The Best Nashville Bars: From Speakeasy to Honky Tonk
Music City is known for its lively music scene, but Nashville bars are some of the best in the country. Whether you’re looking for a dive bar, a rooftop bar, honky tonks, or a speakeasy, Nashville has it all. Here we’ll explore the best Nashville bars, including what makes them unique and why you should visit them.
These aren’t your typical multi-level honky-tonks that fill lower Broadway with expensive cover charge and are filled wall to wall with bachelorette parties. These bars aren’t the ones named by a country singer’s famous last name, like Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar. If you’re looking for those, you’ll find live country music on the second floor at Nashville bars owned by Miranda Lambert, Dierks Bentley, or Blake Shelton. Honky Tonk Central has a great main floor and is great if you’re celebrating a special occasion and you’re looking for great live music.
This is a list of the best places to find cheap beer, craft cocktails, and a great time. The hidden bar that a normal passerby may miss or the Broadway bar that locals try to keep their secret. Bars that are just a great place to have good food any given night.
Nashville Bars
The Patterson House
The Patterson House is a speakeasy-style bar located in Midtown. This dimly lit bar offers a sophisticated atmosphere with hand-crafted cocktails, including their famous Gin Fizz. The bar is named after a prominent Nashville family, and the interior design reflects the historic significance of the building. The Patterson House also offers a limited menu, including cheese and charcuterie plates and sandwiches.
The Bluebird Cafe
The Bluebird Cafe is not your typical bar. It’s a music venue that has hosted live shows for some of the biggest names in country music, including Garth Brooks, Kris Kristofferson, and Taylor Swift. The intimate setting and acoustic sound make it the perfect place to enjoy live music while sipping on a cold beer or cocktails. The Bluebird Cafe also offers a limited food menu, including salads, sandwiches, and desserts.
The Pharmacy
The Pharmacy is a beer garden located in East Nashville. The outdoor seating area features long picnic tables and string lights, creating a festive atmosphere. The Pharmacy serves up a variety of burger options and German fare, including bratwurst, schnitzel, and pretzels. They also have an extensive beer menu, with over 50 different brews on tap.
Pinewood Social
Pinewood Social is a unique bar located in the trendy SoBro neighborhood. It’s not just a bar, but a social club that offers a variety of activities, including bowling, bocce ball, and swimming. The indoor-outdoor space is beautifully designed, with a vintage feel that transports you back in time. The cocktail menu is creative and well-crafted, with options like the Jack Rose and the Moscow Mule.
The Red Door Saloon
The Red Door Saloon is a classic dive bar located in Midtown. This casual spot offers a laid-back atmosphere with affordable drinks and bar food. The bar is known for its “Bushwacker,” a frozen drink made with rum, Kahlua, and other secret ingredients. The Red Door Saloon also has a large outdoor seating area, making it a popular spot during the summer months. They also have a second location in East Nashville in the popular 5 points hot spot.
Attaboy
Attaboy is a speakeasy-style bar located in the trendy East Nashville neighborhood. There’s no menu at Attaboy, but the bartenders are skilled in creating custom cocktails based on your preferences. The dimly lit cocktail club creates an intimate atmosphere, perfect kind of place for a date night or a night out with friends.
Robert’s Western World
Robert’s Western World is a honky-tonk bar located in downtown Nashville. The bar features live music every night, with a focus on traditional country music. The space is decorated with cowboy boots, neon signs, and vintage memorabilia, creating an authentic Western atmosphere. Robert’s Western World also serves up classic bar food, including a fried bologna sandwich and grilled cheese, perfect for a late night bar.
The 404 Kitchen
The 404 Kitchen is a restaurant and bar located in The Gulch neighborhood. The bar offers a unique cocktail menu, featuring drinks like the “Elijah Craig Smash” and the “Sour Cherry Gin Rickey.” The space is beautifully designed, with a modern industrial feel. The 404 Kitchen also serves up delicious food, including wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas.
Rudy’s Jazz Room
Rudy’s Jazz Room is a hidden gem located in the downtown area. This speakeasy-style bar is named after the legendary Rudy Vallee, and it features live jazz music seven nights a week. The special place creates an atmosphere that is both cozy and sophisticated, perfect for jazz lovers and anyone looking for a unique night out in Nashville. The bar also serves up classic cocktails, like the Old Fashioned and the Manhattan.
The Treehouse
The Treehouse is a popular bar located in East Nashville. The bar features plenty of outdoor seating and a laid-back atmosphere. The cocktail menu is creative and well-crafted, featuring drinks like the “Vieux Carre” and the “Elderflower Collins.” The Treehouse also has a small food menu, including shareable plates and sandwiches.
The Southern Steak & Oyster
The Southern Steak & Oyster is a restaurant and bar located in downtown Nashville. The bar features an extensive wine list, as well as classic cocktails and a rotating selection of craft beers. The space is beautifully designed, with a modern Southern feel that is both sophisticated and welcoming. The Southern Steak & Oyster also serves up delicious food, including fresh oysters, steak, and seafood.
Acme Feed & Seed
Acme Feed & Seed is a multi-level bar and restaurant located in downtown Nashville. The space features a rooftop bar with a stunning view of the Cumberland River, as well as multiple indoor and outdoor seating areas. The cocktail menu is extensive, with options like the “Mule Kick” and the “Acme Old Fashioned.” Acme Feed & Seed also serves up classic Southern food, including hot chicken and barbecue. A great spot in the heart of downtown.
The Old Glory
The Old Glory is a speakeasy-style bar located in the Edgehill neighborhood. The bar is hidden behind an unmarked door, and the interior is beautifully designed, with a vintage feel that transports you back in time. The cocktail menu is creative and well-crafted, featuring drinks like the “Bitter Truth” and the “Hemingway Daiquiri.” The Old Glory is the perfect spot for a romantic night out or a quiet drink with friends any night of the week.
The Sutler Saloon
The Sutler Saloon is a honky-tonk bar located in the Melrose neighborhood. The bar features live music seven nights a week, with a focus on country and Americana music. The space is decorated with vintage memorabilia, creating an authentic Southern atmosphere. The Sutler Saloon also serves up classic Southern food, including hot chicken and barbecue.
Duke’s
Duke’s is a one of the many dive bars located in the East Nashville neighborhood. The cocktail menu is creative and well-crafted, featuring drinks like the “Berry Bourbon Smash” and the “Cucumber Cooler.” Duke’s also has a small food menu, including shareable plates and sandwiches.
Nashville is home to some of the best bars in the country, with a wide variety of options to suit every taste and preference. Whether you’re looking for a speakeasy-style bar, a honky-tonk, or a rooftop bar with a stunning view, Nashville has it all. The bars on this list are just a small sampling of the many great options available in Music City. So next time you’re in Nashville, be sure to check out some of these incredible bars and experience the city’s vibrant nightlife scene.
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