Nick B.
Yelp
I recently moved to North Nashville/Metrocenter from the small suburb of Goodlettsville and was looking for a new go-to bar to meet friends on the weekend and enjoy a beer or cocktail. When I searched bars in the area, Minerva was the first to show up, so I decided to give it a shot on a Friday night, alone, just to see if I liked it.
I really had no idea what to expect. So the first time I went, I was a bit caught off guard. This place is arguably the most unique bar in Nashville. It's gated, and then there's a huge door with a peephole. You have to knock to get in. That definitely wasn't what I was expecting. So I figured they were a speakeasy, which they are. So interesting touch.
The doorman let me in and escorted me to my preferred seat, so I chose to sit at the bar. I was escorted from an outdoor sitting area to the inside. Both areas were quite crowded, but it was a Friday night after all. The music was old school, late '90s R&B and hip hop. A 1920s style speakeasy with 1990s style music. VERY interesting. Very unique.
I was given what looked like a video cassette tape case. With a menu on it! They had lots of uniquely named craft cocktails, mostly from pop culture references. They also had your basic beer and wine list, plus bar food like flavored popcorn. I ordered the Minerva Mule. I'm usually not a vodka drinker, but this is one delicious mule. I'm not sure what's in it that makes it so good, but I think it must be the ginger ale they use because it had a strong yet mellow ginger flavor. Maybe they make the ginger ale in house?
On the bar, I also spotted a small case of cigars! I'm always excited to find a cigar bar. You don't find those often in Nashville anymore. Granted, you have to smoke them in the outdoor porch area, but I'm more than happy to do that.
Bar staff is super friendly and helpful and want to be sure you feel at home. If you're sitting at a table, they check on you every 5-10 minutes. If you're at the bar, the bartenders take care of you as soon as you make eye contact.
So in short, this has quickly and easily become my go-to bar in North Nashville. I've even started a monthly happy hour for my church's men's ministry here. I also learned that Minerva Ave. is owned by the same people who own Slim & Husky's pizza across the street. No wonder it's such a cool, creative, and high quality place!
My only complaint is that they're closed on Mondays.