Nashville is known as Music City for good reason, but the incredible bar scene offers so much more than just honky-tonks (though those are pretty great too!). After my recent trip exploring Nashville’s diverse drinking establishments, I’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the best spots across the city – from legendary music venues to craft cocktail hideaways.

Music-Forward Venues

These spots put music front and center in your Nashville experience.

The Bluebird Cafe

The Bluebird is hallowed ground for songwriters and music lovers. This intimate venue is where countless hit songs were first performed, and where many Nashville legends got their start.

• Vibe: Intimate, reverent, all about the music – this is a listening room where respectful silence during performances is expected
• Open Daily

Pro tip: Reservations are essential and open up a week in advance. They sell out within minutes, so be ready to book the moment they become available!

The Listening Room Cafe

Another music-forward venue where you can enjoy dinner and drinks while experiencing Nashville’s incredible songwriter talent up close.

• Vibe: Casual but attentive listening environment, full-service restaurant with great food
• Open Daily

Unlike the Bluebird, the Listening Room offers a full dinner menu, making it perfect for a complete evening out.

Tootsies Orchid Lounge

No Nashville bar guide would be complete without mentioning Tootsies – it’s a mainstay of any Nashville visit. This historic honky-tonk has been a Broadway fixture since 1960.

• Vibe: Classic honky-tonk, always packed, loud, and energetic with live music on multiple floors
• Open Daily

While it’s definitely a tourist spot, it’s famous for a reason. Pop in for a drink and to say you’ve been there, but don’t expect craft cocktails – this place is about the experience, not mixology.

Craft Cocktail Gems

When you’re ready to explore Nashville’s sophisticated side, these bars deliver exceptional drinking experiences.

The Fox Cocktail Club

Hidden in East Nashville, The Fox provides a moody, sophisticated escape from the tourist scene.

• Vibe: Speakeasy-style, dimly lit, intimate with excellent craft cocktails
• Open Daily

The seasonal menu changes regularly, featuring creative house specialties alongside perfectly executed classics.

Chopper

Tiki meets retro-futurism at this quirky East Nashville spot. The giant robot above the bar lets you know you’ve found the right place.

• Vibe: Playful tiki bar with sci-fi elements, fun and unpretentious
• Closed: Mondays

Don’t miss the Saturn – my favorite – plus check out their impressive collection of rare rums.

Martha My Dear

A lovely newer addition to the East Nashville cocktail scene, Martha My Dear offers sophisticated drinks in a cozy environment.

• Vibe: Laid-back neighborhood spot with excellent service and well-crafted drinks
• Open Daily

Their food menu is small but excellent – the perfect complement to their thoughtful cocktail program.

Four Walls

A bar dedicated to “whiskey, Sinatra, and the perfect pour,” Four Walls brings classic cocktail culture to Nashville.

• Vibe: Mid-century modern meets vintage Vegas, sophisticated yet comfortable
• Closed: Sunday to Tuesday

The attention to detail here is impressive – from the precisely chilled glassware to the hand-cut ice, everything is done with intention.

Hidden Gems

These spots might fly under the radar but deserve your attention.

Bastion

Split into two distinct experiences – a front bar with nachos and casual vibes, and a hidden back bar with exceptional cocktails – Bastion is a true Nashville gem.

• Vibe: Industrial-chic space, laid-back front bar with serious cocktail program in the back
• Open Daily

To access the back bar, look for the unmarked sliding door in the front space. Reservations are recommended for the back bar experience.

Dino’s

Nashville’s oldest dive bar has survived gentrification while maintaining its authentic character. This no-frills spot is beloved by locals.

• Vibe: Classic dive bar, unpretentious, cash-only until recently
• Open Daily

Their cheeseburger has developed a cult following – the perfect late-night snack after a few rounds of beer.

Ready to Experience Nashville’s Best Bars?

Nashville’s bar scene truly offers something for everyone – from songwriters circles at the Bluebird to craft cocktails at The Fox to late-night burgers at Dino’s. While the downtown honky-tonks get most of the attention, these spots I’ve highlighted provide a more diverse and often more authentic Nashville experience.

Ready to plan your own Nashville adventure? Click “Start Planning” below so I can help you get to all these amazing spots on your next Nashville trip!

P.S. – What are your favorite Nashville watering holes? Let me know in the comments below!