Set within the grand lobby of Union Station, The Bar Car revives the elegance and allure of the golden age of rail. Once the original ticket counter of this bustling train station—opened in 1900 as a gateway to the South—this space welcomed passengers bound for destinations near and far. Today, it welcomes a new kind of traveler: those seeking refined sips, rich conversation, and a sense of place.
Open daily, The Bar Car offers a curated selection of craft cocktails, fine wines, local drafts, and artfully composed small plates. Every detail—from the polished finishes to the warm, inviting atmosphere—pays tribute to the grandeur of early 20th-century travel, when stations were social hubs and the journey was as memorable as the destination.
Conductor’s Evening is a nightly tradition that honors the rich history of Union Station and the golden age of rail travel. Each evening at 6:30 PM, the ring of a vintage train bell signals the start of our Signature Hour—a moment that calls guests to gather, just as passengers once did beneath the soaring arches of this grand terminal.
During this special hour, we feature a handcrafted cocktail inspired by a historical moment, figure, or forgotten tale from Union Station’s storied past. From nods to famed train lines to tributes to the station’s original architecture, each cocktail tells a piece of Nashville’s heritage in every pour. Guests are invited to enjoy this signature creation at a special price, available exclusively during Signature Hour.
It’s more than a toast—it’s a sensory journey through time, where every sip reconnects you to the spirit, sophistication, and stories that still echo through these walls.
Where cocktails meet the golden age of rail travel.
Each weeknight, The Bar Car comes alive with the timeless allure of Conductor’s Evening—a ritual celebration of travel, history, and crafted spirits. From 5:00 PM, the ambiance shifts: overhead lights dim, and the warm glow of vintage train lamps sets the mood, echoing the elegance of bygone rail journeys.
At 6:30 PM, a resonant brass bell marks the start of Conductor’s Hour, when we spotlight a different historic cocktail each night, served at a special price. Every libation carries a story—rooted in the heritage of Union Station, woven through its art, design, and storied past.
As live music fills the air, the magic continues. Though the final bell rings at 7:30 PM, the evening lingers on—inviting guests to stay, sip, and revel in the romance of travel reimagined.
Conductor’s Evening isn’t just a cocktail hour. It’s a departure—into nostalgia, style, and spirit.
Each night, the timeless ambiance of our grand lobby comes alive with the sounds of Nashville’s finest local talent. From soulful jazz and smooth blues to acoustic folk and genre-blending originals, our rotating lineup of artists brings depth, charm, and artistry to the heart of Union Station.
Whether you’re enjoying a cocktail from The Bar Car or simply soaking in the atmosphere, let the music be the soundtrack to your evening—an intimate celebration of the city’s vibrant creative spirit, set beneath the station’s iconic arches.
