Downtown Nashville features so many unique shops, limelight venues, and hidden treasures! One of our favorite spaces is the historic Printers Alley in Nashville. This iconic, off-the-beaten-path destination is home to some of Music City’s original bars, restaurants, and clubs. It intersects with Church Street and is right around the corner from the historic district of Nashville. If you want to experience the city’s vibrant nightlife but would rather avoid the crowds, Printers Alley is also just one street away from Broadway!
If you like the idea of visiting Printers Alley in Nashville, you’ll love all the other eclectic entertainment options available in Music City. For more information about Nashville’s best-kept secrets, download our free Nashville Travel Guide! This helpful resource lists our recommendations for the best places to go during your vacation. Get your copy today so you can spend less time planning and more time experiencing!
The History of Printers Alley in Nashville
Printers Alley traces its roots back to the Golden Age of the American publishing industry. In the 1800s, several prominent newspapers and publishing houses were headquartered here. At one point, the alley became home to 13 publishers and 10 printing companies. In the early 1900s, it serviced print shops, hotels, restaurants, and saloons, which turned into speakeasies when the sale of liquor was prohibited.
By the 1940s, the alley was the center of Nashville and its nightlife scene. During this time, the area was called the Men’s Quarter. This alley eventually became a showcase for amazing local performers such as Boots Randolph, Waylon Jennings, and Chet Atkins. Even though the alley is no longer a mecca for journalists, its Victorian architecture and rebellious vibe remain prominent features!
The Best Stops to Make Along Printers Alley
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
The Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar is one of Nashville’s best blues bars! This local favorite is a perfect place to discover incredible live music. This club features one of the most anticipated music rosters in the city. Enter below a glowing neon sign and twinkling lights suspended from wrought-iron balconies overhead. Then, once inside, embrace the joint’s New Orleans flavor with sweet tea, Voodoo wings, and cold beer to compliment your Cajun dishes. After you’ve eaten, it’s time to dance. The live music will make that part easy!
Fleet Street Pub
Feeling a little European during your Nashville visit? Look no further than Fleet Street Pub. This mellow, English-style watering hole features classic pub fare as well as a variety of imported beers. At Fleet Street Pub, you will discover excellent fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash, all made with fresh ingredients. A collection of mostly English beers and ciders will pair well with your savory bites. You won’t experience live music here, but there is a jukebox just waiting to play your favorite songs!
Skull’s Rainbow Room
A unique place you need to visit is Skull’s Rainbow Room. This speakeasy-style lounge offers delectable American cuisine along with a great selection of craft brews. Here, the food and drinks are top-notch, but the real attraction is the nightly burlesque.
Dazzling dancers, live music, and sequin-studded entertainment await at this must-visit nightlife destination. This spot is one of our personal favorites!
Stay Right Around the Corner from Printers Alley!
After dinner, drinks, and dancing at one of these local nightlife haunts, return to your Playlist Properties vacation rental and experience the utmost comfort and luxury. There’s no better way to end a fun and exciting night in Nashville than in a plush bed overlooking the sparkling city lights!
Our Melody Loft is in The Quarters of downtown Nashville, a beautiful neighborhood within walking distance of Printers Alley. This cozy loft is one of our most luxurious properties and features elegant decor, a spa-like bathroom, washer and dryer, and an open floor plan. This ultra-chic space comes with all the essentials you need to make the most of your visit to Music City!
We look forward to hosting your rockin’ Nashville getaway. Book your perfect home-away-from-home now so you can start looking forward to your trip!
Don’t get lost! Book directly on our website for the best price on your Nashville vacation rental. Booking through third–party websites can lead to hidden costs and fees. We want you to have an enjoyable experience planning your Nashville getaway.