8 New Venues in Nashville for Summer 2023 Meetings and Events

The 1920s-era former James Robertson hotel has transformed into the 191-room boutique hotel Holston House, which opened its stunning rooftop bar, Heirloom, in May with panoramic views of Nashville’s skyline. The upscale bar serves Southern tapas, cocktails, and a variety of enticing mocktails. It's a welcoming reprieve from Nashville’s hustle and bustle, surrounded by a lush garden with comfortable lounge seating for unwinding and fire pits to gather around. Heirloom features an eye-popping art deco mural by popular Nashville artist Tarabella Aversa to round out the ambiance. This brand-new escape is a welcome addition to the hotel's signature restaurant, TENN, which features Southern-inspired American fare, as well as the swanky lobby bar dubbed Bar TENN and over 6,500 square feet of flexible meeting and event space. The 332-square-foot rooftop Bungalow Room, which can hold up to 40 guests for receptions, has a folding glass wall with stunning city views.

In May, the Four Seasons in Music City’s vibrant SoBro neighborhood proudly unveiled Rivière, a breathtaking rooftop restaurant that draws inspiration from the French Riviera. This elegant space, perched on the seventh-floor pool deck, offers a mesmerizing backdrop of the city skyline and serene river views, creating a picturesque setting in a see-and-be-seen atmosphere. Rivière’s restaurant/bar area can comfortably accommodate up to 30 guests, offering a truly exclusive alfresco dining experience. Signature dishes include oysters with cucumber granita, mignonette pearls, and lime zest. Other highlights include short rib tots with Gruyere, fried shallots, demi-glace, and chive; the popular grilled bronzino accented with tomato, olive relish, and asparagus; octopus tacos; and the Riviera burger. Indulge in the not-to-be-missed pommes frites bar with your choice of toppings like caviar, marmalade, pickled mustard, or smoked tomato chutney with basil mayo. Complement those bites with specialty cocktails with names like Lavender Haze, Riviera-a-Rita, and We’re Going to the Chapel, as well as luxury Champagnes like Dom Pérignon and Veuve Clicquot. For larger celebrations, the expansive rooftop space can host up to 300 revelers for buyouts.

Aloft Nashville Airport, a five-story architectural marvel, welcomed its first guests in April. Nestled within minutes of downtown and iconic attractions like the Grand Ole Opry, this brand-new spot doused in vibrant colors offers 103 loft-inspired guest rooms with airy 9-foot ceilings, combining luxury with comfort. Expect sumptuous signature bedding, indulge in a sprawling spa shower adorned with Bliss products, and rejuvenate in the refreshing outdoor pool. The Re:mix lounge is an inviting spot for guests to unwind while enjoying local musicians and trendy cocktails at the chic WXYZ bar. For meetings and events, there’s the 884-square-foot McGavock space. Its versatile layout accommodates up to 20 guests in a U-shape configuration, or up to 40 attendees for memorable receptions, conferences, and banquets.

In the lively Eastwood neighborhood of East Nashville, an Asian-inspired, wood-fired restaurant opened its doors in early March dubbed Noko by founder Jon Murray, managing partner Wilson Brannock, and executive chef/partner Dung "Junior" Vo. As guests step into the nearly 3,000-square-foot restaurant, they are greeted by the cozy ambiance inspired by a minimalist Japanese farmhouse aesthetic with beautiful maple wood paired with modern elements like concrete flooring. The culinary haven is a testament to the talents of executive chef Vo, who focuses on creating a menu that skillfully infuses Asian influences into each dish while using techniques such as smoking, roasting, and searing. Indulge in culinary delights like the wagyu brisket, smoked gochujang hot wings, and fire-grilled seafood paired with farm-fresh vegetables. Noko’s cocktail menu is equally captivating, boasting a range of unique options like the wagyu-fat-washed Old Fashioned. Whether you prefer indoor or outdoor dining, Noko can accommodate your preferences with space for 80 seated guests inside and 50 guests outside. For those seeking an exclusive experience, the restaurant offers full buyouts for private events.

Present Tense, a Japanese-leaning restaurant and sake bar, made its grand debut in the vibrant Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood in mid-May. Led by esteemed Michelin-starred restaurateurs Rick Margaritov and Ryan Costanza, this culinary gem showcases a thoughtfully curated menu inspired by their travels throughout Japan and Southeast Asia. Beverage director Kenneth Vanhooser crafts avant-garde cocktails with a fusion of Western and Eastern influences. The 1,800-square-foot dining space can accommodate around 100 guests for events. For those seeking an intimate omakase experience, a cozy six-seat sake bar promises an unforgettable journey of flavors.

Riot Hospitality Group has unveiled the highly anticipated Hand Cut Chophouse, situated within the prestigious Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown. The upscale restaurant is well known for its fine chops, burgers, and pasta dishes. The Broadway establishment allows guests to be serenaded by the soulful tunes of live music, making it a top new choice for gatherings of all kinds. With a capacity to accommodate a total of 368 guests, including 300 indoors and an additional 68 on their charming outdoor patio, there's plenty of space for unforgettable events in Music City.

Sinatra Bar & Lounge brings the elegance of Manhattan and the allure of Palm Beach to Music City. Inspired by Frank Sinatra’s Nashville connection and musical legacy, you’ll find an upscale dining experience on the main level of the historic Southern Turf building built in 1895 that famously housed a saloon, gambling, and a hotel. The menu serves up Sinatra’s Italian favorites, steaks, and alluring craft cocktails, alongside entertaining live music. For events, the restaurant has a slew of options for different needs. There’s a semiprivate mezzanine space that can accommodate up to 16 guests. A private room located on the upper level can hold up to 36 people. The entire restaurant can be bought out for a buffet-style gathering for 80 revelers, or guests can host a sit-down dinner for 90 or a reception for up to 150.

Humble Baron is the newest addition to the popular Nearest Green Distillery of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, which welcomed over 110,000 guests in the past year. Located in Shelbyville, Tenn., about an hour outside Nashville, this new space earned remarkable recognition as the Guinness World Records titleholder for the world's longest bar at 518 feet long (100 feet more than the former record holder). This massive showpiece bar surrounds an indoor stage and can host 202 seated guests. The property is an ideal destination to enjoy live music, with an indoor-outdoor area that can welcome around 15,000 guests in all.