Next up on my Nashville guide – where to go out in Nashville! I feel like I’ve tried a lot of the bars and clubs here in Nashville, and I’ve got a good sense of what people like here, especially the locals. For the most part, this list is all places I like, but I’ve also included some places that I know get talked a lot about here in Nashville that I don’t particularly care for – I think you’ll be able to tell which those are. I’ve separated the spots out by area and also given a quick idea of the vibe and what each place has to offer! Hope it’s helpful!
Broadway
Dierks Bentley Whiskey Row – Probably my personal favorite rooftop. Whiskey Row’s rooftop always has a great DJ playing music you can dance to – like not country. Sorry. As does the second floor of this Broadway bar. The first floor does play classic Broadway live music.
FGL House – Classic live Broadway music downstairs. Great top level dance floor with an outdoor space as well. My friends and I go here when we want to dance!
Underground – Looking for more of and EDM vibe? I feel like that’s how their rooftop DJs lean. And it’s a huge party rooftop.
Acme – Grab a moonshine slushie (get the floater too) and enjoy the view of the river and the Titans stadium. This is a great afternoon drink spot.
Layer Cake – People like Layer Cake for its “bottle service” and club vibes. People also say you can find Nashville pro-athletes here. I’ve been but didn’t love it.
Lucky Bastard Saloon – I actually like their live music downstairs, and their rooftop is half indoors with a dance floor, and half outdoors with a cool brick façade of the building still there. That’s confusing, but I think it looks cool.
Downtown
DLS (Dirty Little Secret) – If you want to feel like you’re ~super~ cool and you also want a clubbb club, this is the spot for you. They make a big deal of being on lists to get in without waiting, and you walk through All Saints, yes, the clothing store to get inside. Also dress code enforced.
Bobby Hotel – I love the Bobby. They have cute pop-ups, and the Bus on the roof is so cool and cute!
Printer’s Alley – in general – Pop into any bars along Printers Alley for an overall fun experience. Lots of jazz on this street, and a little less crowded than Broadway, but only 1 block over.
Germantown
Mother’s Ruin – They have delicious drinks, and they swing the lights over the bar at night. It’s definitely a fun experience. Not really a place for dancing, but for overall socializing and drinking! They also have good food!
Midtown
Tin Roof Demonbreun – This is basically the locals dance bar. One half of the bar has a live band, and the other half has a DJ that normally plays pretty good music to dance to. It’s an interesting mix of ages – as a lot of college kids go there, but also the young adult crowd in general (20s/early 30s). The line can get long, but at least you get a cute smiley face stamp if you make it through it!
Winners/Losers – For me, this is a Monday/Thursday night spot, because these are the nights they have Whiskey Jam! If you’re looking for young new artists in Nashville, this is a great chance to see them perform a few original songs.
East Nashville
RoseMary and Beauty Queen – One of my favorites. While you can dance there, I’d say this is more of a place to socialize and have delicious drinks. It’s a very cool spot. It’s an old house that opens up to a huge backyard for outdoor space, and what seems to be a converted garage for more bar space. See RoseMary’s at Christmastime above!
Urban Cowboy – Indoor and outdoor space. Socialize and have good drinks. They have firepits for the chilly nights.
Pearl Diver – If you want to feel like you’re on a tropical vacation with the drinks to match – here you go!
Up Down – Want to drink and play arcade games? This is your spot.
The Gulch
LA Jackson’s – This is one of my favorite bars – for day or night! It’s at the top of the Thompson Hotel, and it’s a great spot for yes – socializing and drinking! A lot of young Nashville locals go there, which makes it a fun spot to meet people. Also, great views of the city!
Other
Santa’s Pub – I’ve actually never been, but people really like it. It’s an absolute dive bar. They just recently gave up allowing smoking inside. I think it’s cash only, and I also think they have karaoke!
Old Glory – If you want fancy drinks in a super cool repurposed factory building, this is the spot. I love it.
Embers – I love Embers for a casual drink on 12 South. It’s ski lodge themed, and I love people watching from their upstairs patio.
Flamingo – Another dress code spot, but Thursday’s are more low-key, and I like the drinks and dancing!
LGBTQIA+
Lipstick Lounge – This is one of the hottest karaoke spots in town in my opinion. Located in East Nashville, Lipstick Lounge is a fun spot to enjoy a drink and sing-a-long.
Play – This is a great spot for dancing! Tbh, I’ve only been once at night and I don’t remember much… so I at least know it was fun…. Oops. Photo is from the Drag N’ Brunch which is also so much fun! Also, 10/10 would recommend The Big Drag Bus – I personally think it’s the only party bus locals go on.
Note: Nashville bars don’t really charge covers. Lipstick Lounge and Play are exceptions.
Farewell Thoughts
Let me know if you go to any of these bars for drinks or dancing and how you liked them – in the comments or over on Instagram! If you liked this Nashville Guide for where to go out, I’d love for you to share this post!
