East Nashvillians have started to buzz a bit about the new establishment going in at 407 Gallatin Ave. between the Sherwin-Williams store and Dino's Bar & Grill. Peeking through the large front window is only marginally revealing, since a vestibule hides much of the interior. But in the interest of journalistic excellence, I managed to get inside the construction zone (sans hardhat, no less) to get the scoop for you lucky Bites readers.
No. 308 is the brainchild of Alexis Soler and Ben Clemons, two longtime bar professionals whose mutual backstory lends a lot of charm to the venture. Not only are they dedicated and attractive, but they are in love with each other and their new concept of a "utilitarian bar for East Nashville." After years of separate careers tending bar in New York City and Miami, Ben and Alexis met at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans in 2009, where a mutual friend suggested that they share a room together to save expenses.
Their shared love of classic cocktails blossomed into a passionate desire to come together to open their dream bar/restaurant, and a month after their first meeting Alexis proposed to Ben in Room 308 of the Ace Hotel in Manhattan. Hence the name of their new project, which they now both wear proudly in ink on their bodies. That's commitment!
After years of opening bars and designing menus for other people, Ben and Alexis decided to seek out their own investors and open their own place in Alexis' new home, Nashville, where she is a liquor rep for St. Germain. After Ben moved to town, the couple became entranced with East Nashville and found a funky location on Craigslist.
