Springwater is the dirtiest of the dirty, the crappiest of the dive bars in town and damn if they aren't proud of it. It's in a tiny broken down building adjacent to Hog Heaven BBQ on the edge of Centennial Park. Every inch of this place screams dilapidated, I couldn't even tell you what the color of the walls and floor are unless you count grimy as a color. The place is divided into three rooms, the first of which has a dart board and a pool table crammed in it with one small table and the bar taking up the rest of the space. The second room houses the tiny stage and 'dance floor' and has a second, smaller bar area, several booths and a long bench. The final room has the rest of the tables and looks like it used to be a patio that they've shoddily closed in, I'm not quite sure what the deal is but sitting in here is basically sitting outside. Actually the entire place serves as thin shelter. If its cold outside, you'll be wearing your jacket the whole time you're here, if it's hot you'll more than likely be sweltering. The P.A here is notoriously crappy, and will provide you with enough crackly snappy noise to distract you from whatever band you're trying to watch. Feel lucky if you can go an entire set without it breaking in and out. Going to see a band here is more of a big inside joke than a legitimate musical experience. Another thing Springwater is notorious for are its patrons casual drug use. You'll probably see and smell things here you wouldn't at many other local venues. If you're a fan of cheap beer, this is the place to drink it. The bands that play here tend to be as dirty as the place itself and so are its regulars, but overall people are friendly and its easy to have a good time here as long as you don't show up with any pretensions. Their bathrooms are disgusting and bring about the fear of disease in me, using them makes you want to douse yourself in Purel so I'd recommend holding it if you can. read more

Pros: This is perhaps the best bar in Nashville if you're looking for the following: (1) random bands that may or may not have potential to become bigger random bands, (2) fun folks who have been drinking since they grew out of breast milk, but not so many that you feel claustrophobic, (3) a good game of 'spot-the-xxx-difference', (4) cheap, but great late-night tacos, and (6) ponies! Cons: There is a small cover charge when there's a band playing, but otherwise this bar has all your dive bar prerequisites, and a little bit extra to make this place the best dive bar in Nashville. read more

Yay! I'm a fan. I love dive bars, I feel at home sitting on their dirty bar stools ordering their cheap ass beer. Happy hour here truly is happy hour for my wallet. $5 pitchers of light beer, yes siree! So, this place isn't just a dive bar, it's more. They once housed taco party, it was a sad day when they left, they even had vegan tacos!!! Now, it's a "pizzeria," I haven't tried the pizza yet but I will. I use quotes because it's a side room where they cook pizza. In addition to the pizza it has live music, a dart area and pool tables. They also have a "patio." I use that loosely, very, very loosely. The juke box is a treat too, for example, they have Reggie Watts on it. Bizarre right? Finally, they share a wall with Hog Heaven!!! Cheap beer and pig, what more could you need? read more

I've just deleted the first five things I tried to write about the Springwater. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is, this place is so incredible that it defies all description. Just go. read more

Definitely a dive bar. I liked it. It's kind of in an interesting spot because of its proximity to the Vanderbilt campus, so there is all this new looking, flashy, brightness all around, and then tucked back behind all that you'll find Springwater. Live music of all kinds. Front bar, back bar, pool tables and darts. Darts are free to play, but pool is going to cost you (something like $1, or less). When I was there on a Sunday night, the place was pretty empty, but there was some music in the back room. Seemed like a decent place. I didn't try the food. I'm sure I'll be back at some point. read more

I love a good dive bar, but this dive rock bar is rough around the edges to say the least. My best friend had a show here a few weekends ago and I had always been curious about this venue. Well, the night I went they were having technical problems and the bar was cash only, which sucked cause I didn't have cash. So being there stone sober wasn't the most fun. The place also kind of smelt like pee. haha. Other than that, it was a pretty good time. Nothing, I'd go to without a reason though. read more

If I didn't absolutely have to go there to play a show, I was pretty much planning on never bothering with this place. Well, I had to play a show there. The guys working there were pretty cool, and the beer prices aren't terrible, but I just couldn't get over the fresh-smoke-over-stale-smoke thing they have going. I know this review is pretty unfair. Some people like dive bars and some don't. I happen to be okay with them, just not this one. read more

Established in 1896, this is a bar worthy of patronizing. Historical in its right, we grabbed a few beers, ate some of Buford's grub, and snapped some pics. read more

Best dive bar in Nashville. Rated many times in Nashville Scene mag. Memories and pics all over the walls going back 30+ years. Ditto for the pool table. Ditto for the regulars. Cheap beer. Great barbecue at Hog Heaven attached to and next door. Juke that has everything from Chick Corea to Hank Williams. Bar that runs through the wall with a small see thru between the main room and music room. TVs in both rooms they'll put on anything you want. Two centerfold bartenders, Angel and Brandi. Two more experienced bartenders, Margaret and Danny, who know everything and everyone ever there. Varied crowd of all ages that amazingly blend together. Everybody respects everybodys right to be there. There's plenty of strange ones but no strangers. read more

I ducked in here last year and was too early for the show but hung out in a very funky room with a very cool group of performers until we had to head out for another commitment. Everyone was so cool AND welcoming, it was on my return trip list fo sho. So, this year, we found ourselves roaming the neighborhood, looking for a white bbq sauce fix, and we decided, why not put the two together!?! We stuck a head in and asked it they were cool with carry out carry ins, and they totally were. We ran next door, grabbed the addictively enslaving turkey sammie from Hog Heaven, and came right back to sit at the bar and enjoy a few adult bevs with said sammie. It was a match made in Nashville heaven. The barkeep was attentive and welcoming, which should maybe be this city's new motto. I didn't notice any smoke until my post-bbq, cigarette-sucking dining companion lit up, happy as a clam, and announced he was home. He was blowing smoke at me, though, for affect, so that was key re: my noticing smoke. Smoking never quite "took" for me personally, but I thoroughly appreciate a little touch of smoker's haven while imbibing. Next year, third time has to be a charm, and I need to catch a band PERFORMING here. Thanks for the great time! P.S. I used the bathroom and was not scarred for life. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of creature comforts, but I was also secretly raised a townie, so I've used the bathroom next to a tractor pulling a hayride wagon. But, compared to that, this was a dream. Its all about perspective, kids. read more

Ahhh, the Bongwater. Pretty much everyone who hangs out here has been 86'd from everywhere else in town, drinking dollar PBR's, shooting stick, and listening to bands which are invariably Awesome or Awful. And that is why it rocks. read more

Hi Springwater. Thank you for letting me play pool on your tables. Thank you for feeding me beers and enabling me. Thank you for not serving shots...I didn't need them anyway. Sorry I took over your jukebox and played obnoxious Polka music. You're Peachy Keen! read more

The Springwater, or the old Supper Club as it is colloquially referred to, is big on character and small on...well, most everything else. The Springwater is one of my favorite West Side haunts, primarily due to its regularly scheduled rock shows that often pull in surprisingly popular acts. They say this was one of the few former 20's era speakeasies that is still open, and the vibe definitely suggests as much. The beer is ultra cheap, though the selection is limited. But who cares? They seem to have a never-ending keg of Labatt's and millions of PBR tallboys, and that's all the fuel you need to get you through a typical smoky, roaring rock show. I have to admit, the sound is not what you might call "good," but the tiny room ensures that you won't have any trouble hearing the acts you're there to see. Parking is always good, and the Springwater has a pool table, a dart board and a handful of arcade games to keep you occupied if you show on one of the rare nights that there is no music to keep you entertained. In the back you'll find the "backstage" area, though it isn't exactly difficult to slip back there for a smoke and some casual conversation. If you're not scared off by casual drug use or creepy old barflies who may or may not expose themselves and ask you to buy them a drink, I say pop in and sample the local flavor. But for God's sake, never EVER use the bathroom. Just trust me. read more

Best bar in Nashville. Some would call it a dive. It's smokey. You don't want to use the bathrooms if you don't have to. The staff is awesome. This is where the real bands of Nashville play. You might get knifed in the parking lot. They have an outdoor patio. read more

If there was a bar that screamed old nashville this would be it, because it is it. No frills, just the people that surround you, cheap beer and good local beer on tap, music, billiards and more. Everything is cheap like a throwback and if you are local you cry because it just tastes like the Nashville you knew from the beginning. The taste never changes. There is no sex appeal. She is a legend and you will remember her for the imprint she makes read more

Oldest bar in Nashville. Loved it! A group of us in town for LSU had a blast!! Stopping in next time in Nashville.

Despite its recent pseudo-trendy status, Springwater is a proper dive bar; this means that it is resplendent with dive-bar type characters, not all of whom are particularly savory. It's possible to go and have a great night, lots of fun, cheap beer (although I'm a little suspicious of the draft beer) but you can get Heinekens and PBRs really cheap too. The music is always interesting, ranging from wacky piano performers to the downright shouty. The bathrooms are also a point of interest; there are probably new species of bacterial cultures growing in there, and that's just the girls'. I've peeked into the boys' bathrooms and ick! I find it funny that most of the clientele wear canvas converse and the bathroom has two inches of liquid on the floor. Still, I have to say that the Springwater has some good points, although it can get really rough there. read more

Springwater is probably in the dictionary as the definition of a dive bar. I personally absolutely hate it, but I can tell why other people may absolutely love it. I do appreciate the cheap pitchers and strong mixed drinks made upon request, but I'm not a big fan of the general grossness. With the eternal cloud of smoke creating ambiance you may have the displeasure of hearing some really bad bands or on occasion the pleasure of hearing some really talented ones. Really Springwater is what you make of it, but be prepared, because it's definitely a dive. read more

Springwater - Def: Dive Bar :) - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

A delightful dive bar. Complete with mildly aggressive bouncer, poorly felted pool table and awkward punk band playing in the back. I'd return at some point. read more

Spring water is everything a dive bar should be: dark, smoky, dingy, smoky, dirty, and loud as hell. Did I mention smoky? This is definitely the type of place you want to go to if you are in the mood to get down 'n dirty with some serious beer drinking and overall rowdiness. The low lighting in this place seems to promote a feeling of anonymity, which usually leads to black out style drinking. Be prepared to have your ears blown off if a band is playing, usually there is one. Overall, I have never had a bad time at Spring Water. Don't forget your CASH, greenbacks and beer only! read more

Hog Heaven next door was not impressive at all and neither was this place. Its a super divey bar. Its also cash only....it's 2018....I don't want to spend $4.00 at the ATM to get a drink. read more

$5 pitchers and Avett Brothers on the jukebox, enough said. Most reviews state that the bathrooms are filthy...they must have cleaned them prior to my arrival, I'm assuming. Nice bartenders, friendly locals. Definitely gave me the feeling of my local dive at home, Bull's Tavern in PA. read more

This is one of the finest shitholes I`ve ever peed in. Seriously, its THAT good. They only serve beer, its steeped in the cheapest tobacco smoke possible, and on any given night the patrons look like the extras from some action movie scene. Its cheap too. They even have a playboy award for 13th best dive back...like from the 1990s. I like to think of myself as a dive bar expert, and this one passes all tests with flying colors. read more

I think this place deserves a solid 4 stars because it is possibly the diveyist dive bar that I've ever dived at. The first time I entered this establishment I made the mistake of wearing my school shirt (Belmont University). I was immediately unsuspectingly surrounded in the arms of an elderly woman who seemed to have started drinking in the late 70s and never stopped. She informed me that she loves my school and expect 'big things' from me because I went there. Let's hope she was actually a fortune teller and she will end up correct. Until then, let me tell you a little more about this bar. Please do not come here thinking it's one of those 'poshy dive bars.' It's not. It is a DIVE BAR. When you enter you will, as Art Q. lovingly refers to as "smoke-over-stale-smoke thing." Yes, that is correct because this is a real dive bar completely with cheap beer prices and an elderly lady who hugs and BYOBs her drinks. I think that last time I came here a pint of Yuengling during happy hour was only about $2. Anyone that drinks Yuengling and travels, knows how hard it is to find in most states. Which makes me think I need to drink a LOT of it next time I go back to Nashville. Another good thing about this dive bar is that the toilets are actually clean. Just make sure you look at the signs (in between the two bathrooms) to figure out which one is the lady's and which one is the men's. It's a good tip to know when you are drunk from drinking too many Yuenglings and can't find the signs. Another tip is that the lady's toilet is pink inside. Remember that, and you will be set. There is a lot more I could say about Springwater. I have had a lot of experiences here that I would classify (and hope to only have) at a dive bar. If you ever have the chance to meet me, then I will be happy to tell you all about them. Until then, go make your own at Springwater. read more

I would give 0 stars if I could! The absolute worst venue ever. Is a over 21 venue only but booked a band that was underage. Band and crew were not made aware of the age requirement. They didn't not let camera guy. Band had to leave after set and couldn't support other bands!! Worst venue ever! read more

Sometimes I start to lose faith in humanity, then fate shines on me and I find a place like Springwater. This is the kind of place that a bar is supposed to be. Instead of campy shit on the walls and trying to create a bar atmosphere from decor, this place is a straight up bar. I walked in and the sweet smell of smoke went into my lungs as I heard some karaoke from the next room. Dollar PBR cans (at least the night I went). I'm done trying to justify why anyone should go there, but please trust me, it's probably the best bar I've found that's not in East Nash. read more

Claiming to be the oldest bar in Tennessee, Springwater is a place you have likely driven by many times, but unless you turn on the road between McDonald's and Centennial Park, you'd never know it was there. The place definitely has an unpleasant odor upon entering and teeny tiny bathrooms, but overall it was a good place to listen to some great live music. Everyone I encountered who works there were very friendly, and there are plenty of seating options amongst a covered patio, a room with the stage for bands and a third room with pool tables. It is the true definition of a dive bar, so if that's what you want, you'll love it. I will most definitely return in the future. read more

Just as normal have a great band. One bartender no place to sit or stand and you can't even see the band. Wish places would prepare for good hroups. They would make way more money and people who never came would come back. But waiting 45 min for a drink them found out cash only suck. read more

and you wanna know why this little diddy has been named one of the best dive bars in America?Not only is it smokey,gross and full of characters,it was also a hide out for Capone,true story! Go down and ask about it!Karaoke is great,can catch a good show from local or touring bands,crappy sound but hey,it's the 'water!Beer so cheap your pocket will have some left over when you leave! read more

Great beer bar dive with a shockingly good sandwich shop out back. Get a beer and let Bruno hook you up with the best Reuben in Nashville.

This place is as smoke filled as it gets. Super cheap pitchers great play to go before vandy games or after work to hang with friends. There are people from every walk of life that come in there. Just keep an open mind when you go in and you will enjoy it. read more

Stumbled across this gem with my Dad - we literally were just walking around Centennial, saw the "cold beer" sign and decided to go inside - so glad we did! Springwater is an interesting place. The bartender told us it was the oldest bar in Tennessee so i was stoked to be inside it! It is grungy looking - lots of old photos, signs, and the booths are worn (which adds to the ambiance). It's small so I can imagine how packed it must get at night. The bartender was so nice, she kept asking us if we needed anything. My only complaint is the cigarette smoke. Since the place is so small, it's somewhat suffocating to be engulfed by cigarette smoke. Oh well, I still had a blast! read more

This bar is one of the oldest bars in Nashville and has been open since 1897. It has such a feel of quaintness and old time goodness. The band hadn't started playing but the venue is small and I think would have given you the feel of a personal concert since the tables were less than 2 ft from the stage. They only serve beer and soft drinks, but it is a local hangout if you are looking for something other than the nightmare of Broadway. read more

Dive is an understatement. Walked in with friends, walked right out. Still stink of cigarettes.

People that use the term "dive bar" should not be aloud in here! Its simply just a "real" bar! for "real" people! I love it!

This very well may be the king of dive bars in Nashville. Situated on the edge of Centennial Park, right next door to Hog Heaven, Springwater is a great place to grab a cheap pitcher of beer and hear some great music. Even better, head there on a weekend day, grab some barbecue next door, and sit on the patio and soak it all in. read more

Great place to grab a beer or two!! If you're looking for an hour or two to kill on a weekend, stop in and grab a brew! Springwater is walking distance to Vanderbilt's athletic facilities, and great place to pre-drink on game days. read more

Before visiting Nashville for the first time in December, I checked out some reviews on yelp, and was so excited about this place that I literally forwarded it to friends. I think of myself as a bit of a dive bar specialist, so I was very, very into checking out Springwater. I was staying downtown at the Doubletree and took a cab straight to Springwater around 11:30ish on a Saturday night. The area was a bit strange, right near a closed McDonalds and a bunch of plazas, tucked away on a short dead-end street across from a park. I felt a bit strange as a 26yr old Canadian female by myself walking around in a place neighborhood where it seems like everyone drives everywhere. Anyway, upon walking in, it was a smaller place than I thought it would be, with two main rooms, one with a pool table when you enter, and one with a stage-ish thing and some booths. The bar spanned both rooms. There was probably a total of 2 people in the first room, and maybe 10 or so in the other, watching the live band, which was playing a mix of country and punk rock, which was pretty awesome. The older bartender gave me a knowing look - he knew I was out of place cause he hadn't seen me before and I was by myself at a very dead bar - but I could tell that he knew that I knew what I was getting myself into by checking out the place. It was beer-soaked and smoky, with buckets randomly on the floor to absorb drips from the ceiling. I would definitely sit and have 5 PBRs at the bar by myself or with a friend at this place any time. I'm going to say that it's probably much better in the spring/summer/fall, and if I'm back in Nashville, I'll be sure to hit it up again. I wasn't bowled over as I thought I'd be, but I'll give it another chance. read more

I absolutely love this place. The drinking days of my twenties were spent at a bar situated underneath a porn shop, that had cheap beer, peanut shells on the floor and constantly smelled of smoke. It was divey - and I loved it. I longed for a place like this to drink at during my annual return trips to Nashville. On one such visit, after we left bar after bar loaded with fratastic co-eds, I remembered Springwater (how could I have forgotten??!) from one drunken Thanksgiving my senior year. We hopped in a cab, headed to Springwater and I was instantly transported back into that divey, smoky (and alright, somewhat dirty) local bar environment that I love. The bartender was friendly and talked about how they were trying to get a lifetime lease on the place (who knows if that panned out?) Beer was cheap, a band was playing that was pretty decent (but I have no recollection if we paid a cover or not) A few people were playing pool, but it was by no means crowded, and it is the perfect place to belly up to the bar and just hang out. read more

This place is awesome. We drove into town for a show that was a whopping $5 cover. Cheap beers, good vibe, fun atmosphere; no complaints! Cash-only. No liquor, if it matters to ya. I love how old school it was with the vending machines everywhere. Jukebox had killer tunes. The sound system for the stage setup was perfect. Loved the back room area where the bands load-in and it had the bench seats; so great. Played pool all night/morning. We had a blast. I will def be back! \m/ read more