clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile
A tumbler filled with crushed ice, a beige liquid, and garnished with a charred wheel of corn and a straw. The drink is sitting on a wooden table.
Charred corn garnishes a cocktail at Pearl Diver in East Nashville.
Pearl Diver/Facebook

15 Essential Nashville Cocktail Bars

From low-key dives to swanky speakeasies, these are the places Nashville goes to drink

View as Map
Charred corn garnishes a cocktail at Pearl Diver in East Nashville.
| Pearl Diver/Facebook

There’s nothing wrong with grabbing a cold brew at a Broadway honky-tonk — there’s a proper time and place for that. But when Nashville wants a stiff drink, there’s no shortage of bars ready to step up to the plate. Glittering rooftop lounges: check. Dimly-lit speakeasies: check. A double-wide trailer owned by a guy who looks like that jolly bearded guy up in the North Pole: that’s a resounding “check.”

This map details the must-try bars around town, the ones with singular drinks and standout barkeeps who know their way around a bottle of bitters (or four). These spots are the ones to count on in any situation, they’re the answer to the question: “Can you recommend a bar?”

For all the latest Nashville dining intel, subscribe to Eater Nashville’s newsletter.

Read More
Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Rice Vice by Proper Sake Co.

Copy Link

Byron Stithem, founder and master brewer of local sake brewery Proper Sake Co., opened up this cozy, 70s-inspired wood-paneled spot in East Nashville where he pours up a robust selection of the sakes he makes on-site. If sake doesn’t strike your fancy, Rice Vice also features Asian lagers, perfectly chilled highballs, and a curated selection of small bites made in collaboration with local restaurants. Be sure to check the Instagram page for upcoming events.

The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club

Copy Link

One of the best bar programs in the city, The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club in East Nashville is a dimly lit den that draws a crowd — reservations are a smart bet here. The beverage menu of 30 cocktails and over 400 bottle selections changes every month but count on creative spins on the classics, like the Fox Colada with rum, nixta, white miso honey, sweet corn, pineapple, lemon stock, egg, and nutmeg served in a ceramic fox tiki glass. Snacks, including the miso deviled eggs and hot chicken hummus, are just as inventive as the cocktails themselves.

Le Loup

Copy Link

Part of Ford Fry’s mini Germantown empire (The Optimist, Star Rover, and Jacqueline), Le Loup is tucked away upstairs from The Optimist in its own little nest of spirits and snacks. The nautical-themed haunt features little nooks, banquettes, and couches for sipping on cocktails like the Fire Within made using Japanese whisky, scotch, aquavit, green apple, and celery, or snacking on fresh oysters and smoked fish dip with trout roe. The non-alcoholic options here are also complex palate pleasers.

Dino's Bar & Grill

Copy Link

An East Nashville institution since 1970, Dino’s is a dive in the very best sense of the word — you’ll find well-worn stools lined up against a bar that’s likely been there since opening day (or at least it looks like it). While you can’t go wrong with a pint of beer, you’ll find basic pours of liquor to go along with burgers so infamous Anthony Bourdain gave them a stamp of approval. During the summer, Dino’s opens up a Dolly’s Lemonade Stand pop-up for frozen fruity drinks.

Attaboy

Copy Link

This NYC stalwart decided to make East Nashville its home-away-from-home back in 2017 and the city is all the better for it. Just like any proper house guest, you’ll be asked to politely knock on the door before being allowed entry. But don’t bother looking for a menu. Instead, the bartenders here will ask a few questions about likes and dislikes before concocting a cocktail off the cuff.

Attaboy/Facebook

Skull's Rainbow Room

Copy Link

Etta James, Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Paul McCartney, and Bob Dylan are just some of the names that’ve performed on the infamous checkerboard stage at Skull’s. Located in Printer’s Alley, locals count on this old-school venue for an unpretentious scene filled with solid tunes and stiff drinks, like their eponymous cocktail made with vodka, ginger, pineapple, cava, and orange bitters.

Skull’s Rainbow Room

Hidden Bar at Noelle

Copy Link

Might be wise to save the drinking for after you’ve found the Hidden Bar at Noelle — locating it has confused more than a few patrons. (Hint: Just ask the hostess at Makeready, the hotel’s restaurant.) On weekend nights, this small, swanky spot fills with revelers catching the eye of strangers or groups sharing one of the large format drinks that announce their arrival via sparklers.

Four Walls

Copy Link

The location of Four Walls isn’t immediately obvious. You’ll have to find your way to the second floor of The Joseph in downtown and wind your way through a couple of halls before you find the host stand. But once you’re there, expect an elegantly appointed small space with fringe hanging from the ceiling and knowledgeable barkeeps mixing drinks using green tomatoes, Calpico, and smoked bitters and serving them on an oxblood marble bar. The snacks may look casual here (they’re served in bags and jars), but don’t be fooled — the beef bulgogi jerky and vegan chicharrones are some of the best in town.

Thistle & Rye

Copy Link

This Midtown cocktail bar located inside the Conrad is known for its unique glassware (see: the Taste of Paradise) and inventive flair with drinks. Case in point: the Hermitage, which uses a bong-like contraption to infuse lemongrass into a blend of Empress gin, Cointreau, and St. Germain. Whether you’ve taken a seat in one of the circular banquettes or opted for some cocktails on the patio, don’t skimp on the snacks which include hamachi crudo, char siu bao buns, and lychee doughnuts.

The Patterson House

Copy Link

One of the OGs in the Nashville craft cocktail scene, the Patterson House still knows how to shake ‘em up and pour ‘em out. This speakeasy-style bar was named after prohibition-fighting former Tennessee Governor Malcolm Patterson — and it continues to uphold his legacy spectacularly. Order a drink from their thoughtful menu or let one of the bartenders create something off the cuff. Either way, it’s a win.

Springwater Supper Club & Lounge

Copy Link

With over 100 years under its belt, Springwater has earned its spot as one of Nashville’s most iconic bars. Open since 1897, it claims the title of the oldest continuously open and operational bar in the state of Tennessee. This no-frills Midtown dive is always good for some live music, a game of eight-ball, and a brew. Just make sure to bring bills — the bar is cash only.

Bastion

Copy Link

This funky Wedgewood-Houston hang is full of clever IG-friendly design touches, but all of that takes a backseat to the food and drink menu. Josh Habiger and Strategic Hospitality have quickly made themselves a Nashville staple with their impressive cocktails and can’t-miss nachos. Just don’t forget to snap a pic with the bevy of nude women in the back.

Old Glory

Copy Link

In the style of speakeasies, this Edgehill spot — located in the former boiler room for White Way Cleaners — is a bit tricky to find. Here’s a hint: keep an eye out for a golden triangle designating an unmarked door. Once inside, expect killer drinks — like the Nines made with vodka, lavender, jasmine, honey, suze, lemon, and half and half milk syrup — at the industrial chic bar.

A bar with six bar stools. Justin Chesney/Eater Nashville

Lucky's 3 Star Bar

Copy Link

A bar’s bar, Lucky’s is where you’ll find Nashville’s industry peeps hanging out when they’re not behind the bar themselves. Its no fuss, no muss, unpretentious persona oozes from the stripped-down green booths, wood-paneled walls, red velvet pool table, and dartboards situated on a cinderblock wall. The drinks and food here match the vibe, with $7 hot dogs, $3 High Life Ponies, and $10 highballs.

Santa's Pub

Copy Link

Christmas comes only once every 365 days, but at this popular Nashville dive, you can relive the most wonderful time of the year anytime you want thanks to some pretty festive holiday decor. Housed in a double-wide trailer, the drinks here aren’t fancy, but an icy cold bottle of beer is fuel enough for the nightly karaoke sessions that take place.

Rice Vice by Proper Sake Co.

Byron Stithem, founder and master brewer of local sake brewery Proper Sake Co., opened up this cozy, 70s-inspired wood-paneled spot in East Nashville where he pours up a robust selection of the sakes he makes on-site. If sake doesn’t strike your fancy, Rice Vice also features Asian lagers, perfectly chilled highballs, and a curated selection of small bites made in collaboration with local restaurants. Be sure to check the Instagram page for upcoming events.

The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club

One of the best bar programs in the city, The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club in East Nashville is a dimly lit den that draws a crowd — reservations are a smart bet here. The beverage menu of 30 cocktails and over 400 bottle selections changes every month but count on creative spins on the classics, like the Fox Colada with rum, nixta, white miso honey, sweet corn, pineapple, lemon stock, egg, and nutmeg served in a ceramic fox tiki glass. Snacks, including the miso deviled eggs and hot chicken hummus, are just as inventive as the cocktails themselves.

Le Loup

Part of Ford Fry’s mini Germantown empire (The Optimist, Star Rover, and Jacqueline), Le Loup is tucked away upstairs from The Optimist in its own little nest of spirits and snacks. The nautical-themed haunt features little nooks, banquettes, and couches for sipping on cocktails like the Fire Within made using Japanese whisky, scotch, aquavit, green apple, and celery, or snacking on fresh oysters and smoked fish dip with trout roe. The non-alcoholic options here are also complex palate pleasers.

Dino's Bar & Grill

An East Nashville institution since 1970, Dino’s is a dive in the very best sense of the word — you’ll find well-worn stools lined up against a bar that’s likely been there since opening day (or at least it looks like it). While you can’t go wrong with a pint of beer, you’ll find basic pours of liquor to go along with burgers so infamous Anthony Bourdain gave them a stamp of approval. During the summer, Dino’s opens up a Dolly’s Lemonade Stand pop-up for frozen fruity drinks.

Attaboy

This NYC stalwart decided to make East Nashville its home-away-from-home back in 2017 and the city is all the better for it. Just like any proper house guest, you’ll be asked to politely knock on the door before being allowed entry. But don’t bother looking for a menu. Instead, the bartenders here will ask a few questions about likes and dislikes before concocting a cocktail off the cuff.

Attaboy/Facebook

Skull's Rainbow Room

Etta James, Elvis Presley, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Paul McCartney, and Bob Dylan are just some of the names that’ve performed on the infamous checkerboard stage at Skull’s. Located in Printer’s Alley, locals count on this old-school venue for an unpretentious scene filled with solid tunes and stiff drinks, like their eponymous cocktail made with vodka, ginger, pineapple, cava, and orange bitters.

Skull’s Rainbow Room

Hidden Bar at Noelle

Might be wise to save the drinking for after you’ve found the Hidden Bar at Noelle — locating it has confused more than a few patrons. (Hint: Just ask the hostess at Makeready, the hotel’s restaurant.) On weekend nights, this small, swanky spot fills with revelers catching the eye of strangers or groups sharing one of the large format drinks that announce their arrival via sparklers.

Four Walls

The location of Four Walls isn’t immediately obvious. You’ll have to find your way to the second floor of The Joseph in downtown and wind your way through a couple of halls before you find the host stand. But once you’re there, expect an elegantly appointed small space with fringe hanging from the ceiling and knowledgeable barkeeps mixing drinks using green tomatoes, Calpico, and smoked bitters and serving them on an oxblood marble bar. The snacks may look casual here (they’re served in bags and jars), but don’t be fooled — the beef bulgogi jerky and vegan chicharrones are some of the best in town.

Thistle & Rye

This Midtown cocktail bar located inside the Conrad is known for its unique glassware (see: the Taste of Paradise) and inventive flair with drinks. Case in point: the Hermitage, which uses a bong-like contraption to infuse lemongrass into a blend of Empress gin, Cointreau, and St. Germain. Whether you’ve taken a seat in one of the circular banquettes or opted for some cocktails on the patio, don’t skimp on the snacks which include hamachi crudo, char siu bao buns, and lychee doughnuts.

The Patterson House

One of the OGs in the Nashville craft cocktail scene, the Patterson House still knows how to shake ‘em up and pour ‘em out. This speakeasy-style bar was named after prohibition-fighting former Tennessee Governor Malcolm Patterson — and it continues to uphold his legacy spectacularly. Order a drink from their thoughtful menu or let one of the bartenders create something off the cuff. Either way, it’s a win.

Springwater Supper Club & Lounge

With over 100 years under its belt, Springwater has earned its spot as one of Nashville’s most iconic bars. Open since 1897, it claims the title of the oldest continuously open and operational bar in the state of Tennessee. This no-frills Midtown dive is always good for some live music, a game of eight-ball, and a brew. Just make sure to bring bills — the bar is cash only.

Bastion

This funky Wedgewood-Houston hang is full of clever IG-friendly design touches, but all of that takes a backseat to the food and drink menu. Josh Habiger and Strategic Hospitality have quickly made themselves a Nashville staple with their impressive cocktails and can’t-miss nachos. Just don’t forget to snap a pic with the bevy of nude women in the back.

Old Glory

In the style of speakeasies, this Edgehill spot — located in the former boiler room for White Way Cleaners — is a bit tricky to find. Here’s a hint: keep an eye out for a golden triangle designating an unmarked door. Once inside, expect killer drinks — like the Nines made with vodka, lavender, jasmine, honey, suze, lemon, and half and half milk syrup — at the industrial chic bar.

A bar with six bar stools. Justin Chesney/Eater Nashville

Lucky's 3 Star Bar

A bar’s bar, Lucky’s is where you’ll find Nashville’s industry peeps hanging out when they’re not behind the bar themselves. Its no fuss, no muss, unpretentious persona oozes from the stripped-down green booths, wood-paneled walls, red velvet pool table, and dartboards situated on a cinderblock wall. The drinks and food here match the vibe, with $7 hot dogs, $3 High Life Ponies, and $10 highballs.

Santa's Pub

Christmas comes only once every 365 days, but at this popular Nashville dive, you can relive the most wonderful time of the year anytime you want thanks to some pretty festive holiday decor. Housed in a double-wide trailer, the drinks here aren’t fancy, but an icy cold bottle of beer is fuel enough for the nightly karaoke sessions that take place.

Related Maps