Middleman, a new whiskey bar from Boka Restaurant Group, opened Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. It is one of three Boka concepts debuting at 521 Houston Street, alongside Japanese restaurant Momotaro and Italian restaurant Alla Vita.

The bar focuses on Tennessee whiskey and a broad spirits program, with an extensive list spanning bourbon, rye, scotch, and Japanese whisky. The cocktail menu runs from spirit-forward pours like the Japanese Handshake, Ride the Bike, and Gran Turismo to lighter options like the Cubanito, Five Leaf Clover, and Blue Steel. The name references the “middlemen” who once moved whiskey from rural stills into the city, a nod to the historic Old Stone Bridge that served as their route into Nashville. The space features a glass atrium, and no reservations are required.

✨ WHAT TO EXPECT: ✨
✔️ Whiskey bar from Boka Restaurant Group
✔️ Bourbon, rye, scotch, and Japanese whisky list
✔️ Cocktails including the Japanese Handshake, Ride the Bike, and Five Leaf Clover
✔️ Glass atrium
✔️ Walk-ins only, no reservations

ADDRESS:
📍 521 Houston Street, Nashville, TN 37203

⏰ HOURS:
MON: 4:30pm to midnight
TUE: 4:30pm to midnight
WED: 4:30pm to midnight
THU: 4:30pm to midnight
FRI: 4:30pm to midnight
SAT: 4:30pm to midnight
SUN: 4:30pm to midnight