Nashville’s Speakeasy Secrets: Murder and True Crime Bar Crawl

If you’re looking for a different way to experience Nashville beyond its legendary live music and honky-tonks, this Speakeasy Secrets: Murder and True Crime Bar Crawl offers a compelling alternative. Instead of the usual rowdy bars, you’ll step into the shadowy world of Prohibition-era hidden venues, uncovering stories of gangsters, scandals, and deadly affairs that lurked beneath Nashville’s surface.

What we love about this tour is how it combines history, mystery, and local spirits in a way that feels intimate and intriguing. You’ll get expert storytelling from guides who know Nashville’s dark past inside out, and you’ll visit some of the city’s most exclusive and tucked-away bars—places you’d probably walk right past without knowing they existed. Plus, the chance to sample some truly well-loved local drinks adds to the whole experience.

But a word of caution: this isn’t a tour for those expecting a flashy, high-end night out every stop. It’s more about the stories and the atmosphere—so if you’re hoping for a fancy cocktail menu or a modern bar scene, you might find it a bit more rugged and historic than your usual. Still, if you’re interested in true crime, hidden Nashville, or simply want a different kind of adventure, this tour could be perfect.

This experience feels best suited for history buffs, crime enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Nashville’s secret side. It also works well if you enjoy storytelling, exploring off-the-beaten-path spots, or just want a memorable night with a bit of a thrill.

Key Points

• Unique focus: Combines Prohibition-era stories with visits to hidden speakeasies.
• Expert guides: Well-versed in Nashville’s dark past, making stories engaging.
• Convenient: Check off multiple bars in just two hours without the hassle of planning.
• Authentic experience: Access to exclusive venues you wouldn’t find alone.
• Cost-effective: For $49.95, you get a guided tour with fascinating tales, though drinks are extra.
• Weather considerations: Operates rain or shine, so dress appropriately.

A Deep Dive into Nashville’s Hidden Nightlife

If you’re eager to explore Nashville beyond the usual tourist spots, this bar crawl offers a peek into the city’s clandestine past. The tour lasts about two hours and covers three historic speakeasies, each with its own story and ambiance. It’s a chance to understand how Nashville’s dark corners thrived during Prohibition and how those stories still echo in the present day.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Nashville Barrel Company Downtown Whiskey Distillery
This is a fantastic way to start. You get VIP access to a whiskey distillery where you can actually pick your own bourbon from a selection. It’s a hands-on experience that whiskey lovers tend to really enjoy. The atmosphere here is lively but laid-back, making it a great intro to Nashville’s boozy heritage. Plus, the tasting experience—though not included in the price—is often a highlight, with many reviewers mentioning how much they appreciated the intimate, behind-the-scenes peek.

Stop 2: The Ariston
Next, you’ll step into what feels like a private lounge, situated on a second story, sponsored by Byron Cigars. This is where the tour gets personal—your guide might stock the room with cigars, beers, wines, or specialty cocktails, depending on your group. The bonus here is the VIP feel, which makes it a fun, exclusive part of the night. Several reviews have raved about their guides, with one saying, “Our tour guide was Matt a.k.a. Afterlife Outlaw. He was knowledgeable and engaging.” That blend of storytelling and relaxed atmosphere really comes through here.

Additional notes: Drinks are purchased separately at each venue, so budget accordingly. The tour emphasizes history and storytelling over drink sampling, but the bars selected are known for their quality and character.

The Stories That Make It Special

One of the biggest draws of this tour is its dark, true-crime stories. The guides are aficionados of Prohibition history, and they’ll share tales of gangsters, deadly affairs, and notorious figures that once haunted Nashville’s underground. These stories aren’t just fun—they add a layer of intrigue and context to each location you visit.

Several guests have praised guides for their storytelling skills, with comments like “our guide was amazing” and “he took us to places we wouldn’t have known where to go.” Some reviews highlight that the stories are engaging and unexpected, making the experience much more than just a bar crawl.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Duration: Just about 2 hours—ideal if you’re tight on time but still want a memorable experience.
Cost: $49.95 per person, which covers exclusive access to three bars and the storytelling. Remember, drinks cost extra, so budget for that.
Group size: Usually up to 100 travelers, so it’s lively but not overwhelming.
Meeting point: Starts at Printers Alley, a historic part of Nashville known for its nightlife and hidden gems.
Dress code: Business casual. No athletic gear or cargo shorts. Men should wear a collared shirt and closed-toe shoes. Guides reserve the right to turn away anyone not dressed appropriately—so dress up a little for the best experience.
Weather: Rain or shine, so dress accordingly. If the weather is severe, the tour might be postponed or rescheduled.

Age restrictions: Must be 21+ with ID, as alcohol is involved. No exceptions.
Cancellation: Fully refundable if canceled 24 hours in advance—useful if bad weather or other issues arise.

What People Are Saying — The Honest Feedback

With an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 138 reviews, most travelers seem happy with their experience. Many highlight knowledgeable guides and the unique, hidden venues. Guests appreciated learning about Nashville’s darker side and enjoyed the stories as much as the bars themselves.

One reviewer mentioned, “Our guide was very engaging and took us into places we wouldn’t have known where to go,” which seems to be a common theme. Others loved the storytelling, with comments like “He included everyone and made this tour top-notch.”

However, not all feedback is glowing. A few people pointed out that some of the venues are modern bars that are inspired by the Prohibition era rather than original speakeasies—so if you’re expecting untouched 1920s spots, that’s good to keep in mind. One reviewer noted, “This is a tour of current bars that have turned a storage closet into a side bar,” suggesting the experience is more about ambiance and theme than vintage authenticity.

A key tip: pay attention to the dress code and arrive on time, as being underdressed or late can affect your experience—no refunds are offered for dress code violations or late arrivals.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This tour is especially well-suited for those interested in history, crime stories, and secret venues. It’s a good pick if you’re looking for an activity that’s more about storytelling and atmosphere than just drinking. It’s also ideal for adults who don’t mind a bit of smoky ambiance—some venues might be cigar-friendly and smoky, as mentioned in reviews.

If you’re traveling with friends who love a good story, or if you’re a true crime enthusiast curious about Nashville’s darker past, you’ll find this experience quite enjoyable. But if you prefer a high-end cocktail experience or want more modern venues, this might not be your best fit.

Final Thoughts

For a two-hour journey into Nashville’s clandestine past, this speakeasy bar crawl offers a mix of history, mystery, and local spirits that’s hard to beat. With knowledgeable guides who weave captivating stories, you’ll visit some of the city’s most hidden spots—places you’d likely never discover on your own.

While the focus isn’t on fancy drinks or luxury bars, the experience delivers something richer: a glimpse into the secrets and stories that shaped Nashville’s underground scene. It’s a fun, memorable way to spend an evening, especially if you’re interested in true crime, Prohibition, or just discovering the city’s lesser-known corners.

If you’re up for a dark and intriguing adventure with a friendly guide leading the way, this tour is definitely worth considering. Just remember to dress smart, bring cash for drinks, and keep an open mind for some haunting tales from Nashville’s shadowy past.

FAQ

Is alcohol included in the tour price? No, drinks are purchased separately at each speakeasy. The ticket price covers access and storytelling.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad? Yes, full refunds are available if canceled more than 24 hours in advance, and the tour is operated rain or shine unless severe weather cancels it.

What should I wear? Business casual is required. No athletic gear or cargo shorts. Men should wear a collared shirt with closed-toe shoes.

Is this tour suitable for children? No, the tour is for guests 21 and over with valid ID, due to alcohol consumption.

How long does the tour last? About 2 hours, which makes it a perfect quick but immersive experience.

Where does the tour start? At 209 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37201—an area known for its nightlife and secret spots.

Are tips expected? Tips are encouraged but not required. If you feel your guide did a great job, a gratuity is appreciated.

What about the dress code enforcement? The guide reserves the right to turn away anyone not dressed appropriately without a refund, so dress smart.

Can I book the VIP upgrade? Yes, at checkout, you can opt for VIP access, which includes an escort to a secret location and a password for entry.

This tour offers a fascinating peek into Nashville’s hidden side, perfect for those who enjoy a good story and a little adventure. Whether you’re a history buff, a crime junkie, or just looking for something different, it’s a memorable way to spend a couple of hours in Music City.