Yes, this restaurant/wine bar/live music venue is a chain, with locations in Chicago, New York and Napa, California. But this chain of restaurants/wine bars/live music venues was founded by Michael Dorf, who created the iconic Knitting Factory club earlier in his career. That means even in a city like Nashville, where everyone is a musician, lives with a musician and/or knows a musician, the musical lineup is impressive. The space is designed to be more laid back than other music venues. Tickets typically include seating, so you can eat and drink and not crane your neck to see the acts.
Recommended for Bars because: In a city like Nashville, there's lots of live music. But City Winery book sgreat national shows. The wine list is just as impressive.
Margaret's expert tip: City Winery has valet parking, but it can logjam before or after shows. Plan ahead and park nearby, such as at the Music City Center garage, and walk the few blocks to the venue.
The legend is Springwater was founded in 1896, and it claims to be the oldest bar in Tennessee. A former speakeasy near the Parthenon, Springwater is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it building. It may look like it hasn't been updated--or cleaned--since 1896. It couldn't be more no frills/nuthin' fancy. But if you want something different than the Western Swing and country you'll hear at the Lower Broadway bars, Springwater is the experimental place to be. Everyone is friendly, and the crowd varies, depending on the type of music being played. But some things are constant: The music is weird and the beer is cheap. Really cheap.
Recommended for Bars because: A dive bar to beat all dive bars, Springwater is always busy, always casual and always sure to entertain.
Margaret's expert tip: Put away the plastic: Springwater is cash-only.
Yazoo Brewing Company has been building a reputation for producing fine beers since 2003. In fact, it got so big, that in 2010 it had to move to a bigger location. Visit the facility and enjoy a free pint after the tour, or lift a glass of more than 40 beers (not all on the same day) while savoring local cheeses and breads in the brewery's taproom. Yazoo beers are also available in more than 100 Middle Tennessee restaurants and groceries. If you're looking for one to try for the first time, know that light, smooth Full Moon Ale is a local favorite.
Recommended for Bars because: Yazoo was one of Nashville's first craft beers. There are others now, too, but this is the local favorite.
Margaret's expert tip: Don't juts come to drink: Leave time for a brewery tour
Bluebird Cafe is a must-see for all music fans. The quiet, smoke-free venue is a great place to hear Nashville's up-and-coming singer-songwriters perform before they hit the big time (and, sometimes, even after they have). Garth Brooks and Kathy Mattea are just two well-known singers who have played, and since the TV show Nashville started featuring it, the lines have even gotten longer. Since it's a popular spot, make reservations in advance, and don't forget to observe the "Shhh!" rule while the music's playing. Depending on how big the booked act is, the cover can be as high as $50.
Recommended for Bars because: This small Green Hills bar and music venue is where careers are made.
Margaret's expert tip: Whatever you do, don't talk or text during a show at the Bluebird.
Founded by childhood friends Darek Bell and Andrew Webber, the business actually had a much less glamorous beginning. The two had already been homebrewing beer and wine when they hit a snag while working on a prototype for a bio-diesel plant. Andrew remarked that whiskey would be much more satisfying and immersed themselves in distilleries and spirits. Soon after, Corsair Distillery was founded and Nashville rejoiced. Corsair's spirits have been praised by a host of national publications, from Food and Wine to Whisky Advocate to the Atlantic. In fact, Corsair has become so popular, it now has two Nashville locations, one in Marathon Music Works and another in Wedgewood/Houston.
Recommended for Bars because: In a state that loves whiskey, Corsair has become the city's favorite modern distillery.
Margaret's expert tip: Once you are done with your distillery tour, stop by the taproom for regional craft beers on draft. Check out what's on tap by following Corsair on Twitter.
This East Nashville haunt has been featured in numerous national publications for talent behind the bar and in the kitchen. Yes, newer bars have opened since, and to the point where some of what was once groundbreaking at Holland House now seems expected. But every glass contains a clever mix of hand created or sourced ingredients and the staff's superior knowledge is helpful in finding a new favorite concoction. The square bar is terrific for watching the craftsmanship in action. The bar is quiet enough so that you can have a conversation, but loud enough to feel vibrant. Come early for happy hour and stay for dinner.
Recommended for Bars because: The square bar shape allows you to socialize and watch your cocktails be crafted at the same time.
Margaret's expert tip: Named by "Entrepreneur Magazine" as the Best Bar to Hang Out In When Business Goes Bad. Keep that in mind after your next bad day at work.
Perhaps the first place in Nashville to charge double-digits for a cocktail, this cocktail bar is the opposite of, well, most bars you've been to. The idea is that is the place to sit down, relax, and appreciate a carefully-crafted cocktail. So, you must have a seat--that way the staff can attend to you--and you are discouraged from being glued to your phone. Instead, enjoy the atmosphere of things are private, perfect and well, past tense. The throwback to a prohibition-era luxury speakeasy, this cocktail haven draws the most discriminating palettes for precise libations served in a classic fashion. For an additional treat, be sure and order the donuts, a house favorite.
Recommended for Bars because: This place is sitting-room only. That's right, no standing. You must have a seat to get a drink.
Margaret's expert tip: Try their Elvis panini, which was featured on the Food Network's "The Best Thing I Ever Ate."
The mod decor, with low coffee tables, angular furniture, wood paneling and taxidermy, belies this low-key vibe at this neighbor watering hole. Lounge at one of the back tables if you are with a group of friends. Grab a seat at the bar if you want to sit near the bartenders and watch the mixology magic happen. The menu also tips a hat to literary greats, with drink specials like the Bukowski and the William S. Burroughs. The outdoor seats are popular with smokers all year round. The food is better than standard bar food, particularly the seasonal pickled vegetables.
Recommended for Bars because: It is small and unassuming, yet No. 308 serves the most creative cocktails in the city.
Margaret's expert tip: Show up early for an epic, yet quiet, happy hour; Show up late for a an epic dance party.
This elegant and historic gathering spot on the lower level always feels cozy no matter what the size of the crowd. It's been a favorite shooting location for movies and the ABC-TV series, Nashville and is equally popular with politicians, business owners and local celebs. This is not a place to pound a few beers before going out on the town. This is the kind of place where you sip a crafted cocktail while getting the low down on the city's comings and goings. Order one of their specialty bourbons or glass of champagne and enjoy the above-average service.
Recommended for Bars because: Hidden away under the Hermitage Hotel, the Oak Bar is an old-word getaway.
Margaret's expert tip: Don't miss the array of Southern appetizers served along with cocktails. They are produced by the adjacent James Beard recognized kitchen of Capitol Grille.
This historic honky-tonk (which started as a cowboy boot and hat store) on Lower Broadway is known for being the home of traditional country music. Come for a night of no-cover live country music, most often Western Swing, and make sure you grab a sandwich, and a cold can of PBR and Goo Goo Cluster. Even though this is the heart of the tourist strip, beers are affordable, no matter the day. Put on your cowboy boots to fit right in with the locals, and get ready to cut the rug. There's always someone to dance with. Celebs like Vince Gill and Trace Adkins that have graced the stools of this friendly bar.
Recommended for Bars because: No place is as iconically Nashville as Robert's: live music, cheap beer and lots of dancing.
Margaret's expert tip: Honky-tonks are 21 and older after 6 p.m. There's never a cover, but don't forget to put money in the hat for the band.