You know how to EAT THIS CITY. With top chefs as tour guides, you’ve learned how to scout out hot spots for breakfast and brunch, where to go for a delicious date night, and how to feast like a local liege in the cities you love. But where do you wash it all down? Do you know how to find the best brewpub? Who makes the meanest of bloody marys, the most sparkling of mimosas? What bars transport you?
You’re about to find out. Welcome to DRINK THIS CITY!
To kick things off, we’re heading to one of our favorite destination cities, Nashville! Our guide to the boozy delights of Music City is mixologist Matt Brown of Tánsuŏ. The restaurant’s name means “to explore,” and once you open a cocktail menu, you’ll be doing the same. Tennessee may be famous for its whisky, but that’s not all you’ll find in Brown’s heady libations. Drinkers interested in expanding their cocktail vocabulary beyond the favored liquor of the state can branch out into coconut-infused sake, duck fat washed rum, honeysuckle vodka, and peppercorn gin. Mango soda, dragonfruit, thai basil, matcha, and housemade bitters make their appearances, spiriting drinkers away into delicious contemplation.
“Oh, what to order next?”
Who’s thirsty? Let’s check out Matt’s ten favorite drinking hot spots in Nashville!
BRUNCH COCKTAIL OR HAIR OF THE DOG
Marche is my hair of the dog spot for sure — good food, strong coffee, multiple daytime acceptable adult drink options: Sold. I would like to give an honorable mention to Josephine for their mega-garnished Bloody Mary that is totally worth the trip to 12th South.
CLASSIC COCKTAIL
The Patterson House. Not only did they sort of pave the way for the rebirth of the craft cocktail scene in Nashville, but their bar staff has technique beat into them, producing consistent and perfectly crafted libations.
CRAFT COCKTAIL
Britt and Alexis Soler have always made cocktails that are pleasing to my palate while also managing to create this beautiful bar.
PUNCH
Bastion always has a “punch of the day” and their team delivers.
DIVE BAR
The Springwater Supper Club and Lounge, though it may only serve beer, it is a landmark to any real Nashvillian. Live music, darts, a pool table, rumors of Jimmy Hoffa being buried beneath it, all the things needed for a good dive bar.
PUB, TAVERN, OR BREWERY
Little Harpeth Brewing has a great taproom and hosts many great shows and parties.
HOTEL BAR
The Oak Bar in the Hermitage Hotel is by far my favorite hotel bar in Nashville. Not only because it boasts the largest collection of bourbon in Nashville, but because it is a Nashville staple full of history. The Oak Bar started as a private gentleman’s club in 1910.
HOT DRINK
I’m going to throw a curveball and say Amy Darling over at Duke’s. She makes a great hot toddy, and that is just one of many reasons I love that bar.
THEMED BAR OR IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE
My love for both quality cocktails and the written word make me choose Hemingway’s Bar and Hideaway for this one. They’ve done something really fun with their cocktail list, putting a narrative to the drinking experience.
COCKTAIL MADE BY A FRIEND
My friends usually just pour shots. In all sincerity though, I know while the Soler sisters always deliver, the whole crew at Rosemary never disappoints, The 5 Spot will always be my “Cheers.” That place and all the people attached to it feel like family.
Thank you Matt, for taking us on a tour of the best of Nashville’s bars! Join us next week for more DRINK THIS CITY! Meanwhile, hit us in the comments — where should we travel next?
