Discover the Hidden Charm of Speakeasy Nashville
Welcome to Nashville, where the nightlife is as rich and exciting as its history. If you’re a first-time visitor, you might have heard whispers about the city’s secret speakeasies—hidden bars that offer an experience like no other. These clandestine spots harken back to the Prohibition era but have evolved into modern-day sanctuaries for artisan drinks, live music, and a unique atmosphere.
TL;DR: Your Quick Guide to the Best Speakeasies in Music City
- The Patterson House: Elegant and sophisticated, with a blend of classic and innovative cocktails.
- Attaboy: Secretive spot with a no-menu policy, serving custom cocktails based on your preferences.
- Old Glory: Industrial decor paired with creative and smoky cocktails.
- The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club: Elegant atmosphere featuring seasonal cocktails and themed events.
- Urban Cowboy: Rustic charm in a historic mansion with expertly crafted cocktails.
- Tiger Bar: Relaxed vibe with inventive gin-based drinks.
- Skulls Rainbow Room: Vintage venue known for live jazz and burlesque performances.
- Hidden Bar at Noelle: Exclusive spot inside one of the city’s best hotels
- Red Phone Booth: Entrance via a vintage phone booth offering classic cocktails with a unique twist.
- Never Never: Laid-back environment with inventive cocktails and occasional live music.
- Bar Sovereign: Cozy atmosphere featuring art shows and live music.
- Black Rabbit: Modern decor with live jazz, a perfect spot for happy hour.
- Coral Club: Tropical decor and relaxed atmosphere ideal for a chill evening.
- One More Cocktail Club: Chic and intimate setting with elegant cocktails, perfect for a green hour gathering.
What is a Speakeasy?
The History of Speakeasies
Origins in the Prohibition Era
Speakeasies originated during the Prohibition era in the United States (1920-1933), a time when the sale, production, and transportation of alcoholic beverages were illegal. These hidden bars were often tucked away in basements, behind unmarked doors, or in secret rooms. They became gathering places for those seeking a drink and a good time away from the prying eyes of the law.
Evolution to Modern-Day Speakeasies
Today, speakeasies have returned, offering a nostalgic yet contemporary twist on the clandestine drinking experience. They retain the allure of secrecy and exclusivity, often requiring passwords or reservations, and feature bespoke cocktails crafted with precision and flair.
Why Visit a Speakeasy in Nashville?
Unique Atmosphere
A craft cocktail bar in Nashville offers a unique atmosphere that combines the charm of the past with modern comforts. Think dim lighting, vintage decor, and an intimate setting to unwind and enjoy a carefully crafted cocktail.
Craft Cocktails and Mixology
If you appreciate expertly crafted cocktails, Nashville’s speakeasies are a must-visit. Expert mixologists use high-quality spirits, fresh ingredients, and innovative techniques to create drinks that are as delicious as Instagram-worthy. Many mixologists draw on spirits from local distilleries to craft their signature cocktails.
Live Music and Entertainment
Nashville is known as Music City for a reason. Many speakeasies feature live music, from jazz and blues to contemporary tunes, providing a perfect backdrop for your night out.
Top Speakeasies to Visit in Nashville
1. The Patterson House
Address: 1711 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203
Website: http://thepattersonnashville.com/
Neighborhood Location: Midtown
Located in Midtown, The Patterson House offers a sophisticated atmosphere with comfortable seating, dim lighting, and vintage decor. Enjoy an intimate setting, creative cocktails, and friendly service for a memorable night.
Signature Cocktails
The Patterson House offers an extensive drink menu featuring classics and innovative concoctions. Don’t miss their Old Fashioned, the Nobody’s Poet cocktail with Brandy, or the Best Foot Forward cocktail with Gin. In search of delicious mocktails? Our mixologist has you covered with beverages that are as creative as they are delightful.
Insider Tips
Arrive early to avoid long wait times, as this place fills up quickly. Reservations are no longer accepted; they are now first come, first served.
2. Attaboy
Address: 8 McFerrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Website: https://attaboy.us/visit-us-1
Neighborhood Location: East Nashville
In East Nashville, Attaboy keeps the spirit of secrecy alive with its unmarked entrance and no-menu policy. Tell the bartender your preferences and how you feel for the night, and they’ll whip up a drink tailored just for you. The interior exudes class, featuring dim lighting (but not too dark!) and a stylish 1960s/70s Southwestern vibe.
Personalized Drink Experience
At Attaboy, you can expect a personalized drink experience. The skilled bartenders will ask about your flavor preferences and create a customized cocktail just for you. Everything is on the table here; let the mixologist work their magic.
What to Expect
There’s often a wait, given its popularity, but the experience is well worth it. Attaboy operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so be prepared to enjoy a drink outside while you wait.
3. Old Glory
Address: 1200 Villa Place, Suite 103, Nashville, TN 37212
Website: https://www.oldglorynashville.com/
Neighborhood Location: Edgehill
Housed in a former boiler room, Old Glory boasts high ceilings, exposed brick, and industrial decor, creating a unique and inviting atmosphere.
Popular Drink Selections
Old Glory is known for its innovative cocktails and extensive whiskey selection. Try the “Smoke & Mirrors” for a smoky, mezcal-based delight. Some of our other favorites include the Espresso Martini, Old Fashioned, and French 75.
Best Times to Visit
Weekdays are less crowded, making them the perfect time to enjoy a more relaxed experience. If you find yourself in the neighborhood, don’t miss out on Bella Napoli Pizzeria—one of our all-time favorite spots for delicious pizza!
4. The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
Address: 2905B Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216
Website: https://www.thefoxnashville.com/
Neighborhood Location: East Nashville
Nestled in East Nashville (aka the hotspot for top local bars), The Fox boasts elegant decor, cozy vibes, and an intimate and dark setting reminiscent of pre-probation times. The entrance is somewhat hidden, located behind Nicoletta’s Italian Kitchen. Reservations are often necessary and can be made online, as the limited seats fill up quickly.
Creative Cocktails
While they offer many original cocktail favorites, their world-renowned mixologist can elevate any classic cocktail to the next level. Their menu changes with the seasons, featuring fresh and creative drinks year-round. Our favorites include the MCM Old Fashioned, Snowfall On Nakatomi Plaza, and the Maybe She’s Born With It.
Unparalleled Experiences
Spend an afternoon with one of their senior bartenders, combining education and fun. Enjoy three expertly crafted cocktails while discovering the history of spirits, trade secrets, and how to recreate your favorite drinks at home. Choose from their signature Cocktail Experience, Agave Experience, or Tiki Experience.
5. Urban Cowboy
Address: 1603 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206
Website: https://urbancowboy.com/nashville/
Neighborhood Location: East Nashville
Urban Cowboy Nashville is a boutique hotel in a historic mansion that seamlessly combines rustic charm and modern elegance. Each uniquely designed suite offers a cozy escape, while the Parlor Wine Bar entertains with nightly live music. The Public House features a relaxed atmosphere, serving craft cocktails and delectable food, fostering a sense of community among guests. Enjoy their indoor and outdoor areas, with fire pits and comfortable and cozy seating.
Insider Tips
Urban Cowboy offers an intimate setting perfect for a romantic evening or retreat. Their uniquely designed luxury hotel rooms make for an ideal weekend getaway. We also love Roberta’s Pizza, which started as a pop-up and now has a permanent home, serving Brooklyn-inspired wood-fired pizza.
6. Tiger Bar
Address: 2909 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216
Website: https://www.tigerbarnashville.com/
Neighborhood Location: East Nashville
Situated in East Nashville, this 1930s-inspired gin joint is the brainchild of the team behind House of Cards, one of Nashville’s premier fine dining establishments. Featuring circus-themed decor and a classic cocktail menu, Tiger Bar transports guests to a bygone era with its timeless charm.
At Tiger Bar, you can enjoy expertly crafted martinis, sparkling wines, gin, cognac, and other vintage drinks. The ambiance is glamorous, but the bar encourages dressy casual attire—so you can dress to impress.
Signature Cocktails
Their cocktail menu features a mix of classic and inventive drinks. Try the “Cotton Candy Negroni,” “Snake [Oil] Charmer,” and “Beneath the Cards.”
Insider Tips
Tiger Bar, like House of Cards, enforces a strict dress code. While cocktail attire is suggested but not mandatory, baseball caps and flip-flops are strictly prohibited.
7. Skulls Rainbow Room
Address: 222 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37219, United States
Website: https://www.skullsrainbowroom.com/
Neighborhood Location: Downtown
Skulls Rainbow Room is a historic venue located in the famous Printers Alley. It offers a unique blend of old-school charm and modern sophistication. The venue also hosts live music, burlesque shows, and a food menu that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Signature Cocktails
Their cocktail menu features a mix of classic and innovative drinks. Don’t miss “The Duke,” crafted with Duke Bourbon, Sage, Tobacco Bitters, Angostura Bitters, and Lemon. Choose between the Standard: Old Forester 86 or the Premium: Buffalo Trace.
Insider Tips
Skulls Rainbow Room often hosts live jazz and burlesque shows, adding lively entertainment to your visit. The burlesque show starts at 11 pm, standing room only, with a $20 cover charge. Tip: Book a dinner reservation around 9 or 10 pm to get a table and skip the fee.
8. Hidden Bar at Noelle
Address: 200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, United States
Website: https://www.noelle-nashville.com/eat-and-drink
Neighborhood Location: Downtown
Located in the basement of one of our favorite Broadway hotels, Noelle, Hidden Bar provides an exclusive and intimate setting, ideal for a fun night out. To locate Noelle, inquire at the front desk of the Makeshift L&L restaurant. It can be found through a hidden door in the vicinity.
Themed Signature Cocktails
Their cocktail menu is curated to match the bar’s seasonal themes and film-inspired pop-ups with themed drinks. Drinks change based on the season, including pop-ups such as Christmas Story, The Shinning, Home Alone, and many more throughout the year.
9. Red Phone Booth
Address: 136 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203
Website: https://redphonebooth.com/nashville/
Neighborhood Location: Downtown
True to its name, Red Phone Booth features a vintage phone booth entrance that exudes an air of mystery and exclusivity. This intriguing entrance hides a concealed doorway behind it, ensuring a unique experience. To gain access, guests must secure a secret phone number. Nestled in Downtown Nashville, this upscale cocktail lounge offers a warm ambiance while serving a delightful selection of Prohibition-era cocktails alongside modern favorites.
Signature Cocktails
Dive into their cocktail menu, where classic charm meets creative flair! Don’t miss the “Smoked Old Fashion,” a timeless recipe from the 1880s that perfectly marries Four Roses Bourbon, La Perruche Sugar Cubes, and Angostura Bitters, all beautifully brightened with fresh citrus peel. Each drink is artfully smoked with hickory wood, delivering an exquisite symphony of smoky and sweet flavors that will tantalize your taste buds!
Insider Tips
To enter, you’ll need a secret code, which you can obtain by joining their membership program or staying at a partner hotel. If you’re not staying at a partner hotel, you can just walk into any of the many hotels on Broadway and ask the concierge for the code.
10. Never Never
Address: 413 Houston St Suite A, Nashville, TN 37203
Website: https://www.nevernevernashville.com/
Neighborhood Location: Wedgewood-Houston
Located in the hip Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood, Never Never offers a laid-back atmosphere with minimalist decor within its indoor and outdoor areas and a welcoming vibe, perfect for a casual night out with your girlfriends.
Signature Cocktails
Their cocktail menu features a mix of classic and inventive drinks. Indulge in the refreshing “Georgia James,” a delightful blend of gin, watermelon, lime, Tabasco, and simple syrup—ideal for quenching your thirst on a hot summer day.
11. Bar Sovereign
Address: 514 5th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Website: https://www.barsovereign.com/
Neighborhood Location: SoBro (South of Broadway)
Looking for a refreshing change from the typical Broadway scenery? Bar Sovereign is located near all the action with a cozy atmosphere, making it an excellent spot for a night out with friends. It features unique decor and a cozy, dimly lit atmosphere, complete with a pool table, fireplace, and friendly bartenders who craft exceptional cocktails.
Insider Tips
Bar Sovereign frequently features a rotating selection of restaurants within its venue. Currently, it showcases Alebrije Tacos, serving authentic Mexican cuisine inspired by the vibrant streets of Mexico.
12. Black Rabbit
Address: 218 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201
Website: https://www.blackrabbittn.com/
Neighborhood Location: Downtown
Black Rabbit offers a sleek, modern atmosphere with industrial decor and a bustling vibe, perfect for a night out in downtown Nashville. In contrast to some other speakeasies on this list, Black Rabbit stands out as a premier Nashville restaurant that offers an exceptional dining experience.
Signature Cocktails
The cocktail menu offers a delightful blend of classic and innovative drinks. Kush’s top pick is the Barrel Aged Old Fashioned, crafted with Buffalo Trace, demerara syrup, and Angostura bitters, then aged in-house for a rich flavor. Ana’s favorite is the Dressed To Kill, featuring 14 Heroes Vodka, fig-infused blanc vermouth, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, and grapefruit liqueur for a refreshing twist.
Insider Tips
Be sure to try the Rabbit Rolls, featuring house-made rabbit-pork spam, Swiss cheese, mustard, onions, and a sprinkle of poppy seeds.
13. The Coral Club
Address: 604 Gallatin Ave #217, Nashville, TN 37206
Website: https://thecoral.club/
Neighborhood Location: East Nashville
Coral Club is East Nashville’s newest rooftop bar. Its tropical decor and laid-back atmosphere make it a perfect spot for a relaxed evening out. Founded by four seasoned veterans of the hospitality and cocktail industries, this bar aims to cultivate a warm and welcoming atmosphere for both Nashville locals and visitors.
Insider Tips
happy Hour takes place daily from 5 PM to 7 PM, making it the perfect time to visit and beat the crowds, as parking tends to fill up quickly.
14. One More Cocktail Club
Address: 5055 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Website: https://www.assemblyfoodhall.com/vendor/one-more-cocktail-club/
Neighborhood Location: Downtown
Tucked away on the third floor of Assembly Food Hall, one of our favorite dining spots on Broadway, One More Cocktail Club, shines with its chic and intimate ambiance. With elegant decor and a vibrant atmosphere, it offers an ideal setting for an enjoyable night out in downtown Nashville.
Signature Cocktails
Some of our favorite cocktails include the Billionaires Only, a delightful bourbon concoction, and the refreshing Millionaire’s Margarita, which we particularly enjoyed.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
How to Find a Speakeasy in Nashville
Look for Unmarked Entrances
Speakeasies often have unmarked or discreet entrances, so look for hidden doors, basements, or phone booths.
Use Social Media and Online Reviews
Check social media and review sites for hints, passwords, and insider tips on finding the best speakeasies in town.
Speakeasy Etiquette
Dress Code Recommendations
While not all speakeasies have a strict dress code, it’s always a good idea to dress smartly and casually—think stylish yet comfortable. For outfit ideas, check out our article here.
How to Order Like a Local
Don’t be afraid to ask the bartender for recommendations or to create a bespoke cocktail based on your preferences.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Arrive Early to Avoid Crowds
Speakeasies can get busy, especially on weekends. Arriving early ensures you get a good spot and a more relaxed experience.
Engage with Bartenders for the Best Experience
Bartenders at speakeasies are often skilled mixologists. Engage with them and ask for recommendations to get the most out of your visit.
Explore Multiple Locations in One Night
If you’re up for an adventure, try visiting multiple speakeasies in one night to experience the diverse atmospheres and drink offerings.
Conclusion
Embrace the Magic of Speakeasies in Nashville
Nashville’s speakeasies offer a unique and unforgettable experience that combines the charm of the past with modern-day flair. Whether you’re a fan of craft cocktails, live music, or enjoy discovering hidden gems, these speakeasies are a must-visit. In addition to speakeasies, Nashville boasts a variety of fun activities for adults, including rooftop bars, music festivals, and culinary tours.
The next time you visit town, make sure to include a visit to a speakeasy in your itinerary to fully immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture. If you’re seeking a fantastic place to stay near these charming speakeasies, Nashville Luxury Stay has you covered. Explore our luxury vacation rentals for an unforgettable experience.