The 11 best Nashville bars

What is it: Located in the basement behind Nicoletto’s Italian Kitchen, this cozy spot serves a leather-bound menu of creative cocktails you won’t find anywhere else in town.

Why go: With booths lined in plush blue velvet and a reclaimed wooden bar—embossed with gold foxes, no less—the space is as elegant as the drinks are. The selection changes monthly and there’s a special Old Fashioned menu featuring a range of bourbons and whiskeys that will have you go wild. Indulge in the unique snacks as well, think lavender kettle corn and vegan pimento cheese with crostini.

What is it: With its beachy décor and selection of rum-based drinks, this island-inspired East Nashville bar is tropical in look and spirit.

Why go: From the palm frond-wallpaper in the entryway to the porthole-style windows, Pearl Diver will make you forget Nashville is landlocked. The spacious lounge opens to a patio in the back, complete with cabanas and torch lights. At the seafoam green bar—or a separate bar outside—sample drinks like the bar’s namesake cocktail: blended rums with honey, butter and spices.

What is it: Pinewood is a little bit of a lot of things: a coffee shop, a restaurant, a bowling alley and a co-working space.

Why go: At the center of it all (both literally and figuratively) is an impressive bar, a place where craft cocktails are conceived and made, and friendships are toasted over them. In season, head outside where you can cool off with frozen cocktails poolside (served from a retrofit Airstream trailer).

What is it: Downtown Nashville has no shortage of rooftop bars, but with exceptional drinks and a prime locale, Rare Bird stands out from the flock (see what we did there?).

Why go: Located atop the boutique art deco-inspired hotel Noelle, the lounge space is as chic as it is comfortable, boasting two fireplaces and a wooden bar with burnt orange leather chairs. Sip a Nashville Julep, made with mint and Dickel No. 12, and take in the best view in the city.

What is it: There’s no sign on the exterior, but that hasn’t kept people from across the country from discovering Patterson House.

Why go: Cocktails here are crafted with care, and there’s no standing room: you must have a seat in order to be served. This contributes to a civilized cocktail hour, but you might have to wait a minute. Not a pickup scene, this is a place where you’ll want to savor your cocktail, from its creation to its last drop.

What is it: Newer establishments may come and go, but Dino’s is still Nashville’s go-to dive bar.

Why go: Simple fare—cheeseburgers, fries and cheap beer—keeps locals coming back to the well-loved space on Gallatin Ave. The Formica laminate and wood paneling look largely as they did when the bar opened in the 1970s, and the space is open late every night, so you can get a taste of Old Nashville anytime your heart (and palate) desires.

What is it: Housed in a renovated church in Wedgewood-Houston, this bright pink Miami-inspired lounge offers great music and eclectic drinks.

Why go: Orange velvet sectionals and wicker chairs surround a marble, pastel-colored sundial in the center of the floor, where the bar hosts dance parties. And if you stay past your bedtime, you won’t have to wait long for its sister space, Falcon Coffee Bar, located in the front of the building, to open in the morning.

What is it: Imagine a house party with great music and even better drinks.

Why go: Located in a century-old yellow house near Five Points in East Nashville, Rosemary is homey, complete with built-in bookshelves and antique furniture. The drinks are affordable—most range between $8-$12—and local DJs man the playlists. There’s also a small food menu and seating in the spacious backyard.

What is it: A multi-level complex in the former Paradise Park space on Lower Broadway where you can lean into your sporty side.

Why go: Take a break from the honky-tonks and try some shuffleboard. Along with a slew of activities, including cornhole, arcade games and ax-throwing (drink responsibly), Downtown Sporting Club also has three restaurants and a rooftop bar. You could spend a whole day here—or longer: there are 20 guest rooms starting at $179 each.

What is it: You won’t find a flashy entrance or even a sign at this style-heavy speakeasy. Get to the entrance (marked by a single gold triangle painted over the brick exterior) in the alley behind nearby restaurant Taco Mamacita. Prepare to be dazzled by the staircase as you descend.

Why go: A variety of things bring Nashvillians to this Edgehill Village bar, whether it be the airy, industrial interior (it was a former boiler room in the 1920s), the seasonal cocktails or the DJ sets.

What is it: Walden takes an all-natural approach to its menu and atmosphere.

Why go: The wooden floors and tables that fill the space are accented by flowers and greenery, including a black and white mural of blooms on the back wall with foliage on its border. Sit in swings—yes, actual swings—and sip on an Aloe Vera You Much cocktail with gin, apricot and CBD oil, while munching on snacks like goat cheese crostini with lavender, fennel and edible flowers.