Unearth The Voyage
Nashville has a lot going on, from honky-tonks on Broadway to world-class music venues scattered across the city. But tucked just southwest of downtown, a brewery has been quietly building something worth talking about.
This brewery started as a scrappy, independent operation and grew into one of the most celebrated craft breweries in Tennessee. It made history as Nashville’s first craft canned beer and has since earned top honors at competitions that put it on the national map.
This is the story of how a small taproom with big ideas turned a mythical creature into a very real legacy.
The Origin Story: How Jackalope Got Its Start
Founded in 2011 by Bailey Spaulding and Robyn Virball, Jackalope Brewing Co. launched at a time when Nashville’s craft beer scene was still finding its footing. The two women brought a clear vision: build a brewery that made genuinely interesting beer without taking itself too seriously.
The name itself tells you something about the brand. A jackalope, the mythical jackrabbit with antelope horns, is playful and a little absurd.
That spirit carried over into the tap list, the taproom design, and the way the team talked about their work.
What started as a dream shared between two friends became one of the most recognized independent breweries in Tennessee. The early years were lean, but the commitment to quality never wavered.
By focusing on what was in the glass rather than chasing trends, Jackalope built a loyal following one pour at a time. That foundation made everything else possible.
Nashville’s First Craft Can: A Historic Milestone
Not every brewery gets to claim a first. Jackalope Brewing Co. holds the distinction of producing Nashville’s first craft canned beer, a milestone that set it apart long before the awards started rolling in.
Canning was a bold move at the time, when many craft brewers still viewed cans as the domain of mass-market lagers.
Jackalope pushed back on that assumption. Cans protect beer from light and oxygen better than bottles, which means the liquid inside stays fresher longer.
For a brewery focused on quality, the choice made complete sense even if it raised a few eyebrows in 2012.
That decision turned out to be ahead of the curve. The craft beer industry shifted dramatically toward cans in the years that followed, and Jackalope was already there.
Being first in Nashville was not just a marketing point; it was proof that the brewery was willing to lead rather than follow. That willingness defined its path forward.
Best In Show: The Awards That Put Jackalope On The Map
Winning a competition in the craft beer world is no small thing. The field is crowded, the judges are exacting, and the margin between good and great is razor thin.
Jackalope Brewing Co. has managed to stand out in that environment, earning recognition at respected beer competitions that attract entries from across the country.
The brewery’s flagship offerings and seasonal releases have both drawn attention from judges who know the category well. Earning a best-in-show nod at a major competition signals that the quality in the glass is not accidental.
It is the result of deliberate recipe development, careful brewing technique, and consistent execution.
For a brewery that started with two founders and a clear idea, that kind of recognition carries real weight. It validates the choices made early on and confirms that Nashville-made craft beer can compete at the highest level.
The trophy shelf at Jackalope is more than decoration; it is a timeline of hard-earned progress.
Inside the Taproom: What To Expect When You Walk In
The taproom at Jackalope has an industrial feel that works without trying too hard. Exposed materials, open ceilings, and practical furniture give the space a no-fuss character that matches the brewery’s overall personality.
It is built for people who want to sit down, stay a while, and have a real conversation.
Board games are stacked and available for anyone to grab, which says a lot about the vibe the team is going for. There is also a photo booth that has become something of a taproom tradition for regulars and first-timers alike.
A loft area is available for private events, making the space flexible for different kinds of gatherings.
The tap list runs deep, with 20 or more options on any given day. The bar also carries wine and cider for those who prefer something other than beer.
The layout is generous enough that the room never feels jammed even when it is busy. That kind of breathing room is rare and appreciated.
The Outdoor Patio: Where Nashville Nights Come Alive
The outdoor patio at Jackalope is one of its most talked-about features. String lights overhead, plenty of seating, and a shuffleboard setup make it the kind of outdoor space that keeps people lingering well past their first round.
On warm Nashville evenings, it fills up quickly and for good reason.
Live music events have taken place on the patio, including tribute band nights that draw crowds ready to dance. The sound system has been upgraded over time, and the improvement is noticeable.
Music carries well across the space without drowning out conversation at the tables.
The patio is also dog-friendly, which earns it extra points from the Nashville crowd that tends to bring their pets everywhere. There is something genuinely communal about the outdoor setup.
Strangers end up talking, groups merge, and the atmosphere builds on its own without anyone forcing it. It is the kind of outdoor space that turns a quick stop into a full evening out.
The Beer List: A Range That Covers Every Preference
Jackalope’s tap list is built to cover a wide range of tastes rather than double down on a single style. On any visit, you might find a hazy IPA sitting next to a crisp lager, a barrel-aged porter, and a light session brew.
The variety is intentional and reflects a team that genuinely enjoys brewing across styles.
The lager and hazy offerings have drawn consistent praise from those who know their way around a tap list. The Sally Ann, one of the brewery’s recognizable releases, has developed a following among regulars.
Flights are available, which makes the first visit easier for anyone who wants to sample before committing to a full pour.
For those not inclined toward beer, the full bar also carries cider and wine. The range means that a group with mixed preferences can all find something worth ordering.
That kind of flexibility is part of what makes Jackalope work as a gathering spot rather than just a destination for dedicated craft beer fans.
Food at the Taproom: More Than Just Bar Snacks
Taproom food often gets treated as an afterthought, but Jackalope has put genuine effort into its menu. The kitchen turns out options that go beyond standard bar fare, with gluten-friendly choices available for those with dietary restrictions.
Chicken skewers and house salads have become reliable favorites for regulars.
Brunch service adds another layer to the experience, with expanded food options and cocktails available on weekend mornings. The breakfast pizza that appears during brunch hours has developed a following among those who know to show up early enough to order it.
Food trucks have also been a fixture in the Jackalope rotation, with local operators setting up outside and adding to the menu options. The brewery has been transparent about updating its menu over time, responding to feedback and refining what comes out of the kitchen.
The result is a food program that supports the taproom experience rather than competing with or undermining it.
Events and Live Music: The Taproom as a Venue
Jackalope has leaned into its role as a community gathering space by building out a solid events calendar. Live music nights, tribute band performances, and sports watch parties have all become part of the regular programming.
The taproom has hosted World Cup viewing sessions, giving the space a neighborhood bar quality that goes beyond just selling pints.
The Rubiks Groove tribute nights, which celebrate 80s and 90s music, have drawn some of the most enthusiastic crowds the patio has seen. The combination of a reliable sound system, an open outdoor layout, and a full bar makes those evenings work on multiple levels.
Private event bookings are also available, with the loft space and the broader taproom accommodating corporate happy hours and group gatherings. The brewery’s team has a reputation for being organized and responsive when it comes to event coordination.
For Nashville groups looking for a venue that feels local and genuine rather than corporate, Jackalope consistently delivers on that expectation.
Hours, Accessibility, and Planning Your Visit
Jackalope Brewing Co. keeps a schedule that balances weekday and weekend access without stretching the team too thin. The taproom is closed on Mondays and opens at 4 PM Tuesday through Thursday, closing at 10 PM.
Friday and Saturday hours run from noon to 10 PM, giving weekend visitors a full afternoon window to drop in.
Sunday hours are noon to 7 PM, which works well for a relaxed afternoon visit before the week starts. Brunch programming on weekends adds another reason to show up on the earlier side of the day.
Checking the brewery’s events calendar before visiting is worth the two minutes it takes, since special programming can change the energy of a visit significantly.
Parking in the area runs about six dollars for an extended stay, which is reasonable by Nashville standards. The taproom is spacious enough to accommodate groups without feeling cramped.
Planning ahead, especially for weekend evenings when live music is scheduled, ensures the best possible experience at one of Nashville’s most consistently rewarding brewery destinations.
Why Jackalope Still Stands Out in a Crowded Nashville Scene
Nashville’s craft brewery scene has grown considerably over the past decade, with new operations opening regularly and competition for tap handles getting sharper every year. In that environment, standing out requires more than a clever name and a decent IPA.
Jackalope has managed to hold its ground by staying consistent across beer quality, atmosphere, and community engagement.
The brewery does not try to be everything at once. It is not a concert hall or a fine dining destination.
It is a well-run taproom with serious beer, a welcoming space, and a team that genuinely enjoys what they do. That clarity of purpose is harder to maintain than it sounds, especially as the pressure to expand and diversify increases.
From making Nashville’s first craft can to earning best-in-show recognition on a competitive stage, Jackalope has built a record that speaks for itself. The mythical creature on the logo may not exist, but the brewery behind it very much does, and it has earned its place at the top of Tennessee’s craft brewing conversation.
Where the Jackalope Lives: Address and Location
At 429B Houston St, Nashville, TN 37203, Jackalope Brewing Co. sits in a stretch of the city that feels more warehouse district than tourist trap. That is exactly the point.
The brewery carved out its home in an industrial neighborhood just minutes from downtown, giving it a personality that separates it from the Broadway bar scene.
The location works in its favor. It is close enough to the action that out-of-towners can make the trip without much effort, but far enough away that the crowd inside tends to be local, relaxed, and genuinely there for the craft.
The surrounding area has a gritty, no-frills character that matches the brewery’s own unpretentious style. Street parking is available nearby, and the building itself is easy to spot once you know what you are looking for.
It is the kind of place that rewards the people who seek it out.
