I must admit I’ve been a bad food writer! Although Sandbar Nashville has reopened for the season — operating out of a remodeled shipping container in the ONEC1TY complex off Charlotte near Centennial Park — I hadn't visited until recently. All I can say was that I was extremely impressed! In addition to two sand volleyball courts filled with teams setting and spiking, Sandbar has just installed a new longer bar to accommodate the crowds of jovial folks enjoying tropical cocktails, frozen drinks and affordable craft beers while taking in the scene. It's an extremely dog-friendly bar; pooches were everywhere, interacting with each other and anyone who wanted to scratch them behind the ears. The atmosphere was extremely convivial, and bartender-owner Leah McCormick kept the drinks flowing with friendly efficiency. In short, I’ve found a new hang, even if I was the only person there born before the Reagan administration.
They used to serve food there, including some pretty fine tacos from what I’ve heard, but this year they have decided to concentrate on libations. The specialty of the house is a concoction of your choice of rum and coconut water served in an actual coconut. (Because y’know, you have to rehydrate while you dehydrate.) Patrons are welcome to bring food into the bar area and enjoy it at any of the tables on the patio or in the covered area under another shipping container. With nearby options like Pastaria, Avo, Calypso Cafe and KOKOs Ice Cream Scoop Shop, there are plenty of spots to pick up a quick bite to enjoy with your drinks.
If you want to experience the congenial vibe of Sandbar Nashville, they’re offering a perfect example of how they strive to create a community of regulars at their upcoming “Feaster” event this weekend. On Sunday, April 21, beginning at 1 p.m., they are inviting folks to come join them for a day of fun and food. Feaster began as a semi-organized party in East Nashville where guests brought a covered dish to the parking lot of an apartment on Holly Street to share in the fun of interacting with neighbors.
This year, Sandbar Nashville is hosting the event, and you’re still invited to come join in. Bring a dish if you wish, or just show up. Kids and dogs are welcome, and this year’s suggested dress code is television-related. If I don’t see at least a few Daenerys(es) leading dogs dressed as dragons, I will be sorely disappointed! The event is free, but if you’d like to partake in an excellent seafood boil, $25 gets you all-you-can eat of a feast of fresh Gulf shrimp, crawfish and blue crabs prepared by the talented boilers of South Coast Seafood TN. If you don’t already have relatives coming over for the traditional Easter ham dinner, this is the spot to hang out with your new Sandbox family!
