Dinner & Dancing in Nashville

Dinner and dancing–what could be better? Okay, for most guys, dinner but not dancing. Here are seven places around town that just might change their minds.

THE 5 SPOT

Swing Dancing on Motown Monday | 9:00 PM to 2:30 AM | Cover: $5 after 9PM

“Dive bar on the East Side, where you at?” Could Taylor Swift be singing about the 5 Spot in her new single, “Delicate”? Located in the 5 Points area of East Nashville, this dive bar is the place to be on Monday nights. Usually by 11:00 p,m., the place is packed with those of us who live for Motown hits and Monday nights.

Dinner: While the bar itself does not serve food, the food truck Bam Bam Snacks serves up sandwiches, tacos, and more on the patio out back. If you’re looking for a cheap date and a place that's an absolute blast, this is it. Order a gin and tonic (just $5) and the Chop Cheez from Bam Bam Snacks ($5). It's filling and delicious.

AMERICAN LEGION POST 82

Texas Two-Step and Country Swing on Honky Tonk Tuesday Nights | 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM | Cover: Suggested $5 donation

Walking into American Legion is like stepping back into 1970s Nashville. With bands whirling out tunes such as “Rhine Stone Cowboy,” “9 to 5,” and “Stand By Your Man,” the club, which is typically veterans only, welcomes a diverse crowd from twenty-somethings to seventy-somethings on Tuesday nights. The music isn’t the only vintage vibe about this place. A mix of western wear, rhinestones, bolo ties, and cowboy hats are sported regularly. This is the place to wear your cowboy boots if you’ve got ‘em. The dance floor is packed with Texas two-step and country swing dancers.

Dinner: Order a burger and a $2 Narragansett at the bar closest to the dance floor.

RUDY’S JAZZ ROOM

Swing Dancing Thursday | 8:20 PM to 12 AM | Cover: $10 | Lessons 8:20 PM

Handcrafted cocktails and smooth jazz, doesn’t that sound classy? With dim lights, soulful jazz, delicious drinks, and fast dancers, Rudy's Jazz Room exudes cool. Join for a lesson at 8:20––great for beginners! 

Dinner: New Orleans food is the specialty with gumbo, Doc Braden’s Creole Seafood Pie, and beignets all spot on. If you’re looking for a memorable date that’s swinging and swanky, this is your place. Enjoy $8 Sazeracs and $2 off drafts on Thursdays.

PLAZA MARIACHI

Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, and Reggaeton Dancing | Thursday 7:30 PM to 12:00 AM | Saturday 8:30 PM to 2:00 AM | Cover: $10 (Saturday after 9 PM, men only) | Lessons Thursday 7:30 PM; Saturday 8:30 PM

¡Bailamos! If you want to immerse yourself in Latin culture, music, food, and dancing, head straight to Plaza Mariachi. A basic lesson kicks off the night of dancing. DJs play current Latin hits with music videos projected above the stage. Exotic and otherworldly, you won’t feel like you’re in Nashville.

Dinner: The food choices are many from Argentinian steaks to Mediterranean gyros, paletas, or street-style tacos.

BIG BAND DANCE IN CENTENNIAL PARK

Varied Dance Styles Saturdays June through August | 7:00 to 10:00 PM | Cover: FREE | Lessons 7:00 and 8:30 PM

Dancing in the glow of pavilion lights, food trucks, live music, and couples dancing of all ages (toddlers to golden years sweethearts) makes Big Band Dance in Centennial Park a heartwarming event. Learn the basics of swing, waltz, rumba, foxtrot, cha cha, tango, and others. The lessons feature a different style every week.

Dinner: Food trucks, like the lessons, also change weekly. Bring a picnic blanket and get ready to dance the night away at the park. Purchasing food from the trucks helps support the free event, so come hungry!

ROBERT'S WESTERN WORLD

Texas Two-Step and Country Swing Every Night of the Week | 7:00 to 10:00 PM | Cover: FREE 

Nashville’s “Home of Traditional Country Music,” Robert's is the undisputed honky-tonk to visit if you only have one night on Broadway. Old timey crooners play classic western/country tunes while regulars show their steps, alone or in pairs, on the small dance floor. The diverse group of customers makes Robert's one of the best stops in town.

Dinner: The fried bologna sandwich has an epic reputation, accompanied by a cold PBR.