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The Best Cocktail Bars in Nashville for an Unforgettable Night Out

cocktail-bars-in-nashville
We extensively test and research all services we review. Here's why you can trust us.

Drink Quality. We look for fresh ingredients and house-made syrups. A perfectly balanced flavor profile is non-negotiable.

Atmosphere. A great spot needs the right lighting and music. We check if the vibe feels truly special.

Service Quality. Bartenders must know their spirits inside and out. We value staff who offer smart drink recommendations.

Overall Value. Fair pricing matters just as much as taste. We check for solid happy hour deals and fair food pairings.

Customer Feedback. We read recent comments from locals and tourists. Repeat visits prove that a bar delivers a great experience.

You’re craving something cold and perfectly mixed. I know the struggle of wanting a genuinely good drink without fighting a massive crowd. This guide cuts through the noise entirely. 

We explored the best cocktail bars in Nashville, pouring unforgettable drinks. Grab a glass and get ready to discover your new favorite hideaway.

And before you head out for a drink, treat yourself to these fine dining restaurants in the area.

How much do cocktails cost in Nashville?

You can expect to spend between $14 and $25 per drink, plus a mandatory 15% state liquor tax and local fees.

Venue TypePrice Range
Standard Cocktail Bars$14–$18
Upscale Speakeasies & Hotel Bars$18–$25
Happy Hour Specials$8–$11
Mocktails~$12

1. The Patterson House

the-patterson-house

Website: https://www.thepattersonnashville.com

Address: 700 8TH AVENUE SOUTH, FIFTH FLOOR, NASHVILLE, TN, 37203

Contact: 615-810-8200, [email protected] 

Hours: Daily, 4 PM – 2 AM

Pushing through the heavy velvet curtains here feels exactly like stepping back into a forgotten time. The Patterson House offers a secluded, speakeasy-style atmosphere right in the heart of the busy city. They prioritize personalized, seated service to guarantee a truly intimate evening out for every single guest.

I visited last month and instantly loved the calm, mellow vibe radiating throughout the entire room. You’ll actually sit down and chat comfortably without shouting over blaring music or fighting massive crowds. The talented bartenders craft artisanal drinks with serious precision and extreme care for every single order.

They stay open until 2 AM every single night, ensuring you always have a late option. This schedule makes it a perfect stop for a relaxed nightcap after eating a heavy dinner. 

However, the highly structured seating rules feel slightly too formal if you want a loud party.

Pros

  • Mellow environment ideal for conversation
  • Artisanal crafted drinks
  • Upscale elegant setting
  • Open late every night

Cons

  • Highly structured seating rules
  • Too formal for a loud party

Customer Reviews:

Very cozy

Super solid place to try crafty cocktails. Bartenders are knowledgeable and will help you to pick the right drink. They also take great care in ensuring the drinks are just right and it is awesome to watch them work. Quiet so you can have a conversation and very cozy. A new regular stop for every visit to Nashville.

Scott D | Google Review

Beautifully balanced cocktails

Sumptuous, beautifully balanced cocktails. Yes, they’re pricey, but oh my, are they worth it! We had dinner, and thoroughly enjoyed the delicious food – pickled plate; beef tartare; pork chop (with an unbelievably tasty and complex sauce) and cacio e pepe with mushrooms. Service was friendly and solicitous, but not overbearing. Atmosphere is elegant and welcoming – low lighting and soft jazz.

Lisa J | Google Review

2. The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club

the-fox-bar-cocktail-club

Website: https://www.thefoxnashville.com

Address: 2905B GALLATIN PIKE East Nashville

Contact: [email protected] 

Hours: Sun – Thu, 5 PM – 12 AM | Fri – Sat, 5 PM – 2 AM

The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club combines seasonal, imaginative drinks and modern shareable plates perfectly. 

Walking into this spot treats your eyes to a uniquely stylish interior and a vibrant atmosphere. The trendy space immediately sets a fun mood for the night as soon as you arrive.

Every drink feels like a tiny work of art crafted carefully by true industry professionals. The bartenders constantly rotate the menu to feature fresh flavors and exciting new spirit combinations. You’ll easily pair your refreshing beverage with their well-curated snack options for a complete tasting experience.

They stay open until 2 AM on weekends, providing an excellent destination for late-night fun. 

Unfortunately, they only open in the evening, so you can’t grab an afternoon drink here.

Pros

  • Rotating seasonal menu
  • Great shareable plates
  • Highly stylish interior
  • Extended weekend hours

Cons

  • No daytime hours

Customer Reviews:

Stellar

These cocktails were incredible! We loved the layout of the menu and how descriptive it was about the drinks. We were fairly adventurous with our selections, and were very pleased – I imagine the traditional drinks are equally stellar. Our waitress was amazingly attentive, and the ambiance was perfect. If you enjoy a good cocktail, I highly recommend making the trek away from downtown to check this place out!

Jocelyn Peck | Google Review

Great for date nights

One of my favorite Nash cocktail bars! They have a range of craft cocktails and quite a few unique ones. They only have one reservation time each day (believe it’s at 5:00) but I luckily haven’t had a problem getting in for pre/post dinner drinks. The service is great and the ambiance is intimate with low lighting, giving the space a timeless feel. Great date night or night with the girlies spot!

Abby Van Eman | Google Review

3. Pullman Standard Bar

pullman-standard-bar

Website: https://pullmanstandardbar.com

Address: 209 10th Avenue South, Suite 260, Nashville, TN 37203

Contact: 615-933-9995

Hours: Mon – Thu, 4:30 PM – 11 PM | Fri – Sat, 2 PM – 12 AM | Sun, 2 PM – 9 PM

Pullman Standard Bar captures a sophisticated, vintage-inspired travel aesthetic perfectly within its beautifully designed walls. This elegant train theme completely elevates your overall evening experience from ordinary to incredibly memorable. Your first sip here transports you straight to a different era filled with charm and class. 

The detailed drink menu features a premium selection of fine spirits and carefully balanced flavor profiles. The talented bartenders mix every single glass with incredible skill and a deep understanding of flavors. 

You can stop by as early as 2 PM on weekends for a quick daytime treat. The convenient downtown location makes it highly accessible for busy city explorers and curious weekend tourists.

Sadly, the bar closes quite early on Sundays and weekdays compared to typical lively nightlife venues.

Pros

  • Elegant train-inspired vibe
  • Opens early on weekends
  • Premium spirit selection
  • Convenient downtown location

Cons

  • Closes early on Sundays
  • Shorter weekday hours

Customer Reviews:

Perfect cocktail lounge

This place is untouchable. Cocktails are incredible. The Sleeling Car was awesome. Bartender just made me a drink he thought I would like after he asked some questions. One of the best drinks I’ve ever had. Monday night there was only 6 or 7 people in the place near 10pm. Nice change of pace from Broadway and some of the busier places. This is a must visit. Vibe is like the perfect cocktail lounge.

Justin | Google Review

Intimate atmosphere

Easily the best cocktail bar in Nashville. Impressive menu of 16 new cocktails from the mixologist, 16 classics along with beer and wine. Comfy intimate atmosphere. The Miso Fine is a can’t miss whiskey cocktail. The Midnight in Madeira is another amazing drink.

Must visit, hope to see this place grow!

Matthew Lyons | Google Review

4. Barrel Proof

barrel-proof

Website: https://www.barrelproofnash.com

Address: 1010 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219

Contact: +16155445215

Hours: Fri – Sun, 12 PM onward | Mon – Thu, 4 PM until late

Barrel Proof emphasizes a deep, extensive selection of rare spirits for every type of adventurous drinker. They offer this impressive variety in a wonderfully unpretentious, approachable neighborhood setting that feels like home. Finding a massive collection of liquor without a snobby attitude feels incredibly rare in this town. 

I stopped by recently and absolutely loved the deeply relaxed environment inside the cozy taproom. The bartender patiently guided me through their vast whiskey options without making things feel overly complicated. You’ll never feel rushed or judged for asking very simple questions about the extensive drink menu.

They open early at noon from Friday through Sunday for day drinkers wanting a quick sip. They also stay open until 1 AM every single night, providing a reliable late-night hangout spot. 

However, the heavy focus on niche spirits might easily overwhelm casual patrons looking for basic drinks.

Pros

  • Unpretentious neighborhood feel
  • Massive spirit collection
  • Early weekend opening
  • Late hours every day

Cons

  • Niche menu can overwhelm
  • Few basic drink options

Customer Reviews:

Bartenders are very knowledgeable

Great new spot for a cocktail lounge. Incredible prices on bourbons and they have a daily happy hour from 4-6pm with $7 old fashioned’s! Bartenders are super cool and very knowledgeable. Come check it out as they are continually adding new bourbons/scotch.

Chad Rayburn | Google Review

Good drinks, good company

Good prices, good drinks, good company. Germantown desperately needed a bar where you can grab a great cocktail in a welcoming, unpretentious environment without being bombarded by TV screens. This has definitely become my new favorite neighborhood hang!

Anna Kimura | Google Review

5. The Amsterdamian

the-amsterdamian

Website: https://theamsterdamian.com

Address: 925 Gallatin Avenue, Ste 102, Nashville, TN 37206

Contact: (615)-964-7036, [email protected] 

Hours: Daily, 5 PM – 12 AM

Tucked away from the heavy tourist foot traffic, this European-inspired retreat offers an intimate atmosphere for serious drink enthusiasts. I recently stopped by The Amsterdamian for a quiet date and was immediately struck by their expertly crafted cocktail menu.

The bartenders focus heavily on unique flavor profiles, using fresh botanicals and house-made syrups to create drinks that truly dance on the palate. 

Plus, one sip of their signature gin fizz, perfectly balanced with a hint of elderflower, proved they know exactly how to mix a memorable beverage.

This stylish neighborhood spot operates seven days a week, making it incredibly convenient for a mellow evening out. 

The only downside is the 5 PM opening time, which rules out any chance of grabbing an early afternoon drink.

Pros

  • Cozy European retreat
  • Flavorful mixed drinks
  • Open seven days a week
  • Neighborhood-friendly charm

Cons

  • No afternoon hours

Customer Reviews:

Classy speakeasy

A classy speakeasy reminding you of the neighborhood spot in Europe; this is our place in East Nashville for a chic cocktail. Whether letting traffic die down after work or meeting friends, the Amaterdamian sets the mood with style. Oh, and Martin and his staff make drinks that live rent free in my head afterwards. Risking a review to support him while I hope we can still get seats after he gets his due acclaim.

Ricky Corazza | Google Review

Great place to unwind

An absolute hidden gem. When you walk in it transforms you to the best atmosphere and has the best vibe. They definitely know how to make a tasty cocktail and then fondue was perfect. Great price for date night, girls night or just to unwind.

Tiffany Krech | Google Review