I have been here a handful of times and have never seen a bad or even mediocre/boring show! Every artist/band that has taken the stage has been captivating and awesome! The setting is welcoming and intimate, as though you're in a room with some of your closest friends experiencing great new music at the same time. Theyve got a nice little sound set up, decent amount of standing/sitting room for it being a "basement" and all. I love the beer selection here, too...and I am kind of in love with beer. Dark beer, and they have great choices! The bartender and doorman are awesome as well. You also never know whos going to show up spontaneously and maybe join in on a song or two, and when this happens its usually a nice surprise! read more

What an awesome night to conclude our Nashville trip with friends. We took an Uber there and killed some time upstairs in the record store, Grimey's. The drinks were heavy pours and delicious. The venue is small but really does give a feel of a basement. I loved the decor and the vibe. The cover charge of $5 gave us a very full entertaining night of four bands all with their own unique sound. My particular favorite was Craig Haller. Make sure to check this out if you are in Nashville. It is definitely more enjoyable and relaxing than the crowded Broadway Street venues. read more

Ahhh, finally found a music joint that fits our bill - diverse crowd, intimate stage, friendly barkeeper, good beer, and music for all types. Miss our hometown place, but this fills the void. Follow previous posting suggestions and try to get there a bit earlier for parking...there is almost none! read more

The Basement is a cozy, friendly venue that does a good job of showcasing a variety of musical talent. There's usually not a lot of space to move around or dance, but they make good use of the space they have so I don't ding them for it. The outdoor porch area in the back is a great place to have a conversation between sets. Mixed drinks are a bit on the expensive side, so I'd recommend sticking with beer if possible. New Faces Nite every Tuesday evening at 8pm is a good (free!) show to see new talent. read more

I had a great experience! Yes, it's crowded as hell. Yes, the place is tiny, but I think it added so much to the show. Of course, it helped that I love this band so much, and they (Local Natives) were flippin' amazing and the vibe was great so that adds to my overall experience and take on the place. Oh, and the bar service was also fast and friendly. Anyways, yes, it's crowded and tiny and hot, but for an intimate show, I'll take it! read more

I think Grimey's got it goin' on. The Basement is beautiful. Every time I get the gumption to travel to that part of town, THIS is the venue I prefer. I'm still reeling a little about not being one of the fortunate ones that were able to see Metallica play there right before Bonnaroo, and I don't even like Metallica. It's small and intimate, and really just has that "basement-y" near-dungeon (in a good way) feel to it. The Basement was actually a destination of mine before I moved to Nashville, when I was attending the AMAs last year. I had credit card troubles and bartender (cum-friend from this experience) Dave Brown helped me diffuse my worry and my tab. Anyone who gets pours from him should tip him well. Being charmed over that experience certainly helped cement the decision to make Nashville home. The second time I audienced at the Basement was during a sneak Old Crow Medicine Show performance. I think they played under the name "Blood Donor" something or other. There's a snippet of that show here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJgLRUDkYhs I think not much compliments the feel of the Basement than a band like that. But it's not all just Metallica and Old Crow on the Basement stage. They have smaller shows such as their "New Faces Night" showcase of freshmen Nashville performers, where you'll find some gems and some not-so-gemmy acts. The venue participates in other festivals and city-wide showcases with the Americana Music Association and Next Big Nashville to name a couple. I'm not there a lot, but enough. It makes me happy every time I go. read more

Cool venue. Very small and cramped, but cool vibe for sure. Not a wide alcohol selection, but got the basics.

One of the most intimate & hip venues in town. They showcase a variety of local, regional and national talent of all genres. Free shows every Tuesday beginning no later than 8 until close - each band plays 4-5 songs. Good sound, friendly bartenders. read more

This place was awesome! Super great venue if you're looking to get a little variety and want to hear each individual artist, rather than just the cover bands on the strip. The venue is small, but intimate. Definitely more of a young, hipster-y place. Go on Tuesday Nights! It's free "New Faces" night! You never know quite what you're gonna get! read more

If you're "lucky" enough to get a seat, you're staring at people's butts all night. If you stand, you're constantly getting your toes stepped on by folks walking by. The temperature inside is hot, hot, hot. In "Music City" there are much better options. (I hope I don't get scolded by "Grimey" like another reviewer was. A negative opinion might provoke a response...with an expletive.) read more

It feels like the house party of the year in your neighbor's basement. I make friends every time I go and always feel welcome. I can't get enough of this intimate spot and love checking out the talent that comes through. read more

Went to The Basement on a whim with some friends while visiting Nashville! The band was pretty good, but it was extremely packed...like I don't know if it was even legal for that many people to be there. The bar area was extremely crowded, which made it hard to get a drink. read more

So, I'm not even sure how many times Ive seen shows here but, as soon as I find out there is a show I'm going to, I'm always mixed with happy and sad. Its a tiny venue, with shitty air circulation ... and that about sums up what goes through my head. Its about the most "intimate" venue in Nashville and there is nothing like the stench of sweat and bodily dis functions of people crowded around you to remind me that no matter how well done-up people are, I don't want to be too near them or their loud whispers of their personal feelings of how the show is progressing. Though to be fair you cant go much of anywhere in Nashville without people offering, without encouragement, their thoughts on how anything musical progresses. The show last night was great, the staff was more than great, and the sound is always great. This place is what it is for a reason and I love it even though I hate how the crowd to air-conditioner balance is never where I would like it. Its also one of those venues that really tries to support all levels of musicians. They really love music and they really love being apart of the community that helps "new faces" on certain nights and all the way to major acts on others. Basically I'm saying, "Go there." read more

I always like going to shows here. Its a small room that gets crowded, but the bans are good and the service is always good. The drink prices are on point and they serve High Life which makes me happy. Parking can be a little difficult sometimes; they have a small lot and some on street parking. read more

Cool place to see a show. It's definitely tiny but there is a nice outdoor area you can go if it gets too crowded and don't mind smokers. The bar area is small but the bartenders are usually great and they offer a pretty good variety of drinks. I was here on Record Store Day in 2011 (Grimey's New & Preloved Music is upstairs), and they were playing documentaries and movies inside the Basement. read more

Caught a free Fruition and Dead Winter Carpenters show while here in Nashville last night at The Basement. What a treat for an out of towner to catch a couple of my favorite bands at a free show! The basement is as exactly as its name suggests. This little spot feels just like an unfinished basement, only there are great sounds emanating from it making the experience unique. The beers are reasonable and you can't help but drink them just as you would in your own basement. The other great aspect is that the musicians are accessible - luckily the members of Fruition and DWC were friendly! Thanks for a great experience! read more

The Basement has everything I look for in a music venue: good sound guys, an intimate feel, and a some good options on tap. The exposed brick and neon lights make the place look appealing without being pretentious. If you want to listen, but would rather avoid losing your hearing by standing directly in front of the stage, there are also tables on the upper level, by the entrance. The Basement's simple outdoor patio is good for for hanging out between sets or giving your eardrums a break. In fact, my one complaint about the Basement is that I think we'd all enjoy the music much more if the volume wasn't turned all the way up to eleven. I mean, this isn't a big venue; I'm right HERE. Also, it's not even worth trying to park in the lot if you're there for a big show - you might as well save yourself the frustration and go straight for a spot on the street. read more

The Basement is a pretty cool venue off of 8th Ave. I like the feel of the place, as it is intimate and the dark lighting adds to the flavor. I am not that into some of the bands that play there, but occasionally, if a friend makes a recommendation, I will go out on a limb and check a band out. The bar is ideal, as they have many beers on tap and the bartenders are always friendly and cordial. However, there is no smoking within the venue, which sucked back when I used to smoke. read more

i was drunk when i got to this place and i did have to climb a whole wall and cut my hands (still have scars) and mess up my jeans! because they didnt have access threw the front? (or maybe the cab man just was a douch) but either way they should have access on both sides....... ....of all the people that were there that night only maybe two were nice.... everyone else i dont remember being so nice, actually they looked at us like we were aliens..... another place we had to pay to get into...but this time around i wouldn't have spent the five bux...though they do have some microwavable mac and cheese that i must say made me laugh..... so thanks to the mac and cheese and some random person in the front that was nice this place got three stars.....not so much cause i loved it.....then again i was only there for one night and i was not sober....so maybe round two (if i get back to tenn. will be better?) read more

Love this venue! Intimate setting, affordable admission & drinks, and non-smoking! Downside ... Not much parking ... Oh well. Also note that you need cash to pay for tickets at the door - no credit cards! Bar takes credit cards though. read more

Great bar, under a great music store! Been here several times. Good music, and good service. Clean bathrooms.

If you want a look into the true local music scene in Nashville, look no further than the basement. There are a lot of great places in Nashville when it comes to locals, but I love this place because it has a wonderful vibe. It feels like the hangout you chilled at in high school or college at that one friends house, you know..the guy who had that room, garage or whatever perfect for throwing back a drink, smoking some stuff and listening to dark side of the moon. Acts are hit and miss, just like a lot of places, but if you catch a great band, then the basement will feel like magic. read more

called the Basement because it's located in the basement of Grimey's New and Preloved Music store, it's a great venue to hear rock & roll in the 'ville. reminds me of Lucy's Record Shop from a decade ago. i've seen several shows here, and there are always decent-to-good bands playing. i'm also happy to report that it's smoke-free (with an outdoor patio for smokers). and who can complain about $2 PBR? read more

Even though I've lived in Nashville for nearly a year and am a huge fan of live music, I only recently got the chance to go visit The Basement. We went for a Saturday night showcase which included a range of genres from indie alternative to spoken word rap. Needless to say, it was an experience like no other. The total showcase only cost 5$- and the music was so good they could have charged more but I appreciated the price. It was packed as the artists played and the drinks flowed. Speaking of drinks, they have a very impressive beer selection including a lot of craft brews and domestic drafts. Being that The Basement is more divey than most music venues, I was surprised and grateful for their selection. I recommend going to The Basement for any of their showcases as well as just random night shows. From what I gathered, there's always something going on here. Also, the space is great as its intimate and cozy without being crammed. read more

If you want to go to a hole in the wall tiny dive and listen to live music at any time, go here. The seats are ripped up, the people on stage will have a beer with you and the people in the crowd are musicians or locals having a brew with their girlfriend. We came in the middle of the day and the bartender was the sweetest person on Earth, but not pushy. The lady on stage almost seemed offended when I gave her money - there was no tip jar out which I thought was a bummer for them. Maybe people just try their stuff out here and don't expect money. read more

This place reminds me of New York... it is in the bottom of this big spooky brick building with a rickity fire escape; it is small and shadowy and has a hidden feel to it; and there a great walled-in patio in back that you don't even realize is there until your third visit because it is accessed by a sort of secret door in the corner. Good or at least interesting music pretty much guaranteed, in an intimate setting. Great people watching (hipsters). go on Tuesdays... it's a free showcase of new bands and $2 Dos Perros on tap. Other nights there will be a $5 - $10 cover. read more

The Basement is an intimate (code word for tiny) bar and music space below Grimey's records on 8th avenue. If you can't find a spot in the small dedicated parking lot, there is plenty of street parking in the residential neighborhood that surrounds it. One important thing to know about the Basement is they typically book two main acts a night. The good thing about this is if you're going to see the first act, you know the show will start and end on time. As the wife of a musician, this is big. It's a huge annoyance to think a band will start at 8 and they end up not starting till closer till 10 and before you know it, you're not leaving to come home till well after midnight. The bad thing about this two main acts a night is if you've come to see the first one and paid your cover, you'll have to leave and come back in, paying another cover for the second show. But, I also understand they want to pay the bands. There's not a lot of tables and chairs, so unless you're there super early, prepare to stand. Again, not a big deal as it's a small venue so there's really not a bad area to be. read more

Small and people sized....I am not a 'clubber', I only go occasionally and think this is a great place....actually has a personality and if you want a real dive, try Springwater or Dusty Roads. Both of which I also enjoy. read more

We went on a Tuesday night for "new faces". It was free, the drinks were pretty good and the music extremely fun.

Got there just on time for the when the show was listed as starting on a saturday night. No one was on stage, and they didn't get up for a sound check until an hour after they were listed as starting. Then the sound guy says they sound good & he'll see them 30 minutes later. I just thought 'well I just paid for 1.5 hours of silence & a sound check, so its not like I'm being that much more wasteful if I just give up my cover charge' & I left. But! It was 10$ for 3 bands, & I checked out one on youtube before the show, & they sounded good, so I bet that would have been a good bargain if I had felt like sticking around! & parking was surprisingly easy to get in and out of. The set up is really nice for the stage & there's very little area where you can't face the stage, especially the bar which is almost up on the corner of the stage. That seems very convenient if you're waiting for your order to get taken and don't want to miss a minute of the show. read more

Excellent establishment. Great sound, wonderfully relaxed atmosphere (most nights), and a very friendly staff. The only reason why I didn't give 5 stars is that I'm hesitant to rate any place as perfect, and they do have the occasional (but rare) bad night. Be sure the act that is on is your kind of thing, and if necessary, try to arrive early enough to get in and stake out some territory, as it's a very small venue. Make certain to get your tickets in advance if it's a popular national act. read more

Venue smells musty. Cool music always but parking is a nightmare. Dank dark musty. I will wait and see the band somewhere else.

Travelled 6000 km. To see this place. Had a great time, great music and met good people. What more could you ask for.

If you want to see the newest music in the most intimate setting this is your place.

cool "little" venue. make sure to bring cash for your tick/cover. the bar does take credit cards. bar prices are very reasonable. they get some great bands through here! read more

Went to the Tuesday "New Faces" night last night. Very cool place and vibe. If you park in the front, you will have to walk around to the back passing a few buildings to the left of the Basement first. There is parking in back but not much. 2 cocktails were $16, not including tip, for reference...and they were stout. As far as the groups I heard, I really loved the last group, the Spectacles and the girl that sang with them at the end. But as for Valerie Mize, I don't get it. Aside from being so very full of herself, I would have rather heard fingernails scratching down a chalkboard...and that is putting it mildly. This was not about preferring a certain music style at all. It was her vocals. They were atrocious and I've rarely said that about anyone's voice. It was just that bad...and weirdly enough, it appeared they let her play the longest. Evidently, she has been playing there awhile or has a close friendship with the owner is all I can think of.... I needed to be put out of my misery and it just kept going on and on and on. But oh my, the last group was fantastic! Overall, will be back ....just not a "Valerie Mize" night. read more