11 Best Bars in Nashville, Tennessee

A highlight of Marathon Village is Corsair Distillery, a microdistillery and brewpub offering eclectic, locally made spirits and beer. Visitors can tour the facility—which is housed in a century-old automobile factory—and try full- and sample-size offerings of Corsair spirits in the distillery's taproom.

Visiting the Hop Yard at Fat Bottom Brewing turns enjoying the brewer’s locally crafted beers into an experience. The large, warehouse-like space features ample seating, multiple outdoor areas with yard games, and brewery tours on weekends.

Located inside Tempered Café and Chocolate (and only open Thursday through Saturday), The Green Hour is one of Germantown's best-kept secrets. It's the only bar in town that specializes in serving a wide variety of absinthe in traditional absinthe drips, making each drink ordered its own experiential treat. And if absinthe isn't your thing, the bar also serves a variety of classic cocktails and a small selection of beer.

Believe it or not, Germantown used to be one of Nashville's industrial hubs. You can see what remains of the neighborhood's old factories and warehouses on its eastern outskirts, where Bearded Iris Brewing lies. Housed in one of these old warehouses, Bearded Iris brews a variety of old-world-style beers that appeal to beer snobs and newbies alike and serves brews in a swanky-comfy setting that combines the best of old and new Germantown.

This no-frills beer-only watering hole is the real deal: cheap beer served in plastic cups, pool tables, cash-only, and a straightforward food menu. Don’t let appearances fool you, however: this is also one of the best places to see both touring and local live music up close.

A kitschy hangout with a 1960s après-ski vibe, Embers Ski Lodge serves gastropub fare—burgers, hand-cut Belgian fries—with a hint of the Pacific Northwest and East Asia, and a selection of cocktails, beer, and wine. Their large patio is located on a great corner for people-watching.

While there are a couple of spirits distilleries on the Marathon Village property, Grinder's Switch Winery ought to please the wine lover in your group. Try various wines from Grinder's Switch's middle-Tennessee vineyard in a casual but sophisticated setting. While you're there, pick up a curated local gift or craft in the winery's attached shop.

An authentic neighborhood hangout as the name suggests, Neighbors is the spot in Sylvan Park to watch a game, hear some live music, and enjoy cheap beer on either their front patio or covered back deck. On the deck is where they smoke meats for sandwiches, quesadillas, loaded nachos, and more.

It wouldn't be a trip to Tennessee without some Tennessee whiskey. Nelson's Green Brier Distillery is home to Belle Meade Bourbon, a local favorite that has grown to national prominence. While on-site, you can tour the distillery, taste spirits, and shop the distillery's gift shop, which carries bottles, glassware, and other booze-centric gifts.

Local brewer Southern Grist serves pints and flights of their brews alongside other craft guest brews in their industrial-style taproom in The Nations. Their often fruity, sometimes sour, but always creative brews partner with a food menu of Nashville favorites like barbecue and hot chicken.

This classic dive is a stronghold in The Nations, providing all of the fixings necessary for fun: cheap beer, video games, cornhole on the back patio, TVs, and friendly staff. But the real reason The Centennial has withstood the test of time is their simple yet surprisingly good food.