This swanky Germantown cocktail lounge combines classic Japanese-style cocktail and ice culture with homegrown Southern hospitality.
A swanky cocktail den offering inventive drinks alongside fresh seafood, Le Loup brings a new type of cocktail bar experience to Nashville. The bar opened its doors in East Germantown in 2022, and offers over 50 cocktails that are divided into four sections: Originals, Classics, Forgotten Classics, and Tributes. The ice might be the real star of the show, bringing the Music City a truly modern program that is not often found in the region.
The moody space features plenty of wood and plush leather, and is inspired by its name, which translates to “wolf”. Located up the stairs from sister spot The Optimist, Le Loup is best described as a cozy craft cocktail lounge that combines classic Japanese-style cocktail and ice culture with homegrown Southern hospitality.
Beverage Director Clarke Anderson tells us…
Please describe Le Loup as if you’re explaining the experience of walking through the doors and ordering your first drink.
Opened by restaurateur Ford Fry in early 2022, Le Loup aims to bring an extraordinary cocktail bar experience to Nashville. Tucked along a quiet street in the East Germantown neighborhood, Le Loup has quickly changed the face of drinks culture in Music City. The cocktail bar’s beautiful, moody interiors are inspired by its name which translates from French to ‘the wolf’.
How would you describe Le Loup in a three-word text to a friend that you’re trying to convince to join you?
Swanky cocktail den
Other than Le Loup, what else is happening in the neighborhood that you’re in?
Our sister concept, honky tonk-style snack bar Star Rover Sound, is actually debuting a steak dinner pop-up menu this month – beginning January 19. Every Friday and Saturday, enjoy a prix-fixe menu complete with your choice of steak, milk rolls, house salad, bottomless fries + onion rings and of course, dessert. Definitely something to check out for a fun weekend night!
In general, there is so much growth in Germantown – from new apartment communities to corporate offices and restaurant openings. Right now, there’s almost always something new to check out – you’ll never be bored!
Aside from Happy Hour, when is the best time to get to the bar?
You can’t go wrong – before dinner, after dinner, late night. The best time to go is when you’re wanting a strong cocktail in a swanky, moody spot.
Describe the average drinkers that you serve?
Our location caters to all kinds of Nashvillians. We’re in between neighborhoods, so you get guests that love a classic cocktail and those looking to try something new. It keeps it interesting!
Please tell us more about your drinks menu.
Our meticulously curated menu combines classic Japanese-style cocktail and ice culture with homegrown Southern hospitality. Offering 50 cocktails, the menu is divided into four sections: Originals, Classics, Forgotten Classics, and Tributes. Custom-built wells behind the bar – inspired by a pilot’s cockpit & designed for optimized, streamlined execution – ensure every bartender has everything they need at arm’s reach – a true performance & craft at the cross section of Japanese-style bartending and southern hospitality. Finally, Le Loup’s ice program is unlike anything else in the region, with a focus on proper temperature and exceptional execution via hand carving, house-frozen ice blocks, shaved granitas, and in-vessel specialty flavored ice – depending on what best suits each drink.
What’s your signature drink–or your favorite drink currently on the menu–and why should I order it?
While I will always be a sucker for a classic Martinez or a Scotch Highball, my favorite drink on the Le Loup menu will always be from the ‘Tribute’ Section. The Chartreuse Tonic is such a special highlight. It’s from Decatur’s Kimball House. Its flavor profile comforts and inspires me every time.
How much do drinks cost?
Cocktails range from $12 – $19. Zero proof ranges from $7 – $9.
Is there anything to eat? If so – what’s your favorite dish on the menu?
Oh yes! Instead of typical bar fare, we offer light seafood and snacks like oysters, crudo, beef tartare, fish dip, and crab claws. You won’t leave feeling weighed down!
What are the distinguishing features of Le Loup?
Le Loup is the hidden gem up the unassuming staircase from sister spot The Optimist’s dining room. The cozy, tucked-away upstairs bar invites guests to sink into plush leather and revel in the vintage-inspired, craft cocktail lounge, where a menu of sea creatures and spirits awaits.
What’s that music we hear playing on the Le Loup stereo?
For the music, we like to describe it in this way – “The evening begins with mood-setting jazz from the late-50’s through the mid-00’s – the golden era of the genre when bee bop took a backseat to soulful improvisation, the age of Miles Davis in Paris. As the night evolves, so does the music: jazz turns to funk and old school hip hop. The later hours invite sounds with more texture and richer tones.” From my point of view the music always seems a bit cinematic, and the views around the restaurant seem to match that feel. There are definitely very technical elements to what is coming across the bar, but also very raw and primal emotions conveyed.
Are there alcohol-free cocktails?
Yes
Hours:
Sunday: Closed
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 5–10 PM
Friday: 5–11 PM
Saturday: 5 PM–12 AM
Reservations:
Walk-ins only.
Website:
https://www.leloupnashville.com
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/leloupnash/?hl=en
Address:
1400 Adams St, Nashville, TN 37208
