Skull's Rainbow Room

Beneath Nashville's historic Printer's Alley, Skull's Rainbow Room emerges as the city's most captivating cocktail destination, where David "Skull" Schulman's legendary 1948 vision continues to enchant discerning drinkers with theatrical mixology and jazz-soaked sophistication.

Founded by the charismatic "Mayor of Printer's Alley," Skull's Rainbow Room occupies the basement of the National Register-listed Southern Turf Building, its nearly two-foot-thick stone walls creating an intimate sanctuary that has welcomed music legends from Elvis Presley to Johnny Cash. After careful restoration honoring its architectural heritage, today's incarnation maintains Schulman's original spirit while elevating the experience through award-winning craft cocktails recognized by Condé Nast and OpenTable. The venue's storied past, complete with rumored hauntings and musical folklore, adds mystique to every visit.

The cocktail program at Skull's Rainbow Room positions itself as Nashville's premier craft cocktail bar, featuring masterfully executed signatures that blend classic technique with innovative flair. The Black Diamond showcases premium whiskey enhanced with fresh citrus and artisanal bitters, finished with activated charcoal for dramatic visual impact and smoky depth. Skull's Hurricane transports guests to New Orleans through its artful fusion of premium rum, passionfruit, and bright lemon, while the playful Velvet Elvis reimagines the whiskey sour with peanut butter whiskey and banana—a bold tribute to the King's legacy. Each cocktail reflects the bar's commitment to quality ingredients and precise mixology, establishing its reputation among Nashville's luxury cocktail lounges.

The experience unfolds within vintage glamour enhanced by checkerboard staging, period-appropriate décor, and walls adorned with musical memorabilia celebrating Nashville's golden entertainment era. Nightly live jazz performances create an immersive soundtrack, while late-night burlesque shows Thursday through Sunday add theatrical sophistication. The casual fine dining service extends from 5pm to 11pm, with the bar remaining open until 2am daily. Guests enjoy attentive table service from knowledgeable staff well-versed in both cocktail craft and venue history, creating seamless integration of dining, drinking, and entertainment.

For Nashville's most authentic speakeasy experience, Skull's Rainbow Room reservations are essential, particularly for weekend burlesque performances. This basement sanctuary offers luxury travelers an unparalleled journey through Music City's storied nightlife heritage, where every cocktail tells a story and every evening promises theatrical sophistication worthy of its legendary founder.