Of course, as with any list on the Tip Jar, menus are subject to change, so please contact the restaurant before you go.

Recommended:

12South

The Butter Milk Ranch – Everyone’s favorite breakfast/lunch restaurant has three boozy coffee options! Just be sure to go at an off-time or get on the wait list early! BMR is popular for a reason.

Downtown

Cafe Intermezzo – a European cafe; charming, but they don’t take reservations, so remember that at peak times!

Church & Union – upscale but not stuffy – make sure you look up!

Jeff Ruby’s – enhance your steak dinner with a classic espresso martini

Pinewood Social – they serve Crema coffee, so you know it’ll be good. Not listed on the menu, but I feel confident they serve this regularly (still, check first).

The Twelve Thirty Club – Even for a non-coffee drinker like me, this one is delicious.

Sinatra – a swanky experience for a swanky cocktail

Skulls Rainbow Room – one of the most celebrated (and haunted!) bars in Nashville. At time of publication, there is no espresso martini on the menu although it was recommended, so it may be seasonal.

The Standard – old school vibes for a classy night out. Their espresso martini is not on the menu, so double check before heading out.

Standard Proof – a whiskey version

Donelson

TennFold – a casual brewery with a full food menu so great for the whole family. Yet, someone said their espresso martini was “the BEST I have EVER had!”

East Nash

Cafe Roze – cozy and romantic, but also great for brunch with the girls

The Fox Bar and Cocktail Club – One of the most celebrated bars in Nashville with a speak-easy feel

Golden Pony – a chill hang with tons of parking

Jane’s Hideaway – excellent cocktails, excellent music, excellent vibes

Love and Exile – a frozen version; I’ve never had something at Love and Exile I didn’t love.

Pearl Diver – One of my friends describes her decorative aesthetic as “jungle chic”, and I can’t think of a better description for Pearl Diver’s tropical vibe.

Sid Gold’s – piano bar karaoke, sing alongs, and a cold brew twist on the espresso martini

Germantown

Barrel Proof – one of my favorite bars; their version is on-tap and made with Elegy coffee. And, they have a $10 burger and fries combo!

Germantown Cafe – classy and classic. AND on happy hour for $5.00!!

Le Loup – a cozy and elegant cocktail and oyster bar above the Optimist; no online menu, but they have an extensive cocktail menu, so I feel confident this is a solid recommendation

Pelato – also serves a frozen version! One of the most frequently recommended on this list!

Green Hills

Santo – Mediterranean restaurant that makes theirs with tequila!

The Gulch

L.A. Jackson – If you can handle the tourists, L.A. Jackson at the top of the Thompson Hotel offers a delicious espresso martini, also available in large format.

Marsh House – it’s the same hotel as LA Jackson, so it would make sense that they would also have a great tini

Pullman Standard – this 1920s-era bar deserves more attention; everything is great.

Midtown

Land of a Thousand Hills Edgehill – part coffee shop, part craft cocktail bar, their version is on tap and you would never know it wasn’t shaken right then.

Old Glory – a hidden entrance in Edgehill

North Nash

Grandpa Bar – part coffee shop, part bar, Grandpa offers FIVE espresso martini varieties. Warm, friendly, delicious (with house made syrups), Grandpa Bar is a locals fave.

1865 Club – speakeasy that feels like you’re in an elegant cafe. It’s a vibe.

Sylvan Park

Lola – Theirs is combined with their delicious house made chai for a tasty twist.

Wedgewood-Houston

Americano Lounge – Another coffee shop turned bar, Americano Lounge has at least four coffee-based libations to suit your palate.

Dicey’s – not a permanent fixture but the frozen comes recommended if you can get it.

Killjoy – if you want the fun without the hangover, Nashville’s only zero-proof bottle store carries an NA version!

Good Times – this one was recommended, but I don’t see it on their menu. So, proceed with caution.

Multiple Locations:

Common Ground – Berry Hill and Sylvan Park; both feature flavored varieties and large format!

Suburbs:

Calabria – Mt. Juliet; affordable drinks and the most delicious garlic knots I’ve ever had.

Stable Reserve – Franklin; made with a bourbon cream liqueur

Others:

These are ones not mentioned by my followers, but likely worth trying out!

12 South

Urban Grub – The 12South staple offers an espresso martini regularly, but features 2 additional coffee cocktails on their brunch menu.

Downtown

Hampton Social – a Grey Goose version, also available in large format

The River House – upscale with a dress code

Germantown

Geist – Geist’s vibe fits a bougie drink. While I suspect that many place’s espresso martinis are actually cold brew cocktails, Geist’s definitely is, so keep that in mind if you’re a purist.

Marathon Village

Greenbrier Distillery – One of my favorite brunches, and they make the liquor on site, so that’s a pretty good sign…

Midtown

Henley – using Honest Coffee Roasters espresso, Henley’s option is currently only on the brunch menu, so give them a call first if you’re wanting to try it another time.

Hi-Fi Clyde’s – pairs well with the hangover-cure brunch menu (but it’s actually really good)

Tavern – Nashville’s favorite brunch is back, serving an espresso martini with a citrus twist

White Limozeen – If ever a restaurant was designed specifically for Instagram, it’s White Limozeen at the top of the Graduate hotel.

The Gulch

Two Hands – their version has a “banana bread” spin with oat milk and crème de banane

A little extra: park in the Prima Garage and Two Hands will give you a code for up to 2.5 hours free parking.

Mockingbird – made with Frothy Monkey cold brew

Wedgewood Houston

Earnest Bar and Hideaway – The restaurant pays homage to Ernest Hemingway and seems to only offer their version at brunch. Hemingway himself would surely approve of some day drinking.

Multiple Locations:

Snooze – the Gulch and East; one of the few chain restaurants I really crave. It’s so good!

Did I miss any? Nashville menus are always changing, so if you find one that’s not on my list, please let me know! And if you have any reviews of the above – good or bad – leave a comment so we can all learn from your wisdom!

XO,
SB

P.S. If you like to pair your boozy coffee with a great brunch, check out my list of the best Nashville brunches (right now!)

P.P.S. Are you heading to Broadway after your ‘tinis? If so, here are some ideas of what to wear:

Vibe: Anything goes, and you can get away with ALL the bling! Try a denim dress (this sleeveless version comes in pink and black, too, and I like the collar on this style) or jump suit with a rhinestone belt and pair with a fun set of sparkly boots (with fringe!).

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The post The Best Espresso Martinis in Nashville first appeared on The Tip Jar.

One of my favorite things about Nashville is how much we collectively love a good happy hour. Unfortunately, some of the specials end so early, a working Xennial can’t take advantage of the deals. But, there are some happy hours after 5 pm in Nashville!

Of course, be sure to check hours and specials with the restaurant before heading out. Specials change ALL the time.

*A note about this list. I only included restaurants/bars that had specials at least Monday-Thursday or every weeknight they’re open. For a comprehensive list of happy hours, Nashville Guru will always be king.

5:30 pm

Depending on traffic, this 5:30 group might still be hard to make if you clock out at 5. But, I’ve included a couple just in case.

The Nations/Sylvan Park:

Streetcar – Sylvan Park

6:00 pm

12South:

Bartaco – 12South (Bar only)

Burger Up – 12 South (Sun-Fri)

Belle Meade/Bellevue:

Sperry’s – Bar only

Berry Hill/Melrose:

Common Ground – Both locations

Donelson:

Darfons – Donelson (M-Sa; closed Sunday)

Nectar Cantina – Donelson

Downtown:

Assembly Food Hall – Downtown (Fifth & Broadway)

Black Rabbit – Downtown

Blue Sushi Sake Grill – Downtown (Fifth + Broadway) – all day on Sunday!

Boqueria – Downtown (Fifth + Broadway)

Corner Pub – Downtown

Ellington’s – Downtown (M-Th, bar only)

The Farm House – Downtown/SoBro (Tues-Sat at the bar)

Puckett’s – Downtown

Tennessee Brew Works – Downtown-ish

East:

Cafe Roze – East Nash

Lockeland Table – East Nash

Love and Exile Bar – East Nash

Lyra – East Nash

Treehouse – East Nash

Edgehill/Hillsboro:

Sadie’s – Edgehill (M-Th, bar & patio seating only)

Germantown:

Barrel Proof – Germantown

Bearded Iris – Both locations

Germantown Pub – Germantown

Henrietta Red – Germantown (Every day)

Jonathan’s Grille – Germantown (Honestly, their specials are all over the place, with different ending times. So, just check the website where you’ll also find some all-day happy hour specials.)

Sonny’s Patio Pub & Refuge – Germantown

Von Elrod’s – Germantown (Specials not offered during events at First Horizon)

Waldo’s Chicken & Beer – Germantown (Specials also offered all day Tuesday and Sunday)

The Gulch:

Hops & Crafts – The Gulch

Joe Muer – The Gulch

Otaku Ramen – The Gulch only. Every day.

St. Anejo – The Gulch

STK Nashville – The Gulch (Starts at 2:30)

Sunda – The Gulch

Green Hills:

Char – Green Hills (lots of food specials)

North Italia – Green Hills (bar only)

Midtown:

Avo – Midtown/West End (OneCity)

Henley – Midtown (Su-Th)

Jasper’s – Midtown (bar area only)

Ruth’s Chris – Midtown

The Nations:

Fat Bottom – The Nations

North Nashville/Marathon:

A-Roi – North Nashville

Grandpa Bar – North Nashville

Sylvan Park:

Answer – Sylvan Park (bar top only)

Bearded Iris – Both locations

Common Ground – Both locations

Lola – Sylvan Park (every day (closed Tuesday); bar area only)

Miel – Sylvan Park ($5 specials on food and drinks!)

Otto’s Bar – Sylvan Park

Park Cafe – Sylvan Park

PennePazze – Sylvan Park (HH ends at 5:30 on Friday)

Wedgewood Houston:

West End:

Avo – Midtown/West End (OneCity)

Springwater – West End (starts at 3, Sunday-Thurs; beer/cash only)

Multiple Locations:

Las Palmas – All locations starting at 2, Mon-Fri

M.L. Rose – All locations (Additionally, each location offers 2-for-1 til close on a different day)

6:30 pm

Downtown:

Acme – Downtown/So Bro (M-Th, 1st and 2nd floors only)

Etch – Downtown (Bar area only)

East:

Noko – Includes snacks and drinks (Bar only)

Germantown:

Germantown Cafe – Germantown (Bar area only; extends to 9 pm on Mondays!)

7:00 pm

12South:

Embers Ski Lodge – 12South (Everyday!)

Downtown:

sidebar – Downtown in the Bode hotel (one of my favorite bars)

Stateside Kitchen – Downtown (M-Th)

Donelson:

Party Fowl – Donelson (the Gulch location until 6 pm)

Phat Bites – Donelson

East:

The Amsterdamian – East

Coral Club – East

Plane Jane – East Nash (Specials run all day Tuesday)

Reunion Bar – East Nash

The Gulch:

Sambuca – The Gulch (Bar area)

Melrose/Berry Hill:

Midtown/Elliston Place:

Corner Bar – Midtown/Elliston Place

I Love Sushi – Midtown/Elliston Place

The Slider House – Midtown (As befitting Midtown, HH starts at 11 am, so you can have a happy lunch hour, too. Food specials run until 6.)

South Nash:

Game Terminal – South Nash

Sylvan Park:

The Ridge – West Nash

A little extra: while their drink happy hour is every day (and all day Sunday!), get there early Monday-Friday and from 2-5, get 20% off apps!

West End:

The Local – West End

Stoney River – West End

Multiple Locations:

Neighbor’s – All locations

Beyond

Green Hills:

The GreenHouse Bar – Happy All Day menu

Wedgewood Houston:

Never, Never – Wedgewood-Houston (8 pm)

Did I miss any of your favorites? Do you have any extra tips on the ones listed above? Comment below and fill us in!

XO,
SB

P.S. If you’re an espresso martini lover, check out my guide to Nashville espresso martinis! They might not be on special, but they’ll be worth it!

The post Happy Hours after 5 pm in Nashville first appeared on The Tip Jar.

With my friends at 12 South Carriage House (the best Airbnb in 12 South – seriously, read the reviews!), we’ve put together the Xennial’s guide to 12 South – an itinerary for people of all ages who want to experience the local flavor of this special neighborhood. Read on for our tips!

Brunch – Ladybird Taco

Kick off your day with some breakfast tacos at Ladybird. Although it’s located one block over on 10th Avenue South, there’s still nowhere else in the neighborhood we’d recommend more highly. The tortillas are house-made, the brisket is delicious, and the “loaded up queso” really can’t be beat.

Shopping – White’s Mercantile and Imogene + Willie

Next, get in some shopping at some Nashville-original shops. We always find ourselves drifting into White’s Mercantile and Imogene + Willie both for their wares and the shared artisan-industrial vibe. White’s carries home goods and gifts (although we won’t tell if that gift turns into your own souvenir) and I+W handmakes clothing with an emphasis on denim goods and what will totally be your new “old favorite tee.”

Mural Walk – Just a Few Gents and Lego Men

While you’re browsing, don’t forget to keep an eye out for Nashville’s famed murals! The neighborhood has quite a few murals to enjoy as you walk and many of them are tucked in hidden places (i.e., off the tourist radar). You can find a full list of them HERE on the 12 South Carriage House website but our two favorites are “Just A Few Gents” (12 South Tap Room) and the two Lego Men (Imogene + Willie and the alley behind Frothy Monkey)

Refuel – Portland Brew

If all that walking has your energy lagging, Portland Brew is the perfect spot for a pick-me-up. PB is one of those coffee shops that just has everything – cozy nooks for studying; bright spaces perfect for catching up with a friend; and, of course, delicious coffee, giant cookies, and a full sandwich menu. Their drinks are affordable and they offer a wide variety of options for the non-coffee drinker (one of my favorite chais in town, a great selection of teas, frappes, and even Italian sodas).

Afternoon Stroll – Sevier Park

Coffee in hand, continue down the avenue to Sevier Park. This beautiful green space is a favorite of locals and visitors alike with outdoor recreational areas such as tennis and basketball courts, playground equipment, and a paved walking path. The community center houses a gym & fitness center and the 12 South Farmers’ Market is a delicious and fun seasonal offering. Sevier Park is currently renovating several historic buildings & facilities to restore their former beauty and add some amazing upgrades!

Dinner – Epice

When it’s time for another meal, Epice is a must-do. Don’t let the restaurant’s size fool you – it is one of the most unique spots in Nashville. Small but not crowded, minimalist yet stylish, this Lebanese eatery feels on par with the trendiest New York bistro. The food is extremely flavorful, the service fantastic, and it’s the perfect spot for a sophisticated date or girls night. Reservations are highly recommended.

Post-Dinner Drinks – Josephine

To round out the day, head to Josephine for after-dinner drinks. Josephine’s sommelier has carefully curated an excellent wine list, or if you’re in the mood for something more unique, you can choose from their specialty cocktails. The vibe is intimate, cozy, and local and the perfect night cap for your day in 12 South.

Stay – 12 South Carriage House

Instead of just spending the day, turn your visit into a stay-cation and book a reservation at The 12 South Carriage House. This 1 bedroom/1 bath space is stocked with everything you need and all the extras. Located just three houses off 12 Avenue, you are literally steps from all the amazing shopping/dining/leisure activities listed here and so many more.  The only thing more top-notch than the space itself is the hospitality and we promise you’ll have a 5-star experience.

12 South is just so wonderful, this guide only scratches the surface! What are some of your favorite spots – leave us some tips below so we know what to check out next!

XO,
X

The post Guide to 12South first appeared on The Tip Jar.