Nashville: Speakeasy True Crime Cocktail Crawl & Secret Bars

Summary

Secret bars, scandalous stories and cocktails in Nashville’s shadows

You’ll slip through unmarked doors in Nashville with an insider guide, sipping curated cocktails while hearing true crime tales most tourists miss. Expect exclusive speakeasy access, local flavors, and stories that stick with you long after last call—plus the thrill of feeling like you’re part of something secret.

What’s the experience like?

The first door our guide led us to wasn’t marked at all—just a blank brick wall and a faint smell of old tobacco. We’d barely stepped off Broadway but it felt like another world already. I fumbled the password (it changes, so don’t even try guessing), but the bartender just grinned and let us in anyway. The place was dim, all low golden light and that hush you get when people are actually listening to each other. Someone played a slow blues riff on an upright piano in the corner—honestly, I didn’t expect live music this early in the crawl.

Our guide, Marcus, had this way of telling stories that made you forget your drink for a second—like when he described Nashville’s Prohibition days and the murder that happened two blocks from where we were sitting. He pointed out a spot on the wall where bullet holes used to be (I tried to see them but maybe I just wanted to). The whiskey here tasted smoky, almost peppery, and I swear it lingered longer than usual. Maybe it was just nerves from hearing about corrupt politicians and secret tunnels under our feet.

We ducked into two more speakeasies after that—one up a creaky staircase above a cigar lounge (the air thick with cedar and something sweet), another hidden so well I walked past it twice before Marcus waved me back. No wristbands or touristy stuff; just locals nodding at each other, bartenders who actually care what you order, and those little moments where you realize how much history is soaked into these walls. My friend tried ordering something fancy but ended up with a classic Old Fashioned—the bartender said “trust me,” so we did. Still think about that drink sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Nashville's hidden speakeasies

• Avoid Broadway and find secrets
• Enter unmarked speakeasy doors
• Listen to true crime storytelling
• Sample curated cocktails
• Steal whiskey from barrel pickers
• Relax in private Byron Cigars lounge
• Visit secret speakeasy behind hidden door

Top questions

Is alcohol included on the Nashville speakeasy tour?

No, alcohol is not included. You can purchase curated cocktails at each stop.

Do I need to dress up for the cocktail crawl?

Yes, business casual attire is required—men need collared shirts and closed-toe shoes.

Are there age restrictions for this tour?

You must be over 21 with valid government ID to join the tour.

Does the tour include pickup or transportation?

No pickup is included; public transportation options are available nearby.

How many speakeasies do we visit during the crawl?

The tour includes exclusive access to three different speakeasies in Nashville.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers due to the nature of the venues.

What happens if there is bad weather?

The tour operates rain or shine unless there are severe weather warnings.

Are walk-ins allowed at these speakeasies?

No walk-ins; entry is only via this guided experience using a password or guide escort.

What’s included

Your evening includes exclusive entry to three secret Nashville speakeasies with an insider local guide sharing true crime stories along the way; curated cocktails are available for purchase at each stop (alcohol not included), plus VIP upgrade options if you want extra perks like private lounges or special passwords—all you need is your government ID and business casual attire before stepping into history’s shadows.