Chopper
Ever had a TIki drink that was on fire? If you haven’t, you might want to check this place out!
Chopper: an unassuming Tiki Bar located between some other shops in East Nashville. But once you walk in, you're transported to another place and time. Their decor changes with each season, so you never know what you’re going to get. The last time I went it was Star Wars themed: your drinks served in Yoda tiki mugs, and Star Wars memorabilia everywhere along with all the Hawaiian themed stuff. We had a great time trying all the tropical flavored drink, most of which come in Tikis, so make sure to get a photo! One of the cocktails even comes on fire (the Robo Zombie)… which is, of course, the one I ordered ;).
A Local’s Tip: Do an East Nashville Tropical Drink Tour… Go to Hawker’s first (drink and an App), then go to Chopper (drink and app), then end at Pearl Diver (drink and app!). Make sure you walk or Uber, obviously!
website
hours
WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY | 4PM - 11PM
FRIDAY & SATURDAY | 4PM - 12AM
SUNDAY 12PM - 11PM
address
1100B Stratton Avenue | Nashville TN | 37206
Rosemary & Beauty Queen
It’s a cocktail bar. It’s a house. It’s a cocktail bar in a house!
It’s a cocktail bar. It’s a house. It’s a cocktail bar in a house! Cool! Get a frozen Strawberry Daiquiri (pictured below), a signature cocktail like the “Street Trash” (vodka cherry limeade), or go with a classic like an Old Fashioned. They also have beer, hard cider and kombucha, ranch water, and shot specials! To eat, you can order nachos, tacos, crunchwraps, chips & queso, or a “bowl”.
A Local’s Tip: If the weather’s nice, ask to sit outside on their “swings”. If all the swings are taken, the patio is still a cool place to be! Dancing on the weekend is from 8pm-1am!
website
hours
Sat & Sun: 12pm-2am
Mon-Thurs: 4pm-2am
Friday: 3pm-2am
Plant-Based Brunch Hours
Saturdays and Sundays Starting at 12pm (Music from 2-5pm)
address
1102 Forrest Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Urban Cowboy Public House
Located behind a bed and breakfast, Urban Cowboy Public House offers delicious cocktails in a unique setting.
Located behind a bed and breakfast, Urban Cowboy Public House offers delicious cocktails in a unique setting. I felt like I was in a fancy desert; I know that doesn’t make sense… you’ll just have to check it out for yourself! They have a large outdoor patio and a cozy interior, so this is a great date night spot OR a fun place to come with a group of friends. Their food options change up, so be sure to check out their website to see what they’re offering currently.
A Local’s Tip: Lockeland Table, a popular dinner spot, is right across the street, so hit up Urban Cowboy before or after dinner at Lockeland! No reservations needed for Urban Cowboy, but they are required for Lockeland Table.
Enjoying a cocktail on Urban Cowboy’s patio!
SandBar
Drink cocktails out of a coconut in your beach attire and play a game of volleyball at this sandy bar in West Nashville.
Drink cocktails out of coconuts and pineapples at SandBar in Sylvan Park. You can play volleyball or just watch the action! Beach attire is encouraged; I wore black my first time there and definitely felt out of place, haha.
website
hours
Mon-Fri: 12pm-9pm
Saturday & Sunday: 11am-9pm
Happy Hour:
Monday-Thursday, 4-7pm. Every boozy beverage comes with a Jell-O shot.
address
3 CITY AVE SUITE 500
NASHVILLE, TN 37209
To plan an event or to reserve a volleyball court, email EVENTS@SANDBARNASHVILLE.COM
Jacqueline
The Optimist’s new outdoor bar, “Jacqueline” has ample seating, delicious cocktails, and seafood apps for you to enjoy while you soak up the sun.
The Optimist’s new outdoor bar, “Jacqueline” has ample seating, delicious cocktails, and seafood apps (like the Lobster Roll pictured below) for you to enjoy while you soak up the sun. This is one of my favorite places! Jacqueline is attached to The Optimist seafood restaurant in East Germantown. No need to enter through Optimist’s front door, just walk around to the side and you’ll see the outdoor bar area. No reservations needed.
Gertie's Bar
Grab a cocktail at Gertie’s Bar before dinner. You won’t be disappointed!
Whenever I say, “Let’s go to Gertie’s Bar”, anyone I’m with says “Where’s that?” It’s right in the middle of everything but somehow gets overlooked! Located in The Gulch, below “404 Kitchen”, is Gertie’s Bar. People think it’s simply 404 Kitchen, but it’s actually called Gertie’s Bar. You can order food off of the 404 Kitchen menu, but I like sticking to cocktails before dinner somewhere else. Their cocktails are fun, creative, and always really good. The cool lighting and boozy cocktails make for a great date night pre-dinner spot.
website
hours
Tues - Thurs 5pm - 9pm
Fri - Sat 5pm - 10pm
address
507 12th Avenue South. Nashville, TN 37203
Downstairs from The 404 Kitchen
First Floor
Pearl Diver
Pearl Diver in East Nashville is a fun Hawaiian-themed cocktail bar with food options, a patio, and a photo booth!
Pearl Diver in East Nashville is a fun Hawaiian-themed cocktail bar. They also offer a lot of food options like mini tacos, wings, and burgers like the Hawaiian Big Mac. The inside is cozy and dimly lit: great for a date night. The back patio is spacious and great for bigger groups; part of the patio is covered which is convenient for bad weather, and the other half is uncovered. They have a full menu of delicious tropical drinks. I got the “Pearl Diver” which was a rum drink, and with the first sip, I was transported to the beach (in my mind, anyway). They can also whip up any classic cocktail you desire. Pearl Diver’s location is only ten minutes from downtown Nashville, so if you need a break from the Broadway craziness and want to hang out with the locals, this is a wonderful option! Oh, and I forgot to mention that they have a photo booth! How cute!
Otto's Bar
Creative and classic cocktails, beer and wine, and snacks like nachos and chips & guac is what Otto’s is made of. Enjoy the outdoor patio and happy hour from 4-6 on weekdays.
One of the things I love about Nashville is that you are always discovering places that have been right under your nose the whole time! Otto’s is an adorable cocktail bar just down from M.L. Rose in the Nations that opened in October, 2020. I’ve driven by here countless times since then, but never noticed this hidden gem so close by. Otto’s is camouflaged between businesses and at a quick-glance, looks like an auto shop. That’s because, well, it used to be one. They have parking in the front and rear, a cozy-cool decorated indoor space, and a semi-covered outdoor patio with plenty of heaters to keep you warm during colder weather. Not to mention dainty string lights to set the mood.
Creative cocktails, classic drinks, tacos and more.
Partially covered outdoor patio with heaters.
The menu is full of creative cocktails as well as classics, and options for beer and wine lovers, too. They have several food options: think things like tacos, chips and queso, and nachos. Happy hour is from 4-6, with drink specials galore. I will definitely have to check out brunch from 11-3 on Sundays.
The “Painkiller”: Ron Hacienda Santa Ana Cask Strength Rum, Pineapple Juice, Crème de Coconut, Nutmeg, and Cherry.
$5 Chips & Queso
website
hours
Wednesday-Saturday: 4pm-10pm
Sunday Brunch: 11am-3pm
Happy Hour: 4pm-6pm
address
4210 Charlotte Pike Nashville, Tennessee 37209
L27 Rooftop Lounge
Beautiful pool, gorgeous view of the city, and their signature cocktails, which change with the season, are always delicious.
This may be my favorite rooftop lounge in Nashville, and it might be everyone else’s too, because it’s always busy. I highly encourage making reservations (through Resy). This rooftop is 27 floors up atop the Westin Hotel downtown. They have indoor and outdoor seating and a great view of their beautiful pool and of course a gorgeous view of the city skyline. Their signature cocktails change with the season and are always delicious. They also serve small plates and entrees if you’re hungry.
The “MELLA CANNELLA” Cocktail: Prosecco, Green Apple Puree, Cinnamon Simple
The Pub
Go with a Guinness and some wings or order some red wine and the salmon… there’s no wrong way to do it!
The Pub makes me feel like I’m in England; they have traditional pub fare, British decor, and it’s humongous but somehow cozy. I love the dim lighting and great service. Sometimes they have live music, too! Go with a Guinness and some wings or order some red wine and the salmon… there’s no wrong way to do it!
Website
Hours
Mon-Thu: 11am-10pm
Fri-Sun: 10am-10pm
Happy Hour: M-F 3pm-7pm
Location
400 11th Avenue South Nashville, TN 37203
The Lodge at the Pool Club (Rooftop Bar)
What doesn’t this place have? A pool, cabanas, a gorgeous view, brunch, food, fun cocktails… it has EVERY.THING.
The The Lodge at the Pool Club is a new spot on the rooftop of the Virgin Hotels on Music Row in Midtown. Go in, take a left and keeeeeeep walking, (like, it’s kind of a long walk haha), until you’ve turned the corner and find the elevator with a sign that says “this way to the Pool Club”. Do not take the elevators you first see when you walk in. Those will not take you to the rooftop. OK, now for the deets on this place. What doesn’t it have? A pool, cabanas, a gorgeous view, brunch, food, fun cocktails… it has EVERY.THING. During the holidays, the inside is so warm and cozy and beautifully decorated! You can also rent a heated cabana, ($500) for you and 8 of your friends.
Now for the menu: choose from parmesan truffle fries, a burger, truffle mac & cheese, among many other delicious things. OMG! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Right now their winter cocktails are so fun: Get a “Snow Bunny” which is Absolut Vanilla Vodka, Hot Cocoa, Nutella, Peppermint, & Toasted Marshmellows, or go with something lighter like the “Breckinridge Babe”: Aviation Gin, Raspberry, Rosemary, Lemon, & Bubbles. Reservations are not required, but I highly recommend, especially at peak times like weekends.
The “Breckenridge Babe” Cocktail
Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
“Midtown Greens” Salad: spring mix, goat cheese, caramelized walnuts, strawberries, w/ balsamic vinaigrette
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club in East Nashville is an intimate, cozy, 21+ speakeasy and makes a fantastic date night.
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club in East Nashville is an intimate, cozy, 21+ speakeasy and makes a fantastic date night. The food and cocktails are divine and the service is awesome. The romantic dim lighting really sets the mood. They have specialty shots, appetizers like Miso Deviled Eggs and Charcuterie Boards, fresh baked cookies, and non-alcoholic and vegan options. They do offer reservations but only for their open time of 5pm, all other times are first come, first served. Even though “Club” is in the name, no membership is needed; they are open to the public.
I’m drinking the “September 2020” (refreshing and fabulous). The husband got a “19th century Manhattan”.
Miso Deviled Eggs and Whiskey Flight
Charcuterie and Cheese Board
Embers Ski Lodge
One of my favorite bars, this place is decorated like a ski lodge and makes you feel cozy and warm.
One of my favorite bars, this place is decorated like a ski lodge and makes you feel cozy and warm. But when the weather’s nice, there’s also a big outdoor seating area where you can watch the people walk by. It’s a lively joint, where young locals like to hang out. We love their drink specials (just ask and they’ll let you know what they are), especially their list of “a beer and a shot” combos. They also have food in case you’re hungry. It’s right in the middle the 12 South action and walkable to a ton of other bars and restaurants. My husband and I go here so much that the bartenders may know our names… oops.
MENU: CLICK HERE
Hours
*As of right now, check website for updates due to COVID-19
Monday- 3pm-12am
Tuesday-Thursday- 11am-12am
Friday and Saturday- 11am-2am
Sunday- 11am-12am
The kitchen hours are now as follows…
Monday- 3pm-10pm
Tuesday-Thursday- 11am-10pm
Friday and Saturday- 11am-11pm
Sunday- 11am-10pm
Location
2410 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204
Big Bar - Bastion
The BIg Bar at Bastion is the perfect place to grab a cocktail and some nachos.
Reminiscing on date nights out to fancy cocktail bars before COVID. Crazy to think that I don’t know when we will be able to go out to a restaurant or bar again. This lockdown situation really makes you think about how many things you take for granted.
This picture was taken a few weeks ago at the Bastion Big Bar. It was our first time visiting, and we loved it! The drinks were great and the atmosphere was really cool (there were games and old school furniture!). Once this is all over, I can’t wait to go back! For now, I’ll be trying to recreate these cocktails at home.
MENU: CLICK HERE
Hours
As of right now, Big Bar is temporarily closed due to covid, but the restaurant part is now OPEN. Reservations required. Check their website for latest developments.
Address
434 HOUSTON STREET, NASHVILLE, TN, 37203
Old Glory
This “secret” bar has a fun photo booth, great cocktails, late-night dancing, and empanadas if you’re hungry.
Old Glory is a “secret” bar. There is no entrance sign, only a yellow triangle on the door to let you know “come in!”. Locals know this spot and are probably mad I’m telling you about it right now, so try to keep it as hush-hush as possible! I added a photo for you below to show you what the door looks like. It’s right next to some fake lush greenery (great for a photo spot!). It’s in the alleyway that leads to another one of my favorite places… Bella Napoli. So if you’ve found Bella Napoli, you’re close! Old Glory is a cool place because it used to be a boiler room for steam cleaning facilities. It’s massive! They have a fun photo booth, great cocktails, late-night dancing, and empanadas if you’re hungry.
MENU: CLICK HERE
Hours
Sunday – Thursday 5pm-1am
Friday 5pm-2am
Saturday noon-2am
Happy Hour Monday-Friday 5-7pm
Contact/reservations/rental
info@oldglorynashville.com or book on website
Address
1200 Villa Place, Suite 103
Nashville, Tennessee 37212
(*Remember, there is no sign! Go through the door with the yellow triangle on it)
Rudy's Jazz Room
Cocktails and jazz in a low-lit basement… so cool!
*Note: As of right now, Rudy’s Jazz Room is temporarily closed due to COVID-19. Check their website for updates.
We stumbled into Rudy’s Jazz Room accidentally one night and had such a fun time. It was packed! We were lucky to grab a ticket and a seat at the bar. Cocktails and jazz in a low-lit basement… so cool! From what I know, sometimes there are covers and sometimes there aren’t. You can check on their website which band is playing and if you need to bring cash.
MENU: CLICK HERE
Hours
Sun: 11am-12:30am
Mon-Wed: 5pm-12am
Thurs: 5pm-1am
Friday: 5pm-2am
Saturday: 11am-2am
Address
Greenhouse Bar
Greenhouse Bar in Green Hills is where locals meet for happy hour. They have a fire pit, large outdoor patios, a variety of drink options, and their bar is in a freakin’ GREENHOUSE.
Greenhouse Bar in Green Hills is where locals meet for happy hour. They have a fire pit, large outdoor patios, a variety of drink options, and their bar is in a freakin’ GREENHOUSE. The entire place is an Instagram picture waiting to happen. Keep in mind they don’t serve food (I’ve never seen anyone with food but you may be able to grab some sandwiches next door and bring them in. Ask the bartender). They ALWAYS check your ID no matter how old you are. Seriously. Bring your ID! They are wack about it. Like, even your Grandma needs to bring hers.
The Patterson House
Dare I say it? I’m gonna say it. This is my FAVORITE bar in Nashville.
Dare I say it? I’m gonna say it. This is my FAVORITE bar in Nashville. A speakeasy with no wait during the weeknights but up to an hour+ wait on the weekends. If you can only visit during the weekend, it’s worth waiting, trust me. And plus, now (or at least the last time I went), they have glasses of champagne for purchase in the waiting area. Be prepared to wait a little longer than usual as your main cocktail is prepared…the bartenders are “artists”.
What makes this place so special is the dim lighting, the mysterious curtain that separates the waiting area from the main bar, the delicious hand-made cocktails, and the food, although somewhat limited, is spectacular. You can’t go wrong with anything you order but my favorite drink is Soft Clothes and my favorite food item has to be the TOTS! Above, their doughnuts are pictured: sugary, sweet, and warm… they were a great way to end the night.
Hours
Monday - Sunday 4pm - 10pm (as of now due to COVID)
Their website now states, “Given the current state of the world, we have begun accepting limited reservations. Walk-in seating is still available. Please feel free to contact us about special events, large parties, and other special occasions.”
Address
1711 Division St. Nashville, TN 37203