The Patterson House — Restaurant in Nashville-Davidson

Nashville, Tennessee is known for its lively music scene, Southern charm, and mouthwatering cuisine. But hidden among the neon lights and honky-tonk bars, there lies a secret treasure, a culinary haven known as The Patterson House. With street parking only and an unassuming gray façade, this speakeasy in Midtown Nashville has been quietly shaking up the city's cocktail scene.

Before your party can be added to the waitlist, be sure to have your photo ID or passport handy. The front desk attendant will meticulously verify the age of everyone in your group, as they strictly admit individuals aged 21 or older. Once you're on the list, you'll find a quaint waiting area inside that transports you back to a 19th-century parlor. The room boasts a non-functioning fireplace and a grand bookcase, adorning the walls, adding a touch of vintage elegance.

Unlike modern establishments, The Patterson House eschews paging or texting systems. Instead, the staff will come out to the front porch and call your name when it's your turn. The anticipation builds as you climb the ladder of the waitlist, and the experience takes on an air of exclusivity that makes your eventual entry all the more thrilling.

The Patterson House: A Glimpse Behind the Curtains Once your party's name is finally called, you'll be ushered through a large gray curtain into the main room. The bar takes center stage, and its atmosphere oozes class and sophistication. Dimly lit by chandeliers and strategically placed lights, the room is a blend of cozy, posh swankiness. The walls are lined with tables and plush booths, perfect for an intimate night out.

Towards the rear of the room, you'll discover towering wooden bookshelves that reach from floor to ceiling, housing an extensive collection of spirits. This impressive display pays homage to the craft of mixology and the creativity that goes into creating the perfect cocktail. It's like being transported to the golden age of cocktails, where bartenders were revered artists, and every libation was a masterpiece.

The Art of Crafting Cocktails As you settle into your chosen spot, the maître d' extends a warm welcome, along with the drink menu and food offerings. What sets The Patterson House apart is its commitment to craft cocktails, and this is evident in the unassuming navy blue booklet they present you. Each page of this booklet is a treasure trove of information, detailing the various craft cocktails served.

The menu is organized around different spirits, with each page showcasing a selection of cocktails crafted with a specific base spirit. From classics to innovative creations, The Patterson House's cocktail menu caters to a wide range of tastes. The meticulous attention to detail and the precision with which each drink is prepared make every sip an experience in itself.

One of the unique quirks of The Patterson House is how they present your bill at the end of the evening. Instead of a standard check, your bartender will hand you an old book. It's a charming and whimsical touch that invites you to leave your mark on the establishment. Feel free to sign your name, leave a message, or even doodle in the pages, creating a fun tradition that sets this speakeasy apart.

The Patterson House is a unique culinary gem in Nashville's vibrant food and drink scene. Its dedication to the art of mixology, the immersive Prohibition-era ambiance, and the sense of exclusivity it offers make it an experience you won't soon forget. Whether you're a cocktail connoisseur, history enthusiast, or someone in search of an unforgettable night out, The Patterson House has something for...

5 stars is not enough. I was in Nashville for a mini-vacation and discovered my hotel was across the street from The Patterson House so opted for a visit on evening number one. Needless to say, I ended up returning 3 more nights!!

Everything from the ambiance, to the staff, to the quality of both the food and drinks is high quality. The food menu offers very creative and delicious variations of small to large dishes, including a couple of items not commonly found elsewhere.

The drink menu has selections that span a wide breadth of tastes, and offers something for all levels of indulgence. It is also laid out so the reader understands the “level” of the cocktail they are reviewing, with the stronger options at or near the bottom of each list. It is inclusive of both unique options and TPH’s variation on classics.

Where I feel The Patterson House separates itself from other establishments is both their attention to detail, and openness to receiving and answering questions (and offering suggestions for those who are unsure what they want). I personally asked a lot of questions about what I was ordering and the ingredients thereof, and in every instance I was given some insight into how a drink came to be, or how the ingredients were chosen, or even the origin of some of the more peculiar names (ask about “The Reverse Poolboy Incident” - even if the drink doesn’t interest you, the story will). I do also recommend their High-End Negroni for those who are fans of this cocktail.

Sam, Reagan, Brandie, and Liz were all very interested in answering my many, many questions. I left with some newly learned things (I did not know there is a liqueur that tastes like rye bread), a dispelling of a couple of myths, and some inspirations to try in my own home bar (an egg yolk in my cocktail? What?). All of the little details, from using ingredient ratios to account for ice dilution, to the pre placing of garnish, to the use of a sidecar with coupe-based drinks, to refilling of water glasses, and probably many others I did not catch made this a truly memorable experience. It is also nice that one can make a reservation for the bar itself to lock in an opportunity to experience all this staff has to offer.

A shout out also to Devin and Emma, who will greet you at the door. They are welcoming and friendly, even in the face of stressful situations (I witnessed a couple).

It was an overall incredible experience - I am looking forward to another opportunity to visit this wonderful...

Ambiance is the specialty of this newly branded 5th-floor cocktail bar and speakeasy. With little resemblance to its original location, The Patterson House reintroduces itself as a sleek, stylish, and moody upscale joint—offering an incredible mix of decor, design, music, and views of the Gulch skyline. The experience alone is worth its own review—but onward.

After a prompt seating (following an even more prompt negotiation for a table), we were greeted by our knowledgeable, energetic, and personable server, Pat (+1 star for the name). We received a brief introduction and an overview of the extensive cocktail list. I landed on a Paper Plane; my partner went with a recommendation from Pat.

As is common with newly (or in this case, newly reopened) establishments, the wait times were a bit lengthy. But Rome wasn’t built in a day—and the cocktails, though slightly delayed, were well worth the wait.

For appetizers, we had the $10 sourdough—which lacked empathy but was carried by a phenomenal butter. A really, really good butter. Alongside it came a complimentary bowl of doughnuts. Dessert before entrées? In this bougie bungalow, it somehow made perfect sense. Another round of drinks—again, curated by our now nearly professor-like server—landed neatly on our table and were emptied just as promptly.

The entrée was a $55 pork chop that took some convincing from not one, but two servers. And a good convincing, indeed (though the short menu made my decision rather black and white). The dill and cream sauce paired beautifully with a perfectly cooked, 1-lb chop topped with trout roe. Why is there trout roe on a pork chop? Good question. But it’s great.

My nightcap was a suggestion from our host—a cocktail meant to “represent what the new Patterson House is—the face of the establishment.” The name escapes me (as most of these cocktail names tend to), but the flavor? Immaculate. Trendy, creative, with a nostalgic nod to the classics.

Overall, this was a warm welcome to the upscale, modern-hip, speakeasy-focused scene that helps make Nashville stand out. A truly unique...