This New Nashville Motel Brings a Disco-Ball Crowned Dive Bar and Swim Club to the East Side

The newest brainchild of Urban Cowboy’s Lyon Porter and Jersey Banks, who design, own, and operate multifaceted hospitality brands in Brooklyn and Music City is the Dive Motel & Swim Club, in East Nashville.

A hybrid motel, swim club, and dive bar (located at 1414 Dickerson Pike)—Dive is a fully renovated rendition of the rundown 1956 Key Hotel motor inn. Decked out in vintage 70’s wallpaper and throwback wood paneling, alongside “found objects”, the new-again motel has 23 interesting rooms, ranging from the Captain’s Suite and Jungle Room to the Vampire.

Guests check in for a stay at the motel’s food and beverage outlet The Dive Bar, which is now open daily from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a much needed in Nashville concentration on late-night dining. A checker-tiled floor, custom gold-flaked black walnut bar from Good Wood Nashville (that lights up at night), and leather booths set the scene—while a disco ball and hooded fireplace add to the strong 70s vibes.

There’s indoor and outdoor seating available, and a selection of wine, cocktails, and local drafts for sipping. A short all-day menu offers American classics like hamburgers, hot dogs, and a grilled chicken sandwich. Disco shoestring fries come slathered in cheese sauce, a house “dive” sauce, and scallions. Vegans can order a chickpea tahini Caesar wrap, and there’s a combo meal featuring a sandwich, fries, and a PBR and a shot for $15. Soft serve ice cream is coming soon, according to the menu.

The property’s swim club adds something else new for Nashville residents—featuring a 60-foot pool, hot tub, and locker rooms, plus a stage for live performances and a boutique curated by Banks. Memberships to the swim club will be sold to locals, and day passes will be available for travelers and one-time visitors.

See the menu, plus a few more photos of the new throwback motel’s Dive Bar below.

Ben Fitchett

Ben Fitchett

Ben Fitchett