Thinking about adding a little mystery and history to your Nashville trip? The Nashville’s Speakeasy Secrets: True Crime Tasting Pub Crawl offers an intriguing peek into the city’s clandestine past, all while sampling some local spirits. This tour is perfect for those who love a good story—especially when it’s wrapped in a cocktail glass—and want to explore Nashville beyond the usual country music scene.
What we really like about this experience is how it combines hidden bars with captivating tales of gangsters, murder, and mayhem. Plus, the guide’s local knowledge and engaging storytelling make it feel like a private history lesson infused with a bit of mischief. However, it’s worth noting that drinks are not included in the price, which might surprise some, but there are plenty of options at each stop to keep spirits high. This tour is best suited for adults interested in history, crime stories, or whiskey, and those who enjoy a small, intimate group experience.
Key Points
- Exclusive access to Nashville’s secret speakeasies and historic bars.
- Engaging guides with deep knowledge of Prohibition-era Nashville and whiskey tasting.
- Authentic stories of murder, gangsters, and Nashville’s shadowy past woven into the tour.
- Flexible pricing options, with the tour itself priced at $55 per person, drinks purchased separately.
- Small-group atmosphere enhances interaction and storytelling.
- Rain or shine, so bring an umbrella and dress smart casual.
If you’re after a memorable experience that mixes history, mystery, and good spirits, this walking tour aims to deliver just that. It lasts between 2 to 2.5 hours, making it a manageable evening activity that can fit into most Nashville itineraries. The tour explores three hidden speakeasies, each with its own vibe and backstory, giving you a taste of what clandestine nightlife might have been like during Prohibition.
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Contents
- Key Points
- The Itinerary: What to Expect
- The First Stop: A Bourbon and Flight Experience
- The Second Stop: Upscale Hotel or Historic Venue
- The Third Stop: Hidden Speakeasy and True Crime Stories
- Authentic Experiences and Value
- The Guides and Their Stories
- Practical Details
- What Travelers Say
- Our Top Picks in Nashville
- More Nightlife Experiences in Nashville
- More Food & Drink Experiences in Nashville
- More Tour Reviews in Nashville
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The Itinerary: What to Expect
While the exact meeting point varies depending on your booking, the tour generally kicks off in the afternoon or evening, allowing for a relaxed pace. You’ll meet a knowledgeable guide who’s well-versed in Nashville’s underground bars and the city’s often overlooked Prohibition history. From there, the journey begins, with each stop revealing something unique.
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The First Stop: A Bourbon and Flight Experience
Your first destination typically combines a touch of Nashville’s bourbon tradition with a story. One reviewer mentioned enjoying “a bourbon stop with an option for different kinds of slushes.” This initial taste sets the tone—relaxed, informative, and flavorful. You’ll learn about the city’s clandestine drinking scene and get a feel for the kind of secret bars that operated when alcohol was outlawed.
The Second Stop: Upscale Hotel or Historic Venue
Next, expect a visit to a high-end hotel bar or a historic site, often with a private room or exclusive access. One reviewer highlighted the luxury of having their own room. Such exclusivity makes the experience more intimate, allowing guides to share stories that are as engaging as the cocktails on offer. While drinks are not included in the tour price, each stop offers its own whiskey flights or signature cocktails, which you can purchase at your own expense.
The Third Stop: Hidden Speakeasy and True Crime Stories
The final destination usually is a hidden speakeasy—a cozy, often unmarked bar that oozes vintage charm. Here, your guide will share tales of gangsters, murders, and the darker side of Nashville’s history. As one reviewer said, “The speakeasys were lovely and reasonably priced,” and the stories told are as captivating as the drinks.
More Great Tours NearbyAuthentic Experiences and Value
What makes this tour stand out for many is the combination of storytelling and exclusive access. The guides are praised for their local knowledge and engaging manner, making history come alive. Multiple reviews mention how Ryan (or Reese) was an excellent guide, with one saying, “He engaged with the whole group and told good stories.” The small group size also facilitates better interaction, making the experience feel personal.
While the ticket price is $55, the value comes from access to hidden locations and the wealth of stories shared, rather than the drinks themselves. Since drinks are purchased separately, travelers should budget accordingly—expect to pay for whiskey flights or cocktails at each stop if you want to indulge. For many, the VIP all-inclusive cocktails are worth the extra expense, especially if you want to enjoy the full experience without concern for additional costs.
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The Guides and Their Stories
The guides are a highlight according to numerous reviews. Their deep local knowledge makes them invaluable, especially when weaving the stories of Nashvilles’ less glamorous past. From ruthless gangsters to tragic figures, the stories are designed to entertain and educate, revealing the shadowy side of Nashville’s lively reputation.
One reviewer mentioned, “Our guide (Reese) gave us the history behind each place we stopped,” emphasizing the educational aspect. Others echoed this sentiment, noting how the storytelling enriched the tour far beyond just visiting bars.
Practical Details
Duration: 2 to 2.5 hours, a perfect length for a relaxed evening out or a fun pre-dinner activity.
Pricing: $55 per person, with optional all-inclusive VIP cocktails available at an extra cost.
Group size: Small groups ensure a more personal experience, often around 10-15 guests.
Weather: Rain or shine, so dress accordingly—bring an umbrella.
Dress code: Business casual preferred, no athletic gear or cargo shorts. Men should wear a collared shirt and closed-toe shoes.
Age restrictions: Must be 21+ with government-issued ID, no pregnant women or wheelchair users.
Nashville’s Speakeasy Secrets: True Crime Tasting Pub Crawl
“Ryan was a great guide keeping us entertained and distracted from the freezing weather. The bars were very cool and the stories interesting. Thank …”
What Travelers Say
The reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with a 4.6/5 rating based on 85 reviews. Guests frequently praise the knowledgeable guides, interesting locations, and good value. One review happily noted, “You won’t regret doing the VIP tour,” highlighting how the extra options elevate the experience. Several pointed out the reasonably priced speakeasies and the fact that the stories are as captivating as the drinks.
Some minor drawbacks include the fact that drinks are not included in the ticket price, which might catch some off guard. Also, a few reviews mentioned that certain locations were closed due to private events, but overall, the experience remained positive and engaging.
For travelers interested in Nashville’s secret past, true crime stories, and craft spirits, this tour offers a compelling mix of education, entertainment, and exclusive access. The guides’ storytelling skills and the carefully curated stops make it more than just a bar crawl; it’s a journey into Nashville’s shadowy history. The small-group format and flexible pricing add to its appeal, making it a good value for those who enjoy storytelling and authentic historic venues.
This experience is especially well-suited for adults who appreciate a mix of history, mystery, and whiskey. It’s a perfect activity for an evening out, providing a different perspective on Nashville’s lively reputation. If you’re looking for something more intimate and story-driven than a generic bar tour, this could be your favorite night in Music City.
However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer all-inclusive drinks, you might want to consider the extra costs for cocktails or explore other options. But for those who value authentic stories and exclusive access, this tour offers plenty of memorable moments.
Are drinks included in the tour?
No, drinks are not included in the ticket price. You can purchase whiskey flights or cocktails separately at each location.
How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 to 2.5 hours, making it a manageable and relaxed evening activity.
What should I wear?
Dress in business casual attire; no athletic gear or cargo shorts. Men should wear a collared shirt and closed-toe shoes.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
No, it’s only for guests 21 and older with valid government-issued ID.
Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Where does the tour meet?
The meeting point varies depending on your booking, so check your confirmation for details.
This tour offers a unique, story-driven way to experience Nashville’s past—perfect for curious travelers eager to uncover the city’s hidden stories about crime and spirits. Whether you’re a history buff, a whiskey lover, or just seeking a fun night out, it’s a memorable way to see a different side of Nashville.
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