Featured image: Visit Clarksville
What if we told you Clarksville has swanky cocktail bars, effortlessly cool coffee shops, and even its own destination whiskey distillery? Oh, and Tennessee’s oldest single-family-owned vineyard, too. In under 100 square miles, this booming destination packs in some serious sips that are just as charming as they are tasty.
Whether you’re sipping a frothy latte in a former mechanic’s garage, sampling small-batch spirits from a local distillery, or pouring your own pint at the city’s newest taproom, there’s no shortage of spots to raise a glass (or mug).
Coffee
Amsterdam Local
Nestled inside a former mechanic’s garage, the interiors of Amsterdam Local today have the kind of vibe that makes you yearn to be a regular. Cozy couches, a faux fireplace, and an outdoor seating area under an awning all contribute to the ambiance, and the experience is rounded out by delicious bites (the avocado toast is a favorite) and excellent drinks.
Asulon Collective
Connection is at the heart of Asulon Collective, a brand that started as a rentable coffee cart and has blossomed into a brick-and-mortar in downtown Clarksville. The dressed-up industrial interiors invite you to stay a while, sipping third-wave specialty coffees, snacking on fresh pastries, and soaking up good conversation.
Flora + Ivy
Wallets at the ready – Flora + Ivy goes beyond a craft coffee shop to transform its space into a boutique feel with a tucked-away library. Grab a cup of tea and browse local products, adorable home decor, books, and boutique fashion, then grab a pastry for the road while making your purchases.
Mug Shot
We love a play on words, and this cheeky downtown coffee shop has fun nods to the world of true crime and classic mugshots. At Mug Shot, you can sip themed lattes under the watchful, just-booked eyes of Elvis, Jimi Hendrix, and other infamous locked-up icons, complete with a lineup wall perfect for your next coffee-fueled selfie.
Plumb Line Coffee
Tenured Plumb Line Coffee has high standards – they serve third-wave coffee harvested sustainably by farmers fairly compensated, they specialize in pour-over coffees and housemade syrups, and the interiors are chic and curated. And good news, their blends are available to purchase alone or as a subscription.
Cocktails + Mocktails
Old Glory Distilling Co.
One of the most surprising parts of my visit to Clarksville was Old Glory Distilling Co. – this place is truly state-of-the-art, from the branding to the stunning interiors and delicious product. It’s truly a destination distillery, complete with a stellar onsite barbecue restaurant and a great backyard with fire pits, cornhole, and an outdoor bar that resembles a grain silo.
Beachaven Winery
Tennessee’s longest-running single-family-owned vineyard can be found right off the interstate in Clarksville. The picnic table-covered grounds at Beachaven Winery fill up with locals for weekly live music and food truck gatherings between the vines, all merrily sipping their favorite iteration. And there are plenty – from sweet, fruit-forward whites to blended reds and bubbles made in the traditional Champagne method. The brand will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2026.
Blackhorse Pub + Brewery
This longstanding downtown staple brews its own beers in the back of the house. From creamy stouts to hoppy IPAs and specialty ales in flavors like vanilla cream, guests can pair their favorite Blackhorse brew with a slice of specialty pizza. Pro tip: Blackhorse serves boozy brunch on the weekends.
Skyline 500
For elevated sips (literally), head up to Skyline 500 at Shelby’s Trio, the top floor of this multi-story dining destination. City views pair well with signature cocktails like an old fashioned or mojito, or opt for a glass of wine and trio of dips.
Yada on Franklin
It’s often a packed house at swanky downtown spot Yada on Franklin, which serves pretty craft cocktails and Italian dishes that guarantee a giggle (searching for a side? Check out the “I Don’t Give a Shitake” section. Noodles? Head to “Pasta La Vista, Baby”). Mocktail options here are also excellent – choose between “The Sweet One” or “The Tart One.”
Tap This
Clarksville’s newest libation lounge is Tap This, a downtown beer joint that allows guests to pour their own beers through a fun, vending machine-style tap wall. While lots of beer and cider options are available, they also offer non-alcoholic sippers and shareable charcuterie boards.
Planning a trip to Clarksville? Here’s everything you need to know.
Presented in partnership with Visit Clarksville, a Modern South Founding Partner.
