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12th & Porter
Categories: Restaurants Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Nightlife Bars Lounges Restaurants, Music Venues, Lounges [Edit]
114 12th Ave NNashville, TN 37203
Neighborhood: Downtown
(615) 320-3754
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- No
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Mon, Thu, Sat
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
22 reviews for 12th & Porter
Review Highlights
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"...black door is the best stage/ lighting/sound guy/system in..." In 8 reviews -
"...Porter is a great venue to see live acts here in Nashville." In 6 reviews -
"Def worth going to see a show at." In 3 reviews
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22 reviews in English
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Review from Andrew O.
Nashville, TN
1/3/2012 6 Check-ins Here
I've only ever been on Saturdays, because I LOVE techno/electro/ house, and this place does it right. I was floored when I heard Calvin Harris- 'you used to hold me' came on. Knew I was in love at that moment. Good Dj's that are loyal to this place, and keep the people coming. Spent a lot of summer 2011 in this place. Y2k is awesome.
Pros:
-If you like house/dubstep/electro/ techno, then you should be here on sat. Good mix of tracks
-Pbr brothel @ 1$ per beer.
-cover cheap!
-Free parking.
-Good mix of people.
Cons:
-Restrooms could be bigger. -
Review from David L.
8/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
My three friends and I showed up at this club around 10pm on a Saturday night. It was still a bit slow, and it didn't pick up until closer to midnight, after we had already left.
Pros:
-awesome music (think they actually played Everlong?)
-decent lights
-cheap cover ($1 for girls, $2 for guys)
Cons:
-small (just a bar and a dance floor) -
Review from Brandon H.
Murfreesboro, TN
8/23/2011
"Come to 12th and Porter with me Saturday night for this weekly dance party! You will love it!" says my friend. After my being assaulted by the staff on the sidewalk, I can safe-fully say I didn't "love it".
As a first timer to this venue and someone who isn't an avid party-goer in downtown Nashville, it's safe to say I don't know all protocol to bars in our fair city. My friend explained to me that we could go outside to smoke with our drink in our hand as long as we were in the roped off area. As I made my way to the area I feel a large manly hand come down to pry my Pabst can from my hand. I look up to see a large bearded overgrown school yard bully trying to take my beer I just paid $3-4 for. With no word or warning this neanderthal grabs the can and starts offering it to his friend standing near by, feeling that it is full and says "Hey! You want this?".
Long story short I didn't stand for it and I got into a physical altercation with a large fat man who 1) Tore my shoulder 2) Sat on me 3) crushed my neck in so hard by choking me that it hurt to eat or drink for the next week. This person did NOT have any sort of staff ID around his neck, on his shirt, or anywhere else.
12th and Porter is a nice little venue. Aside from the rogue bouncer, the ID checker and bar tenders were polite and speedy. There was no cover and lots of cool dudes and beautiful girls. The DJ was so-so and everyone was half ass dancing, that's hipsters for you. I just wish everyone on staff who is supposed to be muscle had an overview in courtesy, professionalism, and respect towards its patrons. A simple "Sir, you can't do that." Would have sufficed.
Also, that roped area I found out later is just for people waiting in line to get in. So don't think you can hop outside to smoke a cigarette like at some parts where a patio is available.
I personally will never go back there. -
Review from Brian R.
4/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The Nashville music scene is an odd one. 12th and Porter fills a need, I suppose, for a small club were local small time music acts can perform regularly. Often when I attend a show here during the week, I feel like I might be the only one in the audience that is not a family member or co-worker of one of the band members. I also feel like I might be the only one that paid the overpriced $15 cover.
The drinks here are basic, reasonably cheap, and get the job done. The bar service has been good most nights, so I'll give this place a star for that. Parking is scarce, and the neighborhood is slightly sketchy. Not a problem for a manly man like myself, but you ladies might want to travel in a pack.. -
Review from Paul K.
1/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Have you ever been so drunk you pissed yourself? I haven't, however the lady next to me at the bar was. She was suffering a combination of thinking the $3 sign to go over into the area with the lady's room applied to her, and of being served enough alcohol to severely impair her judgment.
So yeah, the bar stools, wipe them down before you sit - I kept telling the gentlemen who was looking at the pool on the chair that it was urine, but he did not believe me or hear me and grabbed a towel from the barkeep .
I love the layout of this place, but I see no reason to go there until they get their bathroom situation figured out. No way a place of this size can operate on only one available toilet per sex.
It seems to be a pretty cool place to go if you want to get completely shithammered on public property by bartenders who aren't supposed to serve you at that level... although to be fair I would not have expected that at 8pm someone was piss-themselves drunk.
I went to see a band a friend was playing in there, the show was good, the sound and lighting were good, the lights were flashed for us to vacate the main show floor so they could close up a bar area with about 40 active people in it shortly before 8. I'm not sure if their intent was to shuffle people to the main area or what but it caused a lot of people to just leave. Eh, whatever...
Guy in front of me was doing something not involving lessening one's fluid or solid weight in the bathroom. He looked extremely happy when he left, I wished at that moment I was a car dealer and could offer him a car to purchase with 133 easy payments of $600...
It's an odd little place, parking's a bitch whenever I show up and I always end up halfway to muggertown parking. Thing is I think they have the space, just nobody knows how to park.
I think it might be a great place, but the crowd had no cohesion, the extremes were extreme, and then there's the lady who pissed herself on the bar stool and then went and sat on the couch. -
Review from Kristin G.
Nashville, TN
12/23/2010 3 Check-ins Here
Jesus Nashville.1 star lost for being 18 & up. Last time I checked water was free. Can't be making that much. Plus getting hit on by an 18 year old is not flattering, its scary. Do your time & it will come when you turn 21. 1 star lost for having 1 women's toilet. If someone decides to get it on or get a little crazy I am shit out of luck. Take that as you want.
Okay, so this portion is a review of Y2K"s party.
All of the above makes me sad because I loved Y2K's music. I also like the space. It kind of reminds me of NY's The Dark Room in the LES. It also reminds me of a place Lindsay Lohan would hang out pre-rehab. Case in point: A girl, who I'm not sure was 21 was making out with some guy against the wall, he left & she looked sad so I asked is that your boyfriend, "No I literally just met him."
I would definitely go back for Y2K but it would be hard to drink, who wants to spend half your night in line for the bathroom. I'm also going to come prepared, aka ready for the young-ins. -
Review from Zeb M.
8/24/2011
The only time I've ever been to 12th & Porter for a non-dance party was to see Jonathan Richman five years ago. Therefore, I can't really review any of their "concert" nights, but their dance parties (usually held on Saturday nights) are always a blast. 12th & Porter is divided into two parts - the main stage and the lounge. It can get crowded at times, but there's a small seating area between both and a well-lit street outside!
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Review from Marcia M.
8/1/2010 10 Check-ins Here
I agree with a few of the other reviews regarding 12th & Porter having a split personality in the areas of crowd, layout, and even service. I will continue to come see shows here as I did last night with the Sarah Silva album release and Chancellor Warhol was on the bill too. Both are legit Nashville artists who brought a healthy crowd. Another reviewer was right on target when he mentioned how a Pitchfork, Lollapalooza, or Bonnaroo billed band wouldn't likely perform here due to space a restraint which is probably why there are normally not major headliners here. Good regional and Nashville based bands perform here regularly.
The sound is good but not great and the lighting is really great for bands to utilize for performance pictures to add to their portfolio or to use for promotions.
The drinks and bar are forgettable and although I made the "genius" choice of opting for a cotton-candy flavored vodka last night ....I usually have a wealth of information for reviews in this area.
Parking is a bit of an issue with just a small lot nearby which gets filled rather quickly. If you don't squeeze in there, you will have to park in some seedy surrounding areas. Plan to bring a friend or have someone walk you to your car if you are flying solo. -
Review from Andrew C.
Nashville, TN
6/4/2008
12th and Porter is a great venue to see live acts here in Nashville. The place is separated by a door that looks like it is straight out of Nickelodeon's "Legends of the Hidden Temple."
When the door opened the first time I showed up here it looked like I was walking into an Usher video, sans the R&B/rap music. Lights and fog machine and great music playing. Full bar along the wall, not too bad prices on drinks - overall one of the better spots here in town to see a show. -
Review from Courtney B.
Nashville, TN
12/27/2008
This is a pretty cool, albeit confusing, venue for Nashville. My first time there, I almost missed the musician I came to see because I didn't realize the stage area was through an unmarked interior door, and was hanging out in the upper bar area wondering when the damn band was going to go on. I'm not sure if that is a common mistake or not, but it was a little frustrating.
12th and Porter to me seems to have a split personality. When you first walk in there's a large bar with a TV and a lot of open space that I'm assuming is for dancing and socializing. It's decorated in a trendy club kind of fashion, i.e. clean and minimalistic and contemporary, and they show a lot of cool music videos on the TV, but isn't typically the atmosphere I came there for. To your left as you come in is an interior door that is usually manned by a scruffy yet friendly doorman. Once you walk through the door, it is like a totally different place.
This main room is dark, crowded and loud like you'd expect a rock venue to be. There's an upper balcony which is really cool, I'm a big fan of interior balconies at venue's, especially ones where you have a good view no matter where you stand. There's a good sized bar to the right of the stage that serves a good variety of beer and liquor that's a tad bit on the overpriced side, but I think everyone is used to overpriced drinks at clubs by now. The stage is one of the most put-together ones that I've seen in Nashville. Their lighting set-up is fantastic, and there are two video screens on either side of the stage that can be utilized by the performer. I think my favorite show there so far was one of the local band The Protomen. For those of you unfamiliar, they are an extremely visual band and their performance fit in very well with the venue.
The location of 12th and Porter is its biggest turn off. It's randomly located down a side street off of 12th Avenue on the corner of Porter (hence the name). The area is very run down and is pretty sketchy at night. Parking is a pain, there is a lot right by the venue, but it's small and full of huge pot holes and generally hard to maneuver through. The last time I went there a random homeless person was directing cars where to park down a slightly scary side street. I thought it was pretty hilarious, but some people might not find that to be as funny as I. He seemed to know what he was doing, as the car was still there when we left, scratch and break in free.
I wish more touring bands came here as I'd pick 12th and Porter over Exit/In any day. Their calendar can be hit or miss (check it out on their Myspace page) with a lot of their acts being unknowns. They do have writer's nights which are cool, but I still think the End is your best bet for the best shows by bands you've never heard of. -
Review from Kyla A.
9/18/2008 3 photos
I enjoy catching shows at 12th & Porter, especially in the main room. Be careful, girls, if you're wearing heels when walking through the door to the show area because the stairs are unexpected, uneven, and very dimly lit. It's a bit treacherous going up and down. Once you've made it safely inside the main music room you see a large stage, high ceilings, and usually a pretty solid crowd.
12th & Porter draws a variety of acts; check the schedule and you'll be sure to find something coming up that will give you a chance to stop by and see 12th & Porter for yourself. -
Review from Jamie D.
10/8/2009 2 Check-ins Here
The ladies pouring my drinks were makin' em good! At first, I entered and saw a very small stage to the room on the right. Felt more like a cafe/spoken word/ open mic night environment in the small stage room.
The area where the main bar is more sports bar'y. But, it really is only about the size of the average livingroom. The have a garage door that they pull up which lends it self to a bench where folks puff em' down.
We came to see a show...I then learned of the mysterious black door that led into a basement type area with a REAL rock stage. The decor down there was very underground (pun) and had a nice dark feel to it. The lighting and sound were top notch. There is also a load-in load-out door where you can head out to smoke.
Overall, this place is great to see shows in a very close setting. Def worth going to see a show at. Also, you are sure to run into industry folks here. -
Review from DeAnna L.
Seattle, WA
8/18/2010
This is a Nashville right of passage for the new artists who are trying to break into the industry. I've seen fantastic video shoots here for Bridgette Tatum to newly signed country artists Her and Kings County from New York City (NEW YORK CITY??!!), yes New York City! Both times each show was high energy and the venue really lends itself to an intimate show.
There are two sides to this venue, but it just gives you a chance to catch a breather in between acts. And the best part, the beer is always cold! -
Review from David M.
Memphis, TN
2/22/2008
The Place in Nashville to catch great live music!
Closest you'll get to the spirit of CBGB's in Nashville.
Gets crowded on the weekends, its behind the offices of the Tennessean. Some kinky bits of food are available: blue hoe cakes, rasta-pasta and pizza. -
Review from Greg S.
Smyrna, TN
12/15/2010
12th and Porter! Wow Nice place, drinks are decent. Clean bar. Crowd is diverse. I guess it depends on whos playing on the to different stages. There is a small stage for acoustic/ songwriters. Down through the big black door is the best stage/ lighting/sound guy/system in this city. When I saw Helmet there back in September. I felt like I was listening to a studio album. Intruments were miced perfectly, mixed properly, and LOUD! I love this place. I will not miss a good show at this venue ever again!
Listed in: Favorites nightlife
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Review from Nate A.
Philadelphia, PA
10/11/2009
Visiting my brother in Nashville for the weekend, we hit up 12th and Porter on Saturday night for a Next BIG Nashville double-bill featuring Mikky Ekko and AutoVaughn and had an amazing, high-energy experience at this intimate venue that still feels like a good secret.
Pros
-Dual layout features a DJ-driven dance floor with a more traditional club feel in one room, then through a low-key door lies a dark rock room with a big stage and high PV lights and audio.
-Amazing live music. Hard to say if it was just the night, but the bands were great.
-Vibes baby. Felt like getting in on the next big thing.
Cons
-Crowd got a little chippy as the evening wore on as steaky chaff and hipster mixed like oil and water. Culminating in the strange experience of seeing someone huck a beer glass at a bartender then flee the scene in a white pederast van! -
Review from Charlotte C.
Nashville, TN
Updated - 12/6/2010 1 photo
So it was Saturday and I knew I wanted to make it a good one. 12th & Porter thank you for supplying my needs. I started the night off with Andy Davis' magical performance that made me realize why I live in music city. After a few Red Bull & Vodkas I was ready for the Y2K dance party. Glow Sticks, face paint, and shirtless guys never let you down. Thanks again 12th & Porter.
Listed in: Best Dance Party
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/1/2010
First venue I visited in Nashville and it blew me away. Electronic Dance party or sit down intimate… Read more »
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Review from Sharon N.
Nashville, TN
4/19/2008 2 photos
12th and Porter is a five star Nashville live music venue. The club is a great sized room, about 500 people capacity. So when the place is sold out, it is really a sweet place to see a show, and feels very big city. People always call it the "L.A." style venue because of all the high production sound and lighting at the shows here. The venue has changed management and had some moments where everyone thought the venue would be closed, but it is currently up and running and booking awesome shows.
I saw the Universal Artist, 'Safety Suit' perform here to a sold out crowd, and it was just fantastic. The sound quality is great no matter where you stand in the room. The bass can be felt, which is always the key to a great live sound. The vocals were right on top of the mix, and all the lighting effects were synchronized to the stage show. There is standing room only on the floor, and one second floor balcony where you can get a bird's eye view of the show.
12th and Porter will book great shows any night of the week. Occasionally they will put on showcases for local acts, and currently they have a show hosted by the local R&B Soul singer Damien Horne, and also host Music Mafia events sometimes.
I love this club, and I love seeing bands here. It really is worth it to check out a show. -
Review from Simply S.
Nashville, TN
2/12/2010
Best live venue in nashville by far! the lighting show they have when some artists perform is unlike any other in town. staff is great and it's in a great location of town. not "downtown" but just a few blocks away ... lots of parking in several lots and on the street.
Great nashville venue!
one side is a LIVE venue and the other side sometimes has dj's .. great spot. -
Review from ashley a.
Indianapolis, IN
5/8/2009
I recently went to a show here and saw the room where the show was to be held long before the show started. Originally, I was shocked. The room was tiny- being someone with mild-claustrophobia, I was a little unnerved. However, when it came time for the show to start the room felt oddly spacious- it was pretty easy to move around- we weren't packed in like sardines, although I imagine this would depend more on the show itself, not the venue.
The stage lights are quite impressive- I wasn't expecting such a solid lighting set up for such a (relatively) small venue.
I had read some reviews about the venue being in a relatively shady part of town, but I (a 19 year old female) never felt uncomfortable. If you walk about 50 ft. you're back out on Broadway which was full of life and well lit the entire time I was at the venue. Parking wasn't overly ideal- just a gravel lot- but it definitely could have been worse!
Overall- great venue. I'd definitely go back next time I'm in Nashville, as they seem to host some awesome artists.
One complaint- the lights remained off during the entire time I was there, and there was music blaring (overhead music- not live, obviously). I'm not sure if this is common practice, but it was quite annoying trying to talk to people before/after the show when it was pitch black (in certain areas), and the overhead music was absolutely blaring. -
Review from Mariela C.
San Francisco, CA
11/15/2008
12th and porter is one of the many great little music venues in Nashville. Inside you'll find two different rooms with stages, of which the bigger one is definitely the better - not only those it have excellent acoustic, but the upstairs balcony and bar are definitely a great surprise, and fantastic place to watch the show. Sadly, however, I always have go back to my annoyance with ridiculous amounts of smoke. I don't know if this has changed recently with the new sweep of smoke-free zones in Nashville (for which I'm eternally thankful) but I remember the bar in the main area being really smoky. Also, during the summer 12th and Porter shows get uncomfortably hot in the hideous mid-south heat. All in all I think this is a good place to catch a show in the bigger room, especially if you snag a spot in the upstairs balcony!
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Review from Robert K.
West Palm Beach, FL
9/4/2008
There is a lot of competition among clubs in Nashville, after all this is music city. 12th and Porter is a so-so club to catch a live band. The atmosphere is alright, but I prefer some of the more notable clubs in the downtown area like Mercy lounge and the like. I will give it this, 12th and Porter is one of the loudest venues around. I say this because after I left my ears were ringing from the cranked up tunes .
