We came here for the hot chicken next door at Red's but we stayed for the pool and great company. Our family immediately gravitated to the pool table. Lola was bartending in the afternoon and at first she looked at our two kids with suspicion but she politely asked that we watch after them at the pool table. Lola told us how she had learned to play pool before she was tall enough to peer over the table. The hot chicken at Red's was delicious. We ordered the tenders in medium hot, catfish in medium hot, and chicken sandwich in extra hot. The extra hot actually tastes milder than the medium but the heat builds quickly. And while we enjoyed the extra hot, I actually thought the medium heat had a tastier blend of spices. Back to the bar, though. We met the owner, Terry Cantrell, and he was so warm and friendly--showed us the prohibition door with the tiny sliding window where the bartenders would take a peek to make sure you were cool, legit, and not with the Feds before letting you in. He told us about the moonshine operation in the neighborhood. He told us about the movies and commercials that have been filmed there. And he told us about how he had bought the bar in the late 70s to the chagrin of his father who wanted him to do something else with his college degree. This place and the people who work there are gems. Great stop in Nashville. read more

Outside the front door, you're informed in big painted letters that this is a "supper club and lounge." Well, now. There's no supper club here nor any lounge. In fact, there is no food here whatsoever although it's very common to order food at Red's next door and have them deliver it to you as you nurse your beer and look for this mysterious supper club and lounge. Beer is all they serve here. Even the soft drinks come from a vending machine. Just beer. Cash only. The somewhat stern looking and tough acting barkeep told someone that this is a "music venue" because they have two live shows a night. I guess I can get behind that but during the day, this is Tennessee's oldest bar and there is no music playing inside at all, no radio, no nothing. It's extremely rough around the edges (the ceiling is heavily stained and more warped than not) but most of the customers are tourists who did NOT do their homework and didn't realize it's CASH ONLY. There's an ATM inside, so I guess you have to pay the high transaction fee, fool. It's divey looking for sure but a real dive bar has scary locals inside and not 75% tourists with their fanny packs. And absolutely, please do order a Red's hot chicken sandwich next door and have them deliver it to you at Springwater. It's the best hot chicken sandwich you'll have in Nashville. read more

See all

A Nashville Tradition. Springwater is actually the oldest continually operating bar in Tennessee. They have live music on stage 5 nights a week and often during the afternoon. They have a great selection of $5 and $6 beers. But remember, this is a Cash Only joint. And yes, this is definitely a local joint. It's practically the opposite of anything you'll find on Lower Broadway. But, it's a great place to hang out with friends. The long Bar has a lot of stools. There are also tables with chairs and a nice pool table. The staff here are super friendly and they are always very welcoming. read more

Springwater - Yep, it's a Cash Only Bar with $5 and $6 Beers. - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

At times, things that are very real cause discomfort, sadness and a desire for something better. At other times, they bring us the joy of feeling human, of connection to those around us and discovery of what can be buried under the layer of artificial cover. If Springwater is something, then it is real. Although indeed it boasts the title of the oldest bar in Tennessee, it is not a touristic establishment. It is a place where most guests are known by name, they come to tell stories of their days and hear those of others. It's a place that brings people together in a way that is much deeper than any other bar I've visited over the years. It is remarkably genuine. When it comes to food and drink, those are hard to beat. Red's chicken is easily the best Nashville Hot Chicken in town and they bring the food right over. There is a great selection of beers on draft, a couple from Yazoo brewery. Then of course there are the kind people who work here and the stories of prohibition days. If all of that wasn't enough, a local gentleman on the back exit was giving away beautiful plants on the day of the visit. Springwater is a place that needs to be supported, respected for exactly what it is and not change a darn thing. Time for experiments has passed. read more

Springwater - The oldest bar in Tennessee! - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

See all

Good Music Cool Patrons My wife and I visited in mid-September and had a great time. The bartender (apologies for not remembering your name) is a cool cat who knows his Nashville (and national) music scene well. He's a great guy to chat with over a few or 10 beers. The bar itself has the classic dive bar look and feel. We enjoyed a free round of pool and threw some darts. This is a cash only/beer only establishment so don't come in here looking for fancy cocktails or shots of liquor! The entertainment is eclectic but spot on with the talent. In the early part of the evening we heard some heartfelt country and finished the night with some folk-rock. All-in-all we listened to 4 bands. The neighborhood felt pretty safe as we were leaving for the night, very convenient having a McDonald's next door! Be sure to swing by this famous bar when you're in town. Thanks read more

Fun fact: this is the oldest bar in the state of Tennessee. This place is such a nice spot to come and relax. It's right by the park and they have one of the best hot chicken places in the city next door. The service is amazing. You can tell that they really enjoy working here and take pride in being part of the bars history. I definitely recommend popping in if you haven't already. If not for that drinks do it for the history and experience! read more

Springwater - Nashville hard cider - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

One of my favorites in local pubs! Super friendly staff - Paula and Lola always cheerful and ready to chat. We are usually earlier in the day folks - so my 5* is more about daytime fun -- pool table, a couple dart boards, pinball and video golf - lots to keep you entertained. ** Prices good for nashville ** beer and seltzer selections ** cash only w/atm in bar ** no smoking **lots of free parking ... ** amazing bbq/hot chicken next door at Reds 615 (open Thurs-Sun) that they will deliver to bar. Springwater is really a great local (and oldest surviving bar) in Nashville that is worth a visit! read more

Springwater - right there ! - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

So oldest bar in Nashville. It's an experience. Don't look for fancy drinks here. Grab a beer. read more

See all

A hidden treasure in Nashville. Not on the beaten path of Broadway but well worth the trip. This bar holds the title of the oldest bar in TN. It was a trip back in time featuring a jukebox, free pool, pay phone display and the front door with a secret window rumored to have been used during prohibition. I felt like I was in a small town bar with the bartender & the owner striking up a conversation with us! Come here hungry because there's an attached restaurant serving great chicken meals that are delivered to your table in the bar! Old fashioned service here. Plus the BEST PRICES in Nashville -$4 bottle beers. Cash only so come prepared. One of my favorite & most memorable stops on our trip. read more

See all

Best dive bar I've ever been in. They don't have anything other than beer, but the vibe and the staff and owner and jukebox and free pool (who does that nowadays?) and the band stickers/bumper stickers everywhere? Maaaaaan. What a great place. read more

Great fried chicken from Reds. Buy at the window and they will bring to you in the bar. Cash only. Great low prices. Live music. No need to go to Broadway read more

Springwater - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

See all

Seemed like it would be a good place bring an out of town friend. It might be that I am simply getting too old for the "dive bar" scene. The place looked and smelled dirty. The friend was not interested in sticking around to try any of the amenities so we left. read more

We came and left in 20 minutes with nothing more than a few "why are you here" looks.. honestly the vibes were great (we love little hole in the wall bars) but we were seated and ignored for the rest of the visit, not menus given or an offer for a beer which was our only goal. We wish we could've enjoyed and spent our tourist cash but they don't want it apparently. read more

A must visit! Bartender was fantastic. She told us all abouthe history of this place. Cash only so be prepared but worth the stop. read more

Springwater - a display of various types of beer - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

See all

Authentic, local beer bar (oldest in TN) that's full of character. CASH ONLY. Note the stage in the back - the Black Keys sure did, among others who performed, shot recording video, etc there. Live music regularly. It's no frills for certain, so don't bring any. I know the locals would prefer that. read more

Springwater - Negotiating who hits up the ATM. - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

We wanted a dive. We got a dive. Beer was cheap. Cash only. $5 cover for the bands that were there. We came as one band finished their set. Next band sucked, but we played darts and laughed at ourselves instead. Iconic music venue in Nashville. Although we didn't hit it on the best night for music, if you are lucky, you might be there when it does. Attracts some pretty awesome musicians. See? http://www.rollingstone.com/music/videos/premiere-the-black-keys-invade-iconic-dive-bar-on-little-black-submarine-20120904 Cool spot. I'd totally come back here again. Gritty, smoky, and dodgy. Dig it. read more

Springwater - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Beer Food Music Built on top of a spring, what else do you want? 1896 built at the same time as the Parthenon! Password no longer required ;) read more

Springwater - They do have food...here's the menu! - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

See all

Cold beer - check Live music - check Divey atmosphere - check Shots - no check... 4 stars read more

I had a great time at this bar. The bartender was very nice and helpful. They're cash only but there's an ATM. Definitely one of my favorite dive bars. read more

One of my favorite dives in Nashville. Don't expect anything fancy, but it's a great place to grab a Shiner and people watch or interact with some local flavor. If you get hungry, head through the back door and find Buford, he'll hook you up with a solid burger and tots on a paper plate. It'll hit the spot. Springwater isn't for everyone, but if you want a slightly gritty, authentic Nashville experience, you will love it. You won't find many bachelorette parties or groups of tourists here. As the oldest bar in Tennessee, this place is iconic. Taylor Swift did a Coke commercial on their stage and the Black Keys filmed a music video here. I would say this is one of the top 10 dive bars in America. read more

See all

great little dive bar. one of the divest in town i think. good pool table. shame it may be gone at some point in the next five years as everything around it is building up and the land will be too valuable soon for the owner to hang on to it read more

We were driving down the street after a night of hitting a few of Nashville's drinking spots and stumbled upon Springwater. It was the sweet sounds of what I thought was a bag of alley cats being pushed through a wood chipper but it was actually a 'speed metal band' that compelled me to stop by and check it out. After paying the $5 cover and getting my diet pepsi from a vending machine, that stole my change, I was told that this place used to be a speakeasy back in the prohibition days. I'm sure it was much nicer back then too because today it looks like a broken down truck stop hooker, complete with low rent tattoos, cigarette burns and knockoff body fragrances. For this place to work the band has to be good. The first one was lousy noisy fast and untalented. The second band was good, out of Ohio, Lo Pan- i think, giant lead singer-500lbs size. These guys sounded good. Talented too. They have practiced together and it shows. A really motley crowd inside. Old hippie types, really young girls, old hags, metal heads, a quasi yuppie or two and even an old professor looking dude rocking a blazer and an ascot. (?!) A few of the girls were cute too. These aren't your Dooney and Bourke chicks. You'll see them at brunch tomorrow. Tonight its the metal girls' night. Its unfortunate that there were only one or two girls i'd consider 'cute'. The others were old thread bare nicotine laced shells of female carbon based life forms. For a good field trip off the beaten path, poke your nose in here for a while and check out the scene. Well worth it.. read more

See all

I'll put this out there first - I love dive bars. However, evidently I am a sissy and like my dive bars without urine soaked bathrooms and flies, and other than the bathroom that evidently they attempt to make as unpalatable as possible and the fly infestation when I last went, the place is awesome - as a dive. Things to realize - beer is cheap and there's a $20 minimum on credit cards and the beer prices are in the $1.50-$3 range. Everywhere is smoking the worst smelling cigarettes possible (I saw many a USA Gold pack) and if you go there there is little chance you will be able to tell your SO that you were anywhere else unless you shower, burn your clothes, or roll around in manure. I've heard some bands here, as I recall I despised the acoustics, but honestly if I'm going to Springwater for a band chances are I didn't come to hear them. Yeah, it's a trip, go and enjoy read more

Springwater - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

See all

What a treat. Gritty, pool, darts, loud music, $2 PBR. Stop in, mingle, have a cold one. read more

See all

Under search dive bars, Nashville, TN this was the highest rated, thus I was compelled to go here... Prior to even walking in I was greeted by some of the locals, people were standing outside drinking beer... Inside, the bartender was extremely friendly. $1.50 for Yuengling on tap! Must have been a happy hour special but that is still dirt cheap. Yes, it is a dive. One major drawback, they smoke / its smoky...but there is an outdoor patio where you can hang out to mitigate that or just drink really fast and move on... read more

The diviest dive that ever dove? I think so. Only didnt give it 5 stars, b/c you're still allowed to smoke inside -- weak. But grab soem ribs from next doors, saddle up at the bar with a wad of cash and get you some drinking done! read more

It's a dive bar. Correction, it is a dive, CASH only bar (with an ATM onsite). Beer was reasonable, clientele was... well, "divey". Pool tables, a few drunks, attentive bar tender and the possibility of live music. Not bad! I am a fan! A few of the less than sober occupants did tell me this was the oldest bar in Nashville? read more

After a day bouncing about Nashville and stopping by the Parthenon, we wanted - no, NEEDED - a drink. This place was the closest walk, and it turned out to be a blast! Very kind bartenders, large beer menu. It's beer only, but I loved that. It states it is the oldest bar in TN, and I believe it. I know these places like to keep their "cash only" status, but in 2016, it may be time to kiss that vestige goodbye. I'd still go back, though! read more

Oh, Springwater. The building itself is your standard dirty dive hole with a pool table in the front room and a stage in the back. The only feature of the decor that really counts as, well, decor is the amazing print of Deborah Harry in the stage room. I spend hours trying to think of some way trying to make that mine. Springwater, if you're reading this, I'll do anything. The weekly karaoke brings out a cast of regulars who are the real highlight of the place. Even people who don't like to get on stage can't resist the impromptu, spirited dancing in front of the stage. It's a beer-only cash-only joint so come prepared. read more

Springwater - "The King of Springwater" performing Sexual Healing - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

This place is as divey as it gets. Driving by, most people wouldn't even realize it's there, or that it's open. After reading that it was the oldest bar in the entire state of TN, and realizing it was walking distance from where I live, I had to check it out. It was relatively empty around 7:30 on a Friday night - one booth of people, and a few people at the bar. The bartender was friendly, and quickly served us up some draft beers. The place is dark and grungy, in a comfortable kind of way, with torn booths and a stage for performances. There's also darts, music playing, and some outdoor seating. It was a fun spot to grab a beer before dinner. read more

See all

Buford is gone. Smoking inside is gone. Cold cheap beer and good AC. read more

It is a cute older bar so don't expect fancy modern architecture. Other than that I love the friendly service and the friendly customers. Beer prices are great $4 for craft beers and $2 for Pabs during happy hour from 2 to 5pm. It is cash only. So if you are at the park and need a nice cold beer stop by. read more

Springwater - Pool table in the middle - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

See all

Methinks NOT NOT NOT!!! Tony and I stepped into the place looking for HOG HEAVEN...and we were in the wrong place...definitely the wrong place. It is definitely a dive...and I know Dives..I am from West Virginia and we have a ton of dive bars...so this reminded of all the dives I have be in back home.. I would not go here again! Too Dirty!! The people a little scary!! Too dark !!! and I don't drink anymore..so this would not be for me!! Sorry..... read more

A little history lesson: Springwater is the oldest dive bar in the state of Tennessee. It is a dive bar. If you are not looking for a dive bar experience then move on. If you are, you won't be disappointed. It doesn't get much divier than this. Springwater is located down the street from the Parthenon and can be easy to miss if you aren't looking for it. Parking can get a bit busy in this area but we always find a spot somewhere. There is a parking lot at the bar and then street parking in the area. The bar has two outside patios out front and in the back. We didn't check these out ourselves but they were decently busy on a Saturday night. There is no mistaking that this is a dive bar right when you walk in. There is a pool table in the middle of the first room and then a dart room off to the right. The bar is to the left with some bar stools. Then there is an additional small room where the stage is for live music. The stage was small and kind of tacky in such a great way. There were metallic streamers and lights for decorations. There was a $5 cover for the music but we planned on leaving before the music started so we went to the bar to order a drink. WARNING: Cash only! They have an ATM if you need it, but just come prepared. The bartender was nice and they have a decent selection of beer on tap. I was surprised I was able to get an IPA on tap. Sometimes dive bars just have the usual light beers. Prices are cheap and the beer is cold. A score in my book! They have food available if you are hungry. We didn't spend too much time here because we had somewhere to be, but I'm glad we checked it out. How cool to say you've been to the oldest bar in Tennessee?! read more

The final stop on our dive bar hop was Springwater. Why the hell it has taken me so long to come here I will never know. It's so dirty and divey that it made my heart skip a beat when I walked in - in a good way. That was love I was feeling. The first room has pool tables, characters ranging from maybe homeless to that dude might be lost, a random dog chilling in a booth, and 70s bucket bar seats lined up in front of the fairly short bar. We grabbed a seat and got us some cheap cold Miller Lites and started immediately talking to the bartender and the people around us. In the back room a band was playing and it is dark and loud back there. I greatly preferred listening to the band from the other room but your interest in the band may vary. There are some tvs above the bar to watch that sporting event you want to keep up with also. Bathrooms are small but definitely not the nastiest I've ever seen. Small patio too but you can smoke inside so not sure why the patio is there - perhaps for some fresh air or to watch the characters driving around centennial park at night. People watching is the best. The night we were there an entire wedding party came in including the bride in her white dress. A guy wearing a shirt saying "in dog beers I've only had one". A dude bruh trying to drunkenly hit on my friend but repeating himself mercilessly. It's got everything you would want. So you gotta go! read more

How could I have not written about ANY of my visits to this place! I fully agree... this is the BEST Dive Bar in Nashville. That said, Nashville's not my favorite city. The whole town's a little too clean and flashy AND worst of all, way too 'Country'-fied for my 'Big Easy' Gimmie- the-P-funk desires. When we first went (2008), the Springwater only opened at 4 pm. SO, in my vast knowledge of 'Dive Bar', I truly felt they where cheating. As y'all know I take this genre very seriously! I am very happy to report #1, because I just noticed they now have a website and #2, my Annual, Nashville, Birthday Bar-Hopping Bash is next month... they now open at Noon! This place is cool and dirty. I have never failed to have . . . a great time, good conversation or low bar-tab when visiting. (*I do believe they are cash only, pay as you go) GO! read more

This is the only "dive bar" where one can drink a Pabst for $2, while sitting outside on a new smoke-free porch and view the Parthenon. Assuming the latter the greatest architectural achievement of the ancient world, there is a certain 'frisson' as the French would say that the lowest of low places, to quote Garth Brooks, in the city where 'low places' bring millions to folks who compete for trashy women, drunks in pick up trucks, etc, and all are commandeered by a funny looking old man who endowed a University, Vanderbilt, which is finally winning football games, by hiring a black coach. At a buck a toss on the JUKE BOX, one can get the greatest range of music selections one desires, from Brooks, to Bob Dylan, to Miranda Lambert, to Rolling Stones, and even the latest from Loretta Lynn, if you really want to go that far back . Younger writers have mentioned bands, and I've heard there's JAZZ on Sunday, sometime,and junky bathrooms, and friendly wait staff, but the biggest attraction of the place is its HUGE parking lot, covered with gravel, which reminds me of the days when I first started my research on DIVE BARS, in the state where they were INVENTED. LOUISIANA. read more

I owe the Springwater an apology. If you look through my 140 or so Yelp reviews, you'll notice that I frequently refer to bars as "dives", or "shabby". For that, I am truly sorry. The Springwater has earned the right to own the title of Dive without peer. If you're in Nashville, put on your worst clothing and pay the Springwater a visit. You probably won't regret it. read more

Definitely a dive bar. I liked it. It's kind of in an interesting spot because of its proximity to the Vanderbilt campus, so there is all this new looking, flashy, brightness all around, and then tucked back behind all that you'll find Springwater. Live music of all kinds. Front bar, back bar, pool tables and darts. Darts are free to play, but pool is going to cost you (something like $1, or less). When I was there on a Sunday night, the place was pretty empty, but there was some music in the back room. Seemed like a decent place. I didn't try the food. I'm sure I'll be back at some point. read more

Established in 1896, this is a bar worthy of patronizing. Historical in its right, we grabbed a few beers, ate some of Buford's grub, and snapped some pics. read more