REVIEW · NASHVILLE
Nashville’s Speakeasy Secrets: True Crime Tasting Pub Crawl
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Prohibition secrets are a great way to thaw out. This Nashville true-crime speakeasy tasting pub crawl mixes murder-and-mayhem storytelling with exclusive access to three speakeasies, plus whiskey guidance from a live host. It’s a different kind of night out than another bar crawl, because you’re there for the stories behind the doors.
What I like most is how the guide turns Nashville’s Prohibition history into something you can actually picture while you’re ordering. You also get whiskey-tasting structure at each stop, with the host helping you choose flights and calling out what to sip and why. One thing to consider: alcohol isn’t included in the $54 price, so your final bill depends on what you order (VIP can add cost too).
In This Review
- Key Points You Should Know Before You Go
- Getting Into Nashville’s Speakeasy Side of Town
- The True Crime Part: Stories You Can Follow While You Sip
- Stop-by-Stop: What Usually Happens on the Walk
- Stop 1: Bourbon Mood-Setter (Sometimes With Slush Options)
- Stop 2: A Higher-End Hotel Setting With a Private Feel
- Stop 3: The Hidden Speakeasy Finale
- Whiskey Tasting, But With Real-World Choices
- Price and Value: Is $54 a Good Deal?
- Dress Code, ID Checks, and Why Those Rules Matter
- Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)
- My Practical Tips to Make the Night Go Smooth
- Should You Book Nashville’s Speakeasy Secrets True Crime Pub Crawl?
- FAQ
- How long is the Nashville Speakeasy Secrets tour?
- Is alcohol included in the $54 price?
- How many speakeasies will we visit?
- What’s the meeting point?
- What should I wear?
- Do I need ID?
- Is the tour offered in English?
- Is there free cancellation?
- Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Key Points You Should Know Before You Go

- Exclusive guided access to three speakeasies tied to Prohibition-era Nashville
- True-crime storytelling led by guides like Ryan, Reece, Ryne, Mark, Matt, and Savanna (all noted for keeping things fun)
- Whiskey flights and tasting choices at each stop, with different pricing at each location
- Business-casual dress code and strict 21+ ID checks
- VIP all-inclusive cocktails are available for an extra purchase if you want the drinks handled for you
Getting Into Nashville’s Speakeasy Side of Town

This tour is built around one simple idea: you don’t just walk into bars. You get taken into the speakeasy world that made Nashville famous during Prohibition, where a normal night out could turn strange fast.
In practice, that means you’re going to the kind of places you’d miss on your own. One review called out Printer’s Alley as an area they probably would have skipped, and the whole point here is to get you off the main drag and into the smaller lanes where history lingers. You also get guided context so the night has a storyline, not just stops on a map.
I also appreciate the tone the guides bring. Names that came up repeatedly include Ryan, Reece, Ryne, and Mark, and the common thread is that the host keeps people engaged with entertaining pacing, not long lectures. When it’s cold out, that matters more than you’d think. One group mentioned the guide helped keep them entertained during freezing weather, which tells you the tour doesn’t slow down when the temperature does.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Nashville.
The True Crime Part: Stories You Can Follow While You Sip

You’re here for true crime, but it’s not random scary talk. The tour frames the darker side of Nashville through Prohibition-era events, gangsters, and people whose lives went sideways. The host weaves the history into what you’re seeing at each stop, so it feels like you’re walking through the “how did this place get like this?” version of Music City.
What makes this work for most people is that it’s organized around questions you naturally want answered:
- Why did speakeasies hide the way they did?
- How did Prohibition change who had power?
- Where do the murder-and-mayhem stories fit into real Nashville spaces?
If you like history you can picture, this hits. If you only want a drinking night, you might need to make peace with the fact that you’re walking and listening for a good portion of the two-ish hours.
And yes, it is still a pub-crawl format. You’ll be moving through town on foot with scheduled stops. That keeps it lively, even if you’re the type who usually gets restless in museums.
Stop-by-Stop: What Usually Happens on the Walk
Meeting point can vary depending on your booking, so check your confirmation. That said, one departure point that came up clearly was around a place called The Fedora.
From there, here’s the pattern you can expect, based on what’s been described:
Stop 1: Bourbon Mood-Setter (Sometimes With Slush Options)
Your first stop leans bourbon-forward. One account mentioned a bourbon stop with options for different kinds of slushes, which is a smart move when you’re meeting speakeasy stories with a drink that feels approachable.
Why it matters: the first stop sets the pace. You’ll likely get an explanation of the Prohibition angle before you’re fully in speakeasy mode. It also helps you warm up so the rest of the night feels like fun, not survival.
Stop 2: A Higher-End Hotel Setting With a Private Feel
The second stop has been described as being at a high-end hotel, with a room set aside for your group. That detail matters because speakeasies can be loud or crowded when you’re just walking in on your own. Having a more controlled space makes it easier to hear the storytelling and get better drink guidance.
Why you’ll probably enjoy this: you can actually focus on the history without competing with background noise every minute.
Stop 3: The Hidden Speakeasy Finale
The third stop is the true secret sauce: a hidden speakeasy where you get the final round of Prohibition history and whiskey-forward ordering. In multiple accounts, two of the three stops were described as private, and the last one being a hidden spot lines up with the “exclusive access” promise.
This is usually where the vibe shifts most—more hushed, more “how are we even here?” It’s the point of the tour for many people, especially if you’ve tried to find Nashville speakeasies on your own and failed the doorman test.
Practical note: one review mentioned a stop being closed due to a big event (a Bitcoin conference), which caused disappointment. That’s not something you can fully control, so plan to stay flexible on event-heavy weekends.
Whiskey Tasting, But With Real-World Choices

Even though the tour is called a tasting pub crawl, the key detail is this: alcohol is not included in the tour price. The $54 covers the guide, the Prohibition storytelling, and the guided experience—including access to three speakeasies and tasting samples or suggested ordering through each stop. But you’ll pay for the drinks at each location.
What you get instead of a single packaged tasting: each stop offers its own whiskey flight options and pricing. The host will steer you toward good choices, and you can decide how adventurous you want to be.
In other words, you’re not locked into one pour. If you’re a whiskey fan, you can follow the guide’s recommendations. If you’re more cautious, you can pace yourself and order less. The hosts also seemed to give smart recommendations for cocktails and food after the tour, which is great if you want to keep the night going without guessing.
One caution: some people thought the VIP add-on was pricey relative to what they expected. But if you love having a plan and not thinking about drink orders, VIP can still be the easiest way to handle the alcohol side.
Price and Value: Is $54 a Good Deal?
Let’s talk math without pretending the alcohol part is free.
At $54 per person for about 150 minutes, you’re paying for:
- A live guide who brings Prohibition and true crime stories to life
- Guided access to three speakeasies
- A whiskey-tasting experience where the guide helps you choose what to order
Alcohol is extra. That means the tour can land anywhere from “pretty fair” to “I should have checked the menu prices first,” depending on what you buy.
So here’s the honest way to judge value for yourself:
- If you want guided history + speakeasy access and you’re okay paying for drinks: it’s likely worth it.
- If you were expecting all drinks included in the $54: you’ll feel shortchanged, because the tour explicitly says alcohol isn’t included.
- If you want a smoother night with fewer decisions: the VIP all-inclusive cocktails option may make sense, even if it costs more.
Gratuity is encouraged for 5-star service, and that’s a normal part of the experience. Also, the guide can refuse service to anyone who’s overly intoxicated or acting unruly, with no refunds—so pace matters.
Dress Code, ID Checks, and Why Those Rules Matter

This tour is strict about entry. You need government-issued, photographic proof of identity and you must be 21+. It’s not “sort of enforced.” It’s enforced.
You also need to follow a business casual dress code:
- No athletic gear or cargo shorts
- Men must wear a collared shirt and closed-toe shoes
If you’re showing up in sneakers and a hoodie, you’re better off changing plans before you get to the meeting spot. Speakeasy nights are all about the vibe, and these rules are part of how they keep the places feeling like private rooms instead of random bars.
Umbrella tip: bring one. It’s rain or shine, and it sounds like you’ll be walking.
Also note who should skip it:
- Pregnant women
- People under 21
- Wheelchair users (not suitable)
Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want Something Else)

This tour is ideal if you want a Nashville night that mixes:
- True crime storytelling
- Prohibition-era history
- Real whiskey guidance at multiple locations
- An easier time finding speakeasies than doing it alone
You’ll probably love it if you’re the kind of person who likes historical context with entertainment value, and you enjoy small moments like getting drink recommendations instead of aimlessly ordering.
You might not love it if:
- You dislike walking with scheduled stops
- You want alcohol included for one fixed price
- You’re expecting a full bar-feast at each location (the alcohol is purchased separately unless you choose VIP)
And if you’re traveling with people who are less into true crime, bring them around with the promise of cocktail choices and a fun storytelling host. The guides named across reviews often sound like they know how to keep a group engaged.
My Practical Tips to Make the Night Go Smooth

Here’s how to keep the evening stress-free and actually enjoyable:
- Check the weather and bring an umbrella, even if it looks fine. Walking in Nashville weather gets old fast.
- Wear the right outfit. Business casual isn’t hard once you pack with it in mind.
- Bring your ID and make sure it’s accessible at the start, not buried in a bag you have to fight open.
- Decide your drink strategy early. Since alcohol isn’t included, your budget depends on what you order. If you want a full whiskey flight at every stop, plan for that.
- Be ready for possible closures on event dates. One stop can be affected by big events and private parties, so don’t treat every stop like it’s guaranteed no matter what.
If you want to stretch your night after the crawl, the hosts have been praised for giving cocktail and dinner recommendations. That’s a bonus you don’t get from every history tour.
Should You Book Nashville’s Speakeasy Secrets True Crime Pub Crawl?
Book it if you want a guided Nashville night that feels different from the usual live-music circuit. The biggest wins are the speakeasy access, the true crime Prohibition storytelling, and the whiskey guidance that helps you order smarter instead of guessing.
Skip it (or choose something else) if you’re mainly chasing a cheap, all-drinks-included drinking deal. Alcohol isn’t included in the $54 base price, so your experience depends on what you choose at each stop.
If your idea of a perfect evening is equal parts history, mood, and a good pour—this tour is a solid bet. Just dress right, bring your umbrella, and go in knowing the alcohol part is yours to purchase.
FAQ
How long is the Nashville Speakeasy Secrets tour?
It runs about 2 hours, listed as 2 hours to 150 minutes.
Is alcohol included in the $54 price?
No. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the tour price. You can purchase drinks separately at each stop. VIP all-inclusive cocktails are available for an additional purchase.
How many speakeasies will we visit?
You’re granted exclusive guided access to three speakeasies.
What’s the meeting point?
The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked, so you should confirm the exact location for your departure.
What should I wear?
The dress code is business casual. No athletic gear or cargo shorts. Men must wear a collared shirt and closed-toe shoes.
Do I need ID?
Yes. You need government-issued, photographic proof of identity and you must show you are 21+.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, the live tour guide speaks English.
Is there free cancellation?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.









