A Nashville cocktail bar known for balancing serious drinks with a welcoming atmosphere has landed on USA TODAY’s Bars of the Year 2026 list.
The Fox Bar and Cocktail Club earned national recognition for creating a space that feels like a longtime neighborhood haunt, even though it has been open for less than a decade.
The annual list highlights standout bars across the country, from dives to high-end cocktail spots, all selected by USA TODAY Network food journalists.
At The Fox, you'll find ambition in the glass, but a down-to-earth feel.
"We've always wanted to be a place where people felt like they could come back and kind of call it their own," said Andrew Cook, co-founder and co-owner.
That sense of ownership is intentional. While cocktail bars
can sometimes feel intimidating, The Fox leans in the opposite direction.
Why The Fox Bar is among the best
The Fox was selected for its elegant but fun cocktail menu, but its design helps lift it into the upper echelon of American bars. It pairs a speakeasy-style entrance with a low-lit, intimate interior defined by dark walls, marble and velvet accents for a moody, sophisticated vibe.
Meanwhile, the menu design and even the build of some of the drinks help lend an element of whimsy, buffering against any sense of pretension.
Cocktails draw inspiration from Mediterranean drinking culture, Japanese spirits and pop culture and come together in a way that invites curiosity, not exclusivity.
"What's serious is in the cup," former beverage director Brandon Archilla said. "We take ourselves seriously, so you don't have to."
Find out more about The Fox Bar and Cocktail Club and how the list came together.
Details: 2905B Gallatin Pike, thefoxnashville.com
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: USA TODAY named Bars of the Year. This Nashville spot made the list
