Chopper

"Don't expect the usual tiki environment at Chopper—they have a robot-themed aesthetic and a passion for fandoms (Star Wars characters make appearances in the barware). Their “lab tested” concoctions—yes, the bar has its own lore—feature their takes on classics like mai tais and rum runners, but they also have a more creative rotating seasonal menu. Our advice? If you see anything with coffee in it, order it, because they always do interesting fruity/malty combos. And if that Robo Zombie drink takes you to the moon, get your feet back on the ground with some tacos from the Maiz de La Vida food truck that's usually out front. " - bailey freeman, ann walczak

"Don't expect the usual tiki environment at Chopper—they have a robot-themed aesthetic and a passion for fandoms (Star Wars characters make appearances in the barware). Their “lab tested” concoctions—yes, the bar has its own lore—feature their takes on classics like mai tais and rum runners, but they also have a more creative rotating seasonal menu. Our advice? If you see anything with coffee in it, order it, because they always do interesting fruity/malty combos. And if that “Robo Zombie” drink takes you to the moon, get your feet back on the ground with some tacos from the food truck that's usually out front. " - Bailey Freeman

"If you’re looking for tiki bar vibes on the East side, look no further than Chopper — a hush-hush tropical hideout brimming with futuristic robot technology. Thirsty non-robot visitors can find frozen drinks like painkillers, daiquiris, and piña coladas all on offer in fun glassware with crazy straws for sipping. The Maiz de la Vida food truck is parked permanently outside so you can sop up those frozen drinks with tacos using nixtamalized corn tortillas." - Clara Wang, Jackie Gutierrez-Jones, Eater Staff

"If tropical drinks and vibes with a touch of sci-fi feel tremendously on brand for the festivities, East Nashville’s robot-riddled tiki bar fits the bill. Enjoy rum and tequila cocktails served with flair while eating some of the city’s best Mexican fare from the on-site food truck, Maiz de la Vida. Then head to Broadway to dance it all off while keeping fingers crossed for that country star sighting." - Kellie Walton, Delia Jo Ramsey

"Step out of East Nashville and into another world at this neon-drenched fever dream in the heart of the city’s tiki bar triangle. Blade Runner-esque lighting, tropical foliage, and a giant robot suspended from the ceiling greet you as you walk in. The rough storyline that Bryce McCloud, Mike Wolf, and Andy Mumma cooked up involves a secretive, high-tech place called Island X in the South Seas. If that all sounds a bit silly, rest assured that everyone here is in on the joke. What’s serious is the ever-evolving drink menu, which features smart, not-too-sweet spins on tiki classics featuring freshly squeezed juices, house-made syrups, and unusual infusions. Think: a white daiquiri riff with caramelized shallot Cachaca or a clarified “Miami Vice” with oolong-infused Demerara rum. Singapore Slings, Mai Tais, and a lethal spin rendition of a rum punch—limit one per customer—are permanent fixtures. Best of all, the circular bar is great for people-watching just about any night of the week. And while Chopper may not have a kitchen, it does have superb birria tacos courtesy of Maíz de la Vida, the James Beard Semifinalist truck perpetually parked outside. Know Before You Go Look for Maíz de la Vida’s truck outside of Chopper Tuesday through Sunday. The truck is slinging tacos all afternoon and evening on weekends, or during the evenings on weekdays." - rachelrummel, Diana Hubbell