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Where to drink in Nashville right now

A photo of Red logo
by Kellie Benz
Updated May 23, 2023

Nashville is nationally renowned for its round-the-clock party vibes. For some, that means an Instagrammable hotspot with glittery drinks. For others, the key to a good time here is live music and a pitch-perfect martini.

A spacious indoor-outdoor bar in Germantown is known for built-in cabanas and strong day-drinking vibes. In Printer’s Alley, a Rat Pack-inspired lounge stirs up classic cocktails named after Frank Sinatra’s greatest hits. A trendy Midtown hotel bar shines the spotlight on small-batch Tennessee bourbons.

Nashville’s dynamic bar scene has you covered, whether you’re after an intricate cocktail or a no-nonsense brew. Grab a pal or—five—and head to one of these excellent bars now.

A photo of Henley restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1202)
$30 and under
Regional American (Southern)
Music Row
About the restaurant

Henley is set in the Kimpton Aertson Hotel and ups the hotel bar game, attracting locals and out-of-towners for its excellent drinks and signature Southern hospitality. The black-and-white tiled floor is paired with striking large-scale artwork and yellow leather-backed bar stools, equal parts modern and traditional. It’s a trendy backdrop to sip on craft cocktails that spotlight small-batch Tennessee bourbons. But don’t fear it if you're not a whiskey person: Henley also serves one of the best espresso martinis in town. To graze, there are snacky starters such as local beet hummus, baked feta with roasted grapes, and crispy wings, plus more substantial New American plates for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner, confirming there is truly never a bad time for a drink at Henley.


Top review
Necole
Dined 1 day ago
Relaxing evening after listening to Concerts Under the Stars; warm cappuccino and nice company.
A photo of Skull's Rainbow Room restaurant
4.8
4.8 (5039)
$31 to $50
French / American
Downtown
About the restaurant

The days of Prohibition may be long gone, but this former speakeasy is still going strong. The subterranean space opened in 1948 and has a vintage club ambience with tin ceilings, low lighting, and heavy velvet curtains. Its famous black-and-white stage—which has been graced by performers such as Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline—now hosts nightly live jazz performances and lively burlesque shows on Fridays and Saturdays. Expertly mixed craft cocktails are the stars here—for a taste of the past, try the Oh Louisiana, an enticing mix of Cognac, mezcal, absinthe, and grapefruit.


Top review
DeeAnnVIP
Dined 5 days ago
This place is a very special dining experience. Nowhere can you find a spot with live jazz and mellow music in the middle of the dining room. This type of thing seems like a bygone era but not at the Scull. Stepping inside is like entering an alternate universe with old brick walls, creaking wood floors and upscale dining in an environment that is unique and beyond explanation. The menu offers many options, and pricing is high, but you are paying for an experience and atmosphere that is priceless. We made a reservation and visited the week before Christmas so the musical entertainers played a variety of holiday songs along with old world favorites from the likes of Frand Sinatra to Johnny Cash. I can't say enough good things about this place other than to say you must go and see for yourself.
A photo of Earnest Bar & Hideaway restaurant
4.6
4.6 (1128)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
South Nashville
About the restaurant

It’s no secret that author Ernest Hemingway was a legendary cocktail enthusiast. So it’s only fitting that he inspired this tavern, set in a brick-walled expanse with tufted leather couches, vintage typewriters, and of course, stacks and stacks of books. Try a literary-themed cocktail such as the White Elephant, a refreshing gin drink, or the vodka-forward Rusticana. The Wedgewood-Houston hotspot makes a great stop after an art crawl at the nearby galleries or a soccer game at GEODIS Park, right around the corner.


Top review
LukeVIP
Dined on Sep 13, 2024
Awesome, neighborhood gem! Check it out - GREAT cocktails, yummy food and wonderful staff. GO!
A photo of The Electric Jane restaurant
4.5
4.5 (509)
$31 to $50
American
Edgehill
About the restaurant

Nashville’s nightlife scene continues to stretch its wings, and the addition of The Electric Jane is another example of that versatility. Since opening in early 2022, the dining and entertainment venue has become one of Music City’s chicest hangouts. Art Deco-inspired interiors feature sleek velvet upholstery and marble countertops—the vision comes from Los Angeles hospitality veteran Jason Scoppa and Sam Bakhshandehpour. The former ran The Sayers Club, which hosted legendary performers such as Stevie Wonder and Prince. Expect loungey vibes and a globally inspired dinner and drinks menu—fittingly, there’s a sizable martini list—in what’s become one of Nashville’s decidedly hippest bars.


Top review
oksanalVIP
Dined on Sep 17, 2023
We had a party of 7 for brunch. This place is a gem. Great music. The band that was playing was amazing! Most of us ordered BLT and it was delicious. Highly recommend.
A photo of Sonny's Patio Pub and Refuge restaurant
4.6
4.6 (142)
$30 and under
American
Germantown
About the restaurant

Unleash your inner child at this action-packed oasis. The spacious indoor bar opens onto a large outdoor patio with an assortment of games to play while enjoying a cold beverage. Built-in cabanas line the space, well-suited for any group, including your pup—Sonny’s is dog-friendly, only adding to the fun. The day drinking vibes are strong here: Try a margarita flight with three choices of flavors such as caramelized pineapple, blueberry, and pomegranate, or a power-packed frozen cocktail. Keep up your stamina with creative spins on bar food such as basil pesto and feta-topped flatbread, a smashburger on a potato roll, or the loaded chili and cheese-topped tater tots.


Top review
Susan
Dined on Oct 6, 2024
Great service and food! One of my favorite spots to watch NFL games. Highly recommend!
A photo of Sinatra Bar & Lounge restaurant
4.8
4.8 (1808)
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
Downtown
About the restaurant

Sip Rat Pack-style at Sinatra Bar and Lounge, an intimate experience inside a historic 19th-century building. The bar and its menu pay homage to the Oscar winner himself, serving timeless cocktails named for Sinatra’s biggest hits—his drink of choice was Jack Daniel’s whiskey, which is prominent on the menu (this spot is the only bar in the world that serves the brand’s Sinatra Century bourbon created to celebrate the crooner’s 100th birthday). The cocktails pair well with an Italian lunch and dinner menu, with hits including ragu pappardelle, chicken parmesan, and a variety of steaks with decadent accompaniments. Note: a business casual dress code is enforced.


Top review
Tab
Dined 3 days ago
Great atmosphere, music, service, food and drinks. Music is perfect and not too loud to have a conversation at your table. Definitely one of my favorites.
A photo of The Hampton Social - Nashville restaurant
4.7
4.7 (5558)
$30 and under
American
Downtown
About the restaurant

The Hampton Social is a multi-story hotspot for creative cocktails and photo opps galore. Pose against moss walls with neon signs, pink floral installations, and a rooftop with sweeping Music City views. Snack on a seafood-forward menu including calamari and crab cakes, plus a cold bar with a seafood tower, oysters, and scallop ceviche. Fortunately, the drinks are just as photogenic as the decor and include the shimmering I Gliterally Can’t, made with sparkling rosé and edible glitter balls. If you order a round of shots for a group, they’ll show up inside a festive pink guitar.


Top review
Bobby
Dined 3 days ago
Great food and atmosphere. Highly recommended for lunch and dinner. Good place for a date or adult gathering.
A photo of Sinema restaurant
4.7
4.7 (3794)
$30 and under
American
Waverly / Melrose / Breeze Hill
About the restaurant

If you’re feeling glamorous, the swanky bar at Sinema is the ticket—and not just because it occupies a historic movie theater. The grand lobby is decked with a sweeping staircase to the second floor, where an Art Deco-esque bar channels Hollywood’s golden age. Beverage director and sommelier Brett Nelson crafted a cocktail program worthy of any A-lister, along with an excellent wine list—bonus points for the many non-alcoholic wine options—and a selection of rare whiskeys. For a refreshing summer sip, try the Oops (Oh, My) featuring Tennessee whiskey, pineapple rum, plantain, pecan, pineapple, lemon, and bitters.


Top review
DebraVIP
Dined on Sep 1, 2024
Delicious meal and ambiance. So sad this was the last night for Sinema.
A photo of Huckleberry Brewing Company restaurant
$30 and under
American
Franklin
About the restaurant

Franklin’s resident brewery opened in a Cool Springs strip mall in spring 2022 and has since become a family-friendly hotspot in the south Nashville suburb. Master brewer Mat Lumm oversees the onsite craft beer production—the brews are on the menu along with other local beers, cocktails, and wine. Pair the drinks with Huckleberry’s top-notch bar food lineup including the brewery burger topped with beer-caramelized onions and a hotdog smothered in creamy beer cheese and bacon. TVs make up the bulk of the decor here, making this an ideal spot to cheer on your favorite team.


Top review
DARSVIP
Dined on Sep 2, 2023
Delicious spicy fire burger!! Their stay out beer was great!!
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