Elm Hill Tavern: Nashville’s Authentic Local Dive Bar with Live Music and Great Eats
Written and verified by the Rallyvite editorial team using publicly available data and the business’s official website. Last updated: 04 Dec 2025 21:17
TL;DR: Elm Hill Tavern Trivia Night is One of the Best Group Outing Venues near Nashville
Elm Hill Tavern, located at 1941 Elm Hill Pike in Nashville, TN, offers a quintessential dive bar experience deeply cherished by locals. This casual and welcoming tavern is a great place to meet up with friends who appreciate a laid-back atmosphere complemented by a mix of live music, games, and quality bar food. Known for its great beer prices and a well-rounded menu that includes standout items like The Raven sandwich (pastrami and turkey on rye) and French bread pizza with customizable toppings, Elm Hill Tavern balances tasty eats with a cozy ambiance. The tavern features entertainment options such as pool tables, darts, a jukebox, and regular events including karaoke and Sunday blues/jazz sessions, making it an engaging spot for socializing. Though it maintains a classic dive bar feel, it also offers friendly bartender service and a relaxed vibe favored by regular patrons. However, the venue allows smoking inside, which creates an old-school tavern environment that may not appeal to everyone. The blend of music, games, good food, and reasonable drinks makes Elm Hill Tavern a go-to hangout spot for Nashville locals looking for an authentic neighborhood bar experience away from the typical tourist crowds.
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What people think of Elm Hill Tavern, based on reviews
As of recent, Elm Hill Tavern holds a 4.3-star rating based on 375 reviews.
Across various reviews, customers consistently highlight Elm Hill Tavern's welcoming local vibe and the quality of its food and drinks as strong points. Positive reviews praise the bartenders for their friendliness and attentive service, and many note the creative and tasty sandwich options like The Raven. The great beer selection with affordable prices, the variety of live music events especially Sunday blues and jazz sessions, and a fun atmosphere with pool and darts also receive commendation. Reviewers appreciate that Elm Hill Tavern is not a tourist spot, fostering a genuine community feel where locals gather to unwind. On the other hand, some negative feedback centers on the smoking policy inside the bar, which many say diminishes the air quality and comfort, especially for non-smokers or visitors sensitive to smoke. A few reviews mention the clientele can be less welcoming to out-of-town visitors and note a lack of ventilation. Despite these concerns, the generally positive commentary about food, drink, music, and friendly staff portrays Elm Hill Tavern as a beloved local dive bar offering an authentic and engaging experience, best suited for patrons who enjoy a classic pub atmosphere including smoking areas.
How to reach Elm Hill Tavern
1941 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37210, USA
FAQ about Elm Hill Tavern, your new favorite meetup place for groups in Nashville, Tennessee
Why rally at Elm Hill Tavern with your friends? Elm Hill Tavern offers the perfect blend of casual comfort, lively entertainment, and welcoming atmosphere that makes it an ideal spot to gather with friends. Whether you're looking for a place to escape the tourist crowds or want to enjoy a friendly neighborhood vibe, this tavern stands out as a local favorite in Nashville. It is known for its good bar food, mellow drinks, and a variety of live music, including Sunday blues sessions and open mic nights that foster community and fun. The environment is laid-back yet vibrant, making it easy for groups to relax, chat, and enjoy themselves without any pretense. Additionally, the tavern has a strong reputation for friendly and attentive service, which helps everyone feel like part of the Elm Hill family. This combination of excellent food, music, and atmosphere creates a unique rallying point where bonds can form or strengthen over shared experiences and good times.
Elm Hill Tavern boasts an array of activities designed to entertain groups and keep everyone engaged. One of its highlights is the live music scene, with special Sunday sessions dedicated to blues and jazz played “in the round,” creating an intimate and immersive musical experience. This no-cover event encourages a relaxed but spirited vibe, perfect for groups looking to spend quality time together while enjoying top-notch performances in a cozy setting. On other nights, patrons can join open mic events—ideal for groups who want to feel part of the local artistic community or just enjoy discovering new local talent.
For those who prefer more interactive fun, the tavern features classic bar games like pool and darts. These games provide a playful, competitive edge to your meetup, sparking laughter and camaraderie. The presence of a jukebox lets guests control the ambiance, selecting favorite songs to suit the group’s mood or pace, offering a personalized touch to the outing. When it comes to cuisine, Elm Hill Tavern offers a solid menu with standout items such as "The Raven" sandwich—a delicious combination of turkey and pastrami on rye bread—as well as French bread pizzas with customizable toppings. With affordable and tasty food options paired with a broad selection of beers including local brews, the tavern ensures everyone’s taste preferences are met.
Elm Hill Tavern’s reputation as a true neighborhood bar speaks volumes about its appeal as a group gathering spot. Unlike tourist-heavy venues in Nashville, this tavern offers a welcoming haven for locals and those in the know, fostering a regular crowd that contributes to a friendly and authentic atmosphere. Guests often praise the tavern as a "best spot for locals" with prices on food and drinks that are refreshingly reasonable given Nashville’s popular bar scene. This accessibility helps groups stretch their budgets while enjoying quality time together.
Moreover, the tavern’s ambiance is marked by its down-to-earth vibe—an antidote to flashy or overcrowded places. The clientele comprises a diverse mix of regulars who value good conversation, live music, and a place to unwind. The staff’s friendliness and efficiency, especially the bartenders, enhance the experience by creating an inviting environment where groups feel right at home. Although smoking is permitted inside, which may not suit everyone, many patrons appreciate the authentic dive bar charm that adds character to the Elm Hill experience.
Situated at 1941 Elm Hill Pike in Nashville, Tennessee, Elm Hill Tavern benefits from a convenient location that’s accessible to residents and visitors alike without being overwhelmed by heavy tourist traffic. Its more understated setting provides ample space for groups to spread out comfortably, whether around tables for meals or near the bar for casual hangouts. The tavern’s interior design encourages socializing with areas for sitting together as well as room to engage in games or enjoy music.
The intimate size and friendly layout promote interactions that larger venues often lack, making it easy for group members to converse, catch up, and share experiences. The combination of open seating, game tables, and a lively stage area ensures that everyone in the group can find something to enjoy during their visit. On music nights, it becomes a collective experience, bringing people closer rather than dividing them into isolated parts of a large crowd. This thoughtful balance of space and atmosphere makes Elm Hill Tavern an excellent backdrop for memorable meetups.
Elm Hill Tavern provides a menu that hits the sweet spot between comfort and quality, perfect to satisfy the diverse tastes of a group. Among the most praised items is "The Raven," a sandwich featuring a delicious mix of pastrami and turkey on rye bread accompanied by fresh tomato and slaw that pleases the appetite of many patrons. The French bread pizzas are another popular choice, with customizable toppings such as pepperoni, mushrooms, and black olives, giving groups the flexibility to order according to their preferences.
The drink selection complements the food with a variety of beer offerings, including local craft options and popular favorites like Guinness and Blue Moon. Cocktails are mellow but well-crafted, suitable for those who prefer a mixed drink in a laid-back bar environment. The affordability and quality of both food and drinks make it easy for groups to enjoy multiple rounds or share plates while socializing. Whether hungry for a light bite or a satisfying meal, Elm Hill Tavern’s menu caters well to groups looking for casual and flavorful options.
Yes, Elm Hill Tavern caters well to a variety of group gatherings, making it a versatile venue for meetups with friends or family. Its combination of lively entertainment, bar games, and a solid menu allows it to serve many types of occasions—from casual get-togethers and birthday celebrations to after-work hangouts or weekend unwind sessions. The warm, neighborhood bar vibe fosters a relaxed environment where people can reconnect or celebrate without distractions common in larger, more commercial venues.
Its non-touristy nature means groups can enjoy an authentic Nashville experience, mingling within a community of locals who value good music and fun company. Whether you’re looking to listen to live blues, challenge each other to a game of darts, or simply share a delicious meal and drinks, Elm Hill Tavern has the elements to keep all members of your party entertained and comfortable. The friendly staff’s attentiveness also means that even larger groups receive the attention and service necessary for a smooth, enjoyable gathering.
Potential visitors should consider that Elm Hill Tavern is a smoking bar, so it may not be suitable for guests who are sensitive or allergic to cigarette smoke. This aspect contributes to its dive bar charm and local character, but it’s an important detail for groups prioritizing a smoke-free environment. Also, while most feedback on the tavern is positive, a few reviews have noted occasional rudeness from some clientele, which is worth bearing in mind especially for out-of-town visitors.
That said, the quality of food, drinks, live music, and games—as well as the overall friendly service—make Elm Hill Tavern a highly recommended spot for those who seek a genuine Nashville neighborhood bar experience. Groups planning to visit should arrive with an open mind and a readiness to immerse themselves in a local setting that prides itself on community spirit and relaxed fun. With these considerations, Elm Hill Tavern is poised to deliver memorable gatherings for friends or family wanting a no-frills, enjoyable evening out.
Elm Hill Tavern stands out as an inviting venue where the right mixture of good food, affordable drinks, local music, and engaging activities combine to create a unique destination for group meetups in Nashville. Its unpretentious vibe and loyal patronage make it an ideal choice for rallying with friends to share laughter, friendly competition, and great times. Whether you come for the Sunday blues, the smooth drinks, or a fun game night, Elm Hill Tavern offers a welcoming backdrop to foster connection and celebration with your favorite people.