Aerial is an exception to the downtown Broadway area, which is mostly populated with bars and clubs that are heavily populated by tourists. It's also one of the more unique places in town, and coming here always makes me feel like I'm part of a secret club. I guess part of the reason for this is because you can't just stumble into Aerial, you have to already be coming here or else you'd never find it.
It is located on the roof of the building that holds Paradise Park and Big Bang. While those two establishments have massive neon signs advertising their wear abouts, Aerial is completely unmarked. Next to the Big Bang there's a small hallway that leads to an elevator where there's usually somebody checking id's. You jump on the elevator and the bouncer pushes the button for 'Penthouse' and then you're off.
The elevator opens up to the interior lounge area of Aerial. There's a small collection of comfy but stylish couches and tables where you can sit and relax. The main part of the bar is located to the left of the elevator and they serve up cocktails and generic bottled beers. Their beverages are fairly pricey, but the cocktails tend to be fairly stout.
The most amazing thing about this place is that it is on a rooftop. The views here are amazing, and they maximize them as much as they can. The majority of the place is actually open air, but they put up tarps and canopies with space heaters when it is cold out. My first visit here was in the early fall when the weather was still nice so everything was open, and it was a fantastic experience. You can walk around three of the four sides of the roof, each of which reveal a stunning view of downtown Nashville. You have access to the bar while you're outside through a roll up window, which is nice if you're enjoying the view or the weather, or just want to avoid the longer lines inside.
They host a variety of events here, there's a weekly local dance party hosted by Happy Valley, and I hear Sunday nights they have some sort of hip hop/dance thing that sounds pretty cool. Sometimes they pair drink specials with certain events, so don't be afraid to ask the bartenders if they have anything going on.
Local bands here play sometimes, which is typically the reason I visit. Their stage set up is outside, which during the warm weather the tall surrounding buildings make for some rather visually stunning backdrop. I often feel like I'm in a music video when I come here. The crowd can really vary depending on what event is happening as does the cover charge, and the place on a whole is pretty small.
On more packed nights it's not quite as fun, but still cooler than a lot of the places that surround it. There's also only one of each bathroom, so expect to wait in line for awhile. And since you mainly access the place via elevator, it can take a while to leave when its time to go, unless you feel up to walking down the several flights of stairs that is.
The main thing that I don't like about this place is the horrible parking dilemma caused by its location. Being that it is smack on the main strip downtown, it doesn't have its own parking lot and there aren't even too many close by to choose from. Usually I end up paying to park in a lot several blocks away and making the long dark walk to and from Broadway. Be careful not to park in a lot that tows, if you don't have to pay for a spot, you shouldn't park there. The best way to go is to get a cab, but I know that isn't always an option. read more
