How to Become a Bartender in Nashville

No experience needed to start. Here’s the real path to your first shift in Nashville — and how to get discovered once you’re ready.

Build your free profile →

The fast path

  1. Learn the basics. Take a short bartending course or start as a barback in a busy Nashville bar — both teach you the craft fast.
  2. Get certified. Grab your alcohol-service certification (TIPS or your local equivalent). Quick, cheap, and venues expect it.
  3. Get real reps. Work the volume — speed and consistency behind a real bar are what get you hired and tipped.
  4. Get discovered. Build a profile that shows your work and personality so Nashville venues find and book you directly.

Where to start in Nashville

These are the busiest nightlife pockets — where the shifts (and the tips) are:

● LIVE ON STARTENDER

20 bartender gigs open right now in Nashville

Real openings at real venues, newest first. Tap any gig to apply right here on startender.app — your STARCARD goes with every application.

JJack Brown's
beertenders
Jack Brown's
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

Craft beer-focused burger joint seeks team players who thrive in fast-paced environments and can work late hours. A strong work ethic and ability to collaborate are key.

Apply now → 1 day ago
TTailgate Brewery Headquarters
FOH Bartender
Tailgate Brewery Headquarters
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

Team TailGate seeks a skilled and motivated individual to join their front-of-house team. This role offers competitive wages, company-paid healthcare, and opportunities for growth. A fun and fast-paced environment awaits.

Apply now → 2 days ago
PPhat Bites
Bartender
Phat Bites
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

Phat Bites, a popular spot featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, seeks a skilled bartender to join their team. This role is ideal for a charismatic and experienced professional who can handle a fast-paced, late-night environment. Great drinks and happy hour deals are a staple of this vibrant bar.

Apply now → 4 days ago
FFriends In Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk
Bartenders
Friends In Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

Nashville's premier honky tonk seeks charismatic bartenders to join its team. A passion for music and hospitality is a must. Competitive opportunities available.

Apply now → 6 days ago
GGoodfellas Pizzeria Gulch
Bartender
Goodfellas Pizzeria Gulch
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

The Wiseguy Lounge, a sophisticated 1920s-style venue, seeks a charismatic bartender to craft classic cocktails. A knowledgeable and skilled mixologist is desired. Competitive pay and perks are offered.

Apply now → 6 days ago
NNashville Margaritaville Restaurant
Bartender
Nashville Margaritaville Restaurant
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

Margaritaville and Landshark seeks a charismatic bartender to join their lively team. This role requires a people-person with a passion for mixology. Competitive pay and perks are offered.

Apply now → 1 wk ago
HHand Cut Nashville
Bartender
Hand Cut Nashville
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

Riot Hospitality Group seeks a skilled bartender to deliver unique experiences. This role requires a passionate and creative individual. Competitive venue with opportunities for growth.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
WWhiskey Row Nashville
Bartender
Whiskey Row Nashville
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

Riot Hospitality Group seeks a charismatic bartender to deliver unique experiences. This role requires a passionate and skilled individual to elevate the nightlife scene. Outstanding candidates will thrive in a dynamic, innovative environment.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
BBrothers Bar & Grill
Bartender
Brothers Bar & Grill
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

Brothers Bar & Grill in Nashville seeks charismatic bartenders to join their team. The ideal candidate is a skilled mixologist with a passion for hospitality. Competitive pay and a fun environment are offered.

Apply now → 2 wks ago
JJimmy Buffett Margaritaville
Bartender Wanted
Jimmy Buffett Margaritaville
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville seeks a skilled bartender to join their team. The ideal candidate is charismatic and experienced. A fun and lively atmosphere is provided.

Apply now → 9 wks ago
FFriends In Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk
Bartender
Friends In Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

Friends In Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk seeks charismatic staff to join Nashville's wildest scene. They're looking for people who love good times and good energy. Apply to become part of the team.

Apply now → 9 wks ago
HHawkers Asian Street Fare
Bartender
Hawkers Asian Street Fare
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

Hawkers is seeking a charismatic bartender to join their lively team. The ideal candidate is outgoing and skilled in crafting exceptional drinks. Competitive benefits and a fun atmosphere are offered.

Apply now → 10 wks ago
CCastellucci Hospitality Group — The Iberian Pig - Nashville
Bartender - The Iberian Pig
Castellucci Hospitality Group — The Iberian Pig - Nashville
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

The Iberian Pig is hiring a bartender for its Nashville Spanish tapas spot—a high-energy place where craft cocktails and an extensive Spanish wine list drive the program. You'll work fast-paced shifts pouring for guests who expect polished, knowledgeable service in a modern setting built on hospitality.

Apply now → 18 wks ago
BBarcelona Wine Bar-Edgehill
Bartender-Edgehill
Barcelona Wine Bar-Edgehill
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

Edgehill venue seeks a charismatic bartender with excellent communication skills. Friendly and outgoing personality is a must. Great opportunity for a skilled mixologist.

Apply now → 19 wks ago
BBar Mar Nashville
Bartender
Bar Mar Nashville
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

Upscale venue seeks a skilled and charismatic bartender to craft exceptional drinks. A team player with a passion for mixology is desired. Competitive pay and benefits are offered.

Apply now → 20 wks ago
Bbartaco Five Points
Bartender
bartaco Five Points
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

Join a vibrant restaurant serving scratch food with a passion for great vibes. Seeking a charismatic bartender to deliver exceptional experiences. Competitive pay and perks offered.

Apply now → 21 wks ago
TTaco Bamba
Bartender
Taco Bamba
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

Upscale venue seeks a skilled and charismatic bartender to deliver top-notch service. The ideal candidate is efficient and customer-focused. Excellent service skills are a must.

Apply now → 22 wks ago
MML Rose
Bartender - M.L.Rose
ML Rose
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

M.L.Rose - Inglewood 3701 D Gallatin Pike Nashville, TN 37216 M.L.Rose Neighborhood Pub is a part of a locally owned, growing restaurant group searching for dynamic team members with a great attitude! Enjoy being a p

Apply now → 36 wks ago
VVon Elrod's
Bartender - Von Elrod's Beer Hall & Kitchen
Von Elrod's
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion
Apply now → 37 wks ago
MML Rose
Bartender position
ML Rose
Bartender📍 NashvilleOpen to discussion

M.L.Rose Neighborhood Pub is a part of a locally owned, growing restaurant group searching for dynamic team members with a great attitude! Enjoy being a part of a growing team? Don't want to be just a number? Have a p

Apply now → 41 wks ago

What you’ll make

Nashville’s Lower Broadway honky-tonks run massive volume — strong tip nights for fast bartenders, plus steady rooftop and event work. Plan around roughly $180–$400 on a strong night with tips.

Get discovered

Once you’re ready, Startender gets you in front of the venues actually hiring. It’s a private, invite-only network where Nashville bars and clubs find and book bartenders directly — free for talent. Build a profile that works like a portfolio and get found.

There are 20 bartender gigs open in Nashville right now — get discovered for them.

Build your free profile →

FAQ

How long does it take to become a bartender in Nashville?
Most people can start in a few weeks. A bartending course runs 1–2 weeks; many Nashville bars also train barbacks on the job and promote them. The real timeline depends on how fast you get reps behind a busy bar.
Do you need a license or certification to bartend in Nashville?
You typically need an alcohol-service certification (like TIPS or your state/local equivalent) — it’s quick and inexpensive. Beyond that, Nashville venues care most about speed, reliability and real experience.
Can you bartend in Nashville with no experience?
Yes — most pros start as a barback, learn the bar, and move up. Pair that with a course or certification and a profile that shows you’re ready, and you can land your first shift fast.
How much do bartenders make in Nashville?
Nashville’s Lower Broadway honky-tonks run massive volume — strong tip nights for fast bartenders, plus steady rooftop and event work. Plan around roughly $180–$400 on a strong night with tips.

Startender — the private network for nightlife pros. Bartender jobs in Nashville →