After a busy day of networking, keynotes, panels and sessions at GEO’s Conference in Nashville, you’ll be about ready to take off the (metaphorical) tie, let down your (literal) hair and seek out something a little different for your evening: luckily, Music City has plenty of memorable spots you’ll want to write home about.
Flamingo Cocktail Club – For Floridian Vibes
This converted church pulls off a Miami Beach vibe right in the middle of Wedgewood-Houston, with lush furnishings and a disco ball giving that Don Johnson energy to any night out. The constant soundtrack of everything from live funk and jazz to some of Nashville’s best DJ sets only enhances the atmosphere. The dress code demands no flip-flops, shorts or athleisure. Our tip: bring a linen suit and some espadrilles – you’ll fit right in.
Lipstick Lounge – For Karaoke Warriors
Known for its excellent brunches, diehard inclusivity (their slogan is ‘a bar for humans’) and raucous karaoke which attracts some of the best amateur singers in the state, The Lipstick Lounge is one of Nashville’s most energizing, hilarious and outrageous bars. Embrace the fun, sing if the mood takes you, and take a selfie on the famous lip-shaped sofa before you leave: you’ll have plenty of stories to take home, too.
Jane’s Hideaway – For The Best Sandwich In Town
Musically, Americana and folk are the standard in Jane’s, a cosy bar with neon lighting, but it’s the food and cocktails that have really put this southeast Nashville venue on the local map. Star of the show is the Nashville fried chicken sandwich, famous locally for its perfectly-balanced spices. Wash it down with a Truffle Hunter – an improbable-sounding cocktail made with mezcal, hot truffle sauce and lime.
Santa’s Pub – For, Um, Christmas
You heard the name right: this old trailer-turned-dive bar and venue is decked out in Christmas décor all year round, making for a hilarious night out no matter the season. Rammed at the weekends, Santa’s is atmosphere in a can – literally – with live music and karaoke on a tiny stage. Bear in mind that they don’t accept card payment and they don’t sell hard liquor, if you want to stay off The Naughty List.
The Bowery Vault – For Something Different
A vintage store and coffee shop by day, The Bowery Vault transforms into a bar and music venue at night, hosting indie acts from pop to synthwave and folk in a small but impressively professional space that invites audience participation. This is not a venue to hear country classics – more likely you’ll catch the Coachella stars of tomorrow – and serves a refreshing array of non-alcoholic drinks (try the Terma Patagonia, inspired by Argentinian mate) alongside standard bar fare.
Robert’s Western World – For A Meal To Remember
This former warehouse, boot shop and steel guitar factory exudes an authentic, outlaw country vibe – less Rhinestone Cowboy, more Man In Black. Got a gap in your GEO schedule? Hit Robert’s during daylight hours to hear some expertly-played bluegrass and pick up the famous lunch deal – a fried bologna sandwich, Moon Pie, potato chips and a PBR, all for six bucks. They don’t serve cocktails, which tells you all you need to know.
The Basement – For Real Gigs
When in Rome, do as the Romans do – but this ain’t Rome, pardner. Nashville’s beating heart is in indie venues like 8th Avenue South’s The Basement, a historied century-old basement where up-and-coming bands cut their teeth on the way to the big leagues. This isn’t a restaurant, or a dive bar, or a concept – it’s a purebred gig venue without seating. Check listings before you go, bring earplugs and a sense of adventure.
Global Shares will be present at GEO’s 25th Annual Conference 2024 – be sure to visit our stand, or contact us any time to arrange a demo.
Please Note: This publication contains general information only and Global Shares is not, through this article, issuing any advice, be it legal, financial, tax-related, business-related, professional or other. The Global Shares Academy is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used as such. Global Shares does not assume any liability for reliance on the information provided herein.
