There’s something intriguing about any spot with a “members-only” distinction. Whether you’re looking for an exclusive locale to sip cocktails away from the crowd or a new way to connect with like-minded people, there are several local options to explore. From social clubs to cigar lounges, these Nashville private clubs offer some fabulous perks to their members.
Editor’s Note: Today’s article does not include country clubs or athletic memberships (golf, pools, tennis, and gyms).
*Listed in alphabetical order
Bar: Cigar Especial
Neighborhood: The Gulch
More info:Â barcigarespecial.com
As the name suggests, Bar: Cigar Especial is a cigar lover’s dream. An inviting, brick-walled space with plush leather couches, the downstairs lounge is open to the public for cigars and custom-crafted cocktails, while the upstairs is reserved for members only.
The iconic ’60s-era vibe channels your inner Don Draper. “You walk into 100 cigar bars, and you get 100 different vibes,” says Managing Partner Tony Block. “We’re not pretentious. We have a very classic style, and we make classic drinks — and that’s kind of our thing. We lead with cigars.”
The members-only third floor is where the magic happens, offering 60 cigar lockers, three rooms for members to conduct business or kick back, and a full kitchen that serves everything from hamburgers to bone-in ribeyes. For $850 a year, the membership includes a cigar locker, non-alcoholic refreshments, and 24/7 access via an outdoor keypad.
Throughout the year, members can also enjoy free dining events that often include delicious entrées like soft-shell crab and steak. (It’s also been said that visiting cigar manufacturers sometimes stick a cigar in each member’s locker, just for fun.)
Nashville City Club
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info:Â nashvillecity.com
A Music City staple since 1957, Nashville City Club recently reopened its doors in a brand-new location on 2nd Avenue. Nestled in the historic Liggett building, the new club boasts three floors of refined luxury.
The Member’s Lounge sits on the top floor, offering 6,000 square feet of space that includes a dining room, cocktail bar, and multiple lounge areas. Meanwhile, the second floor is where you’ll find the Grand Ballroom, which offers a full catering kitchen as well as private breakout rooms for meetings and events.
The first floor is home to The Study, a swanky bar that serves as the club’s only public-facing space. Serving signature craft cocktails and a menu of small bites, this is a great spot to relax and mingle before a show or a night on the downtown.
SB Tip: While The Study Bar currently only serves a limited menu of tapas and light bites, they have plans to launch a full food menu in June. Stay tuned for more details!
Soho House Nashville
Neighborhood: Wedgewood-Houston
More info:Â sohohouse.com
Opening its doors in February 2022 as North America’s largest Soho House location, this members-only social club boasts two restaurants, a movie theater, performance venues, a pool, a fitness center, and hotel-like guest rooms.
Inspired by Nashville’s prominent art and music scene, Soho House invites its members to connect creatively and grow together. It’s also said that membership to any Soho House location is quite selective and primarily geared toward those with creative inclinations (think musicians, photographers, and artists).
Members of Soho House Nashville can take advantage of a wide variety of benefits, including access to daily events, special rates on Soho House bedrooms, and access to the gym and spa. Soho House pricing varies based on age and membership level. To find the membership that best suits you, click HERE.
SB Tip: Even if you’re not a member of Soho House, you can still enjoy their coffee shop (by day) and café (by night), May’s — the only area on the property that is open to the general public. You can also access the property’s amenities as a guest of the hotel. More on that HERE!
The Twelve Thirty Club
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info: thetwelvethirtyclub.com
The Twelve Thirty Club is known for providing delicious food and drinks in a lively atmosphere, but did you know it’s also home to an exclusive members-only lounge? Located on the Mezzanine Level — between the Honky Tonk (first floor) and Supper Club/Rooftop (second floor) — the Honorary Member lounge invites members to enjoy one-of-a-kind dining experiences in addition to exclusive events.
Sitting at the top of the restaurant’s grand staircase, the lounge is an intimate area that accommodates around 70 people. Memberships also include access to various events throughout the year, including monthly tastings, a lobster boil, themed parties, and a charity golf tournament. Plus, members can receive VIP seats and suites at local concerts.
If you’re interested in becoming a member, complete a general inquiry form HERE, take a tour of the space, and receive approval from the Membership Committee. Knowing a current Honorary Member is also a plus!
The Late Great
Neighborhood: Midtown
More info:Â virginhotels.com
Inside Virgin Hotels Nashville, you’ll find The Late Great. The members-only club pays homage to Nashville’s music scene, set in what appears to be a recording studio’s “B-Room,” where intimate songwriting sessions would often take place. Designed by Johnny Cash’s granddaughter, Hannah Crowell of Crowell & Co. Interiors, the space includes artwork and artifacts that honor past and present music legends — including June Carter, Townes Van Zandt, and more. Memberships are available for purchase, and limited guest list access is available on select evenings.
Southern Turf Club
Neighborhood: Downtown
More info:Â southernturfclub.com
Nestled in a historic building on 4th Avenue North, Southern Turf Club’s membership program is inspired by the history of the saloon that once stood in the same spot. In addition to receiving access to the beautiful lounge area, members of the Southern Turf Club can also enjoy special rates at the Southern Turf Lofts, access to the members concierge, and complimentary valet parking. The club is also known to host unique, invite-only events for its members, which often include tastings and themed parties.
Foodies will also love a membership to the Southern Turf Club, as it includes VIP priority access to other Nashville eateries and bars, including Skull’s Rainbow Room, House of Cards, Sinatra Bar & Lounge, plus a few bars along Broadway.
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