Best Speakeasy Nashville: Where to Go and How to Get In
The best speakeasy Nashville offers depends on how you like to drink: Red Phone Booth for the full hidden-door experience, The Patterson House for serious craft cocktails, or Skull's Rainbow Room for old-school Printers Alley atmosphere. Reserve ahead, arrive on time, and skip Broadway's cover-charge crush for at least one night. If your group wants a speakeasy with no door policy at all, a private game room with a whiskey barrel bar is the fourth option below.
Key Takeaways
A Nashville speakeasy is a hidden or discreetly marked cocktail bar, often reached through a disguised entrance or by reservation and code.
Red Phone Booth, The Patterson House, and Skull's Rainbow Room are well-established picks with different personalities.
Reservations and arriving early matter more than passwords; confirm current entry rules on each venue's official site before you go.
Craft cocktails at speakeasies often run in the mid-teens per drink, so budget accordingly for a group.
Underwood Manor has its own speakeasy-style game room with an 8-foot slate pool table and a whiskey barrel bar, about 5 to 10 minutes from downtown and Broadway.
Nashville visitor numbers keep climbing, so weekend tables disappear fast.
At Underwood Manor, we host bachelorette, bachelor, and birthday groups a few minutes from Broadway nearly every weekend, and the same question lands in our guest messages again and again: where is the cool, quiet bar that is not a honky-tonk? This guide answers that with entry details, timing, and honest caveats.
Nashville is known for neon and live country music, but the cocktail scene runs deeper than Lower Broadway. In 2026, with visitor numbers still climbing, the hidden bars fill up well before the honky-tonks do. Planning matters.
Below you will find three venues worth the trip, a private-option alternative for groups, a guided-tour comparison, and the logistics most guides skip. For a broader plan beyond cocktails, our things to do in Nashville page covers daytime ideas.
What Is a Speakeasy in Nashville, and What Makes One Worth Visiting?
A speakeasy in Nashville is a cocktail bar with a concealed or understated entrance, usually a small room with dim lighting and a drink menu built around Tennessee whiskey and classic recipes. The name comes from Prohibition-era bars that operated quietly. Today the hidden-door idea is mostly theater, but the quieter room is real.
The appeal is contrast. Lower Broadway runs loud and bright, with live bands on multiple floors. A speakeasy lets your group hold a conversation, sit down, and order a properly built old fashioned without shouting over a cover band.
The trade-off is capacity. Most hidden bars seat a modest crowd, walk-ins get turned away on Friday and Saturday, and some enforce a dress expectation or time limit. Treat them as a planned stop, not a fallback.
1. Red Phone Booth: Best for the Full Hidden-Door Experience
Red Phone Booth is a Nashville speakeasy-style lounge known for its disguised entrance, from which the name comes, and holds a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Google. The phone number listed for the Nashville location is (629) 217-1930.
One of our past guests, Kendra, mentioned that our host even helped her group get a code for the Red Phone Booth Club, which shows how common the code-and-reservation route is. Entry rules change, so check the official site for current reservation and access instructions before you plan your night around it.
Best for: groups that want the secret-door moment for photos and a story. Insider tip: arrive at your reserved time, not early, and give your name at the entrance rather than hovering outside. Honest caveat: the theatrical entrance is the draw, so if your group only wants a quiet drink, the next pick fits better.
From Underwood Manor, expect a rideshare of roughly 5 to 10 minutes to the downtown area. Confirm current Uber or Lyft rates in the app, since pricing jumps late at night.
Is This The BEST Speakeasy In Nashville, TN??
2. The Patterson House: Best for Serious Craft Cocktails
The Patterson House is a craft cocktail bar in Nashville with a 4.7 out of 5 rating on Google and a phone line at (615) 810-8200. Locals know it as the place where bartenders take the menu seriously. Expect stirred, whiskey-forward drinks rather than neon shots.
The room is intimate and works best for a small group of four to six. A bachelorette group of ten will struggle for seating, so split into two tables or choose a quieter weeknight.
Best for: couples, groomsmen who actually like whiskey, and anyone who wants to talk. What to order: ask the bartender for a Tennessee whiskey old fashioned or a recommendation based on your usual spirit. Insider tip: call or check the website for reservation guidance, since walk-in policies shift with the night. Honest caveat: prices skew higher than a honky-tonk, and craft cocktails here commonly land in the mid-teens each, so a round for eight adds up quickly.
3. Skull's Rainbow Room: Best for Old-School Printers Alley Atmosphere
Skull's Rainbow Room is a historic Nashville nightlife room tied to Printers Alley downtown, rated 4.6 out of 5 on Google, with a phone line at (615) 810-9631. It leans vintage showroom rather than hidden-door gimmick.
You go here for the retro lounge feel: low lighting, a stage-forward layout, and a crowd that dresses up a bit more than Broadway. It pairs well with a birthday dinner downtown followed by a late drink.
Best for: birthday groups and couples who want a sense of history. Insider tip: check the venue's site for current showtimes and seating, since programming and entry details vary by night. Honest caveat: this is not a quiet whiskey bar; expect an entertainment-driven evening, and confirm cover and minimums before you commit a group.
4. A Private Speakeasy: Underwood Manor's Game Room
A private speakeasy is a hidden-bar atmosphere built into your rental, so your group controls the music, the guest list, and the closing time. Underwood Manor is a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath farmhouse that sleeps up to 10, with a moody game room in the garage designed around that idea.
The room has an 8-foot slate pool table, a dart board, a wall-mounted chess board, a 55-inch Smart TV, a crystal chandelier, and a custom whiskey barrel bar. A neon sign reads, "Blame it on my roots, I showed up in boots." Guests have told us the pool table is a huge hit with groups.
Location helps too. Broadway is about 8 minutes by car and the Ryman Auditorium is about 8 minutes, per our listing data, so you can hit a real bar early, come back, and keep going without a table wait. After that, the 7-person hot tub and smokeless fire pit are a short walk across the backyard. You can read more on the layout of the house if you want to see every room.
Best for: bachelor and bachelorette groups of up to 10 who want a late-night base. Honest caveat: you bring the drinks and the bartender; this is a lounge, not a staffed bar. Bachelorette planners can also browse our Nashville bachelorette party page for itinerary pairing.
What Is the Name of the Bar Street in Nashville?
Broadway, usually called Lower Broadway or Lower Broad, is the bar street in Nashville, a stretch of honky-tonks, rooftop bars, and live music venues in the downtown area. It is the opposite of a speakeasy: loud, bright, and open to walk-ins.
Three Broadway names come up constantly. Tootsie's Orchid Lounge is the historic multi-floor honky-tonk, Robert's Western World is known for traditional country, and the Ryman Auditorium sits a few blocks away as a concert hall rather than a bar. If you want a full list of where to hear music, see this roundup of live music venues in Nashville.
You asked for a walking map of the Broadway bars: the strip is compact enough that a phone map works, and most honky-tonks sit within a few blocks of each other. Check Google Maps on the day you go for walking times.
How Do You Get Into a Hidden Bar in Nashville?
Getting into a hidden bar in Nashville means following that venue's current entry process, which is usually a reservation, a code, or a staffed entrance rather than a secret knock. Policies change, so verify on the venue's official website or phone line before you go.
Reserve first. For Friday and Saturday, book as early as the venue allows, and call if online slots look full.
Arrive on time. Late groups risk losing a table, and early groups crowd the entrance.
Keep the party small. Groups above six are harder to seat at intimate bars; split into two parties.
Dress a notch up. Nothing formal, but athleisure and beachwear can draw a raised eyebrow.
Bring ID. Hidden bars check, and an expired license is a common reason a group member is turned away.
Ask your host. Local hosts often know current codes and reservation quirks.
Is a Guided Speakeasy Tour Better Than Bar Hopping on Your Own?
A guided speakeasy tour is a hosted, scheduled walk through hidden bars with set stops and a fixed price, while self-guided bar hopping means you choose, reserve, and pay for each stop yourself. Local Tastes of Nashville is one operator that runs Prohibition-themed experiences in the city.
Factor | Guided tour | Self-guided |
Planning effort | Low; stops and timing are set | Higher; you handle reservations |
Flexibility | Fixed route and pace | Choose your own stops and times |
Cost control | One upfront price; confirm what is included | Pay per drink; varies by order |
Best for | First-timers and small groups | Groups with strong preferences |
If your group is large, a tour can simplify the night; if you want to linger at a favorite, go self-guided. Check what a tour includes before booking, since drinks and tastings can differ.
How Much Do Drinks Cost at Nashville Speakeasies?
Drinks at a Nashville speakeasy typically cost more than a honky-tonk pour, with craft cocktails often landing in the mid-teens each, plus tip. Menus change, so confirm current prices on the venue's site.
For a group of eight, two rounds can easily run well over $200 before tip, so set a per-person drink budget in advance. Broadway honky-tonks are cheaper per beer but charge cover on busy nights and offer less seating.
One tip: open the evening with a drink at a speakeasy, then move to a honky-tonk afterward, when live music is in full swing and any cover charge often costs less before the late rush.
Which Nashville Cocktails Should You Order?
Tennessee whiskey is the defining spirit of Nashville cocktails, and the old fashioned is the safest, most common order. A whiskey sour and a Tennessee whiskey mule also turn up regularly on local menus.
At a craft bar such as The Patterson House, skip the longest-named drink and tell the bartender what you usually drink; the good ones will steer you. If you prefer something lighter, ask for a lower-proof option or a spirit-free drink.
How Do You Plan the Night: Logistics, Timing, and Getting Around?
A smooth Nashville speakeasy night depends on a reservation, a rideshare plan, and a home base within a short drive. Rideshare is the practical way to move between bars, since driving after cocktails is not an option.
From Underwood Manor, downtown is about 5 minutes away and Broadway about 7 to 10, which means a typical rideshare ranges roughly $5 to $15 each way, though rates spike after midnight. Confirm in the Uber or Lyft app before you leave, and request two cars for groups above four.
Best nights: Thursday and Sunday are calmer; Friday and Saturday require reservations.
Parking: Skip downtown parking and use rideshare. Our driveway fits two cars comfortably.
Group size: Keep parties to six or fewer at intimate bars.
Timing: Start by 7 p.m. for a table, then drift to Broadway after 9.
Where Should a Group Stay for a Nashville Speakeasy Weekend?
The best home base for a Nashville cocktail weekend is a rental within about 10 minutes of downtown with enough space for 8 to 24 guests. A house trades daily housekeeping for shared space, a kitchen, and private amenities you will not find in a hotel room.
Underwood Manor fits groups up to 10 and is booked direct, with a 4% direct booking fee versus the 14% or more that Airbnb platform fees commonly run, so direct booking can save up to 15%. Compare final checkout totals for your dates.
Bigger crew? the dual-duplex rental that sleeps 24 has 8 bedrooms, 7 baths, 2 hot tubs, and 3 game rooms, about 8 to 10 minutes from Broadway. For a group of 12, Fern Unit A has 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a rooftop deck, and a 7-person hot tub, while Fern Unit B adds a glam station with 4 vanity mirrors. More ideas are collected on our Nashville hot spots page.
What Should You Skip, and What Is Overrated?
The most overrated move is trying to see five hidden bars in one night; each requires a reservation, a wait, and a round, so two is plenty. A second mistake is arriving at a small bar with a group of twelve and no booking.
Also skip assuming every bar has a secret password. Most use plain reservations. Finally, avoid Lower Broadway on the busiest Saturday evening if you want a conversation. The Nashville tips and tricks archive covers more planning shortcuts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get into the hidden bar in Nashville?
Follow each venue's current entry process, which is typically a reservation, a code, or a staffed door. Check the official website or call ahead, arrive on time, and bring ID. Walk-ins are least likely to succeed on Friday and Saturday nights.
What is the name of the bar street in Nashville?
Broadway, often called Lower Broadway or Lower Broad, is Nashville's bar street. It is packed with honky-tonks and live music, and it is about 7 to 10 minutes by car from Underwood Manor.
What are some famous cocktails from Nashville?
Tennessee whiskey drinks lead the way, especially the old fashioned. Many bars also serve whiskey sours and Tennessee-style mules. Ask the bartender for a local recommendation.
How much are drinks in Nashville?
Beer and simple drinks at honky-tonks are generally cheaper, while craft cocktails at speakeasies often run in the mid-teens each. Prices change, so check menus and plan for tip and possible cover charges.
Which rental is best for a group on a Nashville speakeasy weekend?
Underwood Manor is a 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath farmhouse that sleeps up to 10, with a speakeasy-style game room, a 7-person hot tub, and a short drive to Broadway. For larger parties, its sister homes sleep 12 to 24, so compare options by group size and dates.
Are vacation rentals worth it compared to hotels in Nashville?
For groups of 8 or more, a house usually wins on cost per person, shared space, and private amenities like a hot tub and kitchen. Hotels win on daily housekeeping and on-site bars. Compare final totals for your dates.
Can you get around Nashville without a car?
Yes for downtown and Broadway, using rideshare. A car helps with day trips and the Grand Ole Opry, which is about 20 minutes from Underwood Manor by car per our listing data.
Conclusion: Pick Two Stops and Reserve Early
The best speakeasy Nashville has depends on your group: Red Phone Booth for the hidden entrance, The Patterson House for cocktails, Skull's Rainbow Room for vintage atmosphere, or a private game room for total control. Book ahead, keep each party small, and check current entry rules before you go. With visitor numbers still rising, plan your tables first and your outfits second.
After a night of hidden bars, the king suite and backyard setup at Underwood Manor give your group somewhere to land, with a 7-person hot tub steps from the back door. You can check dates and book direct on the website.
Written by Chase Gillmore, Owner at Underwood Manor
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