Drowning one’s sorrows in a jug of moonshine or chugging beer in the cheap seats are fairly common themes in country music. Yours truly went through a country phase as an urban cowgirl in LA in the nineties, once upon a Neon Moon. But mainly, I consider myself a city girl, and up until a month ago, I had never been to Nashville. The reputation of pedal taverns, party buses, and the nickname “Nashvegas” preceded itself. When I shared with other sober friends that I was heading there for a weekend, the responses of raised eyebrows and head-shaking chuckles were common. The memories and experiences people shared with me did not sound exactly like something a mid-forty-something, sober mother of eight would be particularly excited about. So I wondered, as a person in long-term recovery, can we find sober fun and good times in these inebriated, booze-saturated towns? Of course, we can!
Upon arrival, my friends and I began our adventure on Broadway—which was either the worst or the best idea ever. Pedal taverns, secretly motorized due to the unreliable pedal power of incapacitated drunkards, whizzed by me. Standing on the street corner, each establishment was immediately making me feel smothered, and my ADHD was off the charts. I found myself craving something a little more… magical. Enter the Red Phone Booth and House of Cards—two unique spots where you can have a riveting, booze-free night out and do what we sober peeps do best: create meaningful memories we’ll actually remember!
The Red Phone Booth
The Red Phone Booth in Nashville is a 1920s-themed speakeasy that offers an exclusive and immersive experience. Located at 136 Rosa L. Parks Blvd, this upscale cocktail lounge spans 5,200 square feet and features classic and craft cocktails, a wide selection of cigars, and small plates in an elegantly decorated setting reminiscent of the Prohibition era. Entry to the Red Phone Booth requires a secret phone number, which can be obtained from a member, concierge, or friend. Guests use this number to dial into a restored London antique red phone booth to gain access to the speakeasy, enhancing the sense of mystery and exclusivity. Trying to look up the Red Phone Booth secret code will lead you to disappointment, but you can dig and discover online how to find this elusive code. But that’s all I can say, and I won’t tell you anything more, lest I be tracked down by the Red Phone Booth executives (and promptly captured and rolled in tar and feathers).
The lounge boasts a refined atmosphere with finely tuned decor, including leather sofas and a cigar-smoking area with refreshed air. The bar serves three unique mocktails, affectionately described as “Sweet,” “Salty,” and Savory.” Whichever elixir adventure pathway you choose, all three mocktails are made with freshly squeezed juices and hand-chipped double-reverse osmosis ice, ensuring a premium and sober drinking experience.
If you’re local, The Red Phone Booth also offers different membership tiers, each providing various perks, such as priority entry, sofa reservations, and exclusive pricing on cigars. Overall, the Red Phone Booth in Nashville combines the charm of a classic speakeasy with modern amenities and an upscale atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot for locals and visitors looking for a unique and sophisticated night out.
House of Cards
The House of Cards in Nashville is an exclusive and unique dining and entertainment experience located beneath the Johnny Cash Museum. This 10,000-square-foot venue offers a blend of gourmet dining, classic American cuisine, and fine handcrafted cocktails, all set in a magical environment filled with art, European antiques, and magic-related artifacts. Guests enter the House of Cards through a secret tunnel, which adds to the venue’s mystique. Once inside, you’re transported to a dark, vintage, yet glamorous restaurant surrounded by fascinating rare relics of yesteryear. The restaurant also boasts one of the world’s finest collections of playing cards dating back to 1490 and a handcuff device created and used by Harry Houdini.
There is a Haunted Mansion-esque seance room so perfectly appointed that I was almost inspired to buy a crystal ball on the way home. Behind a ghostly-yet-spirited invisible piano player (who takes requests) lurks a hidden door. Once you’ve made your way through the elusive passageway, an unexpected and enchanting waterfall greets you on the secluded garden patio.
Live magic is central to the experience, with top magicians performing mind-boggling illusions throughout the venue. Complimentary tickets to magic performances in the Carter the Great showroom are included with the purchase of an entrée. The restaurant offers a variety of dining options, including brunch on Sundays (open to all ages) and dinner service from Monday to Sunday. The venue also provides validated self-parking at the nearby Premier Parking Pinnacle Garage.
Sober Curator Pro Tip: House of Cards enforces a formal dress code and a strict no-photography policy to maintain the exclusive atmosphere. Reservations are highly encouraged, although walk-ins are welcome based on availability and adherence to the dress code. Read the dress code, people! They will absolutely (but kindly) turn you away if you saunter down there in your workout gear and sneakers.
So, there you have it! For those looking for an exciting, booze-free night out in Nashville, the Red Phone Booth and House of Cards provide thrilling, unforgettable experiences. Embrace the adventure, be present, and create memories that will last a lifetime. You’ve got this!
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