Venturing Out: LGBTQ+ Friendly Bars Prepare to Open as Metro Nashville Moves Into Phase 2
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (May 23, 2020) - As Metro Nashville moves into Phase 2 of the reopening plan Monday, May 25, some of your favorite local spots are spacing out tables, slicing the limes and preparing the food and libations for their guests. But where can you go, and when? And what can you expect when you get there? Here’s a breakdown of opening dates and times for queer-friendly establishments, and what you’ll need when you decide to “come out.”
Reopening Date: Tuesday, May 26
Hours of Operation: 4pm-3am
Limited Capacity: Approximately 40 (Reservations are strongly encouraged. A link will be set up soon on their website.)
Precautions: Building has been sanitized and tables will be sanitized as each person leaves. Masks are mandatory for staff, but optional for customers. Canvas-branded masks are available upon request. All staff and customers will have their temperature taken with a forehead thermometer as they enter the building. Drag shows and karaoke are temporarily on hold. The dance floor will remain closed.
Will remain closed until later phase. You can support the Lipstick Lounge in the meantime by purchasing gift cards and t-shirts on the Nashville Neighbors website.
Reopening Date: Friday, May 29
Hours of Operation: 4pm-3am
Limited Capacity: 75
Precautions: Employees must wear a mask, but they are not required for customers. Masks are available upon request. The building has been fully sanitized. Karaoke and drag shows are postponed indefinitely.
Will remain closed until a later phase of reopening.
Reopening Date: Currently open for takeout Thursday-Sunday 4pm-10pm.
Drag Bunch will be open Saturday and Sunday beginning May 30.
(Suzy Wong’s will have a link available soon for reservations on their website.)
Limited Capacity: 50
Precautions: Building has been sanitized. All employees are required to wear a mask. Drag performers are allowed to perform only in the stage area without a mask. Once they leave the stage area, they must wear a mask. Tips will be processed via Venmo and other cash apps.
Reopening Date: Open now
Hours of Operation: Noon-3am
Limited Capacity: 42 (although Metro Nashville allows for more beginning Monday, this number will remain at 42 for the purpose of social distancing)
Precautions: Masks are not required, but available upon request. Each employee must take their temperature at the beginning of their shift and record it in a log book. Employees are required to wear masks and gloves at all times. Sanitizer is available and recommended. There is a person at the front door keeping count of the number of patrons in the establishment as they come in and leave. The entire building has been fogged and viral cleansed. Patrons cannot sit at the bar, nor order from the bar or bartender. Drinks must be ordered through the server. Drag shows are postponed indefinitely. Karaoke is still being examined, and a date is not yet determined.
Reopening Date: Wednesday, May 27
Hours of Operation: 5pm-Midnight
Limited Capacity: 100 (Tribe will have a link for reservations on their website soon.)
Precautions: Building has been sanitized. All employees are required to wear a mask. Drag performers are allowed to perform only in the stage area without a mask. Once they leave the stage area, they must wear a mask. Tips will be processed via Venmo and other cash apps.
This article has been supported by a grant from the Facebook Journalism Project for COVID-19 coverage.