1. Attaboy:
Keep your eyes peeled for the sign that says “please knock gently” and if there's room, you will be brought through a black curtain to the cozy, dimly lit, menu-free bar. The Nashville outpost of the legendary New York cocktail bar is a windowless cinderblock building in East Nashville that is distinctly its own location, building up its own lengthy list of accolades across the country. Come prepared with your libation likes and dislikes, as the seasoned bartenders will kick your visit off with a quick interview to create your perfect cocktail, then just sit down and sip in a cozy blue velvet booth or a bar stool.
2. The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club:
Tucked behind and underneath a small stretch of storefronts, The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club is an intimate hideaway dressed up with dark woods, pressed tin ceilings and soft hand-stitched blue-velvet banquettes. An elegant space with drinks to match, the refined cocktail menu changes often from classic vintage cocktails to unique and inspired creations, complemented by an ever-pleasing menu of small bites. With a look that oozes Hollywood cool, there’s something for everyone at this East Nashville hotspot. As Nashville’s only sustainable bar program, The Fox is very technique-driven and innovative in their approach, letting flavor profiles shine through hyper-local sourcing, fresh ingredients and inventive methods that are like no other in the Nashville bar scene. Head bartender, Laura Unterberg is the inspiration behind the drinks and is an industry pro. With Laura's knowledge of industry trends, The Fox's beverage program is very unique, utilizing sustainable and seasonal ingredients, as well as a rare spirits collection that is second to none in the city.
3. The Patterson House:
Named for Tennessee Governor Malcolm R. Patterson, The Patterson House in Midtown uses high-quality ingredients to create both modern and classic cocktails in a luxe, dimly lit setting. Yes, the bar has a sign on the door and isn’t such a secret to find, but open since 2009 it’s got clout as the Godfather of speakeasy-style bars in Music City and placed Nashville’s cocktail scene officially on the radar nationwide. The Patterson House also offers a small food menu ranging from shareable snacks to more hearty options and a few sweet treats to boot. In 2010, The Patterson House was honored as one of Bon Appetit’s Top 10 Cocktail Bars, and in 2015 and 2016, it was named a semifinalist for Outstanding Bar Program by the James Beard Foundation.
