Nashville, known for its vibrant music scene and southern hospitality, also offers an eclectic drinking culture that appeals to both locals and visitors. Whether you’re exploring the honky-tonks on Broadway or enjoying a cocktail at a trendy rooftop bar, understanding the cost of drinks in Nashville can help you plan your nights out without breaking the bank. The prices can vary significantly based on the type of venue, the time of day, and the drink you choose, so let’s break it down a bit.
When it comes to beer, Nashville’s craft brewery scene is thriving. A pint at a local brewery usually ranges from $5 to $8. If you choose to go for a more popular macro beer, like Bud Light or Miller Lite, you might find it for around $4 to $6. In bars and restaurants, happy hour specials can offer a reprieve, bringing those prices down even lower for a limited time, allowing you to indulge in a couple of brews without feeling guilty about it.
Cocktails in Nashville can be a bit of a mixed bag. On the lower end, simple mixed drinks, like a rum and coke or gin and tonic, typically start at about $8 and can go up to $14 or more for a craft cocktail at an upscale establishment. You’ll often find bars that pride themselves on their cocktail menus will create unique drinks that utilize fresh ingredients, and while they can be pricier, the experience is often worth it. During happy hour, you can sometimes snag two-for-one deals or specific cocktails at a reduced rate, making it a fantastic time to explore new flavors.
If you have a taste for spirits and want to indulge in whiskey, Nashville won’t disappoint. Being in the heart of Tennessee, you can find a great selection of local distilleries offering tastings. A neat pour of good whiskey can set you back anywhere from $6 to $15 depending on the brand and whether it’s a premium selection. Additionally, flights of whiskey at local bars and tasting rooms can be a fun way to sample different types, usually falling in the range of $15 to $30, which can feel like a worthwhile investment for those keen on learning about the local spirits industry.
Wine lovers can also find their niche in Nashville. A glass of house wine in many restaurants or bars ranges from $6 to $12, depending heavily on the establishment’s ambiance and selection. More upscale venues may charge up to $20 for a glass of premium wine. Wine flights are becoming popular as well, often priced around $12 to $25, offering great value for those who want to savor various flavors without committing to a full glass of any one type.
In certain neighborhoods, particularly those that cater to a more nightlife-centered crowd, you’ll encounter cover charges at bars and clubs that sometimes include a drink credit, where you can redeem it for a beverage of your choice as part of the admission fee. This usually circles back to a total outlay of around $15 to $30 depending on the venue. For those looking to keep their finances in check, this can be a way to enjoy a night out while getting a little something included in the price.
Late-night drinking in Nashville often brings its own twist when it comes to pricing, as many bars implement a ‘late-night surcharge’—a minor increase on drinks sold after a certain hour. Expect prices to rise by a dollar or two as you push into the evening, especially in busier areas like Broadway. Many bars will also have a more limited menu at late hours, so you may need to adjust your expectations in terms of variety.
Now, let’s talk about the trend of specialty drinks and themed cocktails flooding the Nashville bar scene. These can be fun to try but often come at a premium price. You might find drinks with elaborate garnishes or ingredients that have a story behind them ranging from $10 to $18. However, while these drinks may be pricier, their presentation and flavor can make for memorable nights that you can’t replicate at home, justifying the higher cost.
If you find yourself in a high-end cocktail bar, be prepared for a more lavish experience that reflects a greater commitment to craft. Drinks in such places can range widely; you might be looking at anywhere from $12 to even $25 for some of the more elaborate concoctions. The bartenders are often skilled artisans who craft their beverages to perfection, so it’s not just about the drink – it’s an experience.
Happy hour is a cornerstone of Nashville’s drinking economy, and knowing when to take advantage can save you quite a bit. Many bars have happy hour specials running from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., offering discounted drinks that can be as low as $2 to $5. Such promotions often attract a crowd, so arriving early can secure you a good seat while saving cash on your drinks.
When it comes to how much you should budget for a night out in Nashville, consider that a typical night could range from about $30 to $60 per person, especially if you indulge in a few drinks at different places. You might want to factor in an extra few dollars if you’re hitting the more established venues or those that have made a name for themselves due to their signature cocktails and upscale ambiance.
Overall, drinking in Nashville can cater to absolutely any budget. Whether you prefer a laid-back dive bar where a beer is cheap and cheerful or a swanky rooftop bar where cocktails dazzle as much as the skyline, you’ll find options aplenty. Just remember that prices can fluctuate based on the time of day, the type of establishment, and even the day of the week. Understanding these nuances will help you enjoy everything Nashville has to offer while keeping your spending in check.
