Canvas

For context I enjoy traveling quite a bit and have been to a lot of gay bars while doing it. I have got to say that canvas is a bar that a lot of other bars are pretending to be. Everyone is friendly, the bartenders are fast, the music is going but not so much that you can't carry a conversation. I loved the illumination event. Good vibes for a 5 dollar cover charge. I'd also like to address some of the "bad" things that people are saying in other reviews. First the bartenders are not serving their friends faster, the concept of a line doesn't exist in that place and you have 4 bartenders running back and forth. They are not memorizing your place in line. Get over yourself. Second the woman at the front desk isn't a bad person. I think she's just a little high strung and that can be easily misunderstood. She's just doing her job and making sure she does ID checks and yes that includes her potentially stepping away, coming back and realizing she didn't card you. Would definitely come back when im in the area.

I need to share the experience I had at the show last night, May 25th. The DJ was extremely rude or possibly under the influence. She took the microphone from the host and started lecturing us about needing to give money to the performer. To my understanding, tipping performers is at our discretion. Such behavior shouldn't be tolerated. I would reconsider attending the show if she's going to be there again. Moreover, during one performer's act, the DJ, possibly intoxicated, cut the music off. When questioned, she just shrugged and continued being rude until someone finally took the microphone from her. It was really disappointing and unprofessional. Please make some changes, as I pay a cover to enjoy the show and have fun, not to be lectured by a disrespectful DJ.

I use to go to the other location every time I came in town . Went to the new location for my first time and it’s awful. First walking in the girl checking ID wasn’t there bc she was taking shots and then upset we didn’t wait for her and walked passed the entrance to the bar . Then I was recorded and pictures taken of me without permission and followed into the bathroom with video being taken of me there too. While hanging out and buying drinks for people I met ,there was a female who came up and started taking , all was good until I realized she and another man where hustling people and trying to pick pocket . This guy was also going around taking peoples drinks and drinking them when they weren’t looking . I brought his up to the very tall bartender who didn’t care at all. If you go here watch your back, your purse , your wallet and don’t let your guard down. I now need to call my back and dispute charges b/c I have over $400 and 6 different charges on my card . I opened a tab and should not have so many charges and for sure I did not spend $400 . It’s a sad day when you can’t feel safe when you’re trying to go out and relax from the already increasing pressure of the world.

Cute places nice atmosphere but I wasn’t lucky on my bartender I ask for he’s best drink and I was just water and vodka Over prices honestly but beautiful places

The karaoke DJ is not very courteous. They’re supposed to be there to make the experience enjoyable and fun for the crowd. That was not the case with this guy. If you notice, the owner doesn’t respond to any of the reviews. Clearly doesn’t care if you have a poor experience. It’s only money lost when people don’t return.

Canvas supports abusive people! Canvas used to be one of my favorite places in Nashville. Then I was harassed at Canvas by a person who abused me a few months prior. I contacted the owner about it and they never responded. The owner and baby bartender genuinely do not care that this person is a disgrace to humanity, and they are surely a regular at Canvas now.

Food: Very very tasty food; you can really tell that they have a chef working in the back who has prepared the menu. It comes out quickly and hot n fresh. I typically get chicken tenders or the burger. I'm not a fan of French fries myself but my friends are HUGE fans of the truffle fries with aioli for some reason so we can assume they are fantastic. Drinks: They have a large selection of alcohols: Wine, beer, spirits, mixers, seltzer, Jello shots etc. They don't seem to carry Tito's vodka which is obviously a gay fave but they have a solid replacement with Deep Eddy's vodka so I'll forgive them for it. They also carry Yuengling which is not the norm for a gay bar so I love you for that one. Service: During the busiest times can be a bit daunting to try and get a drink if you're a bit shy like myself due to them not having an apparent starting point for a line. However, if you stand in a visible spot and inch your way up and make eye contact, you should be able to get one within 3 - 10 minutes (times may be decreased depending on attraction levels). The bartenders are usually quite friendly and helpful. Atmosphere: I really like that they got rid of a lot of the center tables and opened up the floor to make it seem a little more club-like instead of restaurant-like. People here tend to group up into Cliques but are usually laughing together and don't seem too judgmental so if you feel extra confident feel free to go talk with them! They have an outside patio with heaters for the winter and this is probably my favorite place to stay. Activities: This place has a lot of activities on their calendar that flashes on the screen at the bar! I'm not sure if their website matches up but I do like that they have a game night sometimes (even though I haven't been XD). This place also has Karaoke on some nights and has a Eagle night every once in a while that seems to be highly popular with the local crowd.

I visited Nashville for the weekend and wanted to check out some queer spaces! The music was good. Our bartender Jeff was personable, quick and made great drinks. I will definitely stop back in next time I visit!

Canvas has a very laid-back and diverse vibe. I recently visited for the first time since they relocated and the new venue is far superior. I recommend, just don't lose your wallet!

Fun bar with fun dance music and a lively yet laid back crowd, indoor seating and outdoor seating, kitchen closes at 10. Vensive pours and takes care of the crowd quickly. Jackson is friendly too! The crowd is diverse and kind to all!

Thank you for hosting Hot Mess Classic end of weekend party. Great bar staff. The guy that helped me was fast and efficient. The door person could use some additional training. When a patron asks for a first aid kit, the response should not be "go ask the bar staff". Hello it was packed. A better response might have been to ask if I was okay and offer to go get the first aid kit. The drag queens performing were incredible. I liked the patio space and comfy furniture. Clean restrooms too.

Went for Monday night Girl Crush trivia! Service was friendly given they were overwhelmed with a new event and crowd. Everyone smiled and did their best. My burger was tasty! Quality place and at a comfortable price range.

I had my doubts when I arrived, most patrons were very standoffish, and not the most friendly; however, Jackson is the only reason I stayed to give this place a shot. He is the only one that made me feel comfortable and was very friendly and accommodating. He also providing recommendations for food and drink. The place is decorated vibrantly with an explosion of color. Its also clean and there is sufficient parking. You can tell that the place has a local following and this probably the reasoning for the cold shoulder of a non-local, however, as someone who travels often, probably not a place I would refer to friends, colleagues or other travelers unless except if in the immediate area for a quick drink and dash.

Good food and drinks. Good service. Nice atmosphere. Usually quiet enough to talk and be heard.

I loved the old "Canvas," but was not a fan of their tiny patio space. Fast forward to the new, upgraded location. Very nice and the staff have kept their friendly attitudes. My husband and I have a dog with separation anxiety, which means he goes where we go. Plus, I like to smoke cigars when I drink. Guess what? Both cigar smokers and dogs are welcome on their patio! Thank you guys for giving us a comfortable place to enjoy with our pup. Ps. If we keep slapping our LGBTQ+ places with shitty 1-star reviews about miniscule gripes, we won't have any more places to go...Perhaps, we can all learn how to speak to others with respect and get our points across without trying to close these people's businesses because "the bartender was mean to me." Just a thought. Peace.

Moved to nashville five years ago when this place was in its first location. It was really cool decor wise and I really liked the bartenders. Fast forward. About 3 years ago a barback named Mack was hired and he had two full blown NAZI SS TATS on his body and was working shirtless. A few of us complained and then Darek the owner circled the wagons. It was staff before customers and the position was that they were tats from Mack's time in the marines and they are misunderstood and everyone needs to BACK THE HELL UP. No. They were nazi tats, go to any textbook and look. The excuses didn't fly with many of us so we stopped going. A few have wandered back in and found themselves BANNED but guess who is still there? Mack and his tats. It's a shame. Don't easte your gay $ here. You will find a much more welcoming less Nazi vibe at Tribe or Play. I tried to reason with the owner and manager about this and they weren't having it. Fun fact- Seth the manager has left and I give it weeks before Nazi tats manage the

I love the new location. It is super nice. They now have servers. The new location is more spacious.

Nice, attractive place. But Bartenders more interested in talking on their phones than looking up to see who's trying to order drinks. Even waving arms to get their attention didn't work.

The truffle fries and nachos were incredible. We ordered the next night somewhere else and they did not compare in the slightest to these. Great service too!!

The burger is very small for 11$ and if you order it make you tell them how you want it cooked. Mine came out raw.

Super friendly and welcoming "upscale dive bar" with some of the best bar food I've had. Mack is awesome and the most gay friendly straight guy. Corey and Joey are hilarious. Everyone there was cool. One more note, the bathroom smelled better than any bar bathroom I've been in. So the one star review dude might have been in another bar.

the best service i've ever had at a bar! NC and Wes are amazing spirits and i love to be in their presence. they make you feel the most comfortable in a bar and give the best energy possible! i highly recommend coming to see them

Canvas redecorates, renovates and revamps to adapt to Post-Covid world. From the excellent menu, designed by chef Seth Thomas to the personalized service, provided by an eager-to-serve handsome and strapping bar staff, Canvas delights the senses with a unique offering of lounge meets dance club, delicious food and experienced bar staff. Fear not, for you are in safe hands here. The staff are all genuine, kind-hearted people who are happy to have conversation and entertain. The decor (recently updated) speaks to the inclusivity and one-of-a-kind spirit of Nashville. Whether you're a visitor or a native, you'll appreciate the fine service and welcoming atmosphere of Canvas. A must visit bar in Nashville, and a safe-haven for the regulars who call it home.

Maybe we had such a great experience at Tribe or maybe it was that we were a mixed couple (Asian & white) or their locals only but our impression of Canvas was less than stellar. We sat & waited for nearly 20 minutes before I walked to ask for a drink but once we got our drinks there was decent follow up. We are tourists so at the end of the day it doesn't matter but we will return to Nashville but not Canvas.

Cool spot. Took a last minute Labor Day weekend trip to Nashville and stayed near here. This wound up being our ground zero, essentially. Great food, awesome staff and good prices in a popular area. Can't really go wrong.

Cool divey gay venue with interesting art. Decently priced drinks and friendly bartender. I was meeting up with someone later on that evening, so I went here first with another friend to have a couple beers. I was the only girl in the bar, which was cool with me. Sometimes it is nice not to have so much estrogen floating around (haha!) Either way, i enjoyed the laid-back vibe. Nice spot and easy parking, right out front on a Monday night.

Joey is the best bartender on the planet. He's so sweet. Love him. This is no offense to the other bartenders. Love the vibes and the staff here. If you don't give a single flying fuck, this is the bar to go to.

This is a dive bar that I frequent regularly. In recent visits, I have seen lots of updates that are very appealing: getting rid of the tall backs of the booths, moving around hanging decorations and artwork. This bar is very fun for all!!! The artwork has always been pop art and I think they could showcase other gay artists from Nashville to switch it up; maybe there's a contract with the artist. The Divine prints are amazing, as are the black light sugar skulls. Lots of LGBTQIA icons depicted. The smoking area is just right, small and intimate, and the bar has a reasonable amount of seating for how many people attend. The owner is super nice and dedicated; everyone else who works there are good guys. Drinks are what to expect from a dive bar. Free condoms. (Stay safe!) Four stars because it's very dimly lit, for that sultry vibe, and crammed with interesting things to look at. (Guess that's good if there's someone you don't want to look at) May be time to cut back the tree and paint a bit though? Be back soon!!!

This place was disgusting. There was too much DNA on the bathroom walls for it to have been recent and overlooked. They just don't care. It was disgusting. Drink at home.

Cory and Cameron are the best bartenders in town! Steve hosts the greatest karaoke! They do a great job of adhering to Covid safety measures.

Okay. First and foremost I love the space. The fireplace, the wall colors, the red curtain picture framed window in the back. BUT. I stopped in on the grand opening. I was excited to hear they were having a vodka special because dirty martini's are my jam! What a disappointment. It was watered down, tasted like there was soda water in it and undrinkable. I liked the bartender too so it hurt to send it back. He made another, which was a little better but not great. I should also note I drink all sorts of vodka, the cheap stuff when I'm broke and the good stuff when I'm celebrating. I've had vodka made from potatoes, grapes, rice, etc. I was willing to let it slide until I heard the bartender say in the back, "If you don't like vodka, don't order it!" (Don't mess with a girl and her martini.) Wow, I'm sorry, it's not the vodka, it was your drink! The snootiness was through the roof. I wanted to raise hell, because yes, I have made drinks before and I understand the importance of putting on a happy face but I didn't. I drank what I could muster and left. I hate writing bad reviews, I do, but I had to. I want this place to succeed so I hope the owner, or bartender, reads this and takes it as constructive criticism. 1. Practice up on the martini, it's a classic. 2. People are going to send back drinks, it happens, but don't be a jerk about it!

Came here tonight with my wonderful wife who'd never been to a bar as such. Everyone was awesome, the food was really good, even though the chef had a full house contend with. The staff, especially Corey were just amazing, a complete credit to the establishment and probably one of the main reasons why the place is a success. We can't thank you enough for such an awesome night. Awesome job to everyone involved, I'd have been so blessed to have staff like you guys back in the uk. Thank you, Brandon

I went hear on a Thursday night to hear a friend play and was really happy with my experience. The sound system, though a bit loud for the mid-sized area, was really clear and audible. The decor is really fun, interesting, and visually pleasing, and there is a scent going through the place that is really, really nice. I couldn't pinpoint what it was, but it was like a higher class Bath & Body Works apple-y potpourri sort of scent. Everyone working and patron-ing was nice and though I didn't have anything to drink, I heard they were cheap.

After years of planning and dreaming, Darek Tanner, one of the people who helped make Tin Roof Nashville a success, has created Canvas Lounge. He has worked diligently on opening his own bar for years, and the wait has definitely paid off. Darek turned the vacant space on Church St, a blank canvas, into a beautiful one. The space is now artsy, edgy, unique, and fun. From the blank canvases that Darek encourages artists to draw their own creations on while visiting to the two old time phone booths against the wall, this place is like no other in Nashville. The bartenders make your drinks with fresh squeezed juice. My greyhound (grapefruit and vodka) was perfect, not too sweet and not too tart. And the food.. WOW. The food is amazing. Darek created the menu as he himself is a talented chef, and succeeded in making it not just another bar menu. Try the spicy, tomato-filled pizzas. I couldn't stop eating slices last night and am still craving more 24 hours later. Be sure to check out Nashville's newest hot spot!

I don't know why no rules in this place! People go to smoke outside and open a huge garage door that don't close well, and when it's 20 degree outside, it's not pleasant. Not mentioning that some people still smoke inside! Drinks were very watery.

Surprisingly not bad, considering the state of the gay community in Nashville. I went for The first time last night with some friends and for the most part really enjoyed myself. The staff was very nice and very professional though some of the other customers there seemed pretty typical of what you would think of a standard gay community, i.e., please don't judge us we are who we are it's not right but they are more than ready and quick to judge you. This is why I don't get along with most others in the gay community and I do not consider myself a part of Gnash was gay community although I am proudly openly gay. I would definitely go back to Canvas

Great place! Only got to meet Seth and Joey, but both were super friendly! Can't wait to go back to visit.

There were about 6 of us that couldn't find a place open to sit down and eat. We stopped at this place and the chef had made us one of everything on the menu. The food was amazing !! Great ending to the night !

Had a wonderful experience here. Being a gay bar does not exclude anyone else who's a friendly patron, the service is amicable. I felt very comfortable in this small bar and the dance floor is the perfect size for a lowkey evening. I love it here and will return. And the 80s portraits on the walls are a stellar addition.

Great, friendly neighborhood gay bar. Good drinks and service. Only thing missing is a Pride Flag in front.

This place reminds me of my favorite back home bar, super great atmosphere and drinks are well priced and made. Bartenders were all super friendly and made us feel welcomed to the city. Definitely a one size fits all bar! If you're looking for a good place to happy hour, you won't be sad you went here.

LOVE THEIR HAPPY HOUR! Two for one , yesssss! Everyone was really friendly. We ran into a group ( Under the Chandler ) and they film there often and we had a blast ! Bah ! I can't wait to come back.

I have been to Canvas about five times and I keep going back for several reasons. First, the atmosphere is pretty relaxed and it seems that everyone is accepted. In short, minimal attitude. It also doesn't feel like too much of a meat market. There's a nice mix of ages, but 30+ predominate, which is dandy by me. The drinks are pretty good and a good value. Bartenders are speedy even if they don't always go out of their way to be super friendly. The music is eclectic and one can dance there without getting too self-conscious.

As a tourist I highly recommend coming here. I left my hotel nearly and stopped in here to have a couple drinks before my dinner plans. The staff knew I wasn't local and was extremely friendly. My drinks were poured on the stiff side (which was perfect) and they were very talkative and offered their opinion on what to do while in town. It was a great start to my first day there. If I'm in town again I will stop by again!

Awesome Church street dive that caters to the gay community. Everyone is welcome here. From fun dance nights, to crazy karaoke, this spot has it all. Drinks are cheap and happy hour specials run daily. They have a very loyal regular clientele with a queen and all. Worth checking out. Never a dull moment!

Love this bar!! Everyone is friendly! Very eclectic all the way around! Bartenders are quick and very friendly... did I mention they're hot !!

I love this place. Stopped in whole visiting Nashville. Cute-artistic place. Andrew was amazing!! Would love to have this place in my city... #pride

I love the Jell-O shots, 2 for 1's and the sexy friendly staff! This is a great place to pre-game before a night out on church street and a great place to come back to sober up and eat! Great menu as well!

This is a really chill, intimate lounge right next to Tribe and Play. I like to call it a lounge instead of a bar, because it has a really warm, swanky feel to it. Anytime I go to a new place, I always notice the decor and ambiance first thing, and I was really impressed by how lush and colorful it was at Canvas - very inviting! It was pretty sparse in terms of customers - not so much that it was a drag, but just enough that I could actually have a conversation. I sat at a round booth with my friends, and the bartender was really lovely and enthusiastic (he'd just started). The DJ was decent and took requests, and it looked like there was a little area for dancing in the back, but no one really partook. My only complaint is that the mixed drinks are a little weak!

The bartender was so mean. I turned in a phone I found and he threw it on the back counter and said "I don't care". My friend asked for something strong and fruity and acted clueless and was so rude. For me a bartender creates the mood of the bar. He ruined it immediately for me.

I don't think that a Canvas bartender (Tim,) should approach an out-of-town visitor/patron at another gayborhood bar and say to them the clothing they are wearing makes them look pretentious and caddy. We went to Canvas on Friday night and loved it, except there was no crowd. After this situation, I understand why. Meeting Tim tonight made me understand why Canvas is "JUST" making it. Someone needs to exfoliate this situation...

I went there on a Friday. The place was packed but not so much where we couldn't move around. The drinks are strong. The bar tenders are friendly. Their was an area for dancing. The decor is awesome.

I was there this Monday with a friend who took me there for the first time, I like the place specially because the bar tenders were so friendly and hot too. It makes such a difference! Nice drinks and good atmosphere.

I recently visited Canvas during happy hour. The bartender, Vince, was so friendly and welcoming. We had such a great time talking with him. I loved the decor, esp. the salon chairs and phone booths, but by far my favorite thing about the bar was that there was no tv. I enjoyed all of the interacting the bar patrons were doing because everyone was not staring at music videos on a tv. The bar was also non-smoking, which is a big plus! The food was a little of a disappointment. We ordered chips and salsa, which they were out of, followed by a vegetarian pizza, which came out with bacon all over it. Overall the experience was awesome, and I am looking foward to visiting in the future.

Great friendly feel, even if it's your first time. Bartenders are hot. Drinks are great and not overpriced. Food is excellent (for a bar.)

I was told about this place from a guy I work with, he thought I would like it. I also heard good things about it from others. The atmosphere was nice, but apparently the a/c was out because it was very hot. My biggest complaint was how I was treated differently and I felt uncomfortable immediately upon arrival. .I waited for a drink( a bad drink at that) for at least 20 minutes, well I waited 20 minutes to be acknowledged. I have never had this issue in any other bars around town. My friend and I were not acknowledged yet other white patrons were waited on in a timely fashion. I felt like I was back in a time warp where blacks had to sit at the back of the bus and drink out of different water fountains. The crowd ( not racially diverse) nor the music were user friendly as well. I will stick to friendly bars where I can be acknowledged in a respectful amount of time. Bars like Tribe, Play, Traxx, etc.

I loved this place. It's an awesome lounge nestled on Church Street. I went in on a Friday night and fit right in. You can totally go in with friends and have great drinks and conversation. I loved the music as well. The bartenders were friendly and made us up a special drink. I will be back to see what's going on in Canvas whenever I am on that side of town.

I discovered Canvas Lounge when a buddy of mine did an art installation there. He asked me to set up my sound system so he could have live music during his show. I was immediately impressed with the warm vibe and approachable staff. Everyone working there took the time to say hello and talk to me (I couldn't leave my mixer area). Tribe and Play are a little too pretentious for me and I feel very comfortable with the chill atmosphere at Canvas. The guests were not uptight or too good to meet new people either (one of my biggest gripes about Tribe and Play). I have gone back over and over and meet new folks every time I'm there. Canvas is definately Nashville's friendliest gay bar.