There was some stiff competition in this category, but we managed to narrow it down to two absolutely essential additions to the East Nashville bar scene.
Teresa Mason is best known as the owner of beloved East Side restaurant Mas Tacos Por Favor, but she did the Cleveland Park and McFerrin Park neighborhoods a huge solid in taking over beloved dive Wilburn Street Tavern, which closed its doors in 2017. After some light renovations, Mason reopened Wilburn Street this summer, offering up beers and cocktails, a small menu of bar food (try the Sonoran dog), and the same welcoming, divey atmosphere that people always loved about the place. Think about popping in for a drink and some friendly conversation after dining next door at Folk (our Best New Restaurant).
Just up Gallatin Avenue a ways is the tropical-themed Pearl Diver, a new joint venture from some of the folks behind East Side establishments No. 308 and The Treehouse. Where Wilburn Street has the vibe of an off-the-beaten-path Cuban rum bar and pool hall, Pearl Diver’s influences are more Pacific than Caribbean. Thanks to expertly crafted (and aesthetically appealing) daiquiris, piña coladas and a rum-and-soda concoction known as the Ting Wray (my personal fave), Pearl is a destination bar. And that’s not even to mention the sleek decor and a food menu that includes dumplings, egg rolls, octopus, fresh oysters and more. D. PATRICK RODGERS
