
Printer's Alley Nashville
Historic Nashville alley buzzing with speakeasies, blues clubs, and jazz lounges, offering a unique nightlife vibe.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant nightlife & live music

Printer's Alley Nashville
Best Time
Vibrant nightlife & live music

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic Nashville alley buzzing with speakeasies, blues clubs, and jazz lounges, offering a unique nightlife vibe.
"A cool little spot downtown with live music and fun bars. Great place to hang out and soak up Nashville’s nightlife."

🎯 Find the Hidden Bars
Look for unmarked doors and ask locals for directions to speakeasies like Dirty Little Secret.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets, so comfy shoes are a must!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Skull's Rainbow Room
222 Printers Alley
Historic jazz club and restaurant, a true Nashville institution since 1948. Perfect for craft cocktails and live music.

Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
229 Printers Alley
Experience New Orleans vibes with live blues music in a cozy, authentic setting. A local favorite.

Dirty Little Secret
112 2nd Ave N (entrance)
A hidden speakeasy bar offering a unique, intimate club experience. Find the entrance for a surprise!

Historic Architecture & Murals
Throughout Printers Alley
Wander through the narrow alley, admire the vintage buildings, and discover urban art. Great for photos!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Nightlife vs. Daytime Charm
Safety & Atmosphere
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Find the Hidden Bars
Look for unmarked doors and ask locals for directions to speakeasies like Dirty Little Secret.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets, so comfy shoes are a must!
🎶 Catch Live Music
Printers Alley is known for its blues, jazz, and live bands. Check schedules for an authentic Nashville sound.
📸 Great for Photos
The alley's historic buildings and urban vibe make it a fantastic spot for unique photography.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Find the Hidden Bars
Look for unmarked doors and ask locals for directions to speakeasies like Dirty Little Secret.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on cobblestone streets, so comfy shoes are a must!
🎶 Catch Live Music
Printers Alley is known for its blues, jazz, and live bands. Check schedules for an authentic Nashville sound.
📸 Great for Photos
The alley's historic buildings and urban vibe make it a fantastic spot for unique photography.
🍻 Drinks Can Be Strong
Be aware that drinks in Printers Alley can pack a punch and might be pricier than expected.
🍽️ Lunch Specials
Fleet Street Pub offers a great $7.50 lunch special on weekends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Printers Alley offers a more intimate and historic nightlife experience than Broadway, with a focus on live blues and jazz music, craft cocktails, and a unique urban atmosphere. While some find it less crowded and more authentic, others note it can feel a bit grittier and drinks can be strong.
"I would not necessarily recommend spending a huge amount of time in this area, but it sure was fun to end our night, singing karaoke, here with friends!"
Ramona Carter
"Printer’s Alley is a cool little spot downtown with live music and fun bars. Great place to hang out and soak up Nashville’s nightlife. A lot smaller and less busy than Broadway."
Cassie Ish
"Couple of nice bar with live band. Blues bar is very New Orleans. Touristy but less as compared to broadway"
Thomson Varghese
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Printers Alley is located in downtown Nashville, a short walk from Broadway. You can easily reach it by foot, ride-sharing services, or taxi. Parking garages are available nearby if you're driving.
Yes, several parking garages are located within walking distance of Printers Alley, including the Fifth + Broadway garage and the Nashville Public Library garage.
Absolutely! Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient way to get to and from Printers Alley, especially if you plan on enjoying the nightlife.
Yes, Printers Alley is very walkable from Broadway, typically just a few minutes' stroll. It's a great alternative or addition to your Broadway experience.
Yes, you might see bike taxis operating in the downtown area, including near Printers Alley, offering a unique way to get around.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Printers Alley itself is a public street and does not require tickets for entry. However, individual bars and venues within the alley may have cover charges or require tickets for specific events.
Printers Alley is accessible at all hours as it's a public street. However, the bars and venues within it typically operate from late afternoon into the early morning hours, with live music often starting in the evenings.
Some bars and venues in Printers Alley may have cover charges, especially for live music performances or on weekend nights. It's best to check with individual establishments beforehand.
For popular spots like Skull's Rainbow Room, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings. Other bars might operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Most venues in Printers Alley have a smart casual dress code. While some might be more relaxed, it's generally advisable to avoid overly casual attire like beachwear.
🎫 🎶 Onsite Experience
Printers Alley is renowned for its live music, particularly blues, jazz, and country. You'll find a variety of genres depending on the venue.
Popular choices include Skull's Rainbow Room for jazz and cocktails, Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar for blues, and Dirty Little Secret for a speakeasy vibe.
Yes, Printers Alley is a popular spot for bachelorette parties, offering a lively atmosphere, great bars, and live music.
While generally safe, it's advisable to be aware of your surroundings, especially late at night. Stick to well-lit areas and travel in groups.
Originally a hub for printers and publishers in the early 20th century, it later became known for its nightlife and even a red-light district.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Skull's Rainbow Room offers a dining experience with craft cocktails. Fleet Street Pub is known for its British pub fare and lunch specials.
You can find a range of options from upscale dining at Skull's Rainbow Room to pub grub at Fleet Street Pub.
Options may vary by venue. It's best to check the menus of specific restaurants like Skull's Rainbow Room or Fleet Street Pub for current offerings.
While known more for its drinks and music, the lunch specials at Fleet Street Pub are a good value. Skull's Rainbow Room offers a classic dining experience.
While Nashville is known for BBQ, Printers Alley itself is more focused on bars and live music venues. You might find some places with appetizers, but dedicated BBQ joints are more common elsewhere in the city.
📸 📸 Photography
The narrow alley itself, with its historic brick buildings and unique signage, offers a great urban backdrop. Look for interesting doorways and street art.
Yes, Printers Alley is particularly atmospheric at night with its neon signs and vibrant nightlife, making it excellent for capturing unique shots.
While not as heavily adorned with murals as some other areas, the alley's architecture and the general gritty, urban aesthetic provide a visually interesting canvas.
Drone usage in downtown Nashville areas like Printers Alley may be restricted due to airspace regulations. Always check local drone laws before flying.
For a less crowded experience and softer light, consider visiting during weekday afternoons. For a more vibrant, neon-lit atmosphere, evenings are ideal.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, during the daytime, the alley offers a glimpse into Nashville's history and can be interesting for older children who appreciate architecture and unique urban environments. You could take a stroll, point out the historic buildings, and perhaps grab a casual lunch at a spot like Fleet Street Pub before it gets too crowded.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays when drinks might be less expensive. Exploring the alley itself and enjoying the atmosphere doesn't cost anything, making it an accessible part of your Nashville experience.
🥂 Couples & Date Nights
Alternatively, catch some soulful blues at Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar or seek out a hidden speakeasy for a unique shared experience. The narrow, atmospheric alleyway itself provides a charming backdrop for a romantic stroll.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Colorful History of Printers Alley
However, the alley's history also has a more notorious side. By the mid-20th century, it had transformed into a bustling hub of nightlife, speakeasies, and even a red-light district. This duality of its past – from respectable print shops to clandestine entertainment – adds a layer of intrigue to its narrow, cobblestone streets. Today, it retains echoes of both eras, blending historic charm with a vibrant contemporary scene.
Navigating Printers Alley's Nightlife
Key spots include Skull's Rainbow Room, a legendary jazz club and restaurant that has been a fixture since 1948, offering craft cocktails and live performances. For those seeking a bluesy vibe, the Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar is a must-visit, channeling New Orleans charm. Don't miss the thrill of finding hidden gems like Dirty Little Secret, a speakeasy that requires a bit of searching for its entrance, adding to the adventure. Be prepared for potentially strong drinks and a lively crowd, especially on weekends.
Printers Alley for Photographers
Look for unique architectural details, interesting doorways, and the occasional piece of street art that adds character to the scene. While it may not have the overt murals of some districts, the overall texture and mood of Printers Alley are incredibly photogenic. Visiting during the day offers a chance to capture the details without the dense crowds, while evenings provide a more dynamic, neon-lit ambiance.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit