"Bourbon is the name of the game at Barrel Proof, which touts more than 300 options on the list (including those tough to get a hold of bottles). But other classic cocktails also don the menu, as do hearty sandwiches like burgers, smoked turkey, BLTs, and hot dogs. Borrowing the concept from New Orleans, the Nashville outpost opened its doors in fall 2023 and rose to fast local fame, thanks in part to the generous daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m." - Kellie Walton
"Sampling your way through a variety of whiskey or bourbon is the obvious choice at a place called Barrel Proof. But the cocktails, like a spritz with Sicilian blanc vermouth and an American-made peach amaro, are equally worth your time. This Germantown bar is one of those all-purpose hangouts where you’ll see couples from out of town trying a new bourbon, or people dropping off their Publix birthday cake for a celebration later. We’ve even come here just to eat a great burger with dijonaise, fried chicken sandwich with carrot and cabbage slaw, or some loaded hot fries with bulgogi brisket, kimchi, and sambal mayo. We could eat a basket of those crispy potatoes every day during Happy Hour like clockwork." - bailey freeman, ann walczak
"THE DEAL: $7 Daiquiris, Margaritas, Old Fashioneds; $2.50 french fries Barrel Proof is a Germantown bar where you can listen to classic hip hop, chat with the bartender about Harry Potter, and admire the taxidermied kudu head mounted to a wood-paneled wall. In other words, this place screams specificity. During Happy Hour, neighbors with their dogs enjoy $7 frozen mini-margaritas served in delightful little coupe glasses and complimentary bowls of water (for the goodest boys). Always order the french fries. They’re only $2.50 during Happy Hour and make a great snack while you sip Barrel Proof’s “OGD” Old Fashioned." - adam sloan
"Perched on the rooftop of the W Hotel in the Gulch, Proof is an indoor-outdoor bar that offers 270-degree views of the city. Inside is an upscale, clubby scene with tufted leather banquettes and seats, art installations, and a long-stretch bar serving cocktails like the Proof Water (cucumber-infused tequila, jalapeño, and lime) and bites to go along with them. But you can also opt to take your food and drink outdoors and soak up the frenetic city scene." - Kellie Walton
"Sampling your way through a variety of whiskey or bourbon is the obvious choice at a place called Barrel Proof. But the cocktails, like a spritz with Sicilian blanc vermouth and an American-made peach amaro, are equally worth your time. This Germantown bar is one of those all-purpose hangouts where you’ll see couples from out of town trying a new bourbon, or people dropping off their Publix birthday cake for a celebration later. We’ve even come here just to eat a great burger with dijonaise, fried chicken sandwich with carrot and cabbage slaw, or some loaded hot fries with bulgogi brisket, kimchi, and sambal mayo. We could eat a basket of those crispy potatoes every day during Happy Hour like clockwork." - Ann Walczak