6 Ways to Have a Tiki Moment in Nashville
From a floating tiki hut on Old Hickory Lake to beach-inspired bars in the heart of the city, beat the heat this summer with these six tiki experiences in Nashville!
Despite Nashville’s landlocked status, a desire for tropical vibes has led to a bit of a tiki bar boom, with themed watering holes and beachy experiences popping up all over town. No need to book a flight — get a dose of the coast through a floating tiki hut on Old Hickory Lake, a riff on a remote island in the heart of East Nashville, and more. Check out these six ways to get your tiki fix in Nashville!
Little Chill Beach
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: littlechillbeach.com
Did you know that Nashville boasts a beach right in the heart of the city, located at the convergence of Fourth Avenue, Ash Street, and Lafayette Street? The triangle intersection is now packed with everything you need for a little R&R — sand, seating, umbrellas, and even a generator to power a sound system. The space, which can be reserved for four hours for $1,000 (plus tax), also houses a food truck and allows guests to bring their own beverages, so grab a few friends and your favorite ingredients for a boozy beach day!
Cruisin’ Tikis Nashville
Neighborhood: Old Hickory
More Info: cruisintikisnashville.com
For a lively tropical experience on one of Nashville’s most beautiful waterways, book a tour with Cruisin’ Tikis Nashville. The floating hut-style bars set sail on Old Hickory Lake, offering various tour options — you can kick off your day with a morning mimosas adventure or take a 90-minute mid-day or sunset tour.
For groups interested in a longer float, book the three-hour party cove excursion. A booking includes a captain, and guests are welcome to bring their preferred food and drinks on board. The fleet has three boats, each able to accommodate groups of up to six. And you can even rent all three for a cove party of up to 18 guests!
CHOPPER
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: choppertiki.com
The tropics took up residence at East Nashville’s CHOPPER, an eclectic space that merges tiki decor with … robots? The space pays homage to the fictional Island X, a remote land in the Pacific Ocean marked by ancient robotic technology. The island now has a Nashville counterpart in CHOPPER, where a giant golden robot oversees the central bar as mixologists craft over-the-top cocktails with some serious flair. The (mostly) rum-forward drinks are noteworthy all on their own, but the resident taco truck, Maiz de la Vida, draws an equally impressive crowd.
Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: hubbahubbatikitonk.com
Nashville’s beloved honky tonks merge with a classic tiki bar at Hubba Hubba Tiki Tonk, a cheeky East Nashville newcomer from the owner of the now-shuttered Crying Wolf, Dave Young. The decor and menu are a nod to 1980s nostalgia, rock n’ roll, and, of course, the tropics. Menu items include the Swayze Crazy gin-based cocktail with Caribbean spices and a classic Mai Tai. Sip while you browse Hubba Hubba’s collection of pop culture memorabilia adorning the walls, and be sure to pay a visit to the bar’s mascot — Tiki la Rue — perched in the corner.
SandBar Nashville
Neighborhood: West Nashville
More Info: sandbarnashville.com
A string of shipping containers conceals SandBar, a one-stop destination for a beach day in Music City, just off Charlotte Ave. The open-air watering hole only serves guests in warmer months, offering a slew of sand volleyball courts for a friendly game and multiple bars to help beat the heat. Enjoy a rum and tequila cocktail served in a fresh coconut, grab a fruity juice pouch, or challenge yourself to finish a two-pound brew. The venue is kid- and pet-friendly, so bring the whole family for some laid-back fun in the sun.
Pearl Diver
Neighborhood: East Nashville
More Info: pearldivernashville.com
Another East Nashville tiki spot, Pearl Diver is an expansive indoor and outdoor oasis offering exotic cocktails and island-inspired fare. The interior decor boasts tropical elements like porthole windows, jungle print wallpaper, and plenty of greenery. Larger groups can settle into the green indoor banquettes or opt for a booth on the outdoor patio, which resembles a pool deck (no diving!). The 30-foot indoor bar is the perfect spot to sip a mojito and share a tropical pu pu platter — complete with egg rolls, dumplings, meatballs, chicken wings, tacos, and skewers.
Cheers to your next tiki moment, Nashville!
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Kellie Walton
Kellie Walton is a Tennessee-based travel, food, and beverage writer eating and adventuring her way through life. When she's not in the air, she’s on the ground discovering the hidden gems in small towns and big cities around the world.