Just over a year after opening as a private members only club on Music Row, The Late Great has opened its doors to the public on a limited basis.
The tucked away Music City jewel box is known only to those in the know and functions as a private lounge complete with an unmarked entry and liquor lockers. The bar serves up a slate of signature cocktails named in honor of country’s biggest stars, with ingredients curated to convey the mood of the songs they are named for. Artwork and artifacts pay homage to present day and late greats, including photos of Townes Van Zandt, whose critically acclaimed 1972 album, The Late Great Townes Van Zandt, is the inspiration for the place’s name. Folk art paintings, Carter and Cash family photos including the last photograph ever taken of Johnny Cash, and artifacts including books, records, and journals offer up an eclectic yet cozy feel.
Designed by Hannah Crowell (Johnny Cash’s granddaughter and daughter of Rosanne Cash and Rodney Crowell), the space is a monument to country music royalty while serving as a hangout for today’s top musicians to relax, socialize, and jam. With its Meyer sound system designed to Led Zeppelin level specifications and a variety of musical instruments located throughout on standby for any artist who might show up and feel like starting a spontaneous jam session, The Late Great has been the host to many artist after parties. Now, while still maintaining a private environment for its members, the space is opening its doors just a crack and offering limited reservations to non-members.
Reservations are available for up to 4 people and include a sampler from The Late Great’s signature cocktail menu, comprised of four cocktail tastings per person, alongside some light bites. The cocktail tasting will include pours of Coal Miner’s Daughter, Time of the Preacher, Tiger by the Tail, and Dealer’s Choice.
The Late Great is located through an unmarked door at the intersection of Division and 17th Avenue at Virgin Hotels Nashville. Limited non-member reservations are open to the public here and are only available on Wednesdays and Thursdays for $82 per person. (virginhotels.com/nashville/the-late-great/)