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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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’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.