Bachelor parties are a right of passage for any groom. One last hurrah before married life. A chance to unwind and relax with his closest friends celebrating life’s next milestone.
Traditionally bachelor parties were one night of debauchery, but now in recent years it seems like more and more pressure has been put on groomsmen to pull off more epic and elaborate WEEKEND trips. Yes, in addition the normal wedding expenses of the groomsmen (suits, travel, etc), many are now also having to travel and attend bachelor weekends. Sorry, rant over. :)
Luckily you’ve chosen to spend that last hurrah weekend in Nashville. The party doesn’t stop in Music City USA. With live music is rockin’ 24/7/365, the city’s foodie scene in full swing, Southern hospitality, and laid-back vibe—Nashville’s one of the nation’s hottest party destinations.
Less expensive than Las Vegas, cleaner than New Orleans, and more centrally located than most other destinations, Nashville’s got a lot going for it.
Whether you’ve previously been to the city or not, we’ve pulled together 10 Nashville experiences that will help create an epic bachelor party for the groom!
All photography by @studioist
1. FUEL UP FOR THE FESTIVITIES
The BBQ Nachos from Edley’s Bar-B-Que on 12South.
Traditionally recognized for southern comfort food, Nashville burgeoning foodie scene now offers much more. Of course if you’re visiting Nashville for the first time there are some meals and dishes that you simply must try.
FOR HOT CHICKEN:
Hattie B’s Hot Chicken
@hattiebs | Midtown Address: 112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 | Melrose Address: 2222 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 | West Nashville: 5209 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37209
Casual, counter-service eatery serving up Nashville Hot Chicken with a side of Southern hospitality. Not sure you can handle the spice? No worries, Hattie B’s fried chicken is available from mild to extra spicy.
Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack
@princeshotchicken_nashville | Address: 123 Ewing Dr #3, Nashville, TN 37207
Serving the city for more than 80 years, Prince’s is Nashville’s original hot chicken restaurant. Chicken available from mild to ultra hot. They also have a food truck!
Party Fowl
@partyfowlnash | Address: 719 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Hot Chicken, live music, craft beers, and BOOZY SLUSHIES, need we say more?
FOR SOUTHERN COMFORT:
Monell’s Dining & Catering
@monellstn | Address: 2601, 1235 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
Southern hospitality and all-you-can-eat-comfort food at its finest served family-style in a Victorian House in Germantown.
Arnold’s Country Kitchen
@arnoldscountrykitchen | Address: 605 8th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Local institution for cafeteria-style Southern Meat & 3 with classics like chicken & dumplings, fried chicken, kielbasa & kraut, meatloaf, sugar-cured ham, green beans, mac n cheese, fried apples and more! Open for lunch on weekdays.
Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant
@puckettsgrocery | Address: 500 Church St, Nashville, TN 37219
At Puckett’s you’re among friends…and mouth-watering Southern staples. Enjoy your meal in a general store-inspired space with live music.
Merchants Restaurant
Address: 401 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
The hotel this Southern bistro is housed in opened in 1892, the same year the Ryman Auditorium.
FOR BURGERS & BRATS:
Jack Brown’s Beer & Burger Joint
@jbsnashville | Address: 1123 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37208
100+ beers and 100% Wagyu Beef burgers in a cozy, low-key hangout in Germantown.
Von Elrod’s Beer Hall & Kitchen
@vonelrods | Address: 1004 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
Housemade sausages and pub grub in an industrial space with a large beer garden in Germantown.
Burger Republic
@burger_republic | Address: 420 11th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Gourmet burgers, beers, SPIKED milkshakes (yup, spiked with booze!), and pub eats in the Gulch, a young, trendy neighborhood. Order the Totchos (aka Tater Tot Nachos!)
FOR BBQ:
Edley’s Bar-B-Que
@edleysbbq | 12South Address: 2706 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37204 | East Nashville Address: 908 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206 | Sylvan Park Address: 4500 Murphy Road, Nashville, TN 37209
Rustic, friendly digs serving smoky bbq (chicken available too) and Southern sides. Our favorite bbq in Nashville.
Jack’s Bar-B-Que
@jacksbarbque | Downtown Address: 416 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 | Charlotte Address: 1601 Charlotte Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Local favorite for smoked beef brisket, pork shoulder, turkey and ribs with a cafeteria-style seating.
Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
@martinsbbq | Belmont Address: 3108 Belmont Blvd, Nashville, TN 37212 | Downtown Address: 410 4th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
West Tennessee smoke whole-hog bbq and ribs in venues with roadhouse-style vibes.
FOR STEAKHOUSE EXPERIENCE (Pricey but worth it):
Kayne Prime
@mstreetnash | Address: 1103 McGavock St, Nashville, TN 37203
Upscale, modern interpretations of American steakhouse favorites in The Gulch.
Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse
Address: 300 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
Consistently voted “Nashville’s Best Steakhouse,” Jeff Ruby’s is high-end and their prime steaks and seafood are not to be forgotten.
Bourbon Steak
@bourbonsteaknash | Address: 201 8th Ave S, 34th floor, Nashville, TN 37203
Boasting sweeping views of Nashville from the JW Marriott, this new edition to Nashville’s foodie scene is by Michelin-starred Chef Michael Mina.
2. GO SPORTS!
Nashville’s fan atmosphere is continually considered one of the best in sports and will have you coming back time and time again. From professional teams like the NHL’s Nashville Predators and the NFL’s Tennessee Titans to Minor League Baseball’s AAA Nashville Sounds and SEC’s Vanderbilt Commodores, among other NCAA teams. It’s the perfect way to channel your inner fan and experience the thrill of competition with your groom and fellow groomsmen.
If your traveling to Nashville during March Madness, the Men’s SEC Basketball Tournament and FanFare are held at Bridgestone Arena and are confirmed for the 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025 tournaments.
3. BOND OVER FRIENDLY COMPETITION
Blow off some steam with the boys with some friendly competition and experiences that foster fun, develop problem solving skills, and further the bond of brotherhood between the gang. Nashville is filled with entertaining and teamwork-oriented experiences from high energy go-karting to skill-building escape games. Compete for prizes or simply bragging rights!
TopGolf
Website | @topgolf | Address: 500 Cowan St, Nashville, TN 37207
Three-leveled high-tech driving range, lounge with drinks, and entertainment venue a few minutes from Broadway.
Music City Indoor Karting
Website | @mcik_official | Address: 400 Davidson St #403, Nashville, TN 37213
Race electric carts on 1/4-mile indoor track a few minutes from downtown Nashville.
BATL - The Backyard Axe Throwing League at Throw Nashville
Website | @batlground | Address: 1302 Gallatin Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Instead of an afternoon at the shooting range, try an afternoon at the axe throwing range. A variety of axes are offered at this unique experience.
The Escape Game
Website | @theescapegame | Downtown Address: 162 3rd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201 | Berry Hill Address: 510 East Iris Drive, Nashville, TN 37204
Think you can escape the room? 60-minute immersive adventures include alternate realities, time travel, and unexplored planets are just some of the experiences offered.
Trapped Escape Game
Website | @trappednashville | Address: 4251 Sidco Dr, Nashville, TN 37204
Crack codes and solve puzzles with your friends in a race against the clock to escape!
Laser Quest
Website | @laserquest | Address: 166 2nd Ave North, Nashville, TN 37201
Challenge your friends to a few games in downtown Nashville’s multi-level, fog-filled indoor laser tag arena.
The Nashville Armory
Website | @nashvillearmory | Address: 4290 Kenilwood Dr, Nashville, TN 37204
Indoor rifle and pistol shooting lanes with wireless target systems.
HQ Beercade
Website | @hq_nashville | Address: 114 2nd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
Level up at this funky bar craft beer and throwback video and arcade games.
4. IT’S 5 O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE
Let’s be honest, half of all country songs are about drinking and over the past couple years distilleries and microbreweries have been popping up all around town. Head to Marathon Village to tour and taste whiskey from Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery and Nashville’s “brewstillery,” Corsair Artisan, featuring both beer and whiskey. Small batch breweries with taprooms and tours include Yazoo Brewing Company, Jackalope Brewing Company, Tennessee Brew Works, Fat Bottom Brewery, and Black Abbey Brewing Company. If you’d prefer to just chill out in a taproom check out the microbreweries of Southern Grist Brewing Company, Bearded Iris Brewing, and Little Harpeth Brewing.
But the pride and joy of Tennessee is Jack Daniels and The Jack Daniels Distillery is located just over 90 minutes from Nashville and well worth the drive to experience the town of Lynchburg and tour the world-famous distillery. Or rent a party bus and head down for the afternoon.
5. DO SOME HONKY TONKIN’
In the traditional sense of what you would expect Nashville honky tonks to be are found on lower Broadway, aka The Honky Tonk Highway. These bars will always have live music, pub grub, and be bustling with good people having great times. When you picture the neon bar signs lining the street, Broadway is where that’s at. So hit lower Broadway and do some honky tonkin!
LOWER BROADWAY:
Honky Tonk Central
@htcnashville | Address: 329 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Live country music and pub eats in a three-storied Broadway bar.
The Stage on Broadway
@stageonbroadway | Address: 412 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Live country bands play all day in this bustling honky tonk.
Rippy’s Bar & Grill
@rippysnashville | Address: 429 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Live music, BBQ, and brews at this Broadway joint with rooftop deck.
FGL House
@fglhouse | Address: 120 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201
Rustic venue on 3rd Avenue South owned by country duo Florida Georgia Line with Southern-style pub food, country music, rooftop patio, and even a basement lounge, Little Red Corvette. Also try FGL’s own Old Camp Whiskey.
ACME Feed & Seed
@acmenashville | Address: 101 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Named for the 1943 farm supply store housed in the building, Acme is now a multilevel entertainment venue. Each level offering a different music venue experience and their rooftop patio boasts some of the best lower Broadway views in Nashville.
If you’re looking for a more diverse scene, Demonbreun and Midtown are located just across the interstate towards Nashville’s west and are more popular with locals, college kids and young professionals. The bars play a variety of music and offer different experiences than their lower Broadway counterparts. Here are just a few of the hot spots:
DEMONBREUN:
Tin Roof
@tinroofnashville | Address: 1516 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203
Rustic bar and music venue with craft beers on tap.
Dawghouse Saloon
@dawghousesaloon | Address: 1522 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203
Lively sports bar with live music, hot dogs, pizza, and other pub fare.
Two Bits
@twobitsnash | Address: 1520 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203 Industrial chic venue with an eclectic menu, 90s jams, and classic arcade and boardgames.
MIDTOWN:
Broadway Brewhouse & Mojo Grill
Address: 1900 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Bar famous for darts and bushwhackers, a boozy milkshake reminiscent of a Frosty from Wendy’s.
Rebar
@rebarnashville615 | Address: 1919 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203
For more spiked milkshakes, music and a hopping venue with a large patio.
Loser’s Bar & Grill
@losersbarnashville | Address: 1911 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203
Smaller Midtown venue for live music with beers and classic bar food.
Kung Fu Saloon
@kungfusaloon | Address: 1921 Division St, Nashville, TN 37203 Sports bar with a dance vibe, classic arcade games, Asian-inspired small plates, and outdoor patio.
6. LIVE MUSIC, LIVE MUSIC, LIVE MUSIC
For a one-of-a-kind souvenir—a hand-drawn and painted illustration—check out my shop!
It’s no wonder Nashville is known as “Music City.” On every corner a busker worthy of a record deal, on every stage up-and-coming songwriters, and on Broadway every venue alive with music all day and all night. There are heaps more venues choose from but below are some recommendations.
The Ryman Auditorium
@theryman | Address: 116 5th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219
Aka The Mother Church of Country Music, this venue was home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974 and now hosts music, comedy, and performances of all kinds.
The Grand Ole Opry
@opry | Address: 2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
Enjoy world-class performances at The Opry, the longest running radio broadcast in the U.S.
Station Inn
@stationinn1974 | Address: 402 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203
Nightly live bluegrass in listening room-style first-some, first-served intimate venue.
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
@tootsies_orchid_lounge | Address: 422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
World-famous signature orchid purple venue with live performers and famous for hosting legends like Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson, among others.
7. RIDE, PEDAL & PARTY
Ride, pedal, drink and tour around Nashville aboard one of the many party vehicles. The Honky Tonk Party Express is an open-air BYOB bus with a bar, coolers and bartender that’ll show you the sights and Off The Wagon Tours will shuttle you around town behind a John Deer tractor while you drink and dance. If you’re interested in pedaling your way around, check out the 16-person mobile taverns that’ll show you some of the best pubs in Nashville with Nashville Pedal Tavern and Sprocket Rocket Party Bike. There are countless alternatives so find the best for your group. Note: These party bus and trailers are annoying to locals so just be aware that you may get some eye-rolls and grouchy stares as you roll by.
8. TIME-HONORED BACHELOR PARTY TRADITION
Nashville’s gentlemen’s club scene is not Vegas level by any means, but if your weekend would not be complete ridding your wallet of some ones…here you go:
- Deja Vu Showgirls - 1418 Church Street, Nashville, TN 37203
- Pure Gold's Crazy Horse - 300 Mc Cann St, Nashville, TN 37210
- Menages - 701 Drexel St, Nashville, TN 37203
