Chopper

Step out of East Nashville and into another world at this neon-drenched fever dream in the heart of the city’s tiki bar triangle. Blade Runner-esque lighting, tropical foliage, and a giant robot suspended from the ceiling greet you as you walk in. The rough storyline that Bryce McCloud, Mike Wolf, and Andy Mumma cooked up involves a secretive, high-tech place called Island X in the South Seas.

If that all sounds a bit silly, rest assured that everyone here is in on the joke. What’s serious is the ever-evolving drink menu, which features smart, not-too-sweet spins on tiki classics featuring freshly squeezed juices, house-made syrups, and unusual infusions. Think: a white daiquiri riff with caramelized shallot Cachaca or a clarified “Miami Vice” with oolong-infused Demerara rum. Singapore Slings, Mai Tais, and a lethal spin rendition of a rum punch—limit one per customer—are permanent fixtures.

Best of all, the circular bar is great for people-watching just about any night of the week. And while Chopper may not have a kitchen, it does have superb birria tacos courtesy of Maíz de la Vida, the James Beard Semifinalist truck perpetually parked outside.