Best Cocktail Bars in Nashville

Fourteen speakeasies and craft cocktail lounges ranked by our editors. From no-menu bars to whiskey-focused dens, these are where you drink well in Nashville.

14 results
Attaboy Nashville

Attaboy Nashville

Germantown $$$

No-menu bar where bartenders craft cocktails to your preferences. Intimate setting with brilliant execution. Tell them your taste and they deliver. This is bespoke drinking. We recommend this for a truly personal cocktail experience.

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Bastion

Bastion

The Nations $$$

10-seat bar plus restaurant. One of the best drinking experiences in the South, period. The bar program is inventive, the restaurant stellar, the vibe exclusive. Limited seating means reservations are essential. The editors rank this top 3 in Nashville.

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Dram Whiskey Bar

Dram Whiskey Bar

East Nashville $$$

Tennessee whiskey-focused cocktail bar with flights and custom drinks. The selection is exceptional. The bartenders know their product inside out. We recommend this for whiskey drinkers and explorers. The space is warm and approachable.

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Virago

Virago

Rutledge Hill $$$

Japanese-influenced cocktails in a stunning interior. The attention to detail is impeccable. Sushi available too. The atmosphere is sophisticated but not stuffy. We recommend this for date nights and special occasions.

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The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club

The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club

8th Avenue $$$

Classic bar program in an elegant setting. The cocktails are well-balanced and approachable. Professional service throughout. The vibe is upscale without pretense. We recommend this for business drinks or refined evenings.

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No. 308

No. 308

East Nashville $$

Neighbourhood cocktail bar that punches above its price point. Surprisingly sophisticated drinks. The crowd is local and welcoming. Low-key vibe with high-quality bartending. We recommend this for casual cocktail nights with friends.

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Little Commonwealth

Little Commonwealth

Germantown $$$

Colonial-era cocktails in a historic building. The atmosphere transports you back in time. The drinks are period-appropriate and delicious. The cocktails tell a story. We recommend this for a unique historical drinking experience.

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The Midnight Rose

The Midnight Rose

12 South $$$

Floral and botanical cocktails that feel fresh and creative. The presentation is beautiful. Date night staple with reason. The bartending is thoughtful. We recommend this for romantic evenings and special celebrations.

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Corsair Artisan Distillery Bar

Corsair Artisan Distillery Bar

Germantown $$$

Distillery cocktails made on-site. The freshness of the spirits is noticeable. You can taste the care that goes into production. Tours available too. We recommend this for anyone interested in craft distilling.

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The Sutler Saloon

The Sutler Saloon

Melrose $$

Live music paired with a solid cocktail program. The energy is lively and fun. The drinks are well-made. The crowd is mixed and friendly. We recommend this for evenings when you want music and cocktails together.

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Pinewood Social

Pinewood Social

SoBro $$

Craft cocktails in a playful setting. The vibe is fun and creative. Bowling and activities available. The food is excellent. We recommend this for groups who want to drink well and have fun simultaneously.

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Biscuit Love Brunch Bar

Biscuit Love Brunch Bar

The Gulch $$

Daytime cocktails done well. Brunch-appropriate drinks that taste as good as they look. The food is Southern comfort at its best. We recommend this for morning celebrations and afternoon drinks with friends.

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Sinatra Bar & Lounge

Sinatra Bar & Lounge

Midtown $$$$

High-end lounge with live entertainment and dress-smart policy. The experience is elevated. Old-school luxury done right. The cocktails are expert. We recommend this for special occasions and when you want to dress up.

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Where to find cocktail bars in Nashville

Germantown

Attaboy, Little Commonwealth, and Corsair cluster here. Germantown is the neighbourhood for craft cocktail exploration. More experimental and less touristy than downtown. The crowd is younger and adventurous.

Midtown

The Patterson House and Sinatra anchor this area. Midtown feels slightly more polished than Germantown. The clientele is mixed, from serious drinkers to casual visitors. Both venues require advance planning.

East Nashville

Dram Whiskey Bar and No. 308 define this neighbourhood's cocktail scene. East Nashville bars feel more casual and genuine. The crowd is local. Great for neighbourhood hangs without pretence.

The Nations

Bastion represents next-level drinking in a coming neighbourhood. This area is less crowded, less touristy. The venue feels special because it's special. Worth the trip for serious drinkers.

Broadway / Downtown

Fewer craft cocktail bars here compared to rooftop spots. More tourist-focused. The Fox Bar offers a classic experience. This area is worth skipping for serious cocktail work.

12 South / SoBro

The Midnight Rose and Pinewood Social offer different vibes. The Midnight Rose for refined dates, Pinewood for fun group times. Both neighbourhoods have good food and a mix of locals and visitors.

What makes a great cocktail bar in Nashville?

The best cocktail bars in Nashville solve a craft problem: how do you serve exceptional drinks in a market that often prioritizes volume and tourism? The answer is commitment to the craft. The Patterson House succeeded because they made no compromise on quality. Attaboy works because the bartender's skill matters more than a printed menu. Bastion thrives because the entire experience is calibrated to excellence.

The second ingredient is honesty. No-menu bars force bartenders to engage with customers authentically. Tennessee whiskey bars celebrate local product. Colonial-era bars tell a story. The best cocktail bars in Nashville don't pretend to be something they're not. They lean into their identity.

Third is accessibility. The best cocktail bars are not snobbish. Yes, The Patterson House is hard to book. But when you get in, the bartenders make you feel welcome. Attaboy lets you dictate the experience. No. 308 serves serious cocktails without attitude. The editors believe great cocktail bars should feel exclusive in execution but inclusive in spirit. The best places in Nashville do both.

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