From Honky-Tonks to Highballs: The Evolution of Nashville’s Cocktail Lounges

The Octopus
May 12
5 min read

A lively night at an early 1940s honky-tonk, captured in 1951, with a cheerful group enjoying drinks and camaraderie.

Nashville. The city where cowboy boots meet couture, where guitars strum and hearts break, and where whiskey flows like the Cumberland River. While the world knows it as Music City, let’s not forget that Nashville has a not-so-secret superpower: cocktails. Over the decades, the city’s nightlife has evolved from rowdy honky-tonks to swanky cocktail lounges that would make even James Bond raise an eyebrow. So, let’s take a tipsy stroll down memory lane, name-drop some legendary spots, and spill the tea (or bourbon) on where you should be sipping right now. Spoiler alert: The Eighth Room is the crown jewel of happy hours, but more on that later.

Couples are having a blast dancing to live music in a lively 1950s honky-tonk, really capturing the fun and energy of the time.

The Early Days: Whiskey, Honky-Tonks, and Dive Bars

Let’s rewind to the early 1900s when Nashville’s nightlife was all about honky-tonks and whiskey joints. Think dim lighting, sawdust-covered floors, and a jukebox belting out Hank Williams. These bars weren’t exactly slinging craft cocktails—they were more about pouring cheap whiskey and letting the music do the heavy lifting. Iconic venues like Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, which still proudly stands on Broadway, became the unofficial watering holes for musicians and dreamers. The drinks were simple, the vibes were rowdy, and the focus was on good times and great music.

But as the city grew, so did its thirst for something a little more... sophisticated. Enter the cocktail lounge.

Guests have a fun night out in a mid-century cocktail lounge, dressed to impress and soaking up the lively atmosphere,.

The Mid-Century Glow-Up: When Nashville Got Fancy

Fast forward to the 1950s and 60s, when Nashville began to trade its honky-tonk grit for a touch of glamour. Cocktail lounges became the place to see and be seen, offering swanky interiors, plush seating, and drinks that required more than just pouring from a bottle. Bars like The Capitol Grille inside The Hermitage Hotel set the standard for sophistication, serving up martinis and Manhattans to a well-dressed crowd.

This era also saw the rise of the “three-martini lunch” (because who needs productivity, right?) and a growing appreciation for bartenders as artisans. Suddenly, the person behind the bar wasn’t just a drink slinger—they were a mixologist, crafting concoctions that were as much about presentation as they were about flavor.

The Craft Cocktail Revolution: Shaking Things Up

By the early 2000s, Nashville was ready for a cocktail renaissance. The craft cocktail movement swept through the city like a perfectly balanced Old Fashioned, and suddenly, speakeasies and boutique bars were all the rage. Leading the charge was The Patterson House, a dimly lit haven where the drinks were as Instagram-worthy as they were delicious. With its velvet curtains and Prohibition-era vibe, it became the blueprint for Nashville’s modern cocktail lounges.

Around the same time, other standout spots like Attaboy and Old Glory joined the scene, each bringing its own unique twist. Attaboy, with its no-menu policy, lets bartenders whip up custom creations based on your mood (or how adventurous you’re feeling after two drinks). Meanwhile, Old Glory operates out of a former boiler room, proving that industrial chic and killer cocktails are a match made in heaven.

The Present Day: Where Music Meets Mixology

Today, Nashville’s cocktail lounge scene is nothing short of legendary. Whether you’re a die-hard whiskey fan or prefer your drinks with a splash of gin and a side of drama, there’s something for everyone. Some of the city’s top spots include:

The Twelve Thirty Club: A multi-level masterpiece where live music meets rooftop cocktails. Their Espresso Martini is practically a rite of passage and worth every caffeine-fueled sip.
Mother’s Ruin: Equal parts dive bar and cocktail lounge, this spot is perfect for those who want a laid-back vibe with high-quality drinks. It’s where you go when you want to feel cool without trying too hard.
Jane’s Hideaway: Tucked away but worth the hunt, Jane’s offers live bluegrass and cocktails that could make a grown man cry—in the best way possible, of course.
Skull’s Rainbow Room: A historic gem in Printer’s Alley, Skull’s combines burlesque shows with expertly crafted cocktails. It’s like stepping into a time machine, but with better drinks.
The Coral Club:: A tropical escape in the middle of Music City, The Coral Room is the perfect spot to sip on a Mai Tai while pretending you’re on a beach somewhere far away. Bonus points for their vibrant, Instagram-worthy decor.
Tiger Bar: A sleek and modern lounge that roars with energy (pun intended). Known for its bold cocktail menu and stylish crowd, Tiger Bar is where you go to see and be seen.

And then, of course, there’s The Eighth Room—the pièce de résistance of Nashville’s cocktail scene.

The Eighth Room: Where Golden Hour Shines Brightest

Nestled in the heart of Nashville at the former Douglas Corner space, The Eighth Room isn’t just a cocktail lounge—it’s an experience. This intimate venue, with its 150-person capacity and jaw-dropping Martin Audio sound system, has redefined what it means to enjoy a night out in Music City.

But let’s talk about The Golden Hour. Running Monday through Thursday from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Friday through Saturdat from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, this happy hour is the stuff of legends. Picture this: you’re sipping on a craft cocktail made with their exclusive private-label vodka (filtered five times, because they’re fancy like that) while nibbling on elevated snacks that are as Instagrammable as they are delicious. The vibe? Effortlessly chic, with a touch of rock-and-roll swagger.

The Eighth Room isn’t just about drinks—it’s about creating a lifestyle. From branded products like their American Lager to their curated vintage furnishings and rock ‘n’ roll artwork, the space is a love letter to creativity and connection. It’s where trendsetters, tastemakers, and dreamers come to mingle, sip, and soak in the magic.

And let’s not forget the history. The stage at The Eighth Room has hosted legends like Shinedown and Trisha Yearwood, and the venue itself has been named one of the “26 Rooms Shaping Culture” by Town & Country Magazine. So yeah, it’s kind of a big deal.

A wild night in Nashville, with the skyline twinkling like it just discovered caffeine.!

Why Nashville’s Cocktail Lounges Are Here to Stay

From its humble beginnings in honky-tonks to the modern-day elegance of places like The Eighth Room, Nashville’s cocktail scene is a testament to the city’s ability to evolve while staying true to its roots. Whether you’re a local looking for your next favorite spot or a tourist ready to soak up the city’s charm, there’s no shortage of places to raise a glass.

So, the next time you’re in Nashville, skip the tourist traps and head straight for the lounges that are shaping the city’s culture. And if you’re lucky enough to snag a seat at The Eighth Room’s Golden Hour, well, consider yourself part of the elite club of cocktail connoisseurs. Cheers to that!