Santa's Pub and the Dive Bars of Nashville

Looking for a no-frills place to grab a beer with some good people? Nashville has no shortage of dive bars to satisfy your need. 

Santa's Pub

Nashville's very own Santa's Pub, appropriately located near the fairgrounds, has made The Daily Meal list of 25 Best Dive Bars. Here's why: No tabs, no credit cards (there's an ATM outside), beers as cheap as $2, and karaoke every night...If that's not a dive bar, what is? Complete with Christmas lights and decorations, a bartender with a big white beard, Santa's Pub is the place to sing your heart out, and as the people of Santa’s say, “Be nice.”

Bobby's Idle Hour

The ONLY Live Venue on Nashville's Legendary Music Row, The Idle Hour is a classic neighborhood bar, serving as the "official" home for several of the music industry's die-hard veterans, hit songwriters, recording studio guns, and emerging talent. Cold beer, cool Country and an eclectic mix of music and friends. If there's no one on stage, grab the guitar off the wall and play an original. Sing your heart out or just kick back and listen. You may be hearing the next hit comin out of the PBR at the end of the bar. 

Billy's Idle Hour moved to a new location around the corner from their old location in 2020. Find them at  9 Music Square S, Nashville, TN 37212.

Springwater Supper Club & Lounge

"The Springwater Supper Club & Lounge was established in 1896 and claims to be the oldest bar in Tennessee. The lounge hosts an eclectic variety of live music and attracts all sorts of visitors with a location right next to Centennial Park. During prohibition, Springwater Supper Club & Lounge was a speakeasy and although it has functioned under several different names and purposes, like a trading post, a brothel and a library, it’s quite the dive bar these days." --From BLT'sThe 16 Most Historic Southern Bars Worth Traveling For

The Batter's Box Bar and Grill 

A laid back bar just south of downtown where tourists won't know to venture, The Batter's Box welcomes baseball lovers with open arms and tasty pizza and burgers. 

Brown's Diner

Founded in 1927 and in continuous operation ever since, Brown’s Diner boasts Nashville’s best cheeseburger. Over the years, Brown’s has become a favorite watering hole for platinum selling recording artists and construction workers alike. Home of Nashville’s oldest beer license, too many “Best Cheeseburger” awards to list, and an ambience that simply can’t be re-created, Brown’s is a Nashville institution that shouldn’t be missed.

Melrose Billiard Parlor

This underground dive is full of pool tables, as well as ping pong and shuffleboard, letting guests play their favorite games well into the night. Though reviewers report the space is rather smokey, they say the atmosphere is welcoming. 

The Villager Tavern 

Perhaps Nashville's quintessential dive bar, The Villager Tavern touts it is where the locals go! Complete with 5 steel tip dart boards, foosball and a jukebox, The Villager offers 9 beers on tap and an award winning roast beef po-boy.

Belcourt Taps 

Located in the heart of Hillsoboro Village, this homespun neighborhood bar hosts singer songwriters most nights.