Whether you’re a country music fan or not, Music City has a lot to offer in terms of food, drink, and entertainment, as well as a little culture. And even if you’ve lived in Music City most of your life, you might get a kick out of seeing the best of your home town through the eyes of a man who has truly gotten around this city, the Nashville Grizzlies’ own Jeremy Dykes!
THE GAYBORHOODS
Church Street and 2nd/4th Avenues
Tribe
The center of gay life in Nashville is Church St, and the foundation of Church St. is Tribe. Video screens hung around the bar play the latest gay-fave videos (including Showtunes Sunday to finish the weekend with a bit of song & dance) while the hot crew of bartenders craft some of the finest cocktails in Music City. Have Stephen make ya a Zelda. (Sorry Stephen!)
Play
If Tribe is Church’s foundation, Play is its beating heart…and the beat is THUMPIN’. The Playmates put on the hottest show in Nashville in Play’s drag bar while the best DJs in Music City get your feet moving with the sickest beats around. Bring plenty of singles for tipping the queens!
Suzy Wong’s House of Yum
When the forwards go to Church, they wanna eat…and THE place to get your grub on is Suzy Wong’s House of Yum. Helmed by executive chef Arnold Myint of Top Chef fame, Suzy’s features a wide menu of Asian fare ranging from light munchies to big bowls of Yum…and you can get the full Suzy’s menu next door at Tribe. Don’t miss the pulled pork nachos!
Canvas
If your preferred gay scene tends more toward the eclectic, head up the street to Canvas Lounge. Part art gallery, part lounge, part music venue, and part dance club, Canvas pours strong, plays loud, and boasts one of the hottest bar staffs in town. BTW…the art on the walls is for sale, take an Arthur home with ya!
Blue Gene’s
When what you need a laid-back spot to take a break, look no farther than Blue Gene’s. Great happy hour specials, karaoke, and the best comfort food on Church St. make Blue Gene’s a place to leave attitude at the door, kick back, & relax.
Clyde’s
A newcomer to Church St.’s ever-growing scene, Clyde’s On Church is a fantastic place for a pre-barhopping dinner. Foosball, ping-pong, and shuffleboard also make Clyde’s a great spot to camp out for the whole evening.
Stirrup
…so not ALL of Nashville’s gay scene resides on Church St. A quick Uber ride south will land you at the Home of the Grizzlies Third Half, Stirrup. An unpretentious neighborhood bar, Stirrup is the direct descendant of Nashville’s much-missed Chute Complex (may it rest in peace.) Timmy & the boys serve up cold beer, strong drinks, & some great grub if you get the munchies.
Trax
Right around the corner from Stirrup is Trax, another casual neighborhood bar. The drinks are cheap and Steven, Mathu, & the crew pour ‘em fast & strong. Dirty Bingo, some great drag, and a roomie patio all make Trax a good choice for ending-up.