Nashville’s Speakeasy Secrets: Murder and True Crime Bar Crawl

Nashville’s Speakeasy Secrets: Murder and True Crime Bar Crawl offers a unique twist on Nashville’s nightlife. Priced at $49.95 per person and lasting approximately 2 hours, this tour takes you away from the city’s famous live music venues to explore hidden speakeasies and historic bars. It features exclusive access to three secret locations, all led by guides who bring Nashville’s Prohibition-era stories and dark underworld tales vividly to life.

This experience is perfect for true crime enthusiasts, history buffs, or anyone seeking a different kind of night out. While alcohol is not included in the ticket price, the tour provides valuable tips on local drinks, making it easy to enjoy a drink at each stop. With an average booking window of 18 days in advance, this tour is clearly popular and offers an engaging, story-driven adventure into Nashville’s lesser-known history.

Key Points

• 2-hour walking tour exploring hidden speakeasies in Nashville
• Includes access to three secret bars with exclusive entry
• Guided by expert storytellers knowledgeable in Prohibition and crime stories
• No alcohol included in price, drinks are purchased separately
• VIP upgrade available with escort and secret password
• Strict dress code requires business casual attire; ID required for age verification

Discovering Nashville’s Hidden Speakeasies and Secret Bars

This bar crawl departs from 209 Printers Alley, a famous historic district, and takes guests on a walking journey through Nashville’s concealed drinking spots. Each bar is chosen for its authentic speakeasy vibe—hidden entrances, secret passwords, and a dash of 1920s intrigue. The tour’s stops include the Nashville Barrel Company Downtown Whiskey Distillery, where visitors can sample and even steal whiskey from Tennessee’s best barrels. This stop lasts around 30 minutes and offers a chance to learn about whiskey-making in an intimate setting.

Next, the Ariston provides a VIP-style second-story lounge where guests can enjoy cigars, wines, beers, or specialty cocktails. The lounge is stocked with a pre-selected menu for the tour, creating a VIP feeling with exclusive access and a relaxed atmosphere. This stop also lasts about 30 minutes, giving guests a break from walking while soaking up the speakeasy ambiance.

Expert Storytelling and Prohibition Era Tales

Throughout the tour, guides share captivating stories about Nashville’s gangsters, murders, and scandals linked to these secret bars. The guides are highly praised for their knowledge of Prohibition history and their engaging storytelling style, which makes the history come alive.

Guests can expect stories of deadly affairs, notorious figures, and organized crime that helped shape Nashville’s dark side during the Prohibition era. While the alcohol is purchased separately, the guides’ historical insights add an extra layer of enjoyment to the experience.

The Stops: From Whiskey to Cigar Lounges

The Nashville Barrel Company lets visitors get hands-on by sampling whiskey straight from barrels, making it a highlight for whiskey lovers. Afterwards, the Ariston offers a luxurious cigar lounge experience, with exclusively stocked cigars and specialty drinks. Both stops are designed to evoke the Prohibition era and give a sense of the secret nightlife that once thrived in Nashville.

The tour emphasizes hidden locations that are tucked away, often so discreet they are easy to overlook. Guides navigate these venues expertly, ensuring guests maximize their experience without the hassle of finding these bars alone.

The Guide: Knowledge and Entertainment

Reviews highlight the guides’ expertise—many mention Ryen, Matt, or Jasmine—as being engaging, knowledgeable, and entertaining storytellers. They bring stories of Nashville’s past to life, making the history both educational and fun. Several reviews mention guides dropping in humor or even a few F-bombs, adding a casual, authentic tone to the storytelling.

Guides also provide practical tips on what drinks to try and how to best enjoy the experience. Their friendly yet professional demeanor ensures a comfortable and immersive environment.

Dress Code and Practical Tips

Guests are required to wear business casual attire, with no athletic gear or cargo shorts allowed. Men must wear collared shirts and closed-toe shoes. The tour operators reserve the right to deny entry based on dress or behavior, and no refunds are provided if someone is turned away for not complying.

Government ID is necessary to prove age over 21, as alcohol consumption is restricted to those 21 and older. The tour operates rain or shine, making it a reliable option regardless of weather conditions.

Alcohol and Optional Tastings

While the ticket price does not include drinks, each location offers alcoholic beverages for sale. Guests are encouraged to buy drinks at their leisure during the stops. Though drinking is optional, many reviews highlight the enjoyable whiskey tastings and cocktails available at the venues.

A VIP upgrade is offered for those who want an escort to a secret location and a password. This upgrade adds an extra layer of exclusivity but is optional.

Meeting Point and Tour Logistics

The tour begins at 209 Printers Alley, a district known for its historic nightlife. With a maximum group size of 100, the experience remains intimate and well-managed. The tour is suitable for most travelers, and confirmation is provided immediately upon booking.

The tour is designed to be accessible and straightforward, with guides navigating the route, so guests don’t need to worry about finding the locations themselves. Most travelers report that walking distances are manageable, and the tour operates in all weather conditions.

Customer Satisfaction and Feedback

With a 4.5/5 rating based on 138 reviews, the tour receives high marks for knowledgeable guides, engaging storytelling, and unique bar stops. Many rave about guides Ryen and Matt, praising their ability to keep the group entertained.

Some minor negatives include weather-related issues or misunderstandings about the bar’s authenticity, but overall, guests find this experience enjoyable and well worth the price. One review notes that some stops are not original historic speakeasies but rather modern-inspired venues, which is good to keep in mind.

The Sum Up: A Thrilling Night of Secrets and Spirits in Nashville

The Nashville Speakeasy Secrets tour offers an exciting look into the city’s less-visible nightlife, combining dark history, hidden bars, and expert storytelling. Its two-hour length makes it an ideal choice for a short yet memorable night out.

While alcohol is purchased separately, the exclusive access to secret venues and the enthralling stories make the $49.95 price worthwhile. The strict dress code and ID requirements ensure a classy, immersive environment. This tour is best suited for adults who enjoy history, good drinks, and a bit of intrigue. Guides are consistently praised for their knowledge and entertainment value, making the experience both informative and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is alcohol included in the tour?
No, alcohol is not included in the ticket price, but drinks can be purchased separately at each speakeasy.

What is the dress code for this tour?
Guests must wear business casual attire. Men are required to wear collared shirts and closed-toe shoes. No athletic gear or cargo shorts are allowed.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 2 hours, covering three stops with a walking component between venues.

Are tips expected for guides?
Tips are not required but are encouraged for the guide’s five-star service.

What if it rains?
The tour operates rain or shine. In case of severe weather, the experience may be postponed or canceled, with options for a different date or full refund.

Can I join if I’m under 21?
No, ID is required, and alcohol consumption is restricted to those 21 and over.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour begins at 209 Printers Alley and ends at The Ariston on 508 Church Street.

Is there a VIP option?
Yes, a VIP upgrade is available, including escort to a secret location and a special password.

How far in advance should I book?
Booking is typically done around 18 days in advance, but early reservations are recommended due to popularity.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of hidden bars, Prohibition stories, and expert storytelling makes this experience uniquely entertaining and informative, perfect for those wanting a different side of Nashville nightlife.