Nashville's top 10 rooftop bars: Drinks and views away from downtown

Yahoo

17-07-2025

While Broadway rooftops might draw all the chair-throwing drama and bachelorette-party chaos, sometimes you just want a quiet cocktail, high above the fray.
Some of Nashville's best rooftop bars aren't anywhere near Lower Broadway. You won't find pedal taverns circling below or a cover band playing Wagon Wheel. Or at least we hope so.
What you will find: Killer cocktails, noise levels that allow for conversation and a welcome breeze.
In East Nashville, Germantown, Wedgewood-Houston, Green Hills, Midtown and even Franklin, rooftop bars offer a much-needed break from the Broadway burnout, not to mention cheaper parking and better people-watching.
The view? That's just a bonus.
Coral Club
This watering hole brings tropical daydream vibes to the most unlikely of places: a strip mall across the street from an Aldi. The drink list leans toward beach club over tiki bar. The breezy, balanced theme is clear in cocktails like the White Port Cooler, a mix of gin, white port, cucumber, lemon and just enough strawberry to whisper summer. If that doesn't make a Tuesday feel like vacation, the plant-filled rooftop patio with East Nashville views and a glimpse of downtown will. -Mackensy
Details: 604 Gallatin Ave Ste 217, www.thecoral.club.
Tall Tales Rooftop Bar
Newcomer Tall Tales is at the top of Waymore's Guest House on Gallatin Pike in East Nashville. If you haven't heard of it yet, catch up quick. Tall Tales offers a lovely view of the Nashville skyline from a safe distance, plus stellar golden hour lighting. The aesthetic is kicked up a notch with tons of overflowing foliage and comfy patio furniture. There's plenty of room to hang out with large groups of friends, and service is great from attentive waitstaff and skilled bartenders. Plus, there's happy hour every day and frequent late night specials. -Molly
Details: 811 Main St, www.waymoresnashville.com/rooftop-bar
Ramone's Oyster Bar & Citrus Club
Wedgewood-Houston's first rooftop bar comes with long-range views of the downtown and gorgeous design. Perched above Mercado by Butchertown, Ramone's Rooftop feels like a breezy escape, even though you're just minutes from the city core. An extensive raw bar anchors the Baja-inspired menu, including seafood towers, while the cocktail menu leans light and fresh with plenty of agave-forward sippers and ingredients that nod to the tropics. -Mackensy
Details: 625 Hamilton Ave., www.mercadobtown.com
SkyBar
Atop the Hilton hotels in Green Hills and Capitol View are two bars perfect for sunset watching and sipping on mojitos— which they serve with coconut, watermelon and blood orange varieties. The former is a classic poolside bar that offers tapas and "tiki bar-style" drinks, while the latter features a view of the statehouse and rotating frosè flavors, all of which sound delectable. It can be enjoyable to lean into the serenity that comes with a staycation, even if it's just for happy hour. -Hadley
Details: 3801 Cleghorn Ave, Green Hills, and 530 11th Ave. N., Capitol View, www.harthgreenhills.com/skybar, www.skybarcapitolviewnashville.com/menus
Up/Down
Yes, it's a chain. Yes, it's full of arcade games. But the rooftop bar boasts an exceptional view of downtown that's a bit hard to find east of the river. There are private booths, fire pits and plenty of space to spread out. And it's hard to argue with a vodka-spiked Rosé Frozé in hand as the sun dips behind the skyline. -Mackensy
Details: 927 Woodland St., www.updownarcadebar.com/nashville
Culamar
The rooftop of this seafood-forward restaurant from Frank Pullara features some easy breezy favorites from downstairs — think curated East and West Coast oysters, ceviches and shrimp cocktail, plus more substantial additions such as po'boys and gyros. The cocktails are thoughtful and clean, the wine list smartly edited, and the view of Franklin's historic downtown feels especially charming by the glow of the rooftop firepits. -Mackensy
Details: 99 E Main St ste 190, Franklin, www.culamartn.com
The Pool Club at Virgin Hotel
The Virgin's rooftop takes the concept of a "hotel bar" to the next level. Greenery, disco balls and red and white striped umbrellas decorate the nearly 360-degree view of Nashville's evolving Midtown neighborhood. Guests can request seating on the pool deck or inside by the DJ, but if you want a tip, order at the bar and then head out the back door to a more secluded space overlooking Division Street. Expect a fun take on bar food ranging from burgers and chicken tenders to barbacoa bowls and kimchi fried rice to accompany the summery cocktail list ranging from $16-45 and select beers starting at $7. -Hadley
Details: 1 Music Square, www.virginhotels.com/nashville/eat-drink/the-pool-club/
Reunion Bar
Another East Nashville favorite, Reunion Bar has a relaxed vibe and multiple areas to enjoy drinks with friends. Check out the indoor bar area, garden patio and rooftop space depending on your vibe. The happy hour at this spot is serious business. Catch it Monday through Friday from 2 to 7 p.m. Deals include two-for-one draft beers, shot and beer combo specials and specials on wine by the glass. -Molly
Details: 105 S 11th St. www.reunionnashville.com
Eddie Ate Dynamite
This one flew under our radar for a while, despite the fact it's right by The Tennessean's Midtown office building. Eddie Ate Dynamite, on the seventh floor of Hotel Fraye, is a low-key spot with rotating craft cocktail options and a handful of happy hour deals. There's a covered area, so you'll be fine even if the weather isn't perfect. Find also: comfy seating, friendly bartenders and access to the hotel's pool area. -Molly
Details: 1810 Broadway, eddieatedynamite.com
Top Note
Perched equally on the outskirts of Germantown and Downtown, Top Note is one of the lesser known spots on the list. Its bohemian interior design meets a concrete-filled view over Nashville Municipal Auditorium and the Nashville Sounds' distant scoreboard, but there's plenty of space, live music and indoor/outdoor seating available. There are $11 and under wine and beer options, a few $16 signature cocktails and a varied Tennessee whiskey list— joined with a hefty food menu of steak, salads, sandwiches and pasta. Don't miss the entrance on 3rd Avenue, separate from the TownePlace Suites hotel entrance on Gay Street. -Hadley
Details: 505 3rd Ave. N., www.topnotenashville.com/
Mackensy Lunsford is the senior dining reporter at The Tennessean. Reach her at [e-mail].
Hadley Hitson covers business news for The Tennessean. She can be reached at [e-mail]. To support her work, subscribe to The Tennessean.
Reporter Molly Davis covers growth and development in Nashville. Reach her at [e-mail].
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Nashville rooftop bars: Our recommendations beyond Broadway
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