Whether you’re looking for a low-key speakeasy or a trendy lounge, East Nashville is home to an exciting variety of cocktail bars. Offering everything from the classics to creative, over-the-top cocktails, here are 13 fun spots to check out the next time you’re in the neighborhood. Cheers!
*Listed in alphabetical order
Attaboy
8 Mcferrin Ave., Nashville, TN 37206
Hours: Daily, 5 p.m. to 3 a.m.
Nearly hidden in plain sight along Mcferrin Avenue, Attaboy started in New York and officially opened in Music City in 2017. Since its grand opening, a sense of mystery has surrounded the bar — mainly because it doesn’t have a set menu. Instead, when you arrive at your table, a server will ask you a series of brief questions to get an idea of what you like. “Our focus is on providing an elevated experience in an intimate setting with our unique cocktail program,” explains co-owner Brandon Bramhall. “With no menu and an open format, verbal ordering process, guests converse with their bartender who puts together a drink based upon their favorite spirit(s), flavors, and ingredients.”
SB Tip: Attaboy is open on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to avoid long wait times and claim your spot!
East Nashville’s Attaboy resembles the New York location, offering cozy booths and subtle pops of greenery throughout. Image: Instagram
Bar East
970 Woodland St., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 730-5472
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday, noon to midnight; Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday
Newer to Nashville’s cocktail bar scene is Bar East. The brainchild of Thai Esane owner Nina Singto, the bar showcases a variety of international flavors through small bites, entrées, and cocktails. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair a Japanese whiskey with craft soda or order one of the bar’s signature cocktails — including fan favorites like Cougar Bait (vodka, citrus, and blackberry purée) and Pink Lady (tequila, citrus, and strawberry purée).
“[Guests can expect] an upbeat dining experience with colorful scenery, Pan-Asian- and Latin- inspired cuisine and flirty craft cocktails,” says general manager Mikaela Howell. “Our goal is to create an inviting and electric vibe for our customers, whether it be lounging on our patio during the day or enjoying our multi-colored, lit-up bar on a Friday night.”
Bar East offers craft cocktails in a colorful, Miami-inspired environment. Image: Bar East
Bay 6
1101 McKennie Ave. Suite 6, Nashville, TN 37206 • (225) 341-0982
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 a.m.
In addition to craft cocktails, Bay 6 offers a diverse menu of local beers, sustainable wines, and light bites. Located in The Wash, the bar is modeled after a Japanese izakaya — meaning “dine-in sake shop” — making it the perfect spot to enjoy casual drinks after work or an upscale date night. The bar also hosts happy hour every day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., which includes $8 classic cocktails, $10 glasses of wine, $10 draft cocktails, and $4 draft beer. When you visit, you can expect a welcoming environment with something for every type of drinker — from no-fuss cocktails to unique wine and craft beer.
Pictured here is the ‘Kindly Use,’ which includes Brazilian rum, pineapple, coffee, and chicory. Image: Bay 6
CHOPPER
1100 B Stratton Ave., Nashville, TN 37206
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Saturday, noon to 1 a.m.; Sunday, noon to 11 p.m.; closed Monday
Since 2019, CHOPPER has offered a tropical escape within East Nashville. Decked out in artifacts from the fictional “Island X,” the bar’s interior resembles a futuristic oasis filled with remnants of robotic technology. As you take in the tropical surroundings, sip on everything from seasonal cocktails to classic libations, wine, and beer. Popular drinks include the Robo Zombie (fassionola, lemon, lime, Jamaican rum, and flaming cinnamon), Dark N’ Stormy (rum, house-made ginger cordial, and lime), and Tequila Hurricane (passionfruit, pineapple, and pomegranate). “[Guests] can enjoy a dynamic tiki cocktail while experiencing the backdrop of tropical robot circuitry and the largest selection of rum in Tennessee,” adds CHOPPER’s general manager Nick Thaxton.
SB Tip: CHOPPER is also home to Maiz De La Vida, a 2023 James Beard Award semifinalist.
CHOPPER’s Lava Flow is Pictured here, a blend of two signature cocktails — the Painkiller and the Rum Runner. Image: CHOPPER
Henry James
3807 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216 • (615) 852-6596
Hours: Daily, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
In East Nashville’s Inglewood neighborhood, Henry James is a modern cocktail bar overflowing with old-school vibes. Tucked inside a former insurance building and often dubbed a hidden gem, the local hotspot offers billiards, darts, a jukebox, and a wide selection of draft beer, wine, and craft cocktails. Whether you’re craving something classic like an Old Fashioned or one of the bar’s seasonal favorites, you will surely find something that suits your taste buds. Plus, if you find yourself working up an appetite, the bar offers a lengthy menu of both savory and sweet options.
Henry James is a mid-century-styled cocktail bar with a speakeasy feel. Image: Henry James
Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk
922 Main St., Nashville, TN 37206
Hours: Sunday through Wednesday, 4 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Thursday through Saturday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.
To experience a bit of nostalgia, visit Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk. Located in the former No Quarter space, Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk’s owner, Dave Flatman, describes the bar as a “rock ‘n’ roll tiki honky tonk.” He wanted to create a space that paid homage to his love of all things retro and pop culture (think BMX bikes, Star Wars, and Burt Reynolds). The cocktail menu also includes nods to famous actors like Patrick Swayze and David Hasselhoff. “We take great pride in our drinks, with something sure to please everyone (including some great non-alcoholic options!), but the decor and vibe will keep you coming back again and again,” adds Dave.
Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk offers pop culture nostalgia around every corner, from retro memorabilia to creatively named cocktails. Image: Hubba Tiki Tonk
Inglewood Lounge
3914 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216 • (615) 490-6139
Hours: Daily, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Inglewood Lounge is a cocktail bar created by the folks at local caterer Actual Food Nashville. When you visit, you can expect a full menu of delicious craft cocktails and food every night until close. Standout food options include the piri piri chicken sandwich and warm beet salad. For cocktails, you can’t go wrong ordering the Dreamy Orange (vodka, orange, coconut, and bitters) or Rye Back Atcha (rye, Averna, banana, lemon, and ginger).
Inglewood Lounge is also known to host live music and other events, so check their Instagram for updates! Image: Instagram
Martha My Dear
2503 Gallatin Ave., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 964-7277
Hours: Daily, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Located in the former Overlord space, Martha My Dear is another newer spot in East Nashville. Primarily a cocktail and wine bar with a small food menu, the interior offers a casual yet sophisticated atmosphere. From sleek red couches to the billiards table and dark green walls, the bar is perfect for post-work drinks or an intimate date night. The bar also pours different discounted drinks every week, so check their Instagram often for updates!
From quality craft cocktail ingredients to knowledgeable and friendly bartenders, Martha My Dear offers a sophisticated but approachable atmosphere. Image: Martha My Dear
Pearl Diver
1008 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 988-2265
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Described as a “relaxed island lounge,” Pearl Diver has been a Nashville staple since its opening in 2018. From the botanical-inspired wallpaper to a thoughtfully curated selection of craft cocktails, the East Nashville hotspot is a tropical escape for tourists and locals alike. Offering both indoor and outdoor seating, enjoy favorites like the hot chicken tacos, Cubano sandwich, or the pupu platter. When it comes to cocktails, popular options include the Banana! Banana! (banana rum, Thai tea, cinnamon, and half cream), Narwhal (rum, citric acid syrup, Angostura bitters, and fresh mint), and Cross-Continental Romance (rum, guava shrub, honey, fresh lime, aquafaba, and red wine).
Pictured here is Pearl Diver’s ‘Lil’ Biscotti,’ which includes Tarragon-soaked vodka, apricot marmalade, amaretto, Pernod, fresh lemon, and soda. Image: Instagram
Rosemary & Beauty Queen
1102 Forrest Ave., Nashville, TN 37206 • (615) 730-7700
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Friday, 3 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, noon to 2 a.m.
Located in a historic yellow home in East Nashville’s Five Points neighborhood is Rosemary & Beauty Queen, a cocktail bar offering indoor, outdoor, and rooftop seating. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic cocktail, beer, or wine, the menu offers something for everyone — including light brunch and dinner! It’s also recommended that you arrive early on Friday and Saturday, as the line is known to get quite long.
Grab some friends and go to Five Points for a fun night out at Rosemary & Beauty Queen. Image: Nick L. Photo
Sid Gold’s Request Room
3245 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216 • (629) 800-5847
Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6 p.m. to 2 a.m.; closed Tuesday
Head to Sid Gold’s Request Room to enjoy a fun twist on karaoke. As Music City’s only live piano karaoke bar, this hidden gem offers karaoke six nights a week in addition to weekly burlesque shows, open mic nights for show tunes, and frequent sing-a-longs. Plus, you can enjoy incredible happy hour specials that include $7 cocktails and snacks. “[You can expect] great happy hour specials, scrumptious signature cocktails, and gorgeous mid-century modern decor that gives a swanky Mad Men vibe for days,” says co-owner and pianist Kira Small. “Warm staff and stellar service make Sid Gold’s a great spot for a date night, a quick drink after work, or even a private party.”
Take the stage at Nashville’s only live piano karaoke bar! Image: Sid Gold’s Request Room
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
2905B Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.
The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club has been an East Nashville staple for over five years. Hosting a new menu every month in addition to 30 signature cocktails and over 300 spirits, you can try a unique combination of food and drink almost every time you visit. Plus, you can also design your own traditional or vegan charcuterie board. The local bar also hosts frequent cocktail-making classes, which you can view HERE.
You can order from a menu of over 30 specialty cocktails at The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club. Image: Lindsay Rushton
Urban Cowboy Public House
1603 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206 • (347) 840-0525
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4 p.m. to midnight
Urban Cowboy Public House offers delicious cocktails alongside its award-winning food from Brooklyn-based Roberta’s Pizza. Located inside an 1800s Victorian mansion, head inside to enjoy the Parlor Wine Bar, which includes natural wine from around the world, cozy fireplaces, and live music. Outside, you’ll find roaring bonfires when the weather is cool, as well as plenty of garden space to relax and sprawl out.
Enjoy pizza and drinks at Urban Cowboy Public House. Image: Urban Cowboy Public House
Cheers, Nashville!
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