Why Go
- Upscale kava and kratom bar with creative spins on tea and other specialty drinks.
- Great place to work, relax, or just try something new!
- Live music and holiday events to keep you entertained.
- Lounge is gay-owned & operated.
- Helps to support local LGBTQ+ businesses.
Location
Open now at the crossroads of East Nashville and Madison area at 1504B Gallatin Pike South, Madison, TN, 37115. Just about 15-20 minutes from downtown (this is with no traffic).
Passage Kava Lounge Details
This is not just an upscale kava and kratom bar, it's an unforgettable journey steeped in Victorian elegance.
The lounge serves more than just kava! The space offers a selection of botanical teas, coffee, and unique drinks, all in a setting that adjusts to you and your wishes. Looking for a tranquil evening to study, a comfortable spot to work, or maybe just planning a social night out with friends? Passage Kava has you covered!
Every detail is carefully curated, from their exquisite drink menu to the exceptional service. Each visit promises to be a very delightful experience, with every drop exciting your taste buds. You can even order online or get delivery!
Open daily until midnight, so you have all day and night to experience the magic here.
Other Nashville Gay Bars & Spaces
When it comes to good vibes and even better cocktails, Tribe reigns as one of Nashville’s LGBTQ+ nightlife staples. Located in the heart of Midtown, this iconic spot serves up pub food, nightly entertainment, and a killer lineup of fun events—think trivia nights, 2-for-1 drink specials, and their legendary Showtunes Sundays, where you can belt it out with the best of them. Tribe has been a local favorite for decades, and it’s easy to see why—this place knows how to keep the party going. The crowd? Younger, energetic, and always ready for a good time.
Get ready to dance like nobody’s watching (but everyone is) at Play, Tennessee’s largest gay club. With a massive dance floor, resident DJs spinning all the hottest tracks, and jaw-dropping drag performances featuring special guests (yes, even RuPaul queens), Play is the place to let loose. Bonus points: they welcome the under-21 crowd, making this one of the most inclusive clubs in town. The result? A lively mix of young partygoers and seasoned club kids who know how to throw down. If you’re looking for energy, music, and non-stop fun, Play is where it’s at.
Looking for a more relaxed vibe with a side of delicious Mexican flair? Say hola to Frankie J’s, a queer bar that combines tasty plates with margaritas and tequila shots that’ll have you saying, “just one more!” Perfect for a night out with your besties or a casual brunch, Frankie J’s keeps the fun rolling with weekly themed events like trivia, BBQ parties, and weekend brunches that are worth waking up for. The crowd tends to be in their 30s and up, bringing a relaxing, laid-back energy to this spot.
If you’re looking to elevate your night out, Golden Pony is the place to be. This inclusive LGBTQ+-friendly bar is all about specialty cocktails (their Palomas are a must-try!) and refreshing agua frescas that taste like summer in a glass. The chic patio is perfect for warm evenings, making it an ideal spot to relax, mingle, and sip in style. With its upscale vibes and welcoming atmosphere, Golden Pony draws a mixed crowd, mostly late 20s and up, and it’s one of East Nashville’s top-tier queer-friendly destinations.
Calling all ladies (and everyone else too)—Lipstick Lounge is the queer haven you’ve been dreaming of! A hotspot for lesbians and queer women, this East Nashville gem serves up a little bit of everything: live music that’ll leave you speechless, drag shows bursting with sass and style, karaoke nights for your inner diva, and signature cocktails that are dangerously delicious. Whether you’re here to party, unwind, or make new friends, Lipstick Lounge feels like home. Friendly faces, good vibes, and an open invitation await you.
Exploring LGBTQ+ Neighborhoods in Nashville
Nashville brings the charm with not one but two fabulous gayborhoods for you to explore! First up is Midtown’s Church Street, just north of Music Row/Demonbreun/Edgehill. This downtown gem is where you’ll find the city’s iconic gay bars, quirky restaurants, and drag brunches that serve up sass with a side of cocktails. Think of it as the heartbeat of Nashville’s LGBTQ+ nightlife—always lively, always fun.
Then there’s East Nashville, a queer-friendly haven just a little off the beaten path. This area is brimming with LGBTQ+ vibes, offering a mix of cozy queer-oriented spaces, artsy hangouts, and spots that embrace everyone under the rainbow. It’s the perfect counterbalance to the bustling energy of Midtown, giving you options for every mood.
Staying Safe Around the City
While Nashville is relatively safe during the day for most members of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s important to remember that the city is a blue dot in a very red state. Translation? The vibes lean liberal, but you may still encounter a few small-minded individuals lurking about. As with any city, stay aware of your surroundings, and please, for the love of Dolly Parton, don’t get too white girl wasted—because annihilation is not a good look.
For our trans and queer siblings, we strongly recommend staying in groups and sticking to areas like downtown and East Nashville, where the LGBTQ+ community thrives. Unfortunately, venturing outside these safe zones could mean facing harassment or worse, so it’s better to play it safe. To give you an idea, Equaldex ranks Tennessee as the lowest state in America for equality, scoring poorly on safety, public opinion, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Bottom line: Nashville has plenty of queer-friendly spaces to enjoy, but it’s always smart to stay vigilant and stick to the city’s well-loved gay bubbles. Keep it cute, keep it safe, and enjoy Music City’s rainbow side!
