Austin Ray told us a while back that the Melrose neighborhood was going to make a comeback and he was definitely right. At the time, we didn’t know he’d be reopening the Sutler, a long-time Nashville staple, in the heart of it all. The new Sutler is officially open for business, and we got a look inside the fresh space.
A LOOK INSIDE: THE SUTLER SALOON
The Main Level
When you walk in, the first thing you notice is the saloon-like bar to your left, which is modeled after the old Sutler’s bar. There are plenty of bar stools and even a special portion of the bar for drink-ordering only. Co-founder Joe Parkes, Jr. said an important aspect of every bar is to be able to go up and get a drink easily without bothering other patrons. To alleviate this common problem, they added two gold rails to block seating and allow walk-ups more easily. We like it!
Also pay attention to the huge photo to the right when you come in. According to Parkes, anytime someone walked in the old Sutler all the regulars would turn around to see who was coming in, hence, all the people in the photo looking at you. It’s a nice tribute to the former patrons.
The rest of the main level is large and open with ample seating. The stage is the focal point, where roots-driven acts will perform regularly. The stage’s back wall is covered in old boots, a theme you’ll notice throughout the space. Backed with LED lights and “The Sutler” subtly in reverse, the imitative windows lining the main wall give you the feeling you’re inside a large building overlooking a countryside.
The Cellar
Head down to the cellar for a more lounge-like atmosphere. As you make your way down the stairs, hundreds of old boots hang artistically overhead, something you probably haven’t seen before. The cellar is dark and cozy, perfect for an afterwork conversation or late-night cocktails with a group of friends. The bar is long with plenty of seating, and there are several high-top tables for elbow-resting and easy-mingling. The mixed use of old chairs and furniture give the downstairs area a contemporary vibe.
The Menu
The menu includes items like boiled peanuts, pit-smoked loaded mac and cheese, and rainbow trout, just to name a few. Many of the menu items include local resources, such as brine from Yazoo Brewery Dos Perros beer and hot dogs from Porter Road Butcher. You can expect some creative cocktails and good craft beer options, too. Click on the images below to get a deeper look at the Sutler menu.
From the hand-made menus to the intricate painting techniques used in the stairwell, you can tell the Sutler owners are serious about getting things right. With owners like that, we’re confident the Sutler is going to continue its reign as a Nashville staple. We’ll see you in the Sutler cellar.
Contact & Visit the Sutler
Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 11:00am til late
- Sunday: 5:00pm to 10:00pm
Address: 2600 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN
Phone: 615.840.6124
For more information about the Sutler, visit their official website.
Other Recommended Reading:
- See what’s in the Melrose Neighborhood
- Get a look inside Sinema, the Sutler’s neighbor
