Everybody knows what a “spot” is, right? The place you go when you’re stressed out, no special occasion is needed, and you just need to decompress. It is, quite simply, a great spot to hang. Nashville has become a destination “it city” in recent years, and there’s no shortage of touristy restaurants honky tonks. But, if you’re from around these parts, those kinds of places can get old quick.
It’s almost as if there’s a shortage of places to just go unwind for a bit. Thankfully, your boy has you covered. I hope some of the other SoBros get involved and make lists of their own – we could put together quite the index of places the locals frequent.
Honorable Mentions
If you’re downtown, you can’t really go wrong with the good ol’ reliable Beer Sellar or of course our friends at Buffalo’s Billiards. If you’re in or around Printer’s Alley, Fleet Street is usually a nice, quiet spot, and our friends over at Alley Taps have quite the emerging gin mill going. Finally, gotta show some love for the Nashville hot chicken nachos and grit cakes at Party Foul. Can’t wait for that spot to open up in Donelson.
The Top 10
10. Casa de Montecristo – It’s a new place over in The Gulch, but it’s the perfect spot for a Friday evening decompression session. We actually went out and wrote a review of this place last Fall. Peruse a wide selection of fine cigars and enjoy a smoked Old-Fashioned at the bar.
9. Rock Bottom – Acme gets all the touristy Broadway love, but I don’t get it – not when you get better beer and a cozier rooftop bar just a few doors down. But, again – we’re locals. We’ve developed an ability to hide in plain sight. When the weather’s nice, there’s no better view of Broadway, and it goes nicely with a refreshing Kolsch and order of Southwest Egg Rolls.
8. Rebar – It’s the most underrated bar food in Nashville – from the Dump Truck Fries to the chicken tenders to the burgers to the quesadillas to the tacos….I could keep on going. The whole menu is great. Pair it with the fact that Rebar has Golden Tee, corn hole, a hell of a spot to throw darts, and a nice patio, and you’ve find a nice spot. My advise would just be to get out of there before 9PM. It is Midtown, so you have to deal with the Midtown crowd past that time.
7. The Pharmacy – I firmly believe this little East Nashville haven has the best burger in Nashville. And, no one even talks about the Currywurst. It’s excellent. The beer garden is the perfect place to spend an afternoon, and the beer list is extensive.
6. HQ Beercade – It’s relatively new, but if you find yourself downtown trying to avoid all the honky tockin’ like me, it’s a great hideaway. Buy a beer and play a round of Donkey Kong while you’re at it. Just bring some quarters if you want to play pinball or bubble hockey.
5. JB’s Pour House – Talkin’ about the one in Hermitage. It’s the best sports bar around – great beer tap and great bar food, and you won’t leave the place smelling like an ash tray. Really underrated BBQ in a city known for it, but I always go with the Fried Green Tomatoes. Great spot for a beer with a weatherman, too.
4. Clyde’s on Church – Clyde’s is one of the most fun bars in Nashville. Play some foosball, shuffleboard, or my personal favorite, the ping pong, while tossing back a variety of beers. There’s plenty of TVs, so it’s a great spot for football in the Fall. Clyde’s also has the best brunch in Nashville – load up on mimosas or bloody marys and tackle that Brunch Burger.
3. The Goat – It’s a relatively new, relatively unknown spot in Mount Juliet, just on the edge of Providence, so it’s a way’s out of Nashville. But, if you’re already on the East side of town, I recommend stopping by. Great vibe in the place, a menu you won’t find anywhere without driving into Nashville. I was just there Friday night and told Poppa Bear, “this feels like a place you’d go downtown.” Not to mention, they have a hell of a patio that’s perfect for some of these warmer Spring nights. The Black Walnut Old-Fashioned is one of the best drinks in the city, and the menu boasts a wide array of dishes – I usually go with the chicken gyro, southwest burger, or jerk chicken tacos.
2. Tailgate Brewery – There are two locations, but I always head out to the one on Charlotte Pike. Excellent scenery when the weather’s nice and you can take a step out back. There’s always something new and interesting on tap, the pizza’s a delight, and you can hit up McKay’s before heading home. Hell of a way to spend an afternoon. Last time I was there, I had the Meat Lovers Pizza and a few pints of the Juniper Winter Ale.
1. McNamara’s Irish Pub & Restaurant – It’s a bit outside of Nashville, but well worth the trip. Thankfully, I live in Hermitage, so I’m always just a hop, skip, and jump away. No matter what kind of mood you’re in, McNamara’s is never a bad choice. I’ve gone there to catch some live music and get rowdy, and I’ve stopped by for a decompression beer or two as well.
The food is excellent and outside of the box that is BBQ and hot chicken riddled Nashville. I recommend always starting with an order of Scotch Eggs. For the main course, I usually rotate between the Shepherd’s Pie, Bangers & Mash, Corned Beef & Cabbage, and Irish Nachos.
McNamara’s also happens to have my favorite bar in Nashville. Throw some darts and cozy up at the little sports bar upstairs. Sometimes, it can be pretty nice and quiet. Even at capacity, it’s still a great spot if you can nab one of the chairs at the bar.
So, that’s it, folks. Chances are you’ll find me in one of these spots on a Friday after a hard work week. I threw this up on the Twitter machine, and we got some suggestions from some of our friends as well:
Hmmm…I definitely like @AlleyTaps for chill hangout bar. Love me some Taki in Hermitage. And always down for a trim over @scoutsbarber
— Cad P. (@SoBroCadbury) February 27, 2018
I always enjoyed The Rusty Nail to be with friends. Favourite downtown place for food right now is Luigi’s. Favourite gas station is Cooksey’s on 70, he has Fosters in reserve for me. Favourite restroom is at Mt Juliet Publix because it smells like apple pie.
— Dom Oxenham-Morris – Can Anthony Gobert even? (@doxom85) February 27, 2018
But, I’m gonna go with Clydes on Church
— Poppa Bear (@SoBroPoppaBear) February 27, 2018
Santa’s, Old Glory, Dino’s, Bolton’s
— Brittany Fernandez (@bonnaroobritt) February 27, 2018
R.I.P. to Troubadours. And, of course, if you ever find yourself in Nashville, feel free to reach out to me on Twitter. I’m happy to steer you in the right direction.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
Buy our shirt. Like us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @SoBrosNetwork. Listen on SoundCloud. Watch on YouTube. Shop our store on Redbubble.
