Pioneer Spotlight is a monthly feature highlighting Nashville’s long-lasting, leading establishments. As Nashville grows and new restaurants snag headlines, there’s a long list of attention-deserving businesses that built the foundation. While we welcome the newcomers, we believe it’s important to support the businesses that started it all. This month we put the Pioneer Spotlight on: The Patterson House.
Pioneer Spotlight: Patterson House
The Patterson House, Nashville’s first craft cocktail bar, set the bar high for mixology in Music City. When it opened on Tax Day in 2009, locals got to experience drinks created with house-made syrups, fresh-squeezed juices, and eight types of twice-filtered ice for the first time. With its pre-Prohibition atmosphere and “house rules,” The Patterson House is a pioneer of creativity and remains one of the freshest bar concepts in Nashville.
The Patterson House was devised by Strategic Hospitality, one of Nashville’s most notable restaurant groups. The Midtown space was previously occupied by a Cajun restaurant called Patrick’s. With the help of contractor Lankford Construction and designer Landy Garnder Interiors, Strategic Hospitality transformed the space into a cozy, sophisticated bar. They hired Josh Habiger, recently known for Bastion, as the opening manager.
The Interior
A thick curtain divides the waiting area and the main room, which provides privacy for drinking patrons and allure for those waiting. A square, 30-foot bar sits at the center of the dimly lit room where guests watch talented mixologists shake furiously and pour slowly. Old-fashioned chandeliers hang above each booth. There’s only room for about 80 guests, so it’s an intimate experience.
The Cocktails & Menu
Handcrafted cocktails are clearly the focus at The Patterson House, with dozens to choose from. Cocktail prices are either $13 or $14. If cocktails aren’t your thing, though, they also serve wine and a handful of bottled beers.
The food menu consists of familiar bar fare like tater tots, chicken wings, and mini burgers along with some creative options like shrimp corndogs and fried brie. For a sweet snack, get the cinnamon sugar doughnuts (you may need two orders).
The House Rules
Rarely do you go anywhere with house rules, but The Patterson House has a list you must follow. In brief, the house rules are:
- Refrain from using your cell phone for anything other than texting in the bar area.
- No standing.
- No fighting.
- No one underage.
- Be patient.
- You must be seated to order a drink.
- Men must refrain from introducing themselves to women, unless invited or introduced by a friendly party.
The rules keep The Patterson House fairly quiet, friendly, and free from distraction.
The Patterson House’s Details
For creative cocktails and a fresh experience, check out The Patterson House. You won’t be disappointed.
- Address: 1711 Division Street,, Nashville, TN 37203 (map)
- Phone: 615-636-7724 (call)
- Hours:
Sunday – Wednesday: 5pm – 1am
Thursday – Saturday: 5pm – 3am
For more information about The Patterson House, visit their official website.
