Music City is famous for country music, Broadway bars and hot chicken, but the whiskey scene in Nashville has turned into one of the best in the nation. Whether you want an unpretentious neighborhood bar pouring rare single barrel picks at fair prices or a luxury steakhouse high above the skyline with hundreds of bottles to choose from, Nashville delivers.

Top Whiskey Bars in Nashville

1. Barrel Proof

Located in Germantown, just minutes from downtown, Barrel Proof stands out as a top destination for spirit lovers. The atmosphere is warm and approachable, featuring a cozy pine bar and a deep backbar collection. They stock hundreds of bottles spanning rare bourbon, international spirits, and creative rye cocktails. Pricing remains fair and accessible, making it easy to sample unique pours in a relaxed setting with knowledgeable bartenders.

2. The Patterson House

This mid-town speakeasy style lounge helped pioneer the craft cocktail movement in Music City. It delivers an intimate setting where drink creation is treated as fine art. Expect an exceptional whiskey list featuring rare American bottles and vintage scotch selections, complete with hand carved ice and custom recipes. The elevated pricing reflects the quiet elegance and high level of service.

3. Attaboy

Attaboy brings a bespoke drinking experience to East Nashville. There is no printed menu here, meaning every drink is created specifically for your taste preferences on the spot. You simply talk with the bartender about what flavors you enjoy, and they build a custom creation using premium spirits. It is a unique venue with a hidden entry and moody lighting.

4. The Oak Bar at The Hermitage Hotel

Located inside the historic Hermitage Hotel downtown, The Oak Bar offers timeless luxury for traditionalists. Wrapped in rich green leather and dark wood paneling, it feels like stepping back into a classic era. They feature an extensive menu of fine bourbon, scotch, and vintage spirit releases alongside masterfully crafted old fashioned cocktails.

Best Whiskey Restaurants in Nashville

1. Bourbon Steak 

Perched on the thirty fourth floor of the JW Marriott, Bourbon Steak combines breathtaking panoramic city views, shown above, with an extraordinary spirit collection. Chef Michael Mina brings a luxury dining experience featuring prime steaks, fresh seafood, and an extensive bourbon library boasting over four hundred selections carefully curated to pair with every dish.

2. Stock and Barrel

Located in the Gulch, Stock and Barrel pairs two glorious things: locally sourced gourmet burgers and a massive bourbon menu. The kitchen uses fresh ingredients from local farms to build incredible meals. Their whiskey list spans many pages, featuring affordable flights that let you taste several distillery expressions side by side.

3. Husk Nashville

Husk showcases local Southern ingredients alongside a curated catalog of rare and vintage whiskies. Located in a historic mansion, the restaurant changes its food menu daily based on what local farmers supply. Sipping a flight of rare bourbon while enjoying farm driven Southern cooking is an unforgettable experience.

4. Peg Leg Porker BBQ

Peg Leg Porker offers a casual environment where award winning barbecue meets great Tennessee whiskey. The owner even crafts his own signature line of spirits designed specifically to complement smoky meats like ribs and pulled pork. It is affordable, unpretentious, and deeply satisfying.

So, there you go. Here are some highly recommended bars and restaurants to get your whiskey fix.  Whether you are a local looking for a night out or a tourist visiting our great city, these spots will hit the mark.