Best Breweries, Distilleries, and Speakeasies in Nashville to Visit

From the neon lights of Broadway to the tucked-away corners of the East side, no matter where you go in Nashville, there are a few things you’re almost guaranteed to find: live music, hot chicken, and craft beverages. Whether you’re looking for seasonal brews, aged blends, or unique cocktails, you’ll find a surplus of some of the best in the country right here. Prepare to sip your way through Music City with this list of the best breweries, distilleries, and speakeasies in Nashville.

Nashville Breweries

Southern Grist Brewing Co.

Photo Courtesy of Southern Grist Brewing Co. 

Born out of three friends’ love of homebrewing, Southern Grist has grown from a 430-square-foot operation to a multi-location staple in the Nashville brewing scene. From their innovative sours like Peanut Butter Strawberry Jelly Hill or Blueberry Cobbler to their refreshing lagers, creative hops, and perfectly balanced dark drafts, they cover all the bases.

To date, they have more than 1,100 unique beers under their belt and continue to push the boundaries of what craft beer can (and should) be. Visit their taproom in the Nations, across from Frothy Monkey, or their East Nashville location when you’re in town. Traveling with your pups? Each location has a pet-friendly patio. And if you’re looking for some tasty options to accompany your drinks, visit the East Nashville location and sample excellent dishes from their restaurant, Lauter.

New Heights Brewing Company

Head brewer Jeff Fountain began, as many craft brewers do, with a home kit and a love of all things beer. Nurturing his creativity and skills in brewing clubs like Mash Heads and at Mission Brewery in his hometown of San Diego, he developed his own style, which is seen in the variety of craft brews you’ll find at New Heights.

Local favorites include the Coffee & Cream ale, perfect for those who love dark beer but want a light option that’s still full of flavor, and the Red Lasso American Amber. Kick back at one of their outdoor picnic tables or inside, where you can listen to live music or watch a game. 312 Pizza is available when you need a bite to go with your brew.

Tailgate Brewery

A veritable Nashville empire in the craft beer world, Tailgate Brewery has grown to eight locations, recently expanding beyond the city limits to Chattanooga. Meaning, no matter which part of town you’re staying in, it’s easy to get to one. (Pro-tip: if you’re in one of our luxury Nautical Properties Gulch vacation rentals, the Music Row brewery will be closest).

From the Thursday night movie showings at the HQ location to the phenomenal monthly pizza concoctions, every trip to Tailgate holds something new. If you’re looking for a place with tons of options, a great vibe, and good food, be sure to pay them a visit. When you do, we recommend the new Strawberry Lemonade Shandy – the perfect treat on a hot Nashville day.

Tennessee Whiskey, Gin, and More: Nashville Distilleries

Corsair Distillery

Winner of more than 400 medals for their excellent craft spirits, Corsair Distillery was the first craft distillery in Nashville since prohibition. As such, they’ve focused on creating the highest-quality products on the market. From their unusual concoctions to their classic gins and whiskeys, each bottle is a labor of love.

Choose from two locations when you visit: The Marathon Village Brewstillery or the HQ in Wedgewood Houston. Each offers unique experiences. At Marathon, you can take a tour and experience a guided tasting, or you can just relax in the taproom and enjoy craft cocktails.

In WeHo, head bartenders lead cocktail creation classes that are a fun and unique addition to a bachelorette, birthday, or group trip. No matter which location you choose, you’ll be treated to some of the finest whiskeys and gins in Tennessee.

Ole Smoky Distillery 

More than just a distillery, Ole Smoky is a city block’s worth of craft creations. Home to Yee-Haw Brewing Co., Ole Smoky Moonshine, White Duck Taco, and Daddy’s Dogs Hotdogs, it’s your one-stop shop for good times during your Nashville vacation. Located at 6th and Peabody in Sobro, just a 10-minute walk from Broadway, you’ll find everything from frozen treats to tasty eats.

Kickstart your day (or night) with a tasting where you can sample delicious seasonal flavors and all-time favorites of moonshine, whiskey, spiked foods, and cream liqueurs. You also get a sample of one Yee-Haw beer to go along with it! All this for just $10 for the regular tasting, or you can add $3 and upgrade to the Premium Tasting and get three extra flavors! After the tasting, head to the main bar area to enjoy craft cocktails made with all your favorites.

In addition to delicious cocktails, Ole Smoky also offers tons of entertainment. Enjoy two massive TV screens perfect for watching the game, a beer garden with cornhole, giant Jenga, and Connect Four, an arcade with free games, and on the weekends, live music!

Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

Brothers Andy and Charlie Nelson were fated to be craft distillers. After discovering a generation’s-old bottle of perfectly preserved whiskey made by their great-great-great grandfather, they decided to resurrect the family tradition and have built a national brand that still holds true to their Tennessee roots.

The tour at Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is filled with pre-prohibition era lore, tales of lost treasure, and strong women. Sample the recipe that started it all, two rye bourbons, and wrap it up with a deliciously smooth caramel pecan liqueur. With an impeccable menu of craft cocktails, delicious food, and a stunning tasting room, this Nashville distillery has it all. Reservations are recommended and weekends tend to sell out, so be sure to book your tasting experience in advance of your visit.

Secret Spots: Speakeasies in Nashville

Hidden Bar

At Noelle Hotel, if you know where to look, you’ll find yourself transported into a world of make-believe at the Queen of Hearts Hidden Bar. This speakeasy combines all the elements of a good theme with the intentionality of quality creations to make one perfect experience. 

Queen’s Cocktail Hours are held Monday – Thursday and offer 2-for-1 cocktails from 5 PM to 7 PM, and the Off With Your Head DJ Series takes place Friday and Saturday from 8:30 PM to 12:30 AM. Beyond the initial cocktails and decor, you can elevate your speakeasy experience even more at the Down the Rabbit Hole immersive dining experience.

To locate Hidden Bar in Nashville, enter through the Makeready L&L entrance on Church Street and follow the stairs to the storage door.

Old Glory

Located in an old boiler room of a steam-cleaning mercantile, Old Glory is a subterranean speakeasy that feels both secretive and vast. With exposed brick and equipment from its past dating back to the 1920s, greenery-covered walls, and high vaulted ceilings, the carefully curated vibe is unlike any other bar in Nashville. There’s no signage to mark the way, so look for the golden triangle off Edgehill Avenue for entry.

They have a menu of snacks and small plates, including customizable charcuterie boards, and their drinks range from craft cocktails to wine and even zero-proof options. Old Glory is open every day from 5 PM to 1 AM.

Red Phone Booth

Certain things you just expect to see in Nashville: cowboy hats, boots, buskers, and party buses are just a few. One thing you don’t expect to see is a fully restored London-esq red phone booth in the heart of downtown. But that’s exactly where you need to head if you want to get into this Nashville speakeasy.

With a phone number obtained either from a nearby concierge, a current member, or some other sleuthed-out means, you enter the phone booth, dial, and receive instructions that lead you to a perfectly designed 1920s-style secret bar.

As one of Nashville’s most exclusive speakeasies, guests are required to adhere to a dress code to maintain the integrity of the establishment. Men are not allowed to wear ball caps, cargo or ripped shorts, open-toed shoes, or athletic gear. Collared shirts or sports coats are required, and house coats are available for use if you don’t have one. For women, no athletic gear or excessively ripped clothing is allowed. In short, dress to impress.

Cocktails range from classic recipes carried over from UK bartenders dating back to the 1800s to unique creations customized by talented mixologists. With over 180 whiskeys, rich cigars, a pool table, and handsome furnishings, the Red Phone Booth is a fully immersive experience.

Book Your Nashville Getaway Today

Armed with this list of the top breweries, distilleries, and speakeasies in Nashville, the only thing left to do is book your trip! 

At Nautical Properties, we have gorgeous vacation rentals in the most coveted areas of Nashville. Stay in the Gulch, West End, or Downtown for proximity to everything you want to do during your visit. Plus, when you book directly with us, you’ll get your vacation rental at the best rate! Browse our available Nashville vacation rentals and book direct today!