely done — seared and nestled in parsnip crème fraîche along with roasted squash, mushrooms, and pine nut gremolata. Pomegranate glaze, toasted quinoa, and crispy wedges of sweet potato distinguish the Scottish salmon fillet.
Several desserts beckon, but without question, the star is their Molten Butter Cake drenched in caramel sauce with a scoop of vanilla gelato melting over its top.
(2803 12th Ave. S. #105, 629-895-0600; thehenryrestaurant.com)
MAYTER SCOTT
Postino
An Italian-inspired wine bar founded in Phoenix in 2001 on the site of a former post office, Postino (Italian for postman) became beloved for its proprietary wine program, its menu of assorted bruschettas, paninis, and the like, and its relaxed, come-as-you-are vibe. It has since grown to almost three dozen locations across the country. In early November 2024, Postino made its Tennessee debut, opening at the corner of 12th Avenue South and Elmwood, last home to Taqueria del Sol.
Inside, its centerpiece is the long bar, its back wall an homage to analog televisions, an assemblage of portable and consoles from back-in-the-day. Outside, the sheltered (and heated) terrace is a sunny spot to pause and watch the comings-and-goings of the neighborhood.
“Drinking wine at lunch is not a crime,” is its cheeky slogan, and Postino gives ready encouragement to go for it. At any hour of service leading up to 5 p.m., wines by the glass are $6, bottles are $24. Another sweet deal is offered every Monday and Tuesday, after 8 p.m., when $25 will get you a bottle of wine and bruschetta board.
Postino became known for that bruschetta board, which you get to compose yourself, choosing four styles from their roster of 12. Each toast is cut into fours, adding up to 16 tasty pieces to accompany your glass of sparkling rosé or Chilean Cabernet. (Note: gluten-free bread is available on request.) You’ll find some toasts that follow tradition, such as the fresh mozzarella topped with tomato and basil. Most are creative in the assembly of ingredients: The French Onion has elements that remind you of the classic soup: caramelized onions spooned over the toast, planked with Brie and lightly broiled. Warm artichoke-parmesan spread is akin to the savory dip of the same name. Fruit, cheese, and nuts are naturals together, and the bruschetta layered with ricotta, dates, and pistachios makes that case. A slice of apple adds a crisp tartness counter to fig jam and Brie on one toast, and ripples of prosciutto lend a nice salty note to mascarpone and fig. Look, too, for the Chef’s Choice, an ever-changing creation of the moment. Beyond bruschettas, Postino offers other boards, such as Greek Hummus and Chef’s Charcuterie, as well as an array of salads, griddled paninis, and small plates. The skillet of garlicky, butter-poached shrimp and artichoke hearts with crostini is especially good.
If you’d like something sweet, look no further than the Olive Oil cake. Moist and citrusy, it is sidled by Amarena cherries and a whip of vanilla-flecked yogurt.
(2317 12th Ave. S., 629- 262-0900; postinowinecafe.com)