The average hourly wage for Bartenders in Nashville is around $18 per hour. However, actual earnings can vary significantly depending on the establishment and other factors such as tips, shift timings and experience.
If you’re curious about which restaurants pay Bartenders the most in Nashville, this article will guide you through some of the top paying venues. We’ll also explain how various elements influence Bartender salaries and share tips on how to secure high-paying jobs in this vibrant city.
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bartenders in Nashville, TN- 1. The Patterson House
- 2. Acme Feed & Seed
- 3. Robert’s Western World
- 4. L.A. Jackson
- 5. The Valentine
- 6. Urban Grub
- The Impact of Restaurant Type on Bartender Earnings in Nashville
- How To Find a High Paying Bartender Job in Nashville
- What’s the Outlook for Bartender Jobs in Nashville in 2025 and Beyond?
- Is a Bartender’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Nashville?
- Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Nashville Bartender Jobs
Top-Paying Restaurants for Bartenders in Nashville, TN
Nashville's Bartending scene offers many opportunities to command excellent wages, especially at establishments that attract tourists, locals with disposable income and music enthusiasts. The right choice of venue can considerably boost your earnings.
Below are some of the highest-paying and most renowned spots for Bartenders in Nashville:
1. The Patterson House
Known for its luxurious speakeasy vibe, The Patterson House is a destination for craft cocktails and expert Bartending. Its clientele appreciates high-end drink offerings, which translates to notable tip earnings and solid wages.
2. Acme Feed & Seed
A multi-level establishment on Broadway featuring southern cuisine and a rooftop bar with scenic river views. Its lively atmosphere and popular location attract large crowds, offering Bartenders great hourly earnings supplemented by generous tips.
3. Robert’s Western World
A classic honky-tonk bar known for live country music and a welcoming crowd. While traditionally a laid-back setting, Bartenders here benefit from steady patronage and fervent tips, especially during peak performance nights.
4. L.A. Jackson
This rooftop bar at the Thompson Nashville Hotel offers spectacular city views and an upscale drinking experience. It attracts tourists and locals alike, providing Bartenders with opportunities for strong tip income and consistent shifts.
5. The Valentine
A comfortable and stylish bar on the city's vibrant 12South neighborhood, The Valentine features a creative cocktail menu and a friendly crowd. Bartenders find good base pay and strong tipping potential here.
6. Urban Grub
Popular for its seafood and southern bar fare, Urban Grub balances casual ambiance with a busy bar scene. Bartenders enjoy consistent business and opportunities for solid tips throughout the day and night.
The Impact of Restaurant Type on Bartender Earnings in Nashville
The style and scale of the restaurant or bar significantly influence how much a Bartender can earn. Here’s how different types affect compensation:
- Upscale Cocktail Lounges and Speakeasies: Establishments like The Patterson House often pay higher base wages and see larger tips from clientele who appreciate craft cocktails and a premium experience.
- Music Venues and Honky-Tonks: Places like Robert’s Western World may offer lower base wages but compensate with steady, sometimes high tips especially during live shows.
- Rooftop Bars and Tourist Hotspots: Venues in tourist-heavy areas, such as Acme Feed & Seed and L.A. Jackson, benefit from high volume and can provide Bartenders with excellent tip potential.
Certifications like TABC or knowledge of mixology can also boost your earning potential at many venues, as they often require or reward Bartenders with expanded expertise.
Location within Nashville plays a role — bars located in neighborhoods like Downtown, 12South and East Nashville tend to attract clientele that spend more on drinks, directly correlating with Bartender earnings.
How To Find a High Paying Bartender Job in Nashville
Build a Professional Resume and Cover Letter
Highlight your Bartending experience, certifications and special skills such as knowledge of craft cocktails or customer service strengths to stand out.
Research and Target Upscale Establishments
Focus your job search on venues known for high-end service, busy bar scenes or tourist appeal to maximize earning opportunities.
Network within the Hospitality Community
Attend industry events, and engage with Bartenders and managers to learn about openings and gain referrals.
Prepare for Interviews Thoroughly
Demonstrate your cocktail knowledge, customer service savvy and willingness to work busy shifts during interviews to impress potential employers.
Be Flexible with Shifts
Working late nights, weekends and during special events can increase your chances of earning higher tips and getting hired by popular venues.
What’s the Outlook for Bartender Jobs in Nashville in 2025 and Beyond?
The demand for Bartenders in Nashville is expected to grow steadily through 2025 and beyond, spurred by the city's expanding hospitality and tourism sectors. New bars and restaurants continue to open, particularly in popular neighborhoods and near entertainment venues.
According to labor market data, Nashville’s food and beverage service sector will see consistent employment opportunities. The city's thriving live music scene and festival culture will contribute to increased demand for Bartenders during peak seasons.
Bartenders with strong skills, adaptability and certifications are likely to find the best prospects as venues compete to hire experienced staff capable of providing excellent customer experiences.
Is a Bartender’s Salary Enough to Live Well in Nashville?
Earning an average of $18 per hour, Bartenders in Nashville can bring in roughly $37,000 annually before tips and overtime. When generous tips are factored in, total yearly earnings often climb significantly higher.
The cost of living in Nashville is moderate compared to many other major US cities. Here are some typical monthly expenses to consider:
- 1-Bedroom Apartment (city center): $1,500
- Utilities (electricity, water, internet): $150
- Groceries (single adult): $300–$400
- Transportation: $80–$150, depending on usage and mode
Bartenders who secure shifts in upscale or busy venues — with strong tipping — often enjoy a comfortable living in Nashville, with the ability to cover rent, bills and enjoy local entertainment.
Our Criteria for Choosing Top-Paying Nashville Bartender Jobs
Selection of these top Bartender jobs was based on extensive data gathered from hospitality job listings, interviews with industry experts and feedback from Bartenders currently working in Nashville.
Factors we prioritized include:
- Competitive Wages and Tip Potential: Restaurants and bars that consistently pay above-average base wages and attract generous tipping customers.
- Location: Venues situated in popular or affluent Nashville neighborhoods with high foot traffic and strong tourism draws.
- Reputation and Management: Employers known for fair labor practices, positive working environments and professional management teams.
This approach assures Bartenders reading this guide access to information on some of the most rewarding opportunities available in Nashville’s hospitality scene.
