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Melrose

Melrose

Discover Melrose: Nashville’s Retro-Cool District on 8th Avenue South

Melrose blends old-school Nashville charm with a buzzy dining and nightlife scene, centered along 8th Avenue South just south of Downtown and The Gulch.

Expect iconic dives, comedy shows, vintage and antique hunting, and neighborhood staples that keep things friendly, affordable, and fun. It’s an easy add to any Nashville itinerary if you want local flavor without the crowds.

The History of Melrose

  • The area takes its name from the 19th-century Melrose estate, a mansion built in 1836 that once overlooked what is now south Nashville. The broader property traces to an 18th-century land grant; parts of the grounds later served Civil War uses before the estate gave way to modern development.
  • In the 20th century, Melrose evolved along Franklin Rd/8th Ave S as a busy corridor of shops and entertainment—eventually becoming home to neighborhood institutions like Zanies Comedy Club (opened 1983) and Melrose Billiard Parlor (opened 1944).
  • Recent decades brought a refresh of beloved staples (Melrose Billiards’ 2016 revamp) and a wave of casual, chef-driven spots that anchor today’s lively scene.

Things to Do in Melrose

Catch a Show at Zanies: See touring headliners and rising comics at Nashville’s legendary Zanies Comedy Club—plus sets in The Lab, its intimate side room with nightly shows.

Play at Melrose Billiard Parlor: Descend into Nashville’s classic underground hangout (est. 1944) for pool, ping-pong, darts, and a cold one at dive-bar prices—an authentic neighborhood vibe.

Eat & Drink Along 8th Ave South: From craft-beer burgers at M.L.Rose to hot-chicken favorites and budget-friendly cafés, Melrose delivers easygoing meals before or after a show. (Note: acclaimed fine-dining spot Sinema—housed in the historic Melrose Theater—closed in August 2024, but the building remains a local landmark.

Antiques, Vintage & Finds: This corridor is known for antique shops and vintage browsing—plan time to explore and hunt for one-of-a-kind pieces.

Nearby Attractions

Melrose sits minutes from:

  • 12 South for boutique shopping and murals
  • The Gulch for restaurants and strollable blocks
  • Downtown Nashville for Broadway and the Ryman

All are a short drive north of Melrose on 8th Ave S.

Insider Tips for Visiting Melrose

Best Time to Visit: Evenings for comedy and bar energy; afternoons for antiques and low-key eats..

Parking: Venue lots and street parking are common along 8th Ave S; arrive early on show nights at Zanies.

Walkability: The core stretch is compact, but expect short drives between pockets.

Plan Ahead: Comedy shows sell out—book Zanies tickets in advance.

Why Melrose Stands Out

  • A rare mix of retro institutions and modern neighborhood staples in one compact district.
  • Authentic, affordable nights out—from pool halls to comedy clubs—without downtown prices.
  • Deep local history with 19th-century roots and enduring venues that helped define Nashville’s off-Broadway fun.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Melrose known for?

Comedy at Zanies, the classic Melrose Billiard Parlor, casual dining, and vintage/antique shopping along 8th Ave S.

Yes—start with billiards or burgers, then head to a Zanies show; many spots stay open late.

Yes within the core, though rideshares are handy between clusters or if you’re heading to/from 12 South or The Gulch

Yes — Melrose is generally considered safe, especially in the more active corridors like 8th Avenue South and around Zanies and Melrose Billiard Parlor.

Pretty decent. Melrose has multiple WeGo (Nashville transit) bus stops along 8th Avenue South and near key intersections.