The 9 Best Whiskey Bars In Nashville

If music is Nashville's heartbeat, then whiskey is its steady rhythm; the sip that keeps time with every guitar strum and fiddle bow. Long before the city became synonymous with honky-tonks and neon lights, Tennessee was perfecting the art of distilling. The state's signature style — charcoal mellowing, known as the Lincoln County Process — set its whiskey apart, giving rise to household names like Jack Daniels and George Dickel. That heritage still runs deep, not just in distilleries tucked into the rolling hills outside the city, but in the bars and lounges that make whiskey part of daily life in Nashville.

As a food and travel writer who recently spent time exploring Music City, I knew the only way to find the best whiskey spots was to go straight to the source: the locals. Over late-night conversations, barstool chats, and more than a few pours, Nashvillians shared their go-to haunts, the places they turn to when they're after something rare, something perfectly mixed, or just something that feels like home.

This list isn't just a roundup of where you can drink whiskey on Broadway; it's a curated guide to Music City's true whiskey sanctuaries. From polished lounges lined with hard-to-find bottles to cozy bars where cocktails are crafted with the kind of precision you'd expect from a master distiller, these spots capture the spirit of Nashville itself: rooted in tradition, fueled by creativity, and always best enjoyed with good company.

Hidden just off Broadway, Standard Proof Whiskey Co. isn't your run-of-the-mill whiskey bar. This is where craft meets curiosity. While plenty of Nashville bars pour the classics, Standard Proof is all about flavor-forward innovation, built on its own line of infused rye whiskeys that push the spirit into unexpected territory. Think pecan, honeysuckle, mint, or even habanero — bottles that nod to tradition but aren't afraid to break the mold. For whiskey lovers who've tasted their way through the usual rye whiskey and bourbon suspects, this place feels like a breath of fresh (and slightly smoky) air.

What sets Standard Proof apart is the way it straddles the line between distillery and cocktail bar. Here, you're not just sipping whiskey, you're exploring how flavor can be coaxed, layered, and transformed. Bartenders lean into this playful spirit, crafting cocktails you won't find anywhere else in the city. A habanero whiskey margarita with a fiery kick? An espresso martini crafted with coffee-infused rye? Yes, please.

The space itself has that warm, rustic-modern vibe you want from a Nashville whiskey spot: welcoming, a little industrial, and always buzzing with energy. But it's the sense of discovery that makes Standard Proof stand out. In a city steeped in whiskey tradition, Standard Proof is proof (get it?) that innovation has a rightful seat at the table.

standardproofwhiskey.com/nashville

(615) 800-2017

219 Rep John Lewis Way N, Nashville, TN 37219

Step through the velvet curtain at Patterson House (the swanky bar adjoining innovative restaurant The Catbird Seat), and you're instantly transported into Nashville's golden age of cocktails: a hushed, dimly lit speakeasy where whiskey gets the reverence it deserves. While Music City is packed with rowdy honky-tonks and neon bars, Patterson House is a different kind of experience: refined, intimate, and designed for those who believe a good pour should be savored, not rushed.

One of the first things you'll notice is the "long menu," a book of possibilities that runs deep with both whiskey classics and inventive creations. For the purists, there are meticulously crafted old fashioneds and Manhattans that hit every note just right. For the adventurous, the bartenders are eager to surprise with imaginative riffs that stretch the boundaries of whiskey cocktails. Case in point: the bacon bourbon concoctions, where smoky, savory notes mingle with the spirit's natural sweetness in a way that feels decadent and distinctly Southern.

What makes Patterson House stand out is not just the breadth of its menu, but the precision and creativity behind every drink. Bartenders here operate more like storytellers, coaxing out whiskey's many personalities (bold, delicate, spicy, or smooth) depending on what's in your glass. Add to that the Prohibition-era speakeasy atmosphere, with its low lighting, plush seating, and sense of exclusivity, and you've got one of Nashville's most compelling whiskey destinations.

thepattersonnashville.com

(615) 810-8200

700 8th Ave S Fifth Floor, Nashville, TN 37203

East Nashville's The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club feels like the kind of neighborhood gem that manages to be both laid-back and elevated at the same time. Locals love it because it's not trying to be flashy. The charm is in the details, from the cozy, dimly lit interior to the bar team's meticulous approach to what's in your glass. The whiskey list itself is impressive, with thoughtfully curated flights that feature both rare and regional spirits, making it just as appealing to the seasoned aficionado as to someone dipping a toe into the world of whiskey exploration.

What sets The Fox apart is its sense of balance. On one hand, you'll find bartenders who are as serious about technique as any high-end cocktail lounge in the country; on the other, the space feels approachable, a spot where locals actually come to unwind rather than perform a night out. The cocktail program leans creative without ever tipping into gimmicky — expect drinks that showcase whiskey's versatility, highlighting everything from bold rye spice to the soft vanilla warmth of a Tennessee classic. Start with the fall-coded Under the Pier, then finish with the house Old Fashioned No. 12.

For whiskey lovers, the appeal lies in discovery. You might settle into a flight that introduces you to a regional distiller you'd never heard of, or sip on a cocktail that completely reframes what you thought whiskey could do.

thefoxnashville.com

press@thefoxnashville.com

2905B Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216

If Nashville had a whiskey cathedral, it would be Gertie's Whiskey Bar. Tucked below 404 Kitchen in The Gulch, this spot boasts the city's largest whiskey collection (more than 700 bottles strong), and it's not just about sheer numbers. The shelves are a world tour in liquid form, spanning Tennessee and Kentucky bourbons, spicy American ryes, peaty Scotch, velvety Irish drams, and even elegant expressions from Japan. For a whiskey lover, it's like being handed the keys to an impossibly well-stocked library, with each pour offering a new story to uncover.

What makes Gertie's stand out isn't just the size of its collection but the intentionality behind it. The selection is carefully curated by whiskey-loving chef Matt Bolus, which means you're just as likely to discover a rare single-barrel gem as you are a small-batch distiller quietly redefining tradition. Locals love it because it's a place where you can both learn and linger, whether you're diving into a guided tasting flight, comparing the subtle differences between regional styles, or letting the bartenders steer you toward something you've never tried before.

The atmosphere plays into the appeal, too. While the scale of the whiskey library feels grand, the vibe is far from stuffy. Gertie's balances sophistication with warmth, making it a destination that's just as fitting for a celebratory night out as it is for a quiet evening of whiskey exploration.

gertieswhiskeybar.com

(615) 251-1404

507 12th Ave S Fl 1, Nashville, TN 37203

In a city where neon lights and noisy honky-tonks dominate the drinking scene, NYC import Attaboy feels like a deliberate step in the opposite direction. This not-so-secret speakeasy, tucked quietly into East Nashville, is all about stripping things down to the essentials: good spirits, skilled bartenders, and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger. Minimalist in both design and approach, it's the kind of place where the focus is on what's in your glass, not on flashy gimmicks or a crowded menu. In fact, there's no menu at all. Instead, you share your preferences — maybe smoky and bold, maybe something light with a rye backbone — and the bartenders craft a cocktail tailored just for you.

For whiskey lovers, this setup is pure magic. Attaboy's team has a deep knowledge of the spirit, and they're adept at showcasing whiskey's versatility. One night you might find yourself sipping a nuanced take on a classic stirred cocktail; the next, you could be handed something you'd never think to order but instantly love. That sense of discovery keeps regulars coming back, because no two visits ever feel quite the same.

Locals appreciate Attaboy not only for the drinks but also for the mood: dimly lit, intimate, and refreshingly calm compared to the chaos of Broadway. In Nashville's wide world of whiskey bars, no reservations Attaboy stands out by making the experience entirely personal — and that's why it's become a local favorite.

attaboy.us

info@attaboynashville.com

8 Mcferrin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206

Urban Cowboy has always had a knack for blending style with substance, and its newest outpost in Nashville's historic 1902 Arcade Building takes that reputation to another level. Set inside the century-old downtown landmark, this bar trades the cozy Victorian mansion vibe of its East Nashville sibling for something a little more rustic, yet it still radiates the same warmth and character that locals love. With high ceilings, dark woods, and quirky taxidermied details, it feels like the perfect stage for whiskey to shine.

Here, the focus is firmly on the spirit. The bar features a solid lineup of bourbons, ryes, and international whiskeys, offering something for both purists and adventurous drinkers. You'll also find a menu of simple whiskey cocktails executed to perfection, like a sweet-tart whiskey smash that even the most timid drinker will love, which is reason enough to make this a destination. Each drink feels deliberate, crafted to highlight whiskey's versatility without overshadowing its roots.

What makes the Arcade location stand out is the way it channels downtown energy while still feeling like a hideaway. Locals appreciate that it's not just another Broadway bar; it's refined without being pretentious, stylish without being stuffy. Whether you're stopping in for a post-work pour or lingering late into the night with friends, Urban Cowboy in the Arcade delivers one of the city's most thoughtful whiskey experiences right in the heart of Nashville.

urbancowboy.com/urban-cowboy-bar

(347) 840-0525

40 The Arcade, Nashville, TN 37219

If you're serious about whiskey and want to see where locals actually go, skip the Broadway circus and head over to Germantown for Barrel Proof. Originally from New Orleans, the concept translates exceptionally well in East Nashville — no neon signs, no gimmicks, just an incredible selection of whiskey served up in a space that feels both relaxed and intentional.

The first thing you'll notice is the wall of bottles. More than 300 selections line the bar, from Kentucky heavy-hitters and spicy Tennessee ryes to Scotch, Irish, and even Japanese standouts. It's not just about prestige, though. The list is curated with care, which means you'll spot rare releases and small-batch finds alongside more familiar pours. If you're overwhelmed, don't worry — the bartenders here are as approachable as they are knowledgeable. Tell them what you usually like, and they'll point you toward a pour or even build a flight that helps you branch out.

Cocktail fans aren't left out either. The drinks are spirit-driven but never heavy-handed; case in point: El Corazon, featuring Standard Proof Ginger Rye balanced with spiced pear, tangy pomegranate, and a splash of bubbles. This is the kind of place you come when you want to settle in for a couple of hours and try something new without feeling rushed. The vibe is cozy and low-key, with warm lighting and just enough buzz from conversation to feel lively without being loud.

barrelproofnash.com

(615) 544-5215

1010 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219

A visit to Nashville isn't complete without connecting with the town's whiskey-soaked roots, and nowhere does it better than Nelson's Green Brier. Dating back to the 19th century, it's one of Tennessee's oldest distilleries (only the fifth registered in the state), and stepping inside feels like stepping straight into a living piece of history. Locals love it because it's where tradition and storytelling come together in a glass, and it's one of those spots they'll always recommend when someone wants the "real deal."

The crown jewel here is Belle Meade Bourbon, an award-winning pour that put Nelson's back on the map after the family revived the brand in the 2010s. It's rich, smooth, and layered in a way that makes it a standout, even in a city overflowing with whiskey. Other highlights include distillery exclusives that you can only buy in Nashville — it's the perfect way to bulk up your collection with bottles no one else has.

If you like your whiskey with a side of storytelling — shipwrecks? Lost gold? Formidable female bosses? — then you'll want to join a tour to hear about the distillery's long history and how old techniques have evolved into the craft you taste today. Speaking of which, tastings are where it gets really fun. You can sample through the catalog of house expressions, compare notes, and maybe even bottle your own blend.

greenbrierdistillery.com

(615) 913-8800

1414 Clinton St, Nashville, TN 37203

For a taste of the creative, modern side of Nashville's whiskey scene, Corsair Distillery & Taproom is a must-visit. This under-the-radar spot in Marathon Village is beloved by locals for its rule-breaking reputation: It's playful and experimental, but still deeply serious about the craft.

Corsair is known for pushing boundaries with unique grains and innovative mash bills. Sure, you'll find classics like bourbon and rye, but this is also where you'll taste things you won't see anywhere else — think quinoa whiskey, triple-smoked malt, or hopped whiskeys that flirt with beer-like character. The taproom gives you a front-row seat to all that creativity, with flights designed to showcase their wild range and bartenders who know how to walk you through the flavors without making it feel intimidating.

The cocktails are another reason to stick around. They're whiskey-forward, of course, but they highlight Corsair's inventive streak, often featuring unexpected twists that make you rethink what whiskey can do. Recent fan favorite "Umami Dearest," for example, took Corsair Triple Smoke Whiskey through a sesame oil wash before combining with lime, honey, aquafaba, wild plum bitters, Japanese chili & lime bitters, and soy sauce, with a chili oil garnish and side of nori rice crackers for good measure. Corsair is less about reverence for tradition and more about exploring what whiskey can become. If you want a drinking experience that feels uniquely Nashville, Corsair delivers every time.

corsairdistillery.com

(615) 499-6577

1200 Clinton St #110, Nashville, TN 37203

When it comes to whiskey in Nashville, it's easy to stumble into a Broadway honky-tonk and order a shot of Tennessee's finest, but that wasn't the point of this list. I wasn't chasing the most obvious pours or the tourist-packed destinations where whiskey flows as freely as the live music. Instead, I set out to find the places locals whisper about, the kind of bars that go beyond a standard neat pour to offer something memorable, something distinctly Nashville.

During my recent trip, I asked Nashvillians where they go when they want more than a house Old Fashioned. The answers led me to bars with shelves that read like whiskey libraries, offering everything from century-old bourbons to new craft expressions you'd be hard-pressed to find outside the city. I looked for lounges with bartenders who treat cocktails as art, where smoked glasses, house infusions, and inventive riffs bring out entirely new sides of whiskey. Historical ties also played a role — after all, in a city where distilling runs as deep as songwriting, the best bars often carry a sense of legacy.

The goal wasn't to create a checklist of everywhere you can drink whiskey in Nashville, but a curated collection of where you should. These are the spots where whiskey is more than a drink — it's a story, a craft, and a cultural touchstone. In short, they're the places where Nashville's past and present meet in a glass, neat or on the rocks.