City: Nashville, TN

Category: Nightlife

Telephone: (615) 636-7724

Address: 1711 Division St.

Description: Opened in 2009, the Patterson House is named for the Tennessee governor, Malcolm R. Patterson, who vetoed statewide prohibition in 1909. With its speakeasy decor, the bar showcases well-made drinks and the talented bartenders—clad in vintage vests and Windsor ties—who create them. You know this is a serious drinking place when you hear about the 8 kinds of twice-filtered ice used. Some of the ice is cracked with a small wooden bat, some of it is crushed, or shaved. May sound like overkill but bartenders say the ice types are made to complement each drink perfectly. Dimly lit with bookcases lining the walls, the Patterson House decor is rich with dark textures and colors and vintage chandeliers. An elaborate roster of cocktails features more than 50 different cocktail recipes. Try the unusual Maisy Day, an egg-white-frothed gin delight spiced with Luzianne tea and lemon bitters, or the Presbyterian, made with bourbon, ginger syrup, and lemon. Made for slow sipping, the Bacon Old Fashioned is an unusual blend of Benton’s bacon and Four Roses Bourbon. A perfect snack with the Old Fashioned is an Elvis panino with peanut butter, banana, and bacon. Other notable nibbles include cinnamon donut holes, fig and prosciutto pizza, mini meat loaf, s’mores, and pork sliders. The Patterson House is popular, but folks seem prepared to wait for a seat at the bar or a booth.