Sinatra Bar & Grill
Sinatra Bar & Grill: Dining with Ol' Blue Eyes
Frank Sinatra-inspired restaurant jazzes up 4th Avenue
By Pam Windsor
NASHVILLE – The atmosphere at Sinatra Bar & Grill is warm and intimate, with the menu, décor, and music all designed to honor the legendary Frank Sinatra. The walls are lined with pictures of Ol’ Blue Eyes, reflecting on the man and his music, as well as images with friends, family, and life away from the limelight.
The menu offers many of the Chairman of the Board’s favorite dishes, from steaks to traditional Italian entrees, and the bar reflects his personal tastes as well.
Owner Bill Miller, who created the restaurant in partnership with Sinatra’s family (Frank Sinatra Enterprises), wanted it to reflect the two parts of the country where Sinatra spent so much of his time: New York and Palm Springs, California.
“Fashion and style are relevant anywhere and everywhere,” Miller said. “And in terms of food and beverage, this is something Nashville needs and wants right now. The response has been nothing short of phenomenal.”
Located in historic Printer’s Alley downtown, Sinatra Bar & Lounge has welcomed a steady stream of customers for both lunch and dinner since opening earlier this year.
An expansive dinner menu features an array of appetizers to include calamari, burrata and ham, royal Osetra caviar, poached pears and more.
Entrees include filet mignon, porterhouse and other prime steaks, scallops, chicken Parmesan, and additional Italian dishes, all under the direction of Chef Lorenzo Reyes.
“Lorenzo has this uncanny ability to combine flavors and create things that are just unbelievable,” noted Miller. “There are traditional dishes like meatballs and fettuccine, and then there’s Lorenzo’s take on different pastas. So, we have veal piccata, chicken marsala, and a lot of standards, and then you have slow-braised rabbit, which is delicious!”
There’s also a raw bar, something rare for Nashville restaurants.
“There’s seating there, so people can watch the preparation of their oysters, lobster, and seafood,” Miller said.
Photos by Icon Entertainment Group
When it comes to beverages, there are a host of Sinatra-influenced cocktails available such as Chairman of the Board, featuring Macallan 25 Year; New York, New York; The News, and others. The singer was also known for his devotion to Jack Daniels. In fact, a mere mention of it during one of his shows in 1956 caused sales to double.
“Frank loved Jack Daniels No. 7, that was his preferred drink,” said Miller. “The formula was 3-2-1 of booze, then ice, then a little splash of water.” The drink also appears on the cocktail menu.
Sinatra was more apt to drink regular Jack, but on his 100th birthday, the distillery produced a limited 100-proof 100 barrels of Jack Daniels Sinatra Century. It became quickly sought after as a collector’s item. Before opening Sinatra’s Bar & Lounge, Miller launched a worldwide search and successfully located and purchased a limited number of bottles. He continues searching for more. Currently, as long as the supply lists it, it’s available by the drink at Sinatra Bar & Lounge.
Frank Sinatra’s music, with songs like “New York, New York,” “My Way,” and “Fly Me to the Moon” continue to appeal to younger generations of fans. Diners can enjoy live entertainers playing those familiar tunes, along with those from fellow Rat Pack members Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and others.
Miller is proud his bar and lounge can offer a memorable dining experience on every level possible, while also honoring a performer who came from humble beginnings, had a career that spanned decades, and absolutely loved and appreciated his fans.
“One thing that was particularly inspiring to us is that we’re dealing with somebody who is one of the all-time icons, but also a very down-to-earth human being. Frank Sinatra never forgot where he came from.”
Sinatra's Bar & Lounge is located at 222 4th Ave. N., Nashville, and is open for lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday to Saturday, and 5 p.m. to midnight daily for dinner service. The kitchen closes at 10:30 p.m. Visit them online at www.sinatranashville.com or call 615-866-2224 to make a reservation.