Moto Moda: Where Pizza Meets Vintage Motorsport in Nashville

Moto Moda represents a rare convergence of culinary excellence, atmospheric charm, and shared passion that makes it an exceptional venue for gathering with friends and family. Located in the vibrant Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood at 722A Merritt Avenue, this 5,000-square-foot venue seamlessly blends New York-style pizza craftsmanship with the aesthetics of vintage motorsports culture, creating an environment where every guest feels welcomed regardless of their interests. The combination pizzeria and motorcycle shop opened its doors in November 2025, immediately establishing itself as a neighborhood hangout that prioritizes genuine connection over pretense, with "not-tourist pricing" that ensures your group can enjoy quality food and drinks without breaking the bank. The space features an authentic 1940s-era trucking company building with original garage doors that flood the interior with natural light, complemented by skylights that enhance the inviting atmosphere and create Instagram-worthy moments for your crew. Whether your group consists of motorcycle enthusiasts, food lovers, casual diners, or a diverse mix of personalities, Moto Moda's thoughtfully designed environment and commitment to quality experiences makes it the perfect backdrop for meaningful time with the people who matter most to you.

Moto Moda stands apart from typical restaurants and bars because it was deliberately created by two entrepreneurs—Jimmy Pruitt and Andy Mumma—who have been building community spaces together since meeting in 2011. Their vision wasn't simply to open another pizzeria or another motorcycle shop, but to create a destination where these two passions could coexist authentically, attracting people who appreciate both great food and motorcycle culture while also welcoming those who come primarily for one or the other. The careful curation evident in every aspect of the space reflects years of experience in the hospitality and adaptive reuse business; Mumma, who also owns Barista Parlor, Chopper, and Maiz de la Vida, brought his expertise in transforming historic spaces into vibrant community hubs. The original 1940s architecture has been preserved and celebrated rather than demolished or hidden, creating a genuine sense of place that connects you to Nashville's industrial history while enjoying modern amenities. This commitment to authenticity—combined with the neighborhood vibe that permeates the space—creates an environment where conversations flow naturally, laughter comes easily, and your group will feel like you've discovered a special secret rather than visited a commercialized chain establishment.

The pizzeria component of Moto Moda is helmed by someone who takes the craft of pizza-making with utmost seriousness, as evidenced by the statement that "this is some of the best dough I have ever done." The New York-style pizza tradition brings a bold, authoritative approach to pizza-making that emphasizes quality ingredients, proper fermentation, and time-tested techniques that create crusts with ideal texture and flavor development. When you're gathering with friends, the pizza becomes more than just food—it becomes a conversation starter and a shared experience, particularly when you order multiple varieties to sample different flavor profiles together. The menu extends beyond pizza to include antipasti selections, which provide lighter options for those who might prefer smaller bites or want to create a broader tasting experience with their group. The combination of expertly crafted pizza and complementary antipasti means your gathering can feature diverse palates and preferences, ensuring everyone at your table finds something they genuinely enjoy rather than settling for compromise choices.

Moto Moda's full bar menu reveals the same thoughtfulness and expertise that goes into the pizza program, offering classic cocktails that appeal to both experienced drinkers and those preferring simpler options. The selection includes classic spritzes for those seeking lighter, refreshing options, amari-based drinks for those interested in Italian spirits, Negronis for classic cocktail enthusiasts, and bourbon and tequila cocktails for those with American whiskey or agave spirit preferences. This curated approach to cocktails means that when your group of friends with different drink preferences arrives, everyone can find something they'll love rather than defaulting to beer or wine solely because the cocktail menu lacks depth. The craftsmanship applied to the cocktail program mirrors the attention given to the pizza, indicating that the ownership team understands that exceptional hospitality involves every component of the dining experience. When friends gather over thoughtfully made cocktails in an atmosphere designed for conversation and connection, the experience transcends a simple night out and becomes a memory worth recounting.

Beyond the food and beverage offerings, Moto Moda functions as a working motorcycle shop where vintage bikes and motorcycle apparel are actively displayed and available for viewing and purchase. For your group that includes motorcycle enthusiasts, this creates an organic activity within the venue—friends can browse the curated selection of vintage bikes, discuss the engineering and aesthetics of different models, and maybe even make a special purchase to commemorate the gathering. Even for friends who aren't motorcycle aficionados, the presence of these beautiful machines adds visual interest and conversation fodder, as vintage motorcycles possess an inherent appeal that transcends niche interests through their design, history, and cultural significance. The architectural features of the space itself—including the original 1940s garage doors that open to allow light and ventilation—contribute to the sense of discovery and visual interest that keeps the environment engaging throughout your visit. The combination of dining, drinking, shopping, and soaking in a thoughtfully designed historic space means that your group's gathering never feels static or boring, as there's always something to notice, discuss, or explore within the venue.

One of the most welcoming features of Moto Moda is its dog-friendly patio, which immediately signals that this establishment understands modern community values and wants to be inclusive of all family members—including four-legged ones. When your group includes friends or family members with dogs, having a dedicated outdoor space where pets can comfortably join means nobody needs to arrange separate childcare or pet-sitting services that might fragment your gathering. The patio creates a transition space between the indoor dining area and the outdoor environment, providing options for groups who want to enjoy fresh air and natural light while still being close to the bar and food service. Pet-friendly policies have become increasingly important to many people, reflecting the reality that pets are beloved family members, and establishments that recognize this demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of modern social needs. The patio setting also means your group has options for how to arrange yourselves—some might prefer indoor seating near the bar for deeper conversation and cocktail enjoyment, while others might gravitate toward the outdoor space for a more casual, relaxed atmosphere, and you can move fluidly between both areas throughout your visit.

The Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood has emerged as one of Nashville's most vibrant and culturally significant areas, known for its creative energy, independent businesses, and welcoming community atmosphere that prizes authenticity over commercialization. Choosing to gather at Moto Moda means your group is participating in supporting the neighborhood development that prioritizes local entrepreneurs and genuine community spaces rather than generic chains that could exist anywhere. The neighborhood itself offers additional exploration opportunities—before or after your time at Moto Moda, your group can wander through nearby galleries, shops, and other independently owned businesses that characterize the area's unique character. The location within the Standard Assembly mixed-use development means your group has the potential to make an entire evening of the outing, potentially combining dinner at Moto Moda with other activities or venues nearby without needing to drive between distant locations. The walkability and density of interesting establishments in the Wedgewood-Houston area means that a group gathering at Moto Moda can easily extend into a broader neighborhood exploration, creating a more memorable and fuller experience than a simple meal at an isolated establishment.

The deliberate commitment to "not-tourist pricing" represents a philosophical stance that Moto Moda's ownership maintains about community and accessibility, ensuring that local residents and friend groups can regularly gather without the financial strain that often accompanies trendy restaurant experiences. When you're planning a group outing, budget considerations often play a significant role in decision-making, and establishments that price fairly relative to quality demonstrate respect for their community and guests. The ability to enjoy New York-style pizza, craft cocktails, and a beautifully designed historic space without the price premium that often accompanies fashionable venues makes Moto Moda an accessible destination for repeated gatherings rather than a special-occasion splurge. This pricing philosophy means your group can visit multiple times throughout the year for different occasions and celebrations without the cost spiraling beyond reasonable limits. When friends can comfortably afford to gather at a quality venue regularly, the venue naturally becomes a regular meeting place—the kind of spot that develops inside jokes, becomes associated with special memories, and transforms into a genuine neighborhood institution where regulars feel welcomed and valued.

The deliberate preservation and celebration of the 1940s-era trucking company building creates an architectural narrative that adds depth and authenticity to your gathering experience in ways that newly constructed spaces simply cannot replicate. Historic buildings possess an inherent character that stems from their actual history—the original garage doors, the structural elements, the way light filters through skylights into a space designed for different purposes decades ago—all contribute to an atmosphere that feels genuine and grounded. When friends gather in a space with authentic historic character, conversations naturally incorporate observations about the building itself, its history, and the thoughtful adaptive reuse that transformed an industrial space into a community gathering place. The skylights provide natural light that changes throughout the day and seasons, creating a dynamic environment rather than the static artificial lighting of many modern establishments, and this natural illumination enhances mood and creates a more welcoming atmosphere. The commitment to preservation over demolition signals that Moto Moda's ownership values continuity with the past while building for the future, a philosophy that extends to how they approach community and relationships—they're building something meant to last and become part of the neighborhood fabric rather than a temporary trend.

Moto Moda's design and philosophy make it exceptionally versatile for different types of friend and family groups, from casual friend gatherings to more intentional celebration occasions or multi-generational family outings. For groups of younger friends seeking a stylish, walkable neighborhood venue with excellent food and drinks, Moto Moda offers the quality and authenticity that contemporary diners increasingly prioritize over chain establishments or tourist traps. For families with children, the casual atmosphere, quality food, and outdoor patio create an environment where kids feel welcome rather than tolerated, and parents can actually enjoy their meal rather than managing chaos. For motorcycle enthusiasts bringing together friends who share that passion, the presence of vintage bikes and apparel creates a natural focal point for conversation and shared interest, while the quality food and drinks ensure that non-enthusiasts in the group also have an excellent experience. For multi-generational gatherings that might include grandparents, parents, and young adults, the combination of sophisticated food and drinks with a casual, welcoming atmosphere means different age groups find their comfort level without anyone feeling out of place. The neighborhood location and walkability mean that groups with varied mobility needs or preferences can arrive via different means and find convenient parking or transit options.

Planning your group gathering at Moto Moda starts with understanding the operating hours—the establishment opens daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch service and 5 to 10 p.m. for dinner service, allowing you to plan either casual daytime hangouts or evening social occasions depending on your group's preferences and schedules. Consider arriving during off-peak hours if your group prefers a quieter atmosphere with more attention from staff, or embrace the busier evening times if you enjoy the energy and social buzz of a popular neighborhood destination. The pizza menu likely benefits from ordering multiple varieties so your group can share and sample different flavor profiles, turning the meal into a collaborative tasting experience rather than individual selections. When ordering cocktails, consider exploring the full range of options rather than defaulting to familiar choices—the expertise evident in the cocktail program suggests that recommendations from knowledgeable bartenders will likely lead to discoveries that enhance your gathering. Allow time for your group to explore the motorcycle shop component and soak in the architectural details of the space, as these elements transform your visit from a simple meal into a more complete experiential gathering. If your group includes dog owners, arrive prepared to take advantage of the dog-friendly patio—your furry friends will enjoy the space, and their presence often sparks additional conversations and connections among your human group members.

Moto Moda represents the kind of establishment that becomes more valuable to a community the more frequently it's used, and choosing to gather here with friends and family actively supports the vision of neighborhood builders like Pruitt and Mumma who are creating genuine gathering spaces rather than extractive commercial enterprises. The combination of exceptional food and drinks, thoughtful design that honors architectural history, inclusive policies that welcome diverse groups and their family members (including pets), an