Drink Up: Four Fresh Bars Stand Out Among the New

I’ve heard before that I should turn and face the strain (ch-ch-changes). It’s easy to get lost in the never-ending barrage of new places to eat and drink in Nashville. But four shiny new bars are ripe for potential third-space status. They may feel foreign to longtime residents, but I predict they’ll become old favorites in time. 

Here’s our rundown.

Close Company

1316 Adams St.

closecompanybar.com

As someone who suffers from claustrophobia, news of an underground bar called Close Company did give me pause. But I was pleasantly surprised by the colorfully decorated haven in the newly revitalized Neuhoff District. Besides, the fact that they have a conversation pit is enough for it to make this list, in my opinion.  

In a city that boasts tons of inventive and tasty cocktails costing roughly $15, Close Company has managed a feat with the Champagne Lassi (yes, like those delicious Indian drinks) and the Bitter Melon Negroni, which is like no negroni I’ve tasted before. Perhaps that’s not surprising coming from the people who brought us upscale New York City cocktail bar Death & Co. The snacks — including chips, Hot Pocket-style pastries and popcorn — taste better thanks to being served from the cute snack window, too.  

I have to go back and get one of the “group activity” menu items — the “mini martinis for the crew” seems most up my alley. The Neuhoff District is only getting started in terms of development, so it’s time to become an early adopter. 

Sauced

1221 Sixth Ave. N.

Instagram: @sauced.nash

What’s the difference between drinking wine at my house and out in public? The people at Sauced know a whole lot more about wine than me. Tell them what you like, and the staff will skilfully recommend a glass from the selection of the day. (Just don’t be too shy to ask about the prices. The lack of menu leaves room for surprises.) 

I enjoyed the perfect pairings of bread, butter and olives to accompany my wine, not to mention the vinyl the team spins in the spa-like former home. I’ll go back when the heat breaks to check out the newly added patio. Sauced is a great first stop on a Germantown crawl, with Mother’s Ruin and Frankie J’s just down the street. It’s an outpost of a Brooklyn-based spot, a bit bougie and a bit pretentious. But hey, I didn’t move nearly 500 miles from home eight years ago to drink Twisted Teas. 

Urban Cowboy Bar

40 The Arcade 

urbancowboy.com/urban-cowboy-bar

It’s hard to top the original Urban Cowboy in East Nashville. The outdoor seating area, the fire pits, the gorgeous lobby, the crafty drinks, the cacti — it has never disappointed me, or any visitors I bring there. 

+5

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The newly opened Urban Cowboy Bar in The Arcade, however, is right up there with its sister location in terms of vibes. The two-story outpost’s Western-style decor is detailed and gorgeous (I simply love leaded glass), strengthened by the architecture of the surrounding environs of the historic Arcade. It’s the perfect way for a local to enjoy the downtown energy without, hopefully, the potential for downtown puke. With The Arcade currently being revamped, I’m hopeful it can become just that destination for locals. 

I’m intrigued by the peach-infused vodka drink Are You Mad at Me?, but you can’t go wrong with any of Urban Cowboy’s house cocktails. In addition to a robust nonalcoholic selection, I love a little gimmick — I’ll take the “Take This Shot” randomized shot for $6, please. 

Pont Neuf

3820 Charlotte Ave. (Inside L&L Market) 

pontneufbar.com

With a name like Pont Neuf, a Floral Soirée? I’m immediately sold. 

Created by the founder of Amelia’s Flower Truck, the French-inspired wine bar is the prettiest addition to the West Nashville bar scene. The bar hosts reading nights, flower crown making, live music and movie nights, offering legitimate ways to form community at bars — just like our ancestors did. It’s not open as late as some others, but it makes for a great, mellow stop on a girls’ night excursion. 

Like the flower truck before it, Pont Neuf knows how to market to the ladies. See y’all during golden hour for a $10 spritz.

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