Nashville, TN – Nestled within the vibrant confines of Bag Lady’s Fry Joint at 1402 Buchanan St, a new bar concept, 11 Bar, is making waves in Nashville’s cocktail scene. This unique establishment is housed inside the acclaimed restaurant, known for winning the 2023 Nashville Scene Best Creative Menu, offering patrons an innovative drinking experience alongside their favorite dishes.
11 Bar introduces Nashville to the novel concept of “Bocktails,” a term coined to represent their unique offering of drinks that are available both as free hand-poured and pre-bottled cocktails. This concept aims to cater to every customer’s need, offering convenience without compromising on quality. The Recipes are curated by mixologist Taylor Doyle of Blended by T Mixology. The bar operates at full swing on Fridays and Saturdays and during special events, but worry not, the bottled version of their array of drinks is available throughout the week for restaurant visitors.
What sets 11 Bar apart is its dedication to featuring all Tennessee minority spirits and wines, proudly supporting members of the Tennessee Minority Owned Wine and Spirits Association (TMOWSA). This initiative not only showcases local talent but also emphasizes diversity and inclusion within the Tennessee spirits community. The brains behind this innovative concept are Mike Frazier, owner of Reverence Bourbon, and Jason Ridgel, owner of Guidance Whiskey, who envisioned a platform to celebrate and promote TMOWSA brands.
“We got tired of begging establishments to carry our brands. We made our own way. It was inevitable, we needed a place that not only carried but showcased TMOWSA in Tennessee,” remarked Jason Ridgel, highlighting the inspiration behind 11 Bar.
Bag Lady’s Fry Joint itself is a testament to culinary innovation, offering a range of creatively topped fries that have quickly become a city favorite. Its success and recognition in the Nashville Scene speak volumes about its quality and creativity, providing the perfect home for 11 Bar.
The resurgence of Buchanan Street and North Nashville as a hub for black-owned businesses is further exemplified by the presence of 11 Bar and Bag Lady’s Fry Joint. Alongside other notable establishments such as Minerva Avenue, Slim + Husky’s, and Willie B’s, they are contributing to the renaissance of the area, offering affordable, quality options for both food and drink enthusiasts.
“Our goal was to create a platform for our peers to broadcast our brands in the cocktail industry. To tell their stories in an intimate setting that provides the customer a transparent view to understand the brand,” said Mike Frazier, shedding light on the vision behind the bar.
To dive deeper into this unique concept and for a closer look at what 11 Bar has to offer, visit their Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/the11bar. This venture is not just about drinks; it’s about community, diversity, and creating a new narrative for minority-owned businesses in Tennessee’s spirited landscape.
