Nashville isn’t just about late-night honky-tonks and neon lights blazing after dark. Music City has perfected the art of day drinking, where locals gather to enjoy cold drinks, live tunes, and good company while the sun is still shining.
Whether you’re looking for a rooftop with skyline views, a dive bar with authentic character, or a brewery where you can sip craft beer in the afternoon, Nashville delivers options that feel genuine and fun. These spots aren’t tourist traps—they’re places where residents actually hang out, making them perfect for anyone wanting to experience the city like a true Nashvillian.
1. Robert’s Western World
Walking into Robert’s feels like stepping back into old Nashville, before the bachelorette parties took over Broadway. This legendary honky-tonk opens early and keeps the music going all day long, with bands playing traditional country that would make Hank Williams proud.
The vibe is unpretentious and rowdy in the best possible way.
Locals love this spot because it’s stayed true to its roots despite the tourist boom happening all around it. You can grab a cheap beer, order their famous Recession Special (fried bologna sandwich, chips, and a moon pie), and two-step your afternoon away without spending a fortune.
The wooden floors are scuffed from decades of dancing boots.
Day drinking here means soaking up authentic Nashville culture while most visitors are still figuring out their plans. The bartenders are quick with pours and even quicker with witty comebacks.
If you want to understand what made Nashville special before it became a destination city, Robert’s Western World is your classroom.
Come early afternoon when the crowd is lighter but the energy is still electric. This isn’t a place for fancy cocktails or Instagram moments—it’s where real Nashville shows up to drink and dance.
2. Acme Feed & Seed
Perched right on Lower Broadway, Acme Feed & Seed gives you three floors of completely different vibes, making it perfect for a day-drinking adventure. The ground floor buzzes with live music and Southern comfort food, while upstairs gets progressively more chill.
But the real gem? That rooftop bar with sweeping views of the Cumberland River and downtown skyline.
Locals appreciate Acme because you can start your afternoon on the rooftop with craft cocktails and sunshine, then work your way down as the day progresses. The building itself has history—it actually was a feed store back in the day, and they’ve preserved some of that character in the industrial-chic design.
The drink menu goes beyond basic beer, featuring creative concoctions that taste as good as they look.
Day drinking on that rooftop feels like you’ve discovered Nashville’s best-kept secret, even though it’s hiding in plain sight on Broadway. The breeze off the river keeps things comfortable even on warm afternoons.
Food comes out hot and hearty, perfect for soaking up those daytime drinks.
Grab a spot on the rooftop early, because locals know this is where you want to be when the sun is shining. The atmosphere is relaxed but lively, exactly what Nashville day drinking should feel like.
3. Pinewood
Pinewood isn’t your typical Nashville bar—it’s a full-blown daytime destination that happens to serve excellent drinks. This place combines a restaurant, coffee shop, bowling alley, and even a pool (yes, an actual swimming pool) all under one roof.
Locals treat it like their personal clubhouse, showing up for lunch that turns into afternoon cocktails that might lead to a game of bocce ball.
The space feels like an upscale summer camp for adults, with vintage decor and plenty of natural light pouring through huge windows. You can sip a perfectly crafted old fashioned while watching your friends bowl, or grab a poolside lounger with a cold beer when the weather cooperates.
The menu features elevated Southern fare that pairs beautifully with their creative drink list.
What makes Pinewood perfect for day drinking is the laid-back atmosphere that encourages you to settle in and stay awhile. Nobody’s rushing you out the door, and there’s always something fun to do beyond just sitting at the bar.
The crowd skews local, especially during weekday afternoons when tourists haven’t discovered it yet.
Come hungry and thirsty, because you’ll want to experience both the food and the drinks. The vibe is polished but never stuffy, making it easy to relax and enjoy your afternoon.
4. L.A. Jackson
Tucked atop the Thompson Hotel, L.A. Jackson delivers one of Nashville’s most spectacular rooftop experiences without the pretentious attitude you might expect.
Named after the first ladies Rachel Jackson and Louisa Adams, this spot combines Southern hospitality with elevated cocktails and jaw-dropping views of the city. Day drinking here feels sophisticated but never snobby.
The open-air rooftop catches the perfect afternoon breeze, making it ideal for sipping craft cocktails while the sun shines. Locals love that it’s tucked away enough to avoid the Broadway chaos but still puts you right in the heart of downtown.
The drink menu features creative takes on classics, with bartenders who actually know their craft and care about what they’re pouring.
During the day, the vibe is more relaxed than the evening rush, giving you space to actually enjoy conversations and the scenery. The design is modern and sleek, with comfortable seating areas that make you want to order another round.
Food offerings are thoughtful and delicious, perfect for fueling an afternoon drinking session.
Grab a spot near the edge for the best views, and try one of their signature cocktails that showcase local spirits. This is where Nashville’s day-drinking scene gets a touch of class without losing its soul.
5. Ole Red Nashville
Blake Shelton’s massive entertainment complex on Broadway brings the party starting at lunchtime, with live music pouring out onto the street from the moment they open. Ole Red is unapologetically fun, with multiple floors of bars, stages, and even a retail shop selling everything from hot sauce to T-shirts.
Locals might roll their eyes at the celebrity ownership, but they still show up for the solid drinks and energetic atmosphere.
The building itself is impossible to miss, stretching several stories high with floor-to-ceiling windows that let you watch Broadway’s chaos from above. Each level has its own personality, from the ground-floor honky-tonk vibe to the rooftop bar where you can catch some sun with your whiskey.
Live bands rotate throughout the day, keeping the energy high even during afternoon hours.
Day drinking at Ole Red means embracing the tourist-friendly fun while still enjoying quality drinks and music. The bartenders move fast, the crowd stays happy, and there’s always something happening.
Food is classic Southern fare done well enough to keep you fueled for hours of drinking and dancing.
Don’t overthink it—just grab a cold one and enjoy the show. The rooftop offers great views, but the ground floor captures that authentic honky-tonk energy Nashville is famous for.
6. Rippy’s Honky Tonk
Rippy’s brings three stories of Southern hospitality right to the heart of Broadway, with each floor offering something different for day drinkers. The ground level buzzes with live country music and cold beer, while upstairs you’ll find a full restaurant serving barbecue that actually tastes good.
But the rooftop? That’s where locals head when they want sunshine with their whiskey.
Family-owned and operated, Rippy’s has that genuine Nashville feel that some of the newer spots lack. They’ve been serving drinks and smoked meats for years, perfecting the balance between honky-tonk fun and quality food and beverages.
The staff treats regulars like family and newcomers like future regulars, creating an atmosphere that’s welcoming without being cheesy.
Day drinking on Rippy’s rooftop gives you prime people-watching opportunities as Broadway comes to life below. The drinks are strong and reasonably priced, and the barbecue smoke drifting up from the kitchen makes your mouth water.
Live music starts early and keeps going, providing the perfect soundtrack for an afternoon of drinking in Music City.
Try the smoked wings with your beer—they’re legitimately some of the best in Nashville. The rooftop gets packed later, so arriving for early afternoon drinks means you’ll actually find a good spot to settle in and stay awhile.
7. The Twelve Thirty Club
Hidden in the Gulch neighborhood, The Twelve Thirty Club operates like Nashville’s worst-kept secret among locals who prefer their day drinking with a side of sophistication. This isn’t a honky-tonk or a dive bar—it’s a proper cocktail lounge that takes its drinks seriously while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and approachable.
The name references the time when Nashville’s drinking laws finally allowed Sunday sales, and the vibe celebrates that freedom.
Walking in feels like entering a friend’s really cool living room, with plush seating and warm lighting that works just as well at 2 PM as it does at midnight. The bartenders are artists who craft cocktails with precision and creativity, using quality spirits and fresh ingredients.
Locals appreciate that you can have an intelligent conversation here without shouting over a band or fighting through crowds of tourists.
Day drinking at Twelve Thirty means savoring well-made drinks in an environment that respects your palate and your intelligence. The menu changes seasonally, always featuring something interesting alongside the classics done right.
It’s the kind of place where afternoon drinks feel like a treat rather than just getting started early.
Order something you’ve never tried before—the bartenders love making recommendations based on your taste preferences. The Gulch location keeps it off most tourists’ radar, making it perfect for locals seeking quality without the Broadway circus.
8. The Hampton Social – Nashville
Bringing coastal vibes to landlocked Nashville, The Hampton Social transforms day drinking into a mini vacation without leaving the city. The aesthetic screams summer—think white shingles, striped awnings, and that beachy feeling that makes you want to order something frozen and fruity.
Locals love it for weekend brunches that slide seamlessly into afternoon cocktails on the patio.
The drink menu leans into the coastal theme with rosé on tap (yes, really) and creative cocktails that taste like sunshine in a glass. Food is Instagram-worthy but actually delicious, featuring fresh seafood and lighter fare perfect for day drinking when you don’t want to feel weighed down.
The outdoor space is prime real estate on nice days, with plenty of seating and a vibe that encourages lingering.
Day drinking here feels like you’re at a beach club, even though you’re in the middle of Tennessee. The crowd tends to be younger and social-media-savvy, but the atmosphere stays fun rather than pretentious.
Service is friendly and efficient, keeping the drinks flowing without being pushy.
Try their signature frosé (frozen rosé) on a warm afternoon—it’s become somewhat legendary among Nashville day drinkers. The patio is where you want to be, so grab a spot early and prepare to stay through several rounds.
This is Nashville’s answer to Hamptons chic, done with Southern hospitality.
9. Bearded Iris Brewing
Bearded Iris has become Nashville’s craft beer darling, with locals making pilgrimages to their taproom for hazy IPAs that have earned cult-like devotion. This isn’t a bar with a beer selection—it’s a brewery where everything on tap was made right there, and the quality shows in every pour.
Day drinking here means experiencing some of Tennessee’s best craft beer in a laid-back, unpretentious setting.
The taproom has that industrial-cool vibe with concrete floors and communal tables that encourage conversation with strangers who quickly become drinking buddies. Bearded Iris specializes in hop-forward beers, particularly their famous hazy IPAs that locals swear are worth the trip alone.
But they also rotate through other styles, ensuring there’s something for every beer lover’s palate.
Afternoon sessions at Bearded Iris feel authentic and welcoming, with a crowd that genuinely appreciates good beer rather than just looking for a place to get drunk. The staff knows their product inside and out, happy to offer recommendations or let you sample before committing.
Food trucks often park outside, solving the hunger problem that inevitably arises during extended day drinking.
Start with a flight to taste multiple offerings, then settle on your favorite for a full pour. The atmosphere encourages you to relax and actually savor what you’re drinking, making it perfect for beer enthusiasts who appreciate quality over quantity.
10. TailGate Brewery Headquarters
TailGate Brewery’s headquarters location offers everything a day drinker could want—great beer, outdoor space, and a vibe that’s equal parts sports bar and craft brewery. Started by two brothers who loved tailgating (hence the name), this spot captures that pre-game party energy even on random Tuesday afternoons.
Locals pack the place for weekend day drinking sessions that feel like celebrations even when there’s no particular reason to celebrate.
The beer selection is extensive and diverse, ranging from easy-drinking lagers perfect for afternoon sessions to bigger, bolder styles for the adventurous. Their outdoor beer garden is the main attraction during nice weather, with plenty of seating and games like cornhole to keep things entertaining.
The food menu features elevated pub fare that pairs perfectly with their brews, with portions generous enough to fuel hours of drinking.
Day drinking at TailGate feels social and fun without the pressure of a nightclub or the chaos of Broadway. The crowd is friendly and diverse, from young professionals to families with kids (yes, it’s that kind of welcoming place).
TVs scattered throughout ensure you won’t miss any games, but they’re not so overwhelming that you can’t have conversations.
Try their rotating seasonal offerings alongside the flagship beers. The outdoor space is where you want to be on sunny days, so grab a picnic table and settle in for the long haul.
11. Von Elrod’s Beer Hall & Kitchen
Von Elrod’s brings Bavarian beer hall vibes to Nashville’s Germantown neighborhood, with long communal tables and an impressive tap list that would make any beer lover weak in the knees. This place specializes in German-style beers and hearty food that sticks to your ribs, making it perfect for afternoon drinking sessions that stretch into evening.
Locals love the authentic approach to beer hall culture combined with Southern hospitality.
The space is massive and industrial, with high ceilings and enough seating to accommodate serious crowds without feeling cramped. Their tap list features dozens of options, heavily weighted toward German styles but including plenty of variety for different tastes.
The food menu goes beyond typical bar fare, offering German classics like schnitzel and pretzels alongside Southern-inspired dishes that honor the Nashville location.
Day drinking here feels communal and festive, especially when you’re sharing a table with strangers who quickly become friends over shared liters of beer. The Germantown location puts you in one of Nashville’s coolest neighborhoods, within walking distance of other great spots if you decide to make it a crawl.
Service is efficient and friendly, keeping the good times rolling without interruption.
Order a pretzel to share and a liter of your favorite German-style beer. The communal seating is part of the experience, so embrace it and make some new drinking buddies during your afternoon session.