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Name: Sambuca
Address: 601 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN, 37203
Telephone: (615) 248-2888
Price range: Under $11
Rating: 3.72

Sambuca

601 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN, 37203

(615) 248-2888
Store is closed

Sambuca Menu

Small Plates

Chicken Samosas

Calamari Fritti

Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichokes

Acapulco Shrimp

Buca Beignets

Fried Crab Cake

Seared Tuna

Shrimp & Crab Dip

Chicken & Beef Satay

Fried Shrimp Bites

Bruschetta With Tomatoes
Savory Bowls

Tortilla Soup

Shrimp & Crab Bisque
Leafy Greens

Caesar

Gorgonzola

Baby Spinach

House
Pizzas

Margherita

American Pie

The Cosmo

Build Your Own
Using Our Noodles

Chicken Parmigiana

Shrimp & Crab Scampi

Mediterranean Veggie Lasagna
Off The Hook

Citrus Salmon

Chili-rubbed Scallops

Blackened Red Snapper Etouffee

Miso Sea Bass

Crab-stuffed Salmon

Margarita Shrimp

Lobster Enchiladas
From The Range

Hickory-smoked Prime Pork Chop

Ribeye

Flat Iron

Champagne Chicken

Cowboy Cut Bone-in 18oz. Ribeye

Filet
From The Range - Add Ons

À La Oscar

Lobster Tail

Shrimp

Scallops
Sides

Dilled Havarti Potato Tots

Fire-roasted Vegetables

Au Gratin Potatoes

Maple Bourbon

Sweet Potatoes

Broccoli Crunch

Prosciutto Mac & Cheese

Smashed Potatoes

Brussel Sprouts
Happy Ending

Crème Brulée

Cheesecake Sopapilla

Tiramisu

Decadent Chocolate Toffee Torte

Caramel Brownie À La Mode

Sticky Toffee Pudding

Berry Cobbler Streusel

Healthy Meal suggestions for Sambuca

Small Plates

Chicken Samosas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Calamari Fritti [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichokes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Acapulco Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Buca Beignets [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Crab Cake [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Seared Tuna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp & Crab Dip [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chicken & Beef Satay [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fried Shrimp Bites [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Bruschetta With Tomatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Savory Bowls

Tortilla Soup [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp & Crab Bisque [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Leafy Greens

Caesar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Gorgonzola [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Baby Spinach [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

House [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Pizzas

Margherita [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

American Pie [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

The Cosmo [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Build Your Own [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Using Our Noodles

Chicken Parmigiana [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp & Crab Scampi [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Mediterranean Veggie Lasagna [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Off The Hook

Citrus Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Chili-rubbed Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Blackened Red Snapper Etouffee [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Miso Sea Bass [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Crab-stuffed Salmon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Margarita Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lobster Enchiladas [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
From The Range

Hickory-smoked Prime Pork Chop [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Ribeye [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Flat Iron [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Champagne Chicken [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cowboy Cut Bone-in 18oz. Ribeye [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Filet [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
From The Range - Add Ons

À La Oscar [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Lobster Tail [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Shrimp [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Scallops [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Sides

Dilled Havarti Potato Tots [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Fire-roasted Vegetables [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Au Gratin Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Maple Bourbon [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sweet Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Broccoli Crunch [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Prosciutto Mac & Cheese [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Smashed Potatoes [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Brussel Sprouts [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]
Happy Ending

Crème Brulée [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Cheesecake Sopapilla [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Tiramisu [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Decadent Chocolate Toffee Torte [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Caramel Brownie À La Mode [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Sticky Toffee Pudding [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

Berry Cobbler Streusel [ Carbohydrates (ms): 0, Sodium (s): 0, Saturated Fat (ms) : 0, Calories: 0, Sugar (ms): 0 ]

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Write An Anonymous Review

Cesar V.

I have been here a few times and every time it's been amazing! The food and service is always amazing followed by great live music. *Now the menus are hard to read due to the lack of lighting
(5)
Dan Z.

The Good: Quality of food; experience; service; selection. The Bad: notta The Rest: One of my favorite stops in Nashville. They have a great selection and I never had anything On the menu I didn't like. I dined as the host of a party of 11 and the service was exceptional. We had several appetizers in addition to main courses and desert and everyone was pleased with their meal. Following dinner, we stayed for a while to listen to the live music and were made to feel welcome. Final bill was under $1k for a party of 11 with appetizers, main courses, deserts, and drinks. Great vegetarian selection as well.
(5)
Necey T.

Good food, good music, nice staff. A lot of space for groups and nice ambiance for date or group night out. Artichoke appetizer delicious Chicken Somasas- pretty good Artisan pizza with sausage- tasty Mango pear drink-pretty good Will definitely be back!
(4)
Christina B.

What a cool place!! The atmosphere is just amazing. Nice big bar area, dining area with a stage and live music, and if that's not your thing, then you can sit outside on their patio and people watch The Gulch. Love it! Hubby and I got drinks at the bar and I must say, I was not a fan of mine. I got a lemondrop martini and it tasted like pure lemonade. Ok lesson learned, stick to wine... The beignet appetizers were AMAZING. A puff pastry ball stuffed with cheese, prosciutto, and I think even basil with balsamic drizzle. Just do it. Dinner was not great.... I got the scallops. They are served with risotto which I love but this stuff was either over or undercooked (hard pieces) and seemed as though it had been sitting around for a while and someone just popped it under a warming light. Husband got the lobster tacos and he was also very underwhelmed, very little taste he said. The meals are not cheap, but we chalked it up to the price you pay for the great atmosphere. We got desert on the house since we were celebrating his birthday - berry cobbler and it was delish!!! I do want to comment on the service also.... not good. Our waitress never came to check on our drinks the entire time we ate dinner and both of us had empty glasses sitting out hoping she would notice. So instead of ordering from her when she brought the bill, we just decided to get drinks elsewhere. Overall we loved this place because of the atmosphere and we would be back, although next time I think we would just sit in the bar area, get wine & apps, and listen to the band.
(4)
Shannon M.

This was the last dinner I had during my trip to Nashville. We had a reservation and were sat on the balcony above the stage. A jazz band played some light music starting at 6:30pm. It was a really awesome set up and had such a trendy cool vibe. I had a couple of Dirty Martinis (best ones I had in Nashville) and we tried a few of their apps to start. the Mac and Cheese with prosciutto, the buschetta and 2 orders of the Buca Beignets. All fantastic. We order the right about for the 7 of us to share. I had the special which was sea bass wrapped in bacon with risotto. Different but delicious. A very unique dining experience. We had a great time!
(4)
Marisela S.

We had a private event here and everything was delicious, meats, sausage, pasta, salad, desserts to die for, appetizers, everything was so good and tasty and flavorful. They had a band as well that played all variations of songs from different eras and languages as well and the upstairs had a great view as well as patio to lounge on, overall this was a great spot to enjoy a nice dinner
(4)
Christa P.

My (awesome) job hosted our annual Holiday (Christmas) party here this year. The space is nice, but not amazing. The service was alright. And the food was.... blah at best. Unfortunately this just isn't the place I would recommend or spend my time. I got a three course meal - started with a crab bisque - the cream wasn't cooked down enough and wasn't really edible. The second course was pretty good though- medium rare filet was seasoned and cooked well. The side of asparagus was ok, lower quality veg and the au gratin potatoes were salty, cold and were over cooked. Nashville is an awesome city- and there are so many places with great food or music. Dont waste your time or money going here. Sorry!
(2)
Jenni E.

I came here on a Sunday night for a late dinner. Food and service did not disappoint. The drinks were great - I too went with the pineapple, cucumber drink and that is probably one of my new favorite combinations. The food is pricey here - so I went with a couple of the small plate options and dessert. I had the bruschetta, Mac and cheese and the duck breast. I did feel like it was a little crazy to pay $15 for three bit size pieces of duck breast, but they were delicious. The Mac and chest was good and you would love it if you love goat cheese. I don't like goat cheese, but I still liked it enough to eat it. The bruschetta is pretty standard here. I really wanted the creme brÃ»lÃ©e, but they were out so I settled on sticky toffee pudding with ice cream. That was pretty amazing. The night I came they had an amazing blues singer that I could have listened to for hours. This would be a great date spot for anyone looking to impress.
(4)
Raj R.

My wife and I went to here last night. It was pretty dead and the restaurant was very dark, like hard to read the menu dark. Yes, I get it's the vibe, but still. The band was average at best, much better performers elsewhere. The was was definitely good.
(3)
Mindy J.

One of my favorite Nashville restaurants, The food is always on point, The service was JUST RIGHT, and the ambiance so perfectly romantic And they have live Jazz at night I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in the Nashville area! It is however, a LITTLE on the pricier side... My group of 4 ate for $170 + $30 tip and we all had immaculate entrees, several drinks, TWO appetizers, and TWO desserts!!! Not bad AT ALL, and completely worth every penny :) Will return!!! OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!!
(4)
Steve S.

Went to this place for a birthday. I will say it has great atmosphere and that night they had a really great live cover band playing. This place is great for accommodating groups. We got the top floor and the decor and atmosphere is nice. Felt like I was in a private LA style bar. They do valet so keep your receipt when getting your car. If you want to take a date, a intimate setting with that special someone, this is the place to take them. Do not come here looking for a big meal. You are paying for more experience than a full stomach. Though I will say the food I did order was tasty and full of flavor. I did enjoy the Shrimp & Crab Bisque. I also ordered the Chicken & Shrimp Tostadas. Paid 9.50 for 3 small chips. You are going to pay more for much less on a plate. I would say this is a great place to get drinks, have fun with friends, listen to live music and just enjoy the Gulch area. If you are tight on budget, prob find a place to eat first than come here for drinks. But they have a full menu and great choice and if money isn't an issue than this is a one stop shop!!
(3)
Shami K.

Anyone that has worked in the food industry knows Mondays are not busy like a Friday or Saturday, so I was a little confused when they couldn't seat us till 8:40PM even though the dining area was basically empty (maybe 10 tables seated) and we had reservations for 8PM. When we were sitting at the bar for 30 minutes waiting to order, the bartender did not once try to ask what I'd like. Definitely overpriced for what you get. There are tons of amazing new restaurants in Nashville, and this place is waiting to go out of business. My scallops were room temperature at best- actually kind of cold. Another girl at the table ordered a pizza, and it was literally cold (not even room temperature). I'd prefer to get my food 5 minutes before or after someone else at the table than to be served cold food. With tip, my meal and drinks cost $80. For that price, take your money and go to Rolf and Daughters or Sinema.
(1)
Jes O.

Great service. Try the goat cheese stuffed artichokes! Amazing. We caught a great blues band, and got sat right away at 7pm in Saturday night. (Although to be fair.. The entire city of Nashville is out waiting for fireworks in the rain)
(5)
Antony F.

Came with a group for a late night dinner, ambiance outside was nice, I had the crab and shrimp scampi (minus the shrimp) and it was pretty good. I went to order a 2nd drink and was told the bar was closed, yet I noticed another server coming out with a round for the table next to us, not to mention some folks at our table joined us after, with drinks they bought at the bar. They closed early for a Friday night. Felt like our server was just done, and wanted out.
(2)
Carrie L.

With a night to spend in Nashville, I thought it would be best to find a place with live music and food. Sambuca came up a few times on google so even with an average rating on yelp, I decided to try it out. Long story short, I am never listening to google again. Sambuca has a stage on one end with various performers almost nightly. Tables and booths are facing the stage giving it the proper attention. My server was super attentive and sweet. Service was the only "wow" factor I got from Sambuca. I ordered the beignet appetizer and filet entree, and while they weren't bad, the food in general was only average, to say the truth. The filet was a bit soggy to the cut. The butter sauce was not complimentary to the steak. The drink (sambuca sling-back) was strong with no particular flavor. Food is overpriced and I was not satisfied from the food to the drink to the ambiance. This place was unbelievably dark! Everyone around me had to use their phone in order to read the menu. Maybe I was expecting too much.. But I'm sure there are other restaurants that can better represent Nashville.
(3)
Aisha M.

Sambucca is a solid place for a night out. On my last visit there was live music. I ordered the pasta and my companion a steak. Both were tasty. I had the sticky toffee pudding for dessert...it was a solid decision.
(4)
Katrina L.

Loved our server. Cumcumber pineapple drink was delicious. My entree was the scallops with risotto -- So perfect. Scallops were cooked perfectly and paired great with the risotto and asparagus.
(5)
Punam D.

Came here for dinner on Wednesday night. What a disappointing evening. As noted in Alex's review from 2011, you can't ignore the band because they are completely in your face. I don't wish to complain; they weren't bad but if I had wanted to go to hear a band play, I would have gone to a bar. I went there with a large group, and was supposed to have a set menu but a few of us went off piste and ordered appetizers. I'm so glad that we did. The beignets were lovely and creamy and the lobster and crab were seriously tasty. The fried oyster had been obliterated by the cooking process and was just a hard lump of batter. The chicken samosa was good. The entrees were not so good. The steak came with a weird sauce and no sides. I would have ordered something had I known. i didn't even touch the set menu dessert. Service was good and friendly though. Wine was quaffable. No thank you to the rest Sambuca!
(2)
Leah G.

This is my go to lunch restaurant. I love the atmosphere inside, and their patio is equally marvelous. The lunch menu has lots of options, you can mix and match a variety if salad, soup, sandwich options. The best part? Apparently no one else in Nashville ever thinks to stop in for lunch! I have never had to wait for a seat, and the restaurant usually only has a few occupied tables. Makes it a fantastic place if you need something conducive for a conversation with clients or colleagues. I'm not as big of a fan for dinner - still love the atmosphere, but the menu just isn't my style at night. If I could rate lunch and dinner separately I would give them 5 & 3 stars respectively.
(4)
Emay B.

Good food, good service, good drinks... Came here on a Friday night in August and encountered no wait to sit outside on the patio. Our server was attentive and offered a great suggestion as I was in between the salmon and the scallops. I took his suggestion and did the scallops and was so pleased I did. The flavors of the scallops, the tomato sauce, and the seasoning used paired with the risotto cake was out of this world. I encourage you to visit The Gulch and Sambucas. Oh and did I mention the $5 valet?
(5)
Josh B.

The wife and I sat near the stage area. The band they had was totally amazing! The band's name was the Chris Weaver Band. The food was decent. The drinks were okay as well. But what got us was the air conditioning seem to be out when were there last Friday night! It was extremely hot inside. We don't like eating hot food when the thermostat is set to Hell. We were sweating profusely! We only come here occasionally and parking is valet tip plus $5.
(3)
Angela D.

Our visit started off poorly when the hostess said "I need your drinks" immediately after greeting us (referring to our empty coffee cups that we would have thrown away had they had a trash can outside). It just seemed extremely rude. Once we were seated, our server Robby greeted us and he was amazing from beginning to end. He made great suggestions and never rushed us. He was very laid back and knowledgable in the best possible way. The food was very good but the difference in portion sizes between the flat iron steak and the salmon was kind of odd. The band playing the night we were there was unreal! A lady named sissy was singing with them but I can't recall what the band's name was. The only other thing I found odd was the fact that a restaurant this nice has paper dinner menus. Overall, great experience!
(4)
Allaina L.

One of my favorite restaurants in Nashville. The food is always amazing and normally the music is great too. Great atmosphere and the service is always on point. Definitely make a reservation because they stay busy. The patio is great during the warmer months, but the main dining area is the place to be to see the nightly band.
(5)
Jessica B.

Went here with some girlfriends while we were in town for the weekend. Not only was our waiter extremely helpful, our meals were amazing! Patton James was playing and we all found the band very entertaining. This place made me wish I lived in Nashville.
(5)
Emily O.

Stepped in here before going to see a show at the Station Inn which is across the street because they only serve beer over there and I'm more of a hard liquor kind of girl... Very nice live band playing but didn't catch the name. Female lead singer and female backup were both great. Again with the cover songs tho... Shimmied up to the bar. Ambiance is chic and dark... The crowd was a little off-putting, maybe a tad too snotty for my mingling taste. Angie the bartender was great tho and did me a huge favor by making me a slammin' espresso martini. I was on the road all day and badly needed caffeine to perk up. Espresso martinis, when done properly are probably one of my favorite things in life. I don't usually order them tho because being a bartender myself I know what a bitch they are to make. She glady obliged my request and it was delish! My bf got a fancy $12 beer and then had major martini envy when he saw/tried mine. Place wasn't cheap but I guess that is to be expected in this part of town. Only had one round and left but it was a good one!
(4)
Tim B.

We went to the Gulch for a nice meal. Sambuca had great entertainment, nice food, and great drinks. We had an excellent time.
(4)
Tiffany B.

Really really good service and a very attentive waiter. On the weekends (Friday and Saturday) they have a live band. When I went it was Al Green and the hard times. Lol. They were really in good though and had the whole crowd enjoying themselves. If you don't want to be close to the music there are quieter areas or a patio outside. The place is really nice. The drinks are on the more expensive side but totally worth every penny. They don't cheat you on your alcohol and they have really taken their time to come up with a creative and satisfying drink menu. Food was great. They serve small plates and larger meals. I ordered a small plate of Chicken Samosas. They were a tad greasy but the flavor was on point. In will definitely be going back there my next visit.
(5)
Charline H.

I haven't been to Sambuca in years, but joined a friend at the bar on Saturday night. Our bartender was amazing. He ran the bar like the ultimate pro- cool and collected while sweeping in to take orders and refilling drinks as we enjoyed the jazz band. We enjoyed the small plates and I cannot wait to go back and check out the bar upstairs which was closed for a private event. Until then... I'll be dreaming of those Goat Cheese-Stuffed Artichokes :p
(4)
Chris M.

My wife and I were so excited on our first night in Nashville but Sambuca truly underdelivered I'm sorry to say. It's all about perspective right? My college kids would have loved it. My foodie wife and I found the entire experience average at best, though our waiter was kind and attentive. Tuna special came out cold, twice. Hanger steak was comparable to something I could whip up in short order. Oh well, live and learn.
(2)
C M.

Difficult review to write - really was wanted a good experience but disappointed in terms of food quality, cost and frankly service. I would equate the food experience equivalent to that of a mass produced event type quality. The restaurant was filled to capacity (not a bad thing) but the food fit - was somewhat lukewarm, dried, and lacking any serious flavor. I had the red snapper Ã©touffÃ©e- again, fish was overcooked and a bit dry. My wife had scallops with risotto coins - very small serving and a bit salty. Derive was adequate at best - appeared understaffed for the amount of people. B coffee came after dessert - annoying. Drinks were adequate at best as well. For the cost ($150 for two - three drinks and normal dinners with dessert) just left feeling like we could have gone to a dozen other local new places and had a much better meal. Good place for large parties I suppose.
(2)
Emmie L.

This place is INCREDIBLE. I planned a bachelorette party weekend away in Nashville, and this was the first location I attempted to call a week in advance to make a reservation for eight. Sadly, they said they were booked at the time we needed. So I made a reservation for a different place. The other place fell through so a friend called Sambuca and asked again, and this time they said they had availability! I was really frustrated by the fact that we had been given different information, but my elation at eating here overshadowed it. They were so helpful and accommodating. Some of the most friendly service I've had. The waitress talked with us for a good while and provided great recommendations. We were seated on the top floor on the terrace overlooking the city, and it was such a lovely view and a lovely night. They had little candles on the tables and all these couches around the room and really ambient lighting. There was live music in the level beneath us and people were dancing. It was just such a beautiful atmosphere, everyone was so happy. Prices are high, but the food was worth it. We all got different drinks (around 11 dollars each) - I got the Tennessee Tornado which packed a punch, and was so delicious. My friend and I split a pizza, the name evades me but I know it had goat cheese, italian sausage, and prosciutto. It was AMAZING. And it was only 15 dollars and provided a great meal for two. Many of the girls commented on how amazing the shrimp and crab bisque was, and I also heard the beignets were to die for. Overall, this place was top notch. Great location. Great food and drinks. Great service. If I go to Nashville again, this is definitely going to be a must go.
(4)
Tiffany O.

We love this place!!! Miso sea bass and shrimp crab dip are to die for! Staff is always friendly but you need to make reservations in advance (more than 1 day). Love the romantic atmosphere and the music sounds great. Highly recommend for date nights and birthdays. Birthdays get a free dessert too ;)
(5)
Jason E.

Good food and really fun to go there. Beer was very tasty and live music was awesome. Get the catfish sliders they were the best!
(5)
Mary F.

Went here last week on a recommendation from our hotel. This place is perfect for a date night out. NO COVER and great live music. Beautiful decor inside , nice and classy. Menu was easy reading and tasty. Kinda pricey but expected with upscale ambience and free live music. Drinks were super tasty. I had the Tigers Blood. Service was great and speedy. I think our waitress's name was Natalie. Do pass up this spot if you like jazz and good eating.
(4)
J S.

Great food and service. Centrally located near downtown. Prices are reasonable. Only negative is the parking. I would go back!
(5)
Lyrad V.

Don't let the fact that this establishment looks like a trendy upscale bar and lounge keep you from coming here for dinner. Their food is actually amazing. It only took me at least five years of coming to Sambuca to figure that out! My friends and I used to come here to hang out for drinks after dinner usually somewhere else in the Gulch. Sambuca has a great ambiance and amazing drinks. I loved their pomegranate martinis! One night we were hungry and got a few tapas/small plates and thought, man this is good food! Fast forward a few years later and we're now all married. My husband and I decided to make a dinner reservation for one of our birthdays. We were blown away at how good the food was! My husband had a really amazing steak here. The live music was a nice added romantic feature. I would definitely say this place is worth checking out whether you are looking for a place to hang with friends or for a nice dinner.
(5)
Scott B.

Visited here while on a business trip to Nashville. It was a Monday night, so it was pretty dead. They did have some live music and a bit of an older crowd. I proceeded t grab a seat at the bar, and ordered a drink. They dont have any draft beers which was what I was wanting. Settled for a bottled beer and ordered the shrimp and crab in lemon butter sauce with linguine. The shrimp was very plump and flavorful. Was a little disappointed by the crab in it as it was more of a crab puree then actually getting crab meat. I told them light on the lemon butter sauce which is the way to go. Too much it may have been swimming in it since it is a very rich dish as it is. I wish they gave a little bread or maybe a side to go with it, but I think you have to pay for that. For the value I would say average, but thankfully the meal tasted pretty good. Barendar was nice, and they had TV's with some games on so that kept me occupied. If I go back may try someplace new, but if you are staying in the gulch this place isnt too bad.
(3)
Arshbir G.

Went here on a Saturday evening around 7pm. Had no issues getting a table for 3 people without a reservation. The band was excellent; kinda loud for a good conversation. Drinks -- awesome! Food -- eh. I ordered the pizza and caprese. Not the best food I've had. The drinks and music made up for it. Service was really good.
(4)
Jennifer M.

My husband and I really enjoy Sambuca, especially when The Diggy Band is playing. The food is delicious and we love the approach to spreading out your meal while you listen to the music. You don't feel rushed and can enjoy each part of your meal while also enjoying the music. The prosciutto mac and cheese is my favorite dish, with the sweet potatoes coming in a tight second. Creme brulee for dessert and all is right with the world.
(5)
Tom K.

Went here with my in-laws for my fiancÃ©'s birthday dinner. We were expecting great food and atmosphere. Bottom line: food is way over priced, the service was average, the restaurant was very loud. I wouldn't come back here unless I had a discount.
(2)
Dana S.

I made my first trip to Sambuca on 12/10/14 and loved it. I met a group of ladies for happy hour and had a great experience. First, it was not busy on this particular evening, so we had a very easy time finding seating. The bar area has several couches and over-sized chairs and tables in addition to regular tables/chairs and seats at the bar. The entire restaurant was very clean and decorated very nicely. The atmosphere was very warm and welcoming; all of the staff I talked to were extremely friendly and seemed happy to be there. This being Nashville, you can always find someone singing/playing and this place is no exception; a singer with a nice selection of Christmas music. Parking is also ample and very easy to find; there are 2 pay parking lots 1 block away - I paid $2 for 2 hours - completely reasonable. Good happy hour specials with a fun selection of drinks and appetizers; the food was excellent. I had the mac & cheese with prosciutto - a small plate but was more than enough for me and it was delicious. I will definitely be back to Sambuca!
(5)
Blake C.

Horrible service for the price of food. Ordered a burger for lunch being one of two tables in the place it took 30 minutes... Served with no condiments... When I asked for condiments that took another 5 minutes. I have been here before for drinks but for it being the first time here for food I am not at all impressed.
(1)
Oz T.

Needed a fun place for a client dinner .. been here before food is great. (Not cheap) Great atmosphere, music is a little loud but great for a fun place..
(4)
dave p.

Food was great especially the stuffed artichokes. Sat at the bar and the hot blonde behind there served me well!!!! She's great at her job and works hard!!! I will be back just to have some water maybe!!! Great place
(5)
Rolando O.

Had dinner here with my sister and niece who is a Vandy student. Best flat iron steak you will have. Service was awesome. If you get Jason, you will get top notch service.
(5)
Jennifer L.

This was my second visit to Sambuca and it was amazing! We went on Saturday 10/4/14 and the band Minnie Murphy was playing. We made reservations for 6 o'clock (only availability unless we wanted to eat at 9:30) I dined with my husband and our two children ages 1 and 3. Yes it is very kid friendly! We were seated in the far left booth in the main dining. Perfect view of the stage. We were promptly greeted by our fabulous server Jordan. We knew we were gonna take the dinner slow because we wanted to see the band (they started at 7)! First lets talk about the food. We ordered the bucca beignets, bruschetta, garlic cheese bread, caprese salad, and the house salad to start! All was very very good. The kids enjoyed is all as well. We asked Jordan about the pinot noir selection. He suggested a few but pushed one more so based on our palate. We tried 2 tastings both were good. We trusted our server and order the Meomi Pinot Noir he suggested. He nailed it. It was a delicious bottle! My husband also order a sweet tea, where Jordan told us they didn't have any but could bring some sweetener. A couple minutes pass and he returns with the iced tea and fresh made hot simple syrup! He went above and beyond to get us our sweet tea! He just set the tone for the rest of the night. We were quite stuffed from all our apps but shared the Miso Sea Bass (another suggestion from Jordan) It was Fantastic! I seriously don't know where we put all the food?! Once the band started our kids hit the dance floor! They were not a disturbance to any of the guests dining. I actually think those around enjoyed their entertaining. We sat in our both listening to Minnie Murphy who was just as fabulous. The whole night was perfect. The service, the entertainment, the food! We will definitely be back when in town and ask for Jordan! Yes the venue is loud. Yes the food is yummy. Yes it is kid friendly. Yes theres a patio. Sambucca is at the top of my list for favorite restaurants.
(5)
Queen B.

Comfortable venue and plenty of space for 12 or so people to go enjoy a meal and great music. Pros: Food is fresh American sized portion Waitstaff is attentive Water glasses kept replenished Dirty dishes kept off the table Music is good Menu has plenty of variety. Chairs are comfortable Cons: Lacking BAM! in the dishes. Expensive Waitress suggests the most expensive wine on the menu, and doesn't tell you. I agree with everyone that said that the dishes sounded good, but lacked ooomph. I had the salmon Oscar tonight and the hollandaise sauce had dill in it, but I didn't taste it. I saw it, but didn't taste it. Asparagus was cooked perfectly, salmon was cooked perfectly, portion size was more than ample. In fact, half the size would have been perfect. Dessert: I ordered the bread pudding with a syrup on it, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The bread pudding was so dense, it definitely needed much more syrup than what they put on it... It needed all the bites to be wet... They were not. But that's just piddly stuff.. I think flavor is lackluster. It's like someone is afraid to create art with herbs, spices and salt.... Wine: I asked for a Pinot Grigio. Waitress suggested a brand. I accepted, and then when I saw the price on the check.. I was surprised she suggested the most expensive Grigio on the menu... When I looked at the wine list, there were 3 Pinot's... and the one she suggested was the most expensive. I wished she had said out loud, "This ** Pinot is a good one, and it's $15/glass." I think that would have been more honest. The place was just less than half full at 6:30 on a week night. All in all..... there is at least 2 new restaurants opening a week, here in Nashville.. Not sure when I'll get back to this one. Nothing was memorable.
(3)
Kim J.

Great night, food was great with a wide selection. The entertainment on the night was awesome. Only problem was we never booked a table and had to sit at a bar area, a first come bases. Had a great view of the band however so wasn't to bad!
(4)
John M.

Solid upscale dining/live music combo! The blackened snapper was perfect and the scallops were cooked just right. Bottle of pro secco was reasonably priced and the service was great!
(5)
William H.

Enjoyed the food. Several reviewers felt it was over priced but my wife and I felt with the entertainment (which was very good) that it is a fair value. The parking is very tight and valet parking is provided by the Resturant . Must pull up to the Resturant on the far right side where there is a slot to pull your car into!
(4)
Lindsay B.

I went to Nashville for a friend's bachelorette party. The night we all went out we decided to start by having dinner at Sambuca. The service was terrible. It took them 45 minutes to figure out our checks. Due to the time it took us to eat and the check debacle we started our night out very late.
(2)
Lisa G.

Rates high in atmosphere for the live music and service. The Peter Moon Band was excellent... really good w/ a crowd and loves to take requests; even if they don't know them, they'll try to play them. Our waiter was timely and personable. Excellent bartender. Food is good but not great. I had the chili rubbed scallops which came with risotto and asparagus, $28. Good, but it came out lukewarm. Risotto is not good lukewarm. Nor are scallops, for that matter. I also had the spinach salad (with strawberries, portabella, bacon and onion with poppyseed dressing) which was really good. Sides for the table included prosciutto mac and cheese, which was delicious. We also had some chicken and beef satay, and calamari, both mediocre. For my happy ending, I got a chocolate toffee torte which was definitely more torte than toffee. I was hoping for the opposite. Very rich. So all in all, mostly hits but some misses on the food... which, of course, is what we mostly go to restaurants for. And the band doesn't come with the restaurant. Still, I'll give it 4 stars since the service and atmosphere really were pretty great. And valet parking is always a plus.
(4)
Olen M.

Great atmosphere. Made an evening dinner. Great music. Fabulous meal. The blackened red snapper et toffee is off the hook!!! Great service , the staff is fantastic. A new Nashville must visit for me!!! Loved it!!
(4)
Amy H.

I just love this place. Never a bad experience. Sat on the patio and enjoyed terrific music, service, food and cocktails. Can't beat that.
(5)
Samantha H.

Went here for a bachelorette party. We had an amazing server. So that wasn't what got the three stars. It's all about the food. It was just not in line with what you expect to get for that price. I suppose you are paying for the ambiance and live music. The risotto under the scallops was very dry. The lobster enchiladas were also just dry and bland. No one at the whole table finished their plate.
(3)
Jewell S.

Had such high expectations and was sadly disappointed. Ordered medium rare filet. Sent it back. Still came out medium to medium well. Tough. Tasteless. Only offered free dessert. Creme brÃ»lÃ©e was less than desirable as well. Service was poor. Will not be back. I prefer filet from Stoney River or J. Alexander's as a comparison.
(2)
Jacky L.

A colleague wanted to try out Sambuca since it was nearby and was a bit different than the other restaurants in Nashville. The menu looked delicious with items ranging from lobster enchiladas to a red snapper Ã©touffeÃ©. However, the food itself was just "meh" and wasn't really memorable. We happened to be there on a night with live music and were seated right in front of the stage. Although a conversation may be possible if you were seated further back, I could barely hear myself up front. One highlight of my experience is the Tennessee Mule, which is served in a pretty big glass (maybe it was more surprising to me since I'm used to those little copper mugs). The dinner was okay; I might try to come back for their bar and see if they have a happy hour!
(2)
Erin M.

Fantastic food, service, and atmosphere. Great live music too! I will definitely be making a trip back next time I am in town!
(5)
Sheena T.

Sambuca is just never my first choice. After a horrid NYE experience years ago, I am slowly giving it a chance again. I've only stopped in for cocktails my past couple visits, and I'll admit they are a bit few and far between. The cocktail list is pretty decent and they have a variety of liquors to choose from. Most of the drinks looked quite sweet and I ended up having a plain mojito on my last visit. It was made well and I was pleased. Our bartender was friendly and the place wasn't very busy on a Tuesday night, however we couldn't sit in the upstairs patio due to a corporate event. There seem to be quite a few corporate events that happen here. The jazz singer and band downstairs was VERY loud and not very good. They must bring out their C squad on non busy nights of the week. I love the atmosphere and the dim romantic lighting. The giant Buddha on the second floor is pretty bitchin as well. I honestly haven't eaten in here in so long that I can't go into detail about it, but I remember it being decent but nothing blew me away. Overall an upscale fancy place to stop in for a drink. Not too bad.
(3)
Marla T.

This is absolutely my favorite spot ever. It has live music and fantastic food! I've been several times and every time I like it more and more. The music is fantastic! Great Cocktails and ambiance! So far for my Nashville spots this is my favorite!
(5)
Leann P.

My husband and I went to Sambuca for a laid-back night out. The jazz band that was playing live was great to listen to! Lots of people were out dancing and having a great time! We sat at the bar watching the NCAA tournament and talking to the bartender and local patrons. The bartender obviously took pride in his work and the bar was kept very clean. He also checked on us often (but not too often) to see if we needed anything. If you go, I would definitely suggest the creme brÃ»lÃ©e! It was fabulous! My only complaint is that the drinks are pretty pricey.
(4)
Chris M.

Ambiance was great -- music was a tad bit loud, but the band did a good job of playing for 45-60 minutes and then breaking for about 30-45 to give time for both conversation and enjoying some great live music (jazz, soul, etc). Bill for two entrees, app, dessert, and bottle of wine was $120 plus a tip, which I thought was quite reasonable. Our dessert was absolutely to die for -- I will return again if only for that dessert. Definitely a fun place when you need to celebrate and splurge. Two pay lots right up the street ($5 for 5 hours), and also valet. It can accommodate groups, but don't plan on being able to have across the table conversations while the music is playing... best for an intimate night with one other person.
(4)
Alexa F.

I used to love this place, but this time it was awful:( the service was slow, food was not good, especially for the price, and they cut their portions, and music was so loud my throat hurts from trying to talk to the guests at our table over the music. Used to be a nashville fave, I won't be sad to never return!
(1)
Susan R.

Nice outdoor seating in the thick of it. Over-priced menu for the average quality of the food. We did enjoy the seared tuna appetizer, but were so disappointed that the ice machine was broken and they could not make some of those tasty-sounding drinks on the menu. I had a very overly sweet passion fruit Mojito. The mint was not at all muddled- which drives me crazy. Yo, bartenders: MINT MUST BE MUDDLED IN MOJITOS!! Over-priced drinks, too. The Havarti tater tots did not taste as if they had any cheese in them, nor could I detect any garlic, as promised. Too bad, they have live music and a good ambiance....but the food does not deliver.
(2)
Jennifer P.

Went with friends before an evening at TPAC and it was delightful! We started with the goat cheese stuff artichoke - a combo I have never had but really enjoyed! My table companions had the shrimp, the veggie lasagna, and the chili-rubbed scallops, and they all munched way quite happily. The scallops were a very pretty dish - with risotto "discs" under each scallop that had been shaped and seared to resemble scallops too. fun. I went with a Gorgonzola salad (sooo good) and then the 3-side combo because the sides all looked so good. The crunch broccoli was good, but I wish they said onions and peppers in the description (not my fav), the prosciutto mac and cheese was creamy goodness. but the BRUSSELS SPROUTS - oh my, wish I'd gotten 3 of those. If you like Brussels sprouts, you must try! and if you don't THINK you like them, this might just change your mind. For dessert we shared the Sticky Toffee Pudding...and wow, it was amazing. Not too sweet, almost a savory bread pudding with warm toffee inside---man, out of this world. Great service from Matthew and we made it to the show on time. The was a light rock band (sorry did not catch the name) that was really excellent as well.
(5)
Fred Lee S.

Love . Love , Love ! I love their food. , music and the staff is so very nice ! Fun place to eat and listen !
(5)
John T.

Great drinks and awesome atmosphere. they were gearing up for some live music. too bad i couldnt stay. i would go back in a heartbeat
(3)
Olivia R.

Made a reservation for 8:30pm and arrived at 8:10pm to check in and have a few drinks. They did not seat us until 9:10pm. Conclusion: a reservation means nothing here. Very unprofessional to be 40 minutes past the time of the reservation w|o any hostess even communicating with us. Oh and when we talked to the hostess at 8:45pm they were so carefree and acted like it wasn't a big deal... Again, very unprofessional. If you are paying $50+ per a head you should absolutely have better service.
(2)
Laura Y.

Had dinner here with a large group last night. Great ambiance/music. The food was really good, other than one issue with a steak not being cooked to perfection which was corrected. The only complaint would be the slow service, like extremely slow. By the time our entrees arrived, we were ready to leave and one person did not receive his entree until most everyone else was finished and ordering dessert. All in all good place to go, but not with a large party.
(3)
Tim A.

There are a lot of things going for Sambuca: free valet, really hot music, and arresting visual displays. The food, however, leaves me perplexed. Food is my primary measure for evaluating a restaurant, but I have to take a moment to comment on the ambiance of this place. With its generous use of draped red and purple cloth and weird light fixtures. The interior design is sort of how I would imagine what an upscale Turkish brothel would look like. I can't say that that's either a good or a bad thing, but it's certainly interesting. I have to say, though: I am all for mood lighting, but this place is exceptionally dim. At one point, I watched a waiter forced to identify a soup by using a flashlight. If the lighting is bad enough to interfere with your employees' ability to do their jobs, I think it's time to go back to the drawing board. As for the food, I was pretty optimistic after the first course: the bisque was well-balanced and quite tasty. Furthermore, their side-dish, prosciutto mac&cheese, was remarkably light. I thought I was headed for a thoroughly 4-star meal, but alas, it was not to be. I admit that I broke one of my own commandments of restaurant eating, which is "Don't order a chicken breast or a pork chop unless someone has specifically recommended it." As punishment for my sins, I spent my evening chewing through an overcooked, though relatively well-seasoned, pork chop. Remarkably, they managed to pull off the opposite feat with their vegetables. Now, I prefer many vegetables, like broccoli and carrots, to be on the "al dente" side. However, bell peppers and onions do NOT fall into this category: it was remarkably bitter. I will say, though, that because they were undercooked it made for good eating the next day after I nuked them in the microwave. I didn't try too much of my tablemates' food, but at least two folks commented that the lobster enchiladas were not particularly lobster-y and that the portions were a bit stingy. This meal showed some moments of promise, but I was expecting a bit more. Perhaps one should only order items with cream in it.
(3)
Kristen V.

I used their catering service for a work luncheon. Delivery was very prompt and friendly. Their food (boxed lunches) were good no doubt, but what stole the show for me was the chocolate chip cookies (very addicting!). When I asked everyone on a scale of what they thought, they rated Sambuca a 7 out of 10.
(3)
Paula B.

My flatiron steak was gristly and tasted like a whole bottle of spicy rub was poured on it. I couldn't taste the potatoes or the cheese in the au gratin potatoes for the copious amount of garlic-I love garlic, but that was was too much. My stomach hurt an hour or two after eating, then my guts-still 15 hours later. I would have sent it back but for two reasons- 1. I didn't want date night to be ruined. 2. Courtney, asked if everything LOOKED good, after I had had only one bite of green beans. Then nothing. The coconut mojito was good, though overpriced. The band's selection were decent, but the vocalist was sick, so he sounded bad, which the restaurant manager pointed out to us. Too bad he didn't stay long enough to ask what I thought of my meal.
(2)
Joseph D.

Awesome restaurant, awesome band, awesome environment! Our waiter perfectly spaced out our wine, appetizers, and entres. Everyone was very nice and the music is the right volume. The food is a little pricy, but overall I do not have any complaints. Make sure to get a booth; it makes the experience much better...hope this helps.
(4)
Jamie S.

I love this place!!! Great spot for dinner or even just drinks and live music. When I'm in Nashville, this is where I go for guaranteed enjoyable time.
(4)
Ralph S.

Beth's Aunt and Uncle celebrated their 50th Anniversary here. We drove up from Atlanta for an overnight trip. Had a super time with excellent food and drinks. Staff was friendly and delightful. Really made us welcome.
(4)
Viva C.

Came here with a group of friends and had a good time. The food was enjoyable, atmosphere was nice, the only downside was the really loud volume of the live band. I felt bad for my friends and other patrons who were seated by the stage. The music was fun and entertaining, but the volume of it was almost a bit much as evidenced by the faces of the people stuck to sit around the stage (before the live music started up). The food was pretty good! The Buca Beignets were delightful and the Shrimp & Crab dip was tasty. I really enjoyed my chili-rubbed scallops. The cheesecake sopapilla was awesome!
(4)
Jatin S.

The ambience, atmosphere and the music make this place truly unique. It's never a dull evening at the restaurant. The food has always been great. I've personally only had the pizza, but what great pizza it was. The wait staff were exceptional. Even on a day when they were busier than usual r waitress provided just amazing service in the bar area nonetheless. Very positive experience and i can't wait to go again.
(4)
Ken J.

We were looking for good food and music. Found Sabuca on-line, plus we get recommendations from the hotel guy and the tour bus driver. The food was delicious, creative and served hot - so was the music. The service was friendly and well informed. The music (Jenerators) was just to our liking - some pop, classic jazz, R&B. The talent in the group was incredible. Thanks for providing just what were looking for.
(5)
Savannah R.

My friends and I enjoyed our dinner here almost 3wks ago. Although, the live music was a bit loud, but they sounded great. The steaks were cooked per individual temp request, accompanied with a side of our choosing. We also ordered appetizers which we devoured! The cocktails were on the strong side but tasty according to the ladies ;) our waitress and her assistants did an okay job serving us. As a note, it is not as dressy as they claim it to be, most customers were dressed casually. However, you won't be out of place if you decide to dress semi-formal. One more thing, it is very dark in the restaurant, tables were only lit with 2 small candles, therefore, making it hard to read the menu. They brought a special dessert on the house to celebrate our friend, which was a very nice touch!
(4)
Robyn W.

Let me start from the very beginning: I was trying to make a dinner reservation for a group of ladies the Monday before the Saturday evening that we wanted to dine here the same weekend of the Music City Marathon. The lady that I spoke with on the phone to make the reservations was extremely nice and helpful with ways to get around the city, things to see, shuttle services, etc. I requested to be seated on the patio if possible (wish was granted, & awesome by the way). So, we arrive at our dinner reservation right on time, we were escorted to the patio near a lovely fountain. We all ordered some fun drinks. If you get a cocktail, expect to pay $12.50 a pop for it. I got the Sambuca Sling. Worth every penny. Apps, we ordered the beinets and crab dip. They were both fabulous. I ordered the champagne chicken entree with havarti tater "tots", that were actually more like potato logs. lol. Everyone ordered something different & everything was fabulous. Service was very friendly & quick. We were given a complimentary dessert for my friend who was celebrating her bachelorette party. I mentioned that the cocktails were a little pricey, but my bill ended up only being around $50 before tip, so as a whole it really wasn't a bad price for the quality of food/drinks/service they have. If you are planning a trip to Nashville, you must come to the Gulch & go to Sambuca for dinner. Sit on the patio if possible!
(5)
Tom S.

Went out with the gang. Sat upstairs outside which was perfect. Weather was nice, very comfortable. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Started with the bruschetta which was ok, then the Sea Bass, which was phenominal. One of my favorite meals in Nashville so far. So perfectly cooked, how'd they do it ? Chocolate something pie for dessert was outta this world. The pear margaritas...outta bounds!!!! Service was excellent, very attentive, always available. Much appreciated!
(5)
Becka H.

Delicious food but their reservation system is currently not pulling open table reservations so call to confirm. Thankfully we had out reservation confirmation so they helped us out and found a way to get us seated in a full house! Server had a little attitude but overall did a good job. Trendy and enjoyable ambiance, good was delicious and they have a little something for everyone!
(4)
Joe T.

My wife and I had a wonderful time the food and service was great. The jazz band was awesome, this is my favorite new place to come to in Nashville. If you are in Nashville this is a must visit.
(5)
Eckhard K.

two and a half stars is what I'd really like to give because this place in a certain way is a 5, but in another way it's a 1. or maybe I'm just a jackass. I'd been here for a few private parties, which were fun, but then again I usually have fun when snacks come floating along and my drink is refreshed by a smiling face every so often. This is a great place to have a private party. It looks and feels like something between a restaurant and a club. Sort of like on a cruise ship, but right here in the gulch My friend invited me to see his wife sing here. They're cool so I went. There was singing. The waitress smiled. It seemed like a nice place. I, being a jackass, ordered a French 75. I thought that this nice, upscale-seeming, place would whip me up one of these delicious classic cocktails and the Katy Perry covers would wash over me like icy seawater from a penguin. After about 20 minutes I was worried. When something showed up in a martini glass I knew I had made a mistake. Sambuca, I'd like to say I'm sorry I misjudged you. But also, I feel misled. In this day of craft beverages and pretentiously knowledgeable bartenders I thought I was ordering something of the relative obscurity of an Old Fashioned. Again, I'm sorry. It's never happened to me before that I couldn't drink my drink. It might just be my age. Did I mention that I was really tired? The nice and smiling waitress asked me how it was. I didn't want to tell her, but I was making a face while trying to think of some gentle but true words and she didn't need me to say anything. "Just a glass of bubbles please," I asked the second time she offered to replace my drink. After another 20 minutes peppered with spontaneous group dancing from each of the seven bachelorette parties around the room I was planning my escape. I had been working all day, surely my friends would understand. But then suddenly the article of slender glassware I had been waiting for arrived, appearing just in front of me the way I had imagined it two hours before when I was leaving work. A champagne flute can really change things. The Proseco tasted like an old raisin, but I didn't care. I had to reach into the glass to pull out a half inch of spaghetti that had dried to the inside of the glass, but I laughed when I showed my friend. It was then he told me just to order straight liquor. I'll remember that. Maybe this was all just a case of mistaken identity. Maybe we just don't quite understand each other. I appreciate the space and accommodation, but as I sat there averting my eyes from the lithe bodies bumping in to things as they sang along to Christina Aguilera I had this feeling that it wouldn't work out between us. Really, it's not you. It's me. Good luck in the future, I'm sure you'll do fine.
(2)
Kathy G.

This place is in a great location and the music and live band is top quality, however the price on food is outrageous and not very much food, for a drink and an appetizer is a great place!
(3)
Charika W.

Sambuca is chic with lavish decor, made for the young and hip professionals of today. A great place to go and unwind, grab a drink and listen to live music. For you with a immense palate, the food is amazing.
(5)
Nicole V.

My girlfriends and I ate here for a girls-night-out. We split 5 or so plates among the 7 of us, and had one person pay and we split the bill later. The food was all delicious and it was really fun to sample a little bit of everything on the table. It was fun to have live music on stage behind us.
(5)
Michael M.

Not a huge fan but I keep going back! The food is overpriced for what you get. The ambience is upscale as is the decor but I always leave feeling like I was pick pocketed. The guy who wrote the diatribe below is right so far as mixed drinks go; order straight liquor or a bottle of vino. Last nite I had the tuna tartare and a salad. Both were good. Th fam had champagne chicken which they enjoyed but were still hungry when they finished it. Again, can't really knock the place but....... One thing for sure the hostess is a sweatheart, the service is excellent, and the valet parking a must. I'll be back. One thing that drives me NUTZ in Nashville. I have been to five restaurants in the past month who say their espresso machine is broken. FIX IT! When I pushed the waiter at Sambuca he said we don't carry it because no one orders it. Hey Nashville - Wake-up and smell the coffee!!!!
(3)
Greg H.

Cheesecake was quite possibly the best dessert I have ever tasted.
(5)
Sue F.

I was invited to a reception at this restaurant, and we were put in the sky room on the second floor. The food was outstanding and the wait staff was not only extremely attentive, but they went out of their way to accommodate special requests. Not to mention that they were extremely friendly. The entire ambiance of this place is comfortable and extremely amenable to social gatherings. Big thumbs up on all counts.
(5)
Phil C.

It's all about the people ! My wife and I were exploring the Gulch on our last day of vacation in Nashville. It was extremely hot out so we stopped in to have a couple of iced teas when we were greeted by Dawn. She seated us with a big southern smile and within minutes we were sipping our tea and talking with her about how great Nashville is and why most folks who live here never leave. Time had slipped away through pleasant conversation about travel experiences when I realized we had a flight to catch and asked Dawn if she would call us a cab to get us back to our hotel. She gladly made the call but almost 30 minutes had passed and no taxi in sight. We were running out of time and were stressing about the possibility of missing our flight. Without the blink of an eye Dawn insisted on driving us back to the hotel in her car. My wife and I were shocked by her generous offer and took her up on it. I tried to offer her gas money, but she refused and said it was karma. We have been around a little but never experienced kindness and generosity as we have from her. We were in a town full of celebrities, but never knew what it was like to treated as one. Kudos to you and your great city, Dawn !
(5)
Todd N.

Great food, great vibe. Just don't get the lobster.
(4)
Trish T.

My friend and I went here last night. It was "ok." I enjoyed the live music, and the bar tender told us they have different bands almost every night. The atmosphere is nicer than some other bars in Nashville and its geared towards upscale (I said geared towards..not it IS upscale). The food is somewhat greasy and salty, but I guess that goes hand-in-hand with beer. However, I'm not a beer drinker. We ordered the lobster tempura (if you want to call it that). It was a disappointment. The 3 small lobster tails were dipped and fried in what looked like onion ring batter with panko bread crumbs. That my friends is NOT tempura. I ordered the margherita pizza, which was beyond salty. I could only eat 2 slices...I gave it a second try incase I just happen to eat a salt patch. My friend ordered their striped bass with vegetable couscous. The fish that came out was a very sad less than 4 oz filet that had soggy skin. However, the 3 cups of couscous they piled on her plate was ok o_O. That is not worth $32 dollars. About the drinks.. I've "heard" around town that this place makes the 'best' drinks. If you like mixed drinks that are sweeter than southern sweet tea, you found your place. I ordered a strawberry mojito, and my friend ordered their 'signature' pink lemonade..blllaaaahhhh! They should write in the description these are sugary drinks with a pinch of alcohol. I gave this place 3 stars because I enjoyed the environment. However, the service and the food are not worth it for me. I forgot to mention..my friend and I had the "dinning experience" at this place. In other words, we were here for about 2 hours waiting for service and food. This is not the place for that..maybe I will come here just to listen to the bands?
(3)
Steve M.

Needed a perfect place for an important business/fun dinner.....could not have found a better place..... 1) our waiter "Price" was incredible.....great recommendations...sincerely wanted us to have a great time. 2) the band was amazing (thx Nashville!) but not too loud. 3) appetizers, wine list, entrees, and dessert were all awesome! The chef is incredible......an epic evening!!!
(5)
Gary Y.

Great ambiance and a classy vibe. Perfect music for dinner and drinks. Outstanding service and hands on attention from a super friendly general manager.
(5)
Leah L.

Sit outside on the upstairs patio. It's gorgeous. If you're in the mood for a live band in a lounge setting, sit inside. The shrimp and crab dip was delicious. Also great cocktail selection! The items are pricy but you could fill up on appetizers to ease the wallet.
(4)
Molly C.

A group of 8 girls on a bachelorette party landed here on a Friday night for dinner and it was one of the best foodie decisions of the weekend! IT is a perfect place for a date night or with a large group. I started with the beet salad then I had the shrimp brochette and Brussel sprouts--amazing flavor! I ate every crumb off of my plates and got to taste some of the of the fish and steak. Everything was cooked to perfection! Also, I loved the idea of having the band in the restaurant. The atmosphere is so much fun, but you are still able to chat with your friends and have a delicious meal. Will be going back!
(5)
Andreas H.

On a recent business trip to Nashville it was suggested we visit Sambuca for happy hour. OK class, let's have a little lesson. Sambuca - a definition: "sambuca (sm-bk, sÃ¤m-bkÃ¤) n. An Italian liqueur made from elderberries and flavored with licorice. [Italian, from feminine of sambuco, elder, from Latin sambcus.]" Sambuca Nashville - a definition: "Overpriced drinks, food, and vacant eyed staff" On to the review! The Great: + Happy Hour - the saving grace was when our bill came and we saw the appetizers were half priced during happy hour. Thank the gods. + Very cool patio area. The Average: o The food. The pizzas were strictly average. The shrimp/crab dip was decent, although a little heavy handed with the salt (maybe it was the batch?). The garlic bread was decent, but come on... it's garlic bread. The Poor: - Missing servers. Our table of 6 would have to flag down servers after having empty drinks for nearly 10 minutes. I'd understand if the place was packed, but it wasn't. The servers gathered by the front door and were having a great time chatting to each other while pretending we didn't exist. - No beer on tap. Um. Really? I know you're a "lounge", or whatever you want to call it, but come on! How about some local micros? Impressive imports? SOMETHING. Overall, I was definitely a little bit let down by the experience, especially since we ended up dropping about $500 there.
(2)
Sean O.

This is my favorite restaurant in Nashville for a classy night out. If you're in the mood for wine, good food and a soft jazz band, Sambucca is perfect.
(5)
Brooke L.

I came to Nashville one weekend for a bachelorette party! This place had good reviews so we tried it out. Their drinks were pretty great. I drank a Naked Margarita and it was perfect. I sampled a few other drinks that my table ordered and nothing disappointed. We ordered mostly tapas and it was perfect to just have a few bites of everything. We ordered the Chicken Samosas, Shrimp & Crab Dip, Chicken & Beef Satay, Tomato Caprese, Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichokes, and Margherita Pizza. None of these dishes disappointed. My favorite by far were the Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichokes. They were absolutely delicious. The atmosphere of this place is also pretty cool. The decor is very trendy. We went on a Friday night and they had live music. Can't remember the name of the band but they were awesome. Definitely would recommend this place to anyone visiting Nashville!
(4)
R B.

I am not sure why this place has 3.5 stars. In my opinion, it's a guaranteed good time with fab food! We had a bachelorette dinner there for 18 girls who flew in from several different cities throughout the country. I wanted to make sure the bride to be and the other gals had delicious food, good ambiance & service, and great live music. That is exactly what we got. Since we had such a large party we had to choose one of the many pre fixe options. We were able to adjust the menu we selected since we had a handful of vegetarians, to two veggie entrees (veggie lasagna and Portobello quinoa- YUUMM) and two meat (the steak was perfectly charred). Each dish was so unique and worth every cent (which wasn't much!). To top it off with the trio dessert, let's just say we were craving more. The toffee chocolate ball was to die for. Tiffani, who helped arrange the menu was a pleasure to work with and even personalized the menu for us! Natalie served us the entire evening and put up with our antics. :) She was such a great server.The band was fun and entertaining as well. The bride got to go up on stage and chat with them, it was a riot. I am giving it a 5 on every level! Made our Nashville experience all that much better!
(5)
Jill R.

I really want to like this place because the ambiance (both before and after it's reinvention) is cool and the bands are pretty darn good. However, both times, the service was slow, the food was just 'eh' and the drinks were like TGI Fridays. The could get a Jack and Coke just fine, but anything requiring more attention than that came back either too sugary or simply wrong. We've thrown a few dinner parties/group gatherings here and it's difficult to keep everyone fed and with a drink in their hand, even when the rest of the restaurant wasn't crowded. Great location, great atmosphere- but if they revamp the drink list and hire more staff they'll have a real winner.
(3)
Channa P.

Very cool atmosphere, and decently priced appetizers and drinks. I'd say it's good for starting or finishing a night. The service was lacking a bit, but overall okay. They had a great jazz singer and band that added to the ambiance and the bar and lounge sofas are all open seating. I would go back my next time in Nashville. I would say the main menu items looked a bit pricey. I ordered the shrimp appetizer and got a decent helping. I'd go that route and save the money for drinks.
(3)
Jessica C.

Good music and fun atmosphere but I asked for about 4 drinks from the bar after being turned down the 4th time bc they didn't carry an extensive cider and beer list I gave up and settled on wine. I got the champagne chicken I thought the food was ok. It sounded way better on the menu than the food actually tasted. I would go bAck but more for drinks apps and the band rather than a nice dinner. On a plus note they advertise gluten free options clearly on there menu and it's nice having options.
(3)
Liz H.

I made reservations for this Sambuca outing in honor of my friend's bachelorette party. This restaurant has special meaning to her because she went on several dates with her fiancÃ© there while they were dating. We had a really special night. Some rad blonde girl was belting out some killer tunes with her band that were totally mood appropriate. We had calamari and the shrimp crab dip for appetizers and both were pretty good. The bride got the salmon dish and she LOVED it. The other dish that seemed to be a hit at the table was the filet with the Gorgonzola walnut butter. YUM. I (and one other pal) got the ribeye and it was unremarkable. The other guest got the lobster enchilladas and she wasn't all that keen on them. So to sum up, we had: excellent appetizers, a few solid entrees, good cocktails (apparently there is a berry dragon cocktail that everyone loved), and killer tunes. The ambiance rocks. Worth the trip for sure.
(4)
Lorynn H.

Eclectic environment, live music and amazing food! This restaurant exceeded my expectations. Staff was attentive and courteous. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great place to eat in Nashville.
(5)
Cathleen M.

My client suggested this place for dinner after our work meeting. Much to our surprise Red Bow records was having a party with live music being performed by Rachel Farley. Not only was the live music great the dinner was excellent. For appetizers we had the Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichokes and the Shrimp & Crab Dip both are definite must haves. Then for entrees we had the Hickory-Smoked Prime Pork Chop, Filet, Miso Sea Bass, Crab-Stuffed Salmon and the Chicken Parmigiana. All of our entrees were superb! I would recommend this place to anyone for a romantic dinner (the ambiance was great), client meeting or just to have a drink at the bar. With excellent service and food, who could ask for anything more? I will absolutely go back next time I am in Nashville.
(4)
Justin R.

I'm really not a fan of the Gulch area, but since I work so close, it's often suggested for after work drinks. I went here on a random Wednesday afternoon, to grab some drinks with coworkers. We got there around 4:30, and the place a pretty much dead. If it wasn't for out 30+ group of people, they might have been sitting around twiddling their thumbs. This is not a bar I would choose to go to, but since I was there with people I like hanging out with, it made it a hundred times better.
(3)
Janet Y.

Sambuca is a great spot for a classy dinner in Music City. Offering free live music 7 days a week, it gives this Gulch destination an edge. The food is good and the servers are attentive, but definitely expect this to be a spendy visit. Most of the dinner entries will cost you on average $25. You can also order pizzas for about $15. The decor is nice, and I've never had much trouble looking for parking. Other than the price, I don't have too many complaints. I guess this is an ok place to come for special occasions, but I don't find myself CRAVING the food or the environment.
(3)
Marty Y.

Attended on a Wed night for dinner with a colleague. Restaurant was lightly attended. There was a live jazz band playing. Nice evening, good meal, overall positive experience. Food was very good, but not exceptional. We were seated and then no one came to the table so we had to go ask for a server. Server was a little goofy, but he got the job done. Jazz band was very good, but it was too loud and prevented any dinner conversation. On a night like this, they would have been better off not having live music. Total bill for dinner for 2 with drinks was $175. This is where I have an issue and gave only 3 stars. To me, this was a $100 dining and experience, not a $175 dining experience. In other words, its too expensive for the quality that you get.
(3)
glenn e.

the food was really good, the service - justine - was really, really good and the entertainment was over the top. a great break from the cma's.
(4)
Courtney M.

It was our first trip to Nashville and our hotel recommended this place - you never know with hotel concierges but this place was great. We sat in one of the booths along the side and listened to the band, which was awesome - they played Johnny Cash and all kinds of country to get us into the Nashville mood. We started with the shrimp and crab dip which was amazing - I literally could have just eaten it with a spoon. We ordered the sea bass and the chili rubbed scallops - both of which were recommended by our waiter and did not disappoint. Our waiter was by far the best thing about this place - his name is Will, apparently he is also a bartender. Not only were his recommendations right on point but he was entertaining and attentive. We will definitely hit this place up whenever we make it back to Nashville.
(5)
Meghan C.

Went here for a girlfriend's bachelorette party. They were super nice even though the bride got stuck in traffic and was a half hour late. Our food was all really good. My favorite part was the upstairs bartender, Eric! He made the whole night better. We had a few drinks and an app. upstairs with him while waiting on the bride and the rest of the party. He was a lot of fun, very helpful with the menu, and made the night great! Thanks Eric!
(4)
Alina K.

We went to sambuca for our first meal in Nashville. Environment: excellent. Live music, great lighting, wonderful service, overall excellent ambiance. Food: for the price, it was okay. We got everything that was highly recommended by our server as being the very best, and it was decent- but not worth the upscale prices. We liked our cocktails and local brew, but the appetizers, salad and main course simply did not match the lovely environment. Although, desserts looked amazing, we were too full!
(3)
Kendrick P.

Ok after reading some of the reviews on Sambuca, I must say I wasn't really thrilled to say the least about going. So here is my review...IT WAS REALLY NICE! The food was was excellent! my lady and I had a great table that was close to the live band,..and it wasn't too loud as others have for mentioned to have a conversation. We enjoyed our time there, I recommend the "Call a cab" drink ( and i see why they call it that!) it was delicious sonnn! and creept up on me pretty quickly!..my kind of drink!! over all I loved and will be going back soon!
(5)
Annette J.

When you're hanging out with a group of folks chances are you're going to want a nice, quiet, place to enjoy dinner and conversation. Sambuca, just so you know, is a nice place but not a quiet one. But it's to be expected since it's a live music joint. And last night night, the music was live. A pixie blonde gal on her piano, belting out covers and originals with her band. She's got some pipes on her! So conversation doesn't come easy, except between sets, but what it lacks in chill it totally makes up for in eats. They specialize in mostly seafood and steak type fare. Surf and turf type stuff, if you will. And they do it VERY well. Our table started out with a round of appetizers. Most noteworthy were the goat cheese stuffed artichokes and the crab queso dip. Damn, they were good! I also enjoyed the calamari although they did get soggy pretty quickly. For the main course I enjoyed the chili rubbed scallops with little bits of risotto cake underneath each scallop. Holy wow! This was great. The scallops were cooked perfectly and the risotto has this nice smokey flavor that I really enjoyed. In the middle was a veggie medley of some asparagus, peppers, onions, etc. Fresh and also with a bit of a smokey taste. Loved this! Also tried my colleague's sea bass (fantastic!) and filet (meaty goodness!), both of which I would have been happy eating as my own meal as well. The drinks are serious business. They've got a nice variety of cocktails, including some in a category called "skinny bitch" which, as you can imagine, are a bit lighter in caloric content. Nice! After eating out all week I was totally ok with having a lighter mimosa. Of course my next drink, the "call a cab" completely negated the first drink but ah well! (The "call a cab" being, of course, a long island iced tea made with sweet tea vodka. WHOO BOY). The music was loud, the ambiance kind of dark (almost too dark, had to use my phone to read the menu), and decorated in lots of lush fabrics like velvets in jewel tones. Verrrry luxurious, obvi. Our server was a very nice fella who did his best to make sure our meal was great. So although I had to shout a bit to be heard at times they certainly pulled off the "great meal" part.
(4)
Rachel F.

Not sure where to start on this one, folks. Sambuca...the name itself oozes cool, just like the liquor it's named for. This Sambuca, however, um...uh...uh... Dark, cool colors and cool light fixtures and a super industrial feel set the tone upon one's arrival. The place hums and buzzes with life and energy. The thing is, there's music. LOUD music. If you don't come expecting it, it's a bit of a shock. But that's NBDeal, I'm adaptable. So there's music...it's loud...so what? You may just have a less than conversational dinner, which is sometimes okay too. Again, adaptable. Wine list. Here's where I go sour. 15 dollars for a glass of Rodney Strong? Oh man oh man ohhh no you didn't. I hate hate HATE overpriced wine lists, *especially* when they're less than stellar (& that's me being charitable). It's an insult, and I'm a curmudgeon. Our server. Here is also where I go sour. Well he meant well, he was extremely obnoxious. Like seriously obnoxious. Interrupting conversation and reaching over people in order to grab the signed bill even though gratuity was included? Big no-no, mister. He had the same sort of vibe as the "O-face" guy from "Office Space," though he was maybe a biscuit over 21. I'm a firm believer that service too familiar is not always desired by the customer. Actually, now that I think of it, he was maybe more like the other server in "Office Space," the one with all the flair. Ugh. The food itself wasn't bad...but it wasn't anything to write home about, either. My risotto wasn't really so much risotto as it was rice, but the scallops were pretty good, as was the asparagus. Sometimes I'm really picky...I know this about myself and have no problem admitting it. But this experience most definitely coincides with the whole, "Meh. I've had better" for me personally.
(2)
Caroline F.

Let me keep this short and sweet: The BEST- melt in your mouth like butter- Seabass I have ever consumed GREAT music from the Murphy Sisters- very impressed Nice server- did a great job with your bachelorette party table for 11 I am definitely adding Sambuca to my must go to list next time I'm in town. I'm still dreaming about the Seabass!!
(5)
Wes M.

Our food was excellent. There were four of us and we ordered the Sea Bass, Fillet, Scallops and the special was Trout topped with crab. This is a supper club. The band playing was really good. The best part of the night was our server Scott. He knew the menu extremely well and was very helpful and enthusiastic with choosing our dinner. He knows his food and beer. We were visiting from out of town and he gave us lots of ideas on what to do and he went out of his way to write down a list of recommendations based on our conversation. All in all a great night!
(5)
Aja B.

I heart it every time I eat here! Good food, good drinks, decent live music = a happy me :-)
(5)
Cara L.

WAIT...WHAT?! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!! Oh, I'm sorry. Am I speaking too loudly? Maybe it's because I went to Sambuca expecting a little live jazz and some dinner with my colleagues. Instead I spent the evening screaming across the table in order to have a normal convo. Alright, that's a little harsh--but overall my experience here wasn't that fantastic. The music wasn't bad, just ridiculously loud. It's a lounge singer, folks, not a heavy metal rock band. Let's take it down a notch so I'm not leaving half deaf. The food was actually very tasty. A few appetizers and small plates really tickled my fancy, but most where just average. My filet was perfectly cooked and the side of mashed potatoes where almost tasty enough to swallow the guilt I had from consuming each creamy bite. (Dang you carbs...) I asked for my steak with the walnut-buttery-gorgonzola sauce on the side and I'm really glad I did. It was a little too overpowering and very unnecessary. I watched as my other colleagues enjoyed their food, but many were disappointed with the beer and wine selections. I just ordered my vodka-soda standby, so none of that really affected me. And now, the best part: our server. Oh, he was special. This guy, while super-sweet, was all up in biz-nass the entire night. Like, not normal friendly... bizarro-invasive-borderline-creepy friendly. I can't put my finger on what it was specifically, but this guy was AWK-ward. I think TGIFridays might be a bit more appropriate place for that little spunkster. He also took the liberty of explaining the automatic gratuity to me in the most roundabout, random and uncomfortable manner. Although I feel a little mean for this review, I have to be honest. The space was really cool, the food was good. I just think they were a little off on a few key things. Maybe it's just not my style, and that's totally cool. I love all kinds of music, just not that loud during a meal.
(3)
Paul K.

This is a service review, I can't comment on the food which is one of the reasons this is a 1-star service review. My story takes place about 2 years ago (2007/2008). Birthday party, I have been invited and have been told I could bring a guest. I do, he has already eaten. It was a bit early after my last meal so I had planned on drinking and ordering a bit later. Party arrives, we're seated on the second floor, we order some drinks and the waiter asks the party what they want. It's food+booze, appetizer+booze, appetizer+booze, pass for a bit+booze, pass, pass for an hour+booze, booze+food, and I do not remember what the others were. We'd already hit about $100 with 3 more people coming and 2 more eating a little later that he knew about. The waiter starts coming up every couple of minutes and asking if anyone wanted to order yet, we inform him at the moment we were drinking and there was going to be food ordered in a bit. We did not expect this was going to be an issue. About his 5th unrequested drop in in 20 minutes he informs us that if we are not ordering $35 in food each we lose the table (which was an ok table, but not in a particularly great spot). It was not so much the out-of-left-field request that pissed me off, it's that he acted like we were stealing from him with no warnings that there was a per-seat-minimum-food order. I ask him to bring the check and a manager. I get the checks, we tell him to cancel the food and no manager ever appears. He does not come back to take the payment for our drinks after 15 more minutes. I walked to another server, told her the story, gave her the check and a tip and my phone number for a manger to call and we left. So, no idea if it was just that waiter or what, never have been back. Don't particularly care for a place that treats me like I'm stealing from them, and I never got a call from the manager. Went over to ru-sans after that, easily blew past the minimum we were told at Sambuca. No idea on the quality of the food, I can say the place was pretty cool looking, our server was just mean and treated us like thieves.
(1)
Tara F.

Dark, sexy, delicious.... That's Sambuca Nashville! I've been to Sambuca many times now and I've never been disappointed. The food is outstanding, their happy hour is exceptional, their cocktails are expertly prepared, their ambiance is plush & a little sensual and the music is generally rockin! I'm all for a place that has draped booths where if you get one... you can't help but think.... oh yah, I'm totally a rockstar (I mean who doesn't want a swanky, slightly covered, I've got the best table in the house type booth?). Couple that with it's dimly lit bar & dining room and a band... and we're not in Nashville anymore... we're in LA (but with actual hospitality instead of fake friendliness). The first time I went to Sambuca, I knew it was something special. The heavy tall doors you walk through, the flame lit patio overlooking the Gulch, a loud "cool kids" upper balcony and the shiniest marble floors I've ever seen... I'd just hoped the food was as good as their designer... It was! I've tried the bignets (amazing little morsels of prosciutto, mozzarella, & some kind of delightful basil glaze), the calamari (huge portion, perfectly seasoned & fried with the yummiest aioli ever), the miso seabass (juicy, tender, flavorful and just the right amount of spice... this is my favorite), the fliet (topped with gorgonzola walnut butter... it melts in your mouth), and last but not least... the creme brulee (which is easily big enough for the whole table to share and perfectly caramelized... mmmm). Their cocktails are strong, but totally drinkable and their wine list boasts some really great by the glass choices! Oh.... and valet parking is free (just tip). If a "supper club" is your thing... or you just love great food set in a great atmosphere with good service... Sambuca will be on your love list after just one visit!
(5)
Bill C.

Great food, great service, great atmosphere, excellent music. Fillet, chilli rubbed scallops, sea bass, all wonderful. Great for dates, great for clients, all very up scale. See photos of dishes for examples. Cannot go wrong here in Nashville or in Dallas at Sambuka. Did I say "great"?
(5)
Lola S.

I personally dig Sambuca, but I agree with others in the sense they are a bit expensive, which is why I only go for happy hour. I had the chicken samosas and the shrimp and crab dip. The samosas were terrible, I mean whoever even came up with that recipe needs to be slapped. They were drenched in grease and had some wierd cheese mixture on the inside. But the shrimp and crab dip, now that was delicious. Now I know what Im going to order next time. The drinks are expensive but very good. My only disappointment was the fact that despite most of the patio area being empty, only one teeny tiny area was available for happy hour dining. Whats up with that?
(4)
Beth W.

Great food and service but pricey. Buca Beignets are amazing (had 2 orders with a group) as was the Pizza. But was surprised for a Saturday night the band ended at 10PM. Overall not bad Nashville...not bad.
(4)
Alex S.

I was clearly not cool enough to go to Sambuca, so I'm pretty sure I slipped past the bouncer somehow. I'm glad too, since it was a pretty damn good time. This funky-colored mood-lit jazz home American fish and steakhouse was Nashville at it's craziest. This is a giant restaurant with candelabras on the wall, purple and red lights everywhere and an elevated stage in the dining room for live music -and they mean live music. It's impossible to notice the band on the stage. They're loud when you walk in and they get louder as you get to the seat ... mostly because they're right in front of you. It was fantastic music when I was there (four people with a damn good female lead singer) but I wasn't ready for that level of rock in my face. Be prepared. That's the strange thing, I guess. This actually is quite the upscale restaurant - at least when food comes. They have all different kinds of steaks and fish and dishes you'd normally get at any fine dining - only here it's funky and basted with music. The food was good. We got a bunch of appetizers to share, which were amazing (especially the shrimp and crab dip with chips. Dear god, I don't think we left a bite.) My filet was OK ... great, but not actually that flavorful (they even put this walnut butter and cheese on top and still just eh...) Plus, everything is just a bit overpriced. You are going to drop some dollars here, just know it going in. I enjoyed Sambuca - it was seriously different than anything else I'd ever tried and I liked that just fine.
(4)
Veeral S.

I am here now on a Wednesday evening. Been waiting an hour, and the waiter still hasn't brought anything. No soda and not a single dish yet. If I knew I'd have to wait this long, I would have gone grocery shopping myself and cooked at home.
(1)
Samantha P.

This place is solid. I come to Nashville a lot for work and we always stop by Sambuca when we're in town. Sambuca is great because there is something for everyone on the menu, and thus far it has ALL been good. There seems to be music there every night of the week and it's always enjoyable. This past week I had the Lobster Enchiladas with lobster, shrimp & jalapeÃ±o jack cheese smothered in poblano cream sauce with cilantro lime rice. Awesome! Other gems from previous visits include: Filet with port wine bordelaise, topped with Gorgonzola walnut butter Crab-Stuffed Salmon with lobster veloutÃ©, served over asparagus Miso Sea Bass atop jasmine rice, sautÃ©ed apples & baby bok choy All delicious. We'll definitely be back!
(4)
William H.

Great spot for my Cousins rehearsal dinner! Sat out on patio and had "VIP" are reserved and 4 booze attendant. Only issue was the non friendly attitude across the full staff. I know you are working and the tip will be a lump sum but work with me!!
(4)
Diondre V.

Took my gf here for her birthday since it was the only place that could accommodate a large party on a Friday night. It was my first time here. First, the ambiance is something I think everyone should experience with a live band, sky bar with a lounge type feel. Drinks were ok. Had the starburst which tasted like unset jello but was good. The tigersblood was good also but was a little too dry. For dinner I had the cosmos pizza which was decent. Gf had the beignets which were ok....it was my first time having those as well. She wasn't impressed with the desserts which were fried cheesecake and creme brulee. I would go back but not really for dinner. Maybe just for an appetizer and drinks and to listen to the band.
(3)
Alex V.

This trip to Nashville opened my eyes that this town has many different spots and they can satisfy most genres. I liked this place cause I came from a classy place and we were dressed well and fit in. Not the Honky tonk wear... The people were nice, the crowd was cool, however at around 10:30 the crowd started to change. It was more urban... However the drinks were nice, uptown pricing after I was getting used to the downton pricing... The menu looked good, I want to try it again for dinner next time in town.
(3)
Aj R.

The atmosphere here is phenomenal and the music is Great, I would go just for those Reasons but the cocktails and food are also amazing! The cocktails here are a little on the pricey side but they are all made with top shelf alcohol and taste great, Totally worth the cost. The food is top quality and the dishes are simple yet refined, nothing that your average person won't eat. The Services is amazing, another perk is that they offer specials of some sort pretty much every night so add them of Facebook to keep up! Sambuca is a little pricey but you get what you pay for! Try it you'll like it.
(5)
Twee V.

Live band music! Delicious food and wine. It will be my go-to place when I am in Nashville.
(4)
Stacie F.

Sambuca is perfect for a special night out. It's a tad on the pricey side, but the food is outstanding. The decor is pretty swanky and hip so be sure to wear something stylish. Don't miss the sea-bass and soapapia cheesecake - it's seriously one of the best meals I've ever had.
(4)
Yappy M.

Maybe I just look like a sucker...*shrug*... I've been here three times for dinner. Each time it is the exact same thing: enjoyable ambiance, decent but moderately overpriced food, and god-awful service. More precisely, each time the server has tried to add something to the bill that no one at the table actually ordered. If I had more reason to be in the Gulch, I could make this a fun game for a business dinners: can you spot where the Sambuca server got greedy? Helpful hint for Sambucca waiters: I am willing to tip more for good service than the $10 glass of hypothetical wine you add to the bill. This place is all style and little substance, much like the personalities who sling plates in this glorified Red Lobster.
(1)
Natalie P.

In Nashville for a conference, this was a welcome departure from the severely disappointing choice of terrible touristy restaurants in the downtown area near the conference center. After a few days, we finally found a concierge at our hotel with good taste. Previously, we had been referred to brewing houses and dive bars for trendy dining. Swing......and a miss. I was cautiously optimistic when the concierge suggested Sambuca, but since it wasn't in the downtown area I had hope. The second we walked in I knew the concierge was right. First, I have to say that I love the ambiance of the room. It's rich, beautiful, and feels warm and comfortable. The live jazz music provided by the wonderful Rachel Pearl was a thrill and a relief after days of being bombarded by some of the twangiest country music known to man (and I love country music!) I had the vegetarian lasagna - not the best I've ever had, but still good. However, dessert was where I think I met my maker. Cheesecake Sopapilla. Um, deep fried cheesecake? Why, in my 26 years of existence, had I never had deep fried cheesecake before? I don't know. But my inner fat kid went crazy. Sometimes, I suddenly wake up in the middle of the night thinking of this dessert. OK - not really but it's AMAZING. The 4 star rating is by Nashville standards. Of the 10+ restaurants I ate at while in Nashville, this was undoubtedly the best. By Miami or Vancouver standards, I would rank it a 3. Definitely still worth visiting - go on live jazz night.
(4)
Sam L.

As a rule, we order the calamari at every restaurant we go to. Our experience with the calamari at Sambuca was extremely memorable. It was cooked perfectly: the batter was very light and airy, the chewy texture was very evident, and it was served with cherry peppers and marinara sauce. YUM! For entrees, we had the chili-rubbed scallops and the filet. Scallops were absolutely scrumptious and served with a rich creamy tomato sauce and the best asparagus I've ever had in my entire life. Filet was served alongside green beans and dill potato tots. The potato tots were very interesting - one would've been enough, but it came with two. The meat literally melted in my mouth. It was extremely well prepared. Dessert - - - - - - - CHEESECAKE SOPAPILLA. Get it! You must try this dessert or you're doing yourself a disservice. It was to die for. Also, they had a live jazz band playing, which was really fun to listen to and they picked great songs to sing. We were placed in a circular booth which was very cozy and romantic. I loved the entire experience.
(5)
Sabrina S.

We just celebrated my bachelorette party in Nashville this past weekend and had a blast! However, my Maid Of Honor has some severe food allergies (dairy and beef) and we had a difficult time finding a place that would accommodate. I can't tell you how excited we were when we saw online that Sambuca can accommodate any allergy and they re-assured us of that when we called to make the reservation. So fast forward to dinner - the place was beautiful, the waiter was super nice, and the wine was delicious. The waiter even brought out the chef who spoke to my MOH and even further re-assured us that there wouldn't be any issues. So it's going to be a good night, right? Well about 15 minutes into our entrees, my MOH calmly announces that she is going to take a few Benadryl because she doesn't feel right... Long story short, she went into a full allergic reaction which required an epi-pen and we ended up spending 3 hours in the Emergency Room because the kitchen somehow screwed up her food. Luckily, she fully recovered and is feeling great, but the worst part was that the restaurant didn't even have the decency to take anything off our $300 bill - including the contaminated food that sent my best friend to the hospital and ruined our night.
(1)
Kristen Z.

I've gone to Sambuca a number of times for group dinners. I like the live music, drinks, and apps, but the service, indoor seating, and food are not up to par. It's the type of place where you love it or hate it. I know a couple of people that love it, and that is why I've gone more than twice... but each time I come to the same conclusion, it's not worth the time or money. I don't like to cross a place off my list until I've given it a fair shot. I've tried a lot of items on the menu, but none of them make my taste buds dance. The drinks and patio are pretty cool, but there are loads of cool patios and drinks downtown. I say if you just want to try it, then do... you'll have to decide for yourself what you think!
(2)
Molly A.

The food and entertainment were huge pluses for me here. Even though the singer was not a very good DANCER, it was a nice change of pace from all the country to hear some blues. The food was phenomenal. My husband (again) made the best choice with the vegetable lasagna - feta cheese, yum! i got a delicious pork chop dish and loved the whole experience. They had a lot of delicious looking cocktails, though I regrettably didn't get to try any of them, since I was too busy eyeing wine. Only one complaint - it was too cold in here!
(4)
Mandy C.

I LOVE this place! From the food, atmosphere, service and entertainment- it is by far one of my all time favorite places to dine and a must when in Nashville. The atmosphere is a trendy, classy jazz bar scene with high quality food presented in fabulous ways. The lobster dumplings and seabass skewers are my favorite appetizers. My husband really likes the filet and I love the crab stuffed salmon. Our favorite side to share is the maple bourbon sweet potatoes. I also reccomend the broccoli crunch. Though this is one of the more expensive trendy restaurants in the Nashville area, I think it is reasonably priced for the quality you get. It never disappoints!
(5)
Nicole U.

Took my boyfriend here for his birthday. They sat us two tables from the stage. The jazz band playing was great. Definitely set the mood, and they were also taking requests. We ordered the shrimp and crab dip for starter and it wasn't anything special but was good. Our entrees were really awesome though. The waiter recommended the Blackened Red Snapper and is was incredible, the flavors were spot on! My boyfriend ordered the Shrimp and Crab Scampi, another winner. But by far the dessert was the best: Cheesecake Sopapilla. I would go back just based on the desert alone. Are waiter was awesome, very friendly and definitely directed us to the better choices on the menu. Definitely plan on returning!
(5)
J L.

Disappointed almost every time. I agree with the reviewer who wishes there was a 2.5 rating. I've been to Sambuca 3-4 times, I always want to enjoy it more than I do. I usually order off the small plates- most recently I had the caribbean Jerk Chicken. This came with an accompaniment of black beans and rice (which was kind of sticky-ish in a good way), and was topped with a mango sweet salsa. Small plates: bruschetta is ok but slightly bland- comes diced with a balsamic sauce and shredded cheese, the bread/toast is good. Seabass skewers are good and I would order again- my friend and I really liked these, although they were on the edge of being slightly over-ripe. Margherita pizza- good when hot, as soon as it gets cool the cheese and crust is kind of hard and overall not tasty. Cocktails are good- very reasonably priced during Happy Hour. Our server recommended the toffee bread pudding- it came with a vanilla ice cream. Our bread pudding was totally burnt on the bottom, and overall it was very dry. I think it could have been good (and the caramel sauce on the plate was good and the vanilla ice cream was solid). I think the server felt bad and took it off our bill. Live music was good- it was a pianist and a guitarist. They played a variety of songs. Not too loud (like some other reviews complained) I found them enjoyable. Indoors is very dark. TVs were showing a WNBA game which is kind of random- maybe nothing else exciting was on. After several times here, I think I finally have to realize that a meal here is going to be very average. I think the draw of the place is having a cocktail on the outdoor patio. Otherwise, not worth it for me to visit.
(3)
Kris L.

I'm a sucker for live music and good food so it's no surprise I enjoyed this restaurant. Loved the ambiance very classy and dark. We sat in the main dining room and enjoyed the "Van Morrison" cover band during dinner. Our waiter was attentive without being annoying and never once felt rushed. The music wasn't that loud (I could have a conversation without screaming), but there are tables in the bar area you could eat your dinner at if that is something you think would bother you. Food was excellent, I had the margarita shrimp while my hubby had a pork dish. Great spot to check out in the Gluch area!
(5)
Bridgette C.

I haven't been here in a while, but just thinking about this place puts me in a good mood. The upstairs deck at Sambuca was, and still is, one of my favorite places to sit on a lovely night in Nashville. I could smoke a good cigar with a glass of gin or bourbon and share good conversation with friends here. I've had amazing birthday dinners here. The live music, usually jazz infused (think Norah Jones-style performers) lends to a laid back atmosphere. One night when I was here with the BF, we weren't starving, but feeling snack-y, so we asked to be surprised by the chef...so we got a delcious cheese and fruit plate to go with our drinks...and made some new friends by sharing our bounty from our seat at the bar. This is a sign of a great place: we were treated like royalty for no reason, just because, and it made our night. I would spend any beautiful night upstairs at the bar or outside, talking to the friendly bartenders and other patrons. This is a great place to chat, hang out, go on a date, or catch up with a friend. And any place that let's me have a cigar is at the top of my list!
(4)
Amanda C.

I lived in Nashville for all my life and never went in to Sambuca until recently. Which is odd, because the minute I walked in, I literally wanted to kick myself. Located in the hotspot Gulch area, this place is great if you want live music, upscale food and great drinks. The music is pretty mellow. It was not loud and I was able to hear the bartender and my friend inside. I hate when I have to yell! I cannot speak for the food at this place, but the drinks are top notch and the prices are even better! My friend told the bartender she liked frangelico. He made her an awesome chocolate martini. I opted for some Bookers on the rocks. Well, these drinks were only $5 a piece on a Friday night which, at those prices, I think I was ready to just move back to the South. Bookers is usually a $70 bottle of bourbon and I got a more than generous glass. *Scores* Please remember to try out this little gem. The patio is a great place to sit too!
(4)
Scott L.

Booked reservations last night for 6:30. Got there early at 6:10, restaurant was fairly empty with the exception of 4 or 5 tables. After we were seated a party of 6 was seated next to us, then 5 minutes later a party of 8 seated to the other side of us. What the hell?? It should have been obvious that my wife and I were on a date, we were dressed up, and it was just us two. THEN, both the larger parties had a server take their drink orders. 15 minutes sitting there and no one visited our table. Needless to say I pulled out my phone and booked another reservation and we left. I've heard nothing but great things about their food but their service was pathetic. I'll never go back.
(1)
David G.

I attended a corporate department function at Sambuca that was serving appetizers, salad, entrees, and dessert on a fixed menu to roughly 30 people. So, there's my caveat for the review. I would echo the sentiment from Marcia that suggests that because there is live music every night, which at times can be loud, that unless your folks are screamers then this may not be the place for you. Even on a 1-on-1 date with someone, you're going to be doing a lot of screaming at each other over the music. Fortunately, we're all yellers. Second, the appetizers that were distributed were moderately tasty. I enjoyed the wrapped piece of beef with some vegetables and the chicken-pot-pie (but with curry) and a cranberry demi-glaze. I did not particularly think the caprese salad (bite sized piece of cheese, tomato, and basil on stick) was all that great. In terms of salad from the fixed menu, I chose the mesclun greens with strawberries and red onions. They were heavy on the mesclun, not so much on the strawberries and red onions. The dressing was moderately tasty, but not tasty enough for me to remember what it was. In terms of entree, I apparently ordered wrong. Everyone who got either the Filet Mignon, the crab and shrimp enchiladas, or the scallops and pasta was extremely happy. They said their meal was tasty and delicious. I, unfortunately, ordered the pork chop with some mashed potatoes and "steamed" vegetables as a side. The pork shop was extremely dry and way overcooked. The vegetables were covered in oil (that's not steamed, Sambuca) and soggy. The mashed potatoes tasted like they were from a box. I totally ordered the wrong thing. Again, at dessert, I was the odd man out. I ordered the creme brulee which was still runny on the inside. Ugh. Others ordered creme brulee and the custard was done correctly and still others preferred the flourless chocolate cake. The restaurant gets 3 stars not because of my experience - which was poor - but because 80% of the people around me were having a great dining experience. (I should note that the person sitting directly next to me also ordered the pork chop and hers was well overcooked, inedible and dry as well... so... stay away from the pork chop.)
(3)
Amanda M.

Maybe it's because I get easily distracted by the neighboring Ru Sans or shiny things in general, but whatever the reason, of all the years I've lived in Nashville, I'd never set foot in Sambuca until recently. (Special thanks to a generous gift card!) The minute I walked through the doors, I felt like I'd been transported to a Manhattan hot-spot -- only roomier. The ambiance had me at hello. Between the velvet curtains, suggestive mood lighting, and plush seating, I was in love. Because I'm a girl who enjoys a liquid diet, after seeing the prices (~$12/each) I decided to go easy on the food (unlike my boyfriend who ordered the $42 lamb chops) so I could splurge on libations. TIP: Order the Hornitos Redhead if you're counting calories or the martini with Grey Goose, St. Germain and champagne if you're not. For dinner, I opted for the baby spinach salad - baby spinach, strawberries, bacon, onions, poppyseed dressing (TOTAL win!) - and the chicken & beef satay. With three skewers of each, this was plenty for me. However, the small plates are aptly named so be prepared for 1) your date to turn up his nose or 2) your date to swing by McDonald's on his way home. As long as you're there, be sure to save room for dessert (tiramisu!) or one more drink upstairs on the rooftop patio. In my humble opinion, Sambuca has one of the best nighttime views of the city.
(4)
jamie w.

I guess Nashville's Sambuca in the Gulch comes with more southern snobbery than a bedazzled pair of rhinestoned wranglers. If you stripped this restaurant of it's pretentious manager and revamped the wine list and the menu, then maybe it would be worth going back to. Our experience last night was shocking. After spending $200 on food and beverage I felt used and abused. The mark up on wine is approximately 80% and the seafood tastes like it has been sitting in a freezer for weeks. The salmon is farmed raised and disgusting. It was sent back due to the bottom of the fish being grey. The flavor tasted like nothing. The cream of crab soup tasted like it had 5 times the amount of cream needed. Upon leaving and tipping 20%, the doorman told my fiancÃ© that if would have seen him earlier, he would have not let him in wearing a tee-shirt. Never in my life have I witnessed such condescending manners from a doorman!!!! The manager was notified and made no real effort to apologize. With far better service and food elsewhere here in Nashville, there is no reason to ever return to Sambuca. Waste of money and time.
(1)
Stephen M.

Had dinner with a friend on 02/05/13 and enjoyed it. I had the flat iron steak with a Caesar's salad and it was tasty and a good portion. The service was not spectacular, but the jazz band was pretty good and not too loud. It was pleasant in it not being too busy as well.
(4)
Marcia M.

I suggested Sambuca for a large dinner party of out-of-towners because I knew that it was going to offer good food with a bit of Music City flavor. What I didn't realize was how loud and invasive the music was going to be when everyone at the table was trying to have dinner conversation and banter. That being said, the entertainment that night included a very talented female singer and her back-up band was also very entertaining. In the past, I have always come later in the evening and expected the boom of the speakers. If you are seeking any kind of communication besides sign language during dinner, this is not your place. I love the ambiance of a moody jazz club and although our server was obviously amped up on energy drinks and probably did a keg-stand of coffee before his shift, he was kind and efficient. Someone may need to tell him to take it down a notch though... I was very impressed with the Broccoli Crunch ($5.50) which was a perfect balance of texture with broccoli, apples, walnuts, and a savory sauce. I am craving this side-dish as we speak! I also ordered up the Fire Roasted Vegetables ($5.50) which were suitable but nothing remarkable. The wine list did appear to be a bit over-priced so I ordered up my trusty vodka and water (with a lime!) standby instead. Overall, it was an okay experience and I will likely come back but during happy hour or for a night cap. TIP: Monday - Friday / 4:30 - 6:30pm - Enjoy 1/2 price cocktails, appetizers, and pizzas!
(3)
Sugar X.

Wrap me in red velvet!!! Yes the walls at Sambuca are a bright red fabric to match the Beetlejuice themed design, love love love! The welcoming laid back attitude of staff makes this a Nashville staple. Live music, check. Dancing, check. Well executed cuisine, check. Drinking, HELLO!!! The charm of a place that serves cheese sticks a la cranberry sauce, calls it something fancy and makes me love to pay for it, has my vote!
(4)
David G.

They've got it figured out at Sambuca. You have to deliver the trendy goods while remaining true to the roots of your city. This restaurant does just that. The vibe is great. Classy atmosphere with no pretentious bull. You can get any assortment of great dishes mixing French, American, and Italian cuisine. The prices are what you would expect from a relatively trendy restaurant - high but not unbearable. This is a great place for couples or even a small group of friends going out for drinks and food after work. I must admit, like most Nashvillians, I'm a glutton for live music. Sambuca brings the music and at the intimate level that makes Nashville great. Even on weeknights, you'll hear great bands playing good music through the evening as you enjoy your scallops (which I highly recommend). Really, its some of the best seafood you can find inland. All in all, I like Sambuca. Where it fails for me is in its inability to separate itself from the Gulch competition. There is nothing about this place to make it a favorite. They do everything well but nothing perfectly.
(3)
Dusty K.

I was a little skeptical to eat here. The other reviews are pretty harsh with the general feeling that it's simply too loud to enjoy dinner. To add to it, I was pushing for dinner at the much maligned City House but live music was the choice of the group. Off to dinner we went. We walked in and asked for a seat on the large patio. With the sun setting, the music being played and the warm spring air, I rather enjoyed my 2.5 hour dinner. Slowly sipping on a beer, I could have sat there another hour enjoying life. But all good things must come to an end. We started with the grilled garlic cheese bread and the bruschetta. The cheese bread is clearly for lovers of cheese but the bruschetta had wonderful flavor. The tomatoes were bright and flavorful and even the raw tomato haters in the group were getting seconds. This was a hit. For dinner I went with the pork chop. Presentation of the food was picture worthy with my bone in chop resting on a pile of mashers and a large helping of grilled veg on the side. Not listed on the menu, the sauce they use on the pork chop is very smoky. This isn't a bad thing but it's not what I was looking for and wish I'd known. The grilled veg was wonderful on this warm night and the mashers were downed rather quickly. For dessert we split the caramel bread pudding with vanilla ice cream. I would recommend this to anyone dining here for dessert. Maybe it was because I dined outside but I really liked this place. Service was attentive and friendly, the food was good and the patio sits many during warmer weather. Sambuca was a fun place.
(4)
Sharon M.

My friend and I given the name of this place from our server at Sunset Grill. We were just looking for a place to relax and have drinks. He was spot on. We enjoyed sitting in the bar with our drinks listening to Scarletta the band that was entertaining that evening. It's a fantastic place. I wish there was one in the PHX area.
(4)
Annie D.

It was a little unexpected to come to Sambuca for dinner at 8 p.m. and have to yell just to talk to the people sitting right next to me. The style of music the band was playing wasn't inherently loud either, but lose the amps during dinner, Sambuca! So, the music volume was out of control, but that's only the start of the so-so experience. The drink menu, the dinner menu and the service reminded me of a mediocre chain restaurant or something (it actually is a small chain). Something about the place just didn't jive with me. I'm trying to be as fair as I can because I'm sure he is a good dude, but our server was simply obnoxious. With prices as sky-high as they are at Sambuca, the service shouldn't feel uncomfortably casual. The worst was when the bill came and he awkwardly explained how gratuity works. Then I signed the credit card slip and he reached over me to grab the book as if he was in a rush to see if we left him anything extra. Not professional, man. The food itself was decent. We tried a number of appetizers and I ordered the flat-iron steak, which comes with potatoes au gratin and green beans. I also really liked the spicy crab dip. There was nothing that stood out to me on the drink menu though, and I definitely wouldn't have trusted our novice server to recommend a wine.
(2)
Merritt G.

I went to Sambuca the other night for happy hour with a few folks. We sat inside near the bar at a high top table. It's very dark in here and there isn't a whole lot of seating. The girls I was with and I took advantage of the 1/2 price wine specials that night. Sambuca has a decent list of wines offered by the glass. Sambuca has a gluten free menu! Now, it wasn't updated, so many things on the list the waitress told me I couldn't order. I did notice they had a chocolate torte on the list, so while my happy hour companions ordered the bruschetta to share I ordered the torte. And the torte was amazing! This is a decent place for happy hour. I'm anxious to give this place another shot once it's warmer outside and you can sit on the patio while people watching in the Gulch.
(3)
Billy D.

I went here for Valentine's Day 2010. They had a price fix menu, but misspelled it and called it a prix fixe menu. There were white sheets over the tables and fancy looking glasses and like three times more silverware than I needed. Then a band started playing and I realized this wasn't another date night at SATCO. You don't have to park your own car there, either. People are out front and park it for you!
(4)
Joey B.

I didn't care for the food or the atmosphere.
(1)
L P.

It is a dark, but a very romantic restaurant. We had a party of 20 for a friends birthday and were told we had to pay in cash if we all were not on one ticket?? It doesn't make sense. I thought was a little too loud to enjoy my meal. I really loved their fried calamari. I dont remember what I order for dinner that night, so I guess it wasn't all that great.
(4)
Tara R.

Great ambiance! The entertainment is always great - get a booth if at all possible for a bit more private meal. Good people watching, great bartenders and staff. Fun place!
(4)
Emily P.

Definitely one of my favorite stops we had in Nashville. Went here for a wedding rehearsal dinner and was so impressed!!!! We were seated in the top area, not sure how to refer to it, and we had our own private bar area and seating area. Our table overlooked the whole downstairs area of the restaurant and had a perfect view of the stage where a live band was playing. One thing is for sure, Nashville knows how to entertain. Every single place we went had live music and they were talented people! The night we went we got to see Chris Weaver? I think that is what they said his name was, I guess he had just signed a contract with someone's label. He was so talented and entertaining .. played up the crowd and the wedding party and did a great mix of covers and his own music. It was loud enough to enjoy but I could still hear my neighbor which is nice .. no need for yelling! The waiters were unbelievable ... not one bad server. There was one gentleman and I feel horrible that I don't remember his name because he remembered all our names the whole night .. he was a red head with glasses and a faux hawk type hair cut ... he was AWESOME ... the best service I have EVER HAD anywhere I have EVER eaten! He was helpful, nice, patient, and not pushy at all. He was attentive but not annoying and he was fun .. told us about the area since we were all mostly tourists and made sure we were happy and comfortable the whole dinner! The food .. oh the food .. it was delicious. We had a preselected menu with a few choices to pick from .. I had the Shrimp and Crab Bisque first .. it was to DIE FOR!!!! Creamy and rich and just a perfect amount of flavor! Then I moved on the the Gorgonzola Salad .. what a treat .. next I had the Mediterranean Lasagna .. it wasn't the best thing of the meal, but it was good .. just a tad too much balsalmic for my liking but a large portion and delicious otherwise .. then the dessert .. oh dear .. what a treat .. a bread pudding, fruit salad, chocolate mousse cup and lastly a Creme Brulee AMAZING!!!! It was the perfect mix of tiny desserts to taste but not be too filling. The whole ambiance was great .. great decor, great food, great service .. what more could you want .... Normally I would rate the restrooms too but I didn't use the facilities so I can only imagine that they were immaculate and clean as well as decorated cute and tasteful!
(5)
Nikky T.

I've had a great meal every time I've been to Sambuca. It's never disappointing, great atmosphere, and great location. Who wouldn't love to eat in The Gulch? Get you some!
(4)
Matt T.

Food is a bit pricey for what you get, but the ambience and live music make up for it. I had a very enjoyable time. Ordered the beignets (wow! what a contrast in taste and I forgot they were filled by the time they arrived), the crab dip (awesome), and 2 other appetizers that I can't remember now. For entrees, I got the sea bass, while my friend got the chili scallops. Both were quite delicious, although the portions were smaller than expected.
(3)
Zeke A.

I celebrated birthday #27 here with my boyfriend and this place met and exceeded all my expectations. We got a great table with a perfect view of the stage. It's such an intimate, romantic environment, but maybe a little too dark as it's hard to read the menu with just candle light. The food was spectacular as were the drinks. Fresh blueberries in my cocktail - what a nice touch. An amazing waiter who was so hospitable and gave great recommendations. The music was also great. I loved how the guy playing the saxophone came down and played at some of the tables. People dancing made the place even more enjoyable and fun. The rooftop patio was really nice too - perfect for a drink and to relax with that special someone or with friends. If you're visiting Nashville definitely make this one of your dinner stops or at least get a drink and two and just enjoy the ambiance.
(5)
Jennifer L.

I visited this restaurant while in Nashville for a conference. Great atmosphere, amazing food, the best service (ask for Matt). Matt did an incredible job at recommending apps, entrees and desserts. Everything was so good. We were so stuffed! The music was nice as well. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Katie M.

This place was amazing! I was in Nashville for a bachelorette party and this was by far the highlight of our trip. The drinks were excellent (a little pricey but totally worth it). The appetizers, main entrees, and dessert were all wonderful. I would recommend the filet as a main entree and you cannot skip dessert because the cheesecake sopapilla is to die for!! It has a great intimate atmosphere with live music. The service was impeccable. I would recommend this restaurant for anyone visiting the Nashville area.
(5)
Benson C.

I wish Yelp allowed me to rate this place a 2.5. I had high expectations going to this place in the Gulch, since there's so much hype about urban living in the Gulch. I was pretty disappointed with the quality of their crab cakes. I've had better crab cakes of similar caliber of restaurants. The crab cake was dry and bland. The only thing that partially saved this review was their margarita selection. I had a blood orange margarita the other night and it was awesome, but $10.00 + tip is beyond my student budget. Drinks in Chicago aren't even this pricey. Thumbs down for this place.
(3)
Myia B.

The atmosphere & live music = sweet. Great date spot. Nice ambience. The food - especially for the price, gets a Needs Improvement. I had a lobster dish that might have been a special. I wasn't impressed with the food, but had a good time.
(2)
Ash N.

The Lobster Enchiladas were bland. The steak was not the temperature that was asked for. And our waitress got everything wrong. Instead of substituting sides we got extra sides and then she forgot to take it off our check. She didn't provide straws or a steak knife! I am unimpressed.
(2)
Claire H.

Service was horrible. The food mediocre. The restrooms were the quality that you would expect to find at a "club" late at night. The band was good. If anything go for a drink at the bar.
(1)
Meshelle E.

Had I read the reviews prior to going here I would have skipped it.....,so happy I didn't!!! This place is fantastic!!!! I am a serious foodie and own multiple high end restaurants and bars. I have now been there 3 times and keep expecting something bad, but it is always superb!!! Last night we brought some out of town friends who frequent Nashville and now proclaim this as their favorite place! The pastas are all great, as well as the steak. My friends had the scallops and sea bass and everything was perfect! I have read reviews now that say the place is too loud and you can't talk. HELLO people there is live music every night........it's not a quiet place, bit never too loud that you can't talk or hear the people with you. Very good wine list also!
(5)
Doreen M.

Amazing! Try the crab cakes and the cheesecake sopapilla. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Erin R.

Went to Sambuca last night for the first time and had a very enjoyable experience. I gave it a 4 overall but here is the breakdown: Food - 3 stars. Had the shrimp bites, house salad and filet. They were all good but nothing to write home about. However, the cheesecake sopapilla was to die for-it was like a churro with a cheesecake center covered in chocolate. I highly recommend! Service - 5 stars. We had an awesome waiter that gave us a lot of details about the menu, wine list, entertainment, etc. which I really appreciated since it was our first time dining here. Entertainment - 4 stars. There was a jazzy type singer playing last night and she really played a variety of music from different genres. They were all well-known songs which always makes it more fun. The music was just loud enough to be enjoyable but at the same time not so loud that you have to shout across the table to your dining companions. Overall, this is a great place to go for a night out. The decor and vibe is very chic. I also appreciated that there was really a mixed crowd here from young hipsters to baby boomers. And it feels more like a "supper club" because you can linger as long as you like after you finish your meal to just enjoy the music and have a few more drinks. Will definitely go back!
(4)
Kristin Marie S.

Oh.my .god! Go there and order the small plates!!! The sea bass was to die for, same with the ahi tuna. Atmosphere check, snotty bartenders check, great live music, check! It's pricey, it's the gulch, but honestly I liked it and it reminded me of SF so it gets 4 stars!
(4)
restaurant r.

Food is what I love and I was very disappointed in the filet. It was overcooked and not special. The salad was not great and one of the sides had a funky flavor- fire roasted veggies. I have eaten here before and liked it so maybe it was just an off night. I really like the atmosphere and the music was not loud- it was so cool to have live music while you eat. This one is hard to rate 5 stars for atmosphere and service! 3 stars for food. I will try again next time I'm in Nashville.
(3)
Laura C.

so, obviously i'm an out of towner to Nasvegas as my cousin calls it. I traveled there for his wedding and was a bit... concerned about how my NOLA soul was going to do in this here northern territory. i quickly learned, though, that i needn't have worried. much of the sensibilities that i love in nola are present in this city. and this restaurant experience was one of the things that solidified this for me. i'm more of a down home relaxed girl than a trendy one so i was nervous about how the rehearsal dinner he and his fiance were having here from the reviews that i read, but after eating dinner here i can wholeheartedly say that nothing about this place felt like a trend. dev and kate had reserved the upstairs private room for the dinner, that was set up in long tables with thoroughly modern lounge area and floor to ceiling windows that allowed us to see all of the city we were near. it was incredibly comfortable. the service here was incredible. my grandmother has a hard time with stairs and normally we all rush to help her up stairs and do what we can, however, before we were even fully at the door one of our servers had rushed over and offered her his arm. he charmed her the entire way up the tall flight to the second floor room. she was giggling adorably by the time we entered the room. i remember even catching him say "ma'am, i would carry you up these stairs if i thought it wouldn't mess up your dress and possibly have your husband running up to give a talking to the fresh youngster touching his wife". That instantly put a smile on my face. That they so quickly were able to put her and all of us at ease with that simple gesture was fantastic. after we had gotten settled in the room we were immediately asked for our drink order and upon my timid query about what i could drink i received a quick.. anything. so i asked for my customary old fashioned and got a big grin from our lady server and an "atta girl". as we mingled around and talked while waiting on the lovely couple i suddenly noticed that one of my earrings had gone missing.... proceed to all hell breaking loose! i didn't so much mind, i mean, what is one $10 pair of earrings i can pick up at world market compared to the experience of having a nice evening out with family and new friends? NOTHING. But my aunt was having none of it, apparently she took a liking to those feathers. She and my grandfather promptly proceeded to searching the entire room, and upon seeing this frantic pushing aside of tables the waiter who walked my grandmother up the stairs went over to ask if their was a problem and when the missing earring was explained off he went! He searched the entire trail we had traveled, even sending another server into the women's bathroom, and going out into the streets and came back to report that alas no earring. All of this went on unbeknownst to me as i was talking to family. That is service. He didn't need to search for that earring, but he did. When they took our order they were incredibly precise and everything came out prepared pretty damn near perfectly. my aunt and i split the steak and the salmon entrees as we wanted a little surf and turf. The steak came out perfectly rare, still bleeding just a little. and the squash... oh my god the squash... i'm a carnivore. i love meat. salmon and steak are two of my favorite things on the planet... but i kept pushing them aside to get at the squash. i don't have any idea what they did to it, but it was freaking delicious. i would totally just have eaten an entire bowl of that if given the chance. even now i want some.... the bride's father ordered the veggie lasagna and it looked and smelled incredible. loaded with veggies and not just a paltry amount either. i remember the salad being fantastic (spinach, walnuts, and other yummy stuff) and at the end we had tiny little desserts. the toffee pudding just... ok... so just give me a bowl of the squash and another of the toffee pudding please. and the old fashioned rocked. none of this crap marachino cherry, just the right amount of bitters. i have to say, i have old fashioned envy from tennessee. Seriously. I would love to go here again and just eat dinner sometime whenever i go back to nashville, to have that experience. But it really was a great night and if you are looking for a rehearsal dinner venue that was fun and friendly and had really great food and staff i really do suggest you go here. i am nola spoiled, but this place definately is a winner in my book and i would take them building one down here with a huge smile on my face and the rubbing of my hands together like mr burns. go. ENJOY!
(5)
UncharteredNashville A.

The first thing to know about Sambuca is to bring cash for valet. It's free, right out front, and with no available self parking close by, it is worth the $5 tip. Since it is getting warmer out, Sambuca has an amazing upstairs patio that overlooks the Gulch. Even when it's cold outside, the decor of Sambuca is also gorgeous and perfect for an intimate date or private party. Drinks- Brent had two beautiful 1/2 price cocktails: Skinny Bi*%# Pink Lemonade (HH $5) and the Effen Sangria (HH $5.50). I order the house Riesling (HH $4.75) which was so dry and bitter, that I couldn't finish and gave the rest to Cole. The bartender offered to make me a specialty drink to my taste (he said all bartenders there will) so I had a pineapple margarita without sweet and sour mix (HH $5). This is probably my new go to drink and was a hit with all 3 of us! Cole had my leftover dry Riesling and a glass of the house Merlot ($4), which is always a sure bet. Food - We sprung for 2 orders of the Garlic Bread ($2.25 HH and perfect to share), Margherita Pizza ($5.50), and the Chicken and Beef Satay ($4.75). The bar food and appetizers are good, especially for the price, but definitely aren't the main attraction at Sambuca. That being said, if you go for a sit down meal and are not worried about a budget, they have amazing filet and chicken along with plenty of other options that are very impressive. Read More - uncharterednashville.bloâ€¦
(4)
Lashona M.

It was ok. I liked the dim atmosphere and live band. Very inviting and great place to play dress up and mingle with other professionals. The food had a great presentation but I was looking for a little more taste though for the price. I had some type of Halibut dish with some sort of mango salsa which was a chefs special. The price for it was around $28. I shared a chessecake dessert with a friend which was delicious and will definitely get a dieter in trouble! Food usually runs between $8-30 bucks depending on what you get. There is something for everyone! So all in all, I would go again! :)
(3)
Julie L.

Great atmosphere, the band that was playing that night was pretty good. Food is good, but not as good as I'd expect at their menu prices - prices were not unreasonable for a nice meal, but the food just didn't quite measure up.
(3)
Josie D.

LOVE this place! Have hosted an event for a couple hundred people there as well as having had several meals - lunch and dinner - there. Food is always delicious! Service is top notch and the overall vibe is wonderful!
(4)
Sarah M.

3 Stars is Fair. Sambuca is very classy, but don't try going there without a reservation on a Friday or Saturday night. You meet Nashville's Elite and Nashville's Wannabe Elite, all intermingled to almost an insanity of nothing. I have never seen so many 30,000 dollar millionaires, but hey, they seem to make the number ad up in their heads... On the slower nights, I found that the live jazz music is too loud and often obnoxious, however, maybe some prefer not to talk. Very beautiful people walk in and out and that should not go unnoticed. The prices are insane-if you are trying to impress and don't have the cash, you will easily be embarrassed there. Their food is in small portions and very expensive. If done correctly, you could propose in a location such as this, but I find there is so many factors that you have to learn how to control--I saw a lot of Cougars there though--if you are out for that, I would go!
(3)
Megan M.

Sambuca serves unique, delicious food in the bustling Gulch neighborhood. The roof top patio makes dining or drinking even more enjoyable with views of the Nashville skyline. The live blues music I've heard here has been excellent and a little different from most places in Nashville. The food isn't cheap, but lunch is reasonable, sharing small plates recommended for evening eats. Last time I was here I tried the buca beignets, filled with mozzarella and prosciutto.. oh so fattening but yum! The pizzas, especially The Cosmo, are very tasty, as well as the salads and fish dishes which include lobster enchiladas. Nothing I have tried here has disappointed me. The lunch specials include soup & salad (with four salad choices, soups include tortilla and shrimp and crab bisque), pizza and salad, and triple combo (soup, salad, half sandwich), all for $10.95 or less. Save room for dessert and you will be very pleased. The flour-less chocolate cake topped with pieces of Heath bars is almost literally death by chocolate to me. The berry cobbler streusel is delicious as well, and I've heard great things about the tiramisu and creme brulee. Dessert menu also includes key lime, wedding cake, and after dinner mint martinis. I haven't always had the best service during busy times, which is somewhat understandable, but lunch service is very friendly and quick.
(4)
Jon A.

Friday night, dinner, and it was so loud in the main dining room that I can no longer hear my past self well enough to even write a review. Oh, if you think there was even an inkling of energy left inside of me after I went deaf... the hair brained haywired server who ate a Red Bull car before his shift, sucked out all the energy in my brain like Daniel Plainview does to our milkshakes. I quivered in the face of volume level whitesnake and ordered "crab bisque, that's it." And not even the accompanying Fat Tire could quell the nerves that were endlessly unsettled by the volume. I'm never one to dislike loud music or a loud dining experience but this was entirely different; this... well... this I have no idea what it was because they took everything out of me and walloped me with it all over the stage with that volume.
(2)
Grant Y.

Sambuca has wonderful food with an ambience of a jazz lounge with the dim restaurant lighting and back lit purple and red stage. A nice local band played songs that were familiar to most and the sound was at just the right level. The only complaint I have is the service wasn't as good as I was expecting it to be. Especially with the price. However, I would still recommend it as a nice place to go in downtown Nashville.
(4)
T L.

Eh! It was alright. Apps and salads were nice. Deserts were good. Service was what I would expect from this type of establishment. The entrees were just OK. The wife's steak was mediocre, nothing we couldn't have found elsewhere for half the price. My pork chop was nicely smoked and cooked perfectly. It was, however, rather tough. I got bored chewing it halfway through. Overall it was an average meal at above average prices.
(3)
Brandon R.

This place deserves more than 3 stars, but it doesn't deserve 4. Consider as you read this that it's a dinner review. I'm sure if you're going there to hit the bar, it's perfectly fine. The menu strikes me as being inspired by a very good chef. The execution however is quite lacking. I was looking forward to trying their mozzarella and prosciutto beignets. I ordered them for an appetizer. These would have been perfect if they weren't cold in the center. What a disappointment. Nevertheless, with the jalapeno and balsamic glazes, it could have been epic had it been cooked properly. For my entree, I ordered the chicken with champagne buerre sauce. It comes served over a potato and corn hash. This was another dish that was a brilliant idea, but poorly executed. The hash was fantastic, I'll admit. The chicken was very overcooked, and fairly flavorless beneath the skin. I wished I had more of the sauce. It would have helped. As a side I just had to try the prosciutto mac & cheese. How any chef can let a dish with a name like that come out of the kitchen with unmelted, cold shredded cheese on top is beyond me. It's disrespectful to two of the best foods on the planet. Once I dug down beyond the cool top layer, it wasn't bad. Again though, I felt like it lacked flavor overall. Atmosphere is pretty nice, with excellent music when I was there. I agree with others that most of the patrons believe they are much more important, and cooler than they really are. I part company though with those who complain about the service. My waiter Matt was excellent. I couldn't have asked for better service.
(3)
Robin S.

I'm a big fan of Sambuca. It's never overly crowded, but always full. You can actually carry on a conversation with your dining or drinking mates, which is a lot more than I can say for some places that have live music! The music, speaking of, is generally good jazz and blues. Sometimes it can border on the cheesy, but not often. If Sharif Iman is ever playing, he is excellent--definitely go if for no other reason than to see him perform! Drinks are a little pricey, but well made. They have a pretty extensive wine list as well--again, a little pricey. Food is delish--I really enjoy their "Buca beignets" and crabcakes for starters--or a whole meal, if you order a few things! They also have pretty good sushi, for a place not known for sushi rolling. Lunch menu is great too--and oddly inexpensive for lunch! I like the trio deal--you get soup, salad, and a half sandwich all for around $12! Best choices in my opinion are the crab bisque, the Gorgonzola salad, and the turkey and brie sandwich. I could eat there for lunch every day and not tire of it! Great for lunching with the ladies, taking out business associates or clients, or for a nice but casual lunch date! Thursday is one of my favorite happy hours in town--especially in the spring and summer when you can enjoy the open air upper deck with a fabulous Nashville view! Enjoy $5 maki rolls and martinis while you are at it! Sambuca is a great choice for lunch, dinner, or just hanging out at the bar. I'll always go back!
(5)
Bernadette S.

We decided to go to Sambuca for our one and only fancy group dinner while on vacation in Nashville for my bachelorette party. Let me start off by saying that my Maid of Honor had to jump through hoops to get a reservation here. We're talkin' submitting a signed contract saying that we each had to spend at least $21 and we had to leave a credit card on file for them. Ok so we get there on time and they have us wairting around for a good 45 minutes so we can order drinks. I had the Effen Sangria which went down a little too well. BUT one of our girls ordered a dirty martini and when she got it , it was some kind of fruity vodka with some olives thrown in ( a simple mix-up I'm sure). One of our girls didn't get her drink at all and another one of our girls left her drink on the table to go smoke and they dumped it (which they later apologized and replaced). OK... now on to the fiasco that was dinner. All of us girls are from Chicago and know how to appreciate a piece of steak... every single one of our steaks came out cold. I'm not exaggerating when I say cold, they must've been sitting around for a long time before they brough them to us. We brought this to the attention of our server who couldn't have been sweeter and had the manager come and talk to us. Well, there were 12 of us and about 6 girls gave him an earful. Anyways to make a long story longer... the manager ended up apologizing and comping our dinner and sending out deserts for us... but by the time they got there my Bachelorette Party dinner was pretty much ruined.
(1)
Ashley S.

This is a GREAT place to come for a bach. party or fun night out with a group. It is almost like being at a wedding reception. You can run up and dance with the band, go back and forth to table. The service was excellent! Food was very good. Price range is great for a group. Pizza is $12 and main dishes are around $30. I thought it was such a fun atmosphere. It is loud, but less than what I imagined. I wouldn't go here to have a serious date night or with a serious group of people. I will recommend this to friends.
(4)
Bridie O.

We went to Sambuca for dinner and loved it. We were able to eat outside in an intimate setting. I had the special which was tuna served over spinach with a side of crab and shrimp risotto. It was amazingly good! My husband ordered the Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagna and it was also very good. The valet outside of the restaurant is free (they work on tips). That was a great bonus!
(5)
Christine P.

Was in Nashville last weekend with some girlfriends and tried Sambuca for dinner on Saturday night. Like everyone has said, the atmosphere is good, dimly lit, candles, live music. A very good place to have a drink and talk with friends, or go on a date. The food was very good. I had the gnocchi, which I would highly recommend. We also tried some different appetizers and small plates to share. Everyone seemed really happy with the food and I would have given Sambuca 4 stars if it wasn't for the service. However, our service was TERRIBLE. Appetizers were thrown on the table, and not cleared before we received our dinner, which drives me nuts. Our waitress was literally pushing appetizer plates to the side with my entree plate so she could put the entrees on the table. Seriously??? We didn't get refills of water unless we asked, and after our first round of drinks the waitress didn't ask a single one of us if we wanted another, or if we wanted any dessert. Someone needs to teach her how to serve and she may have had some repeat business! So all in all Sambuca is a great choice for good food, but if you get the same waitress that we did, sit next to an emtpy table so you can throw your appetizer plates on it, because we all know she won't be clearing them.
(3)
John O.

I really enjoy every meal here. They are all very unique, tasty meals, with plenty of variety. Be sure to save room for the Cheesecake Soapapilla! I'm not a big dessert-eater, but it is incredible with a cup of coffee.
(4)
Nicole D.

I wouldn't recommend dinner here, it is over-priced for the loud atmosphere. BUT, if you are going for a great martini and loud-but-intimate ambiance, this is the place to go. My husband and I made it a once-a-week date to go on $5 maki and martini nights (not sure if they are around anymore?) and to listen to Laura Vida (sp?). My favorite items on the menu: Buca Beignets - filling, decadent, and so sinfully not on my diet Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichokes - oh how I love an artichoke that is dressed well! Seared tuna - yummy and light - just what I need when I am not 'that hungry' but want a nibble. Drinks: Their extra dirty martini with goat-cheese stuffed olives is very tasty The Lavender martini is girly enough to make me feel feminine, but punchy enough to do the trick. We loved that the waitstaff knew us by name and were sure to get us a spot at the bar (the only place we really liked to hang) but, if you want a more intimate evening, I recommend the second floor, away from the stage.
(4)
John W.

One of my favorite restaurants in Nashville and a place I always take my out of town friends to give them the Nashville vibe in a classy way. The food is good, there is free valet (although remember to tip), and the general ambiance of the restaurant is fantastic. Every time I have ever been the music acts have been wonderful and perfect for a dinner out with some drinks and music. On a side note, I have to agree with some of the previous reviews that the music can get a little loud so if you are looking for dinner somewhere and conversation is a premium I might consider somewhere else. The only downside is that the food is a little pricey. I used to get lamb chops when I would go here but they are now $42 a plate! That must be one impressive lamb. On the flip side, the other dishes I have had here are all quite good. Drinks are also a bit pricey as I think I was paying around $11 a drink the last time we went. And although they are quite good, $11 for a margarita is just a hair expensive. All in all though, Sambuca is a classy restaurant with good food and an excellent vibe. One of my favorites.
(4)
Anthony I.

Been to Nashville twice, been here both times. NY hip, Nashville charm, great love music, awesome vibe, fantastic menu, great food! This place is a great mix of hip, comfy and lively!
(5)
Adam B.

You have a date this weekend. Where to go? You want to combine a nice dinner with some great music? Sambuca! The place is amazing. The decor is dark red and marble...with seating upstairs and they also have a huge balcony upstairs for drinks or food. Bars are located on both floors for the after work drink. They also have great lunch specials with quick service. The evening becomes more upscale with lots of jazz, country and blues influences taking the stage. You can enjoy a nice band and some great food. Great place for a date!
(5)
Jessica A.

This place is so gorgeous, with candelabras and red velvet dripping everywhere. Dark, romantic, and sensual, it's perfect for an intimate evening among friends or with a special someone. The live music is always inspiring, ranging from blues to jazz, and always mirroring the lushness of the restaurant. It's a very spacious place, with a big bar up front leading to the cozy cave of a dining room. Service is excellent and friendly. Food has never disappointed. I find the focus to be on seafood, and would highly recommend the lobster dumplings with wasabi cream and the chili-rubbed scallops over risotto coin cakes and asparagus. Unfortunately everything is very expensive, but it does fairly correspond to the excellence in food, service, and ambiance. If you like wine, the best deal is to go on Sunday nights, when all bottles are half off. I haven't been for lunch, but that might also be a good option for the budget-conscious. (Though I admit I couldn't imagine going at any other time but night, when the moody vibe is fully realized.)
(4)
Mario S.

Love the overall look and feel the place. A good jump off point of the night if you are with a group of friends. At he the same time, a good date spot for something in between casual and dressy night out, but more toward the dressy night out end of the spectrum. I have to confess, I have never eaten here, just drinks. The bar area is nice, but not too many places to sit, but upstairs is more of a lounge bar area with an outdoor area that is open all year, even when it is cold. All and all a good spot to go to.
(4)
Erin D.

This place really isn't my scene but I've been here for dinner a few times and the food is always good. Their filet mignon ain't shabby. Although on one occasion I did get the Parmesan Encrusted Chicken and wasn't impressed by the basil-pesto cream. It was that same visit when my party was completely horrified by the cover band playing in the corner. They were much too loud to ignore and were horrible, even on Nashville standards. They sang the cheesy "Keep Your Hands To Yourself" songs and then when they went into "Jesse's Girl" a drunk customer jumped onstage and took the mic. It was definitely an experience. If you're able to avoid the life music, it's not that bad a of an eat.
(4)
David A.

Great menu and music although a little less volume would be fantastic. The decor is awesome, with a full bar near the entrance and plush seating further in surrounding the stage. The seating was very comfortable and intimate. The decoration fed into the flow of the music from the stage and gives a great vibe. The wait staff was excellent, and tried to provide the best advice that they could about the selections on the menu. The food was also very well done with some unusual selections that made for good dining. Sambuca also has a full service bar that is staffed with fantastic bar tenders. The main issue was the volume of the music making it impossible to have a conversation with anyone other than your date with your lips two inches from her ear. I would recommend this place to all who love live music but be prepared to talk during the intermissions.
(4)
Ms T J.

This was my first time going 1/18/13 for my bfs bday. We did a reservation through the opentable app so we got there an was seated in 10min. Looooove the atmosphere an band that was there that night. So the food was good but highly priced for the small portion. I got a Caesar sald an champagne chicken my bf got the filet. It was good but we left hungry. I'd go back probably just for cocktails though. Very sexy place though.
(4)
Caroline Y.

3.5 stars Yes...another great memory of Nashville... This restaurant didn't really impress with their food. I remember a bland zebra print pasta, a watery mac and cheese but a great scallop risotto dish. I say...go for the scallop risotto dish, go for the great decor and ambiance, go for the great food presentation, go for a drink at the bar, go for the friendly service.
(4)
Jason E.

Fantastic food, atmosphere, service and live music! This place made our trip to Nashville! We'll definitely be going back!
(5)
Anna A.

I tried the Service here on the appetizer list and thought it was phenomenal. We have gone for lunch and dinner and I think their lunch menu is really unique and taste. Dinner was very good as well but since this is a chain, I tend to not frequent on our rare nights out. I think their lounge area is really pleasant is fun and comfortable. They have a nice wine selection and I had a rock in dirty martini there. All in all I would suggest lunch or drinks and appetizers. Certainly a wonderful option in the gulch.
(4)
Lauren S.

Overall: Great atmosphere, C list food. Food/Drink: It kind of hurts my feelings to give this restaurant 2 stars. I've been several times and have really enjoyed myself 2 of the 3, but neither experience was tied to the food. I'll start with the scallops & risotto - the scallops tasted as though they had been cooked on a crowded pan (meaning too much in the pan, they steamed rather than seared.) and the risotto was pretty dry. My sister got to the pork chops, cooked medium well. We ended up having to send them back because they were as close to rare without being straight up uncooked as possible. Honestly, though - I'll give you the slip up. It happens! My issue was that it took 40 minutes to get a new dish out. But enough negative, on to the positive, there's a pretty decent wine list and if you're wanting entertainment, then it gets the job done. I would pick a new location if you're wanting conversation, though, it can get pretty loud. I do, however, recommend the patio upstairs for drinks - great view of the city! Atmosphere: Heed warning by the website, they call themselves a "rockin' dinner club." It's very dark lighting/deep color upholstery... but depending on the night, the music may not fit the mood you're going for. Better for drinks then a sit down dinner. Cost: A bit on the expensive side for what it is. Entrees are in the mid to upper 20s, and side salads about $6. The cheapest glass of wine is $8.
(2)
Jodie B.

Came here on a Sunday night with my girlfriend and we enjoyed great eats, super friendly & helpful staff and nice music :-) I like the sexy dark colors everywhere and the lighting... yea, I'd do it again!
(4)
Mell F.

This is a dinner review. I'm sure it's a cool place for drinks and rubbing elbows with the beautiful people; If you're into that sort of thing. But back to dinner. It was just ok, but for the price and buzz I guess I expected better. Service was good. The tables in the main dining room are packed too close together. The chairs may have been the highlight of the meal, sadly. Very comfortable. The "Signature" calamari app was OK, but you can get better at Carrabba's. Shrimp/Crab bisque was, again, just OK. I can't imagine they are making it in house. I'd guess it was a mix something from corporate. I had the halibut. It was supposedly wild caught, but tasted like something you might get at a banquet at the Marriott. She had the lamb chops and they were fine. Cooked properly and nicely seasoned. The Havarti tater tots were good. Taramisu for dessert. Average at best. Publix has some in the deli that is at least as good. So, 1 app, 1 soup, 2 entrees, one dessert, 2 basic coffees and 1 glass of port came to around $95. We also had a $48 bottle of wine (Artesia, I think). In a word: underwhelmed.
(2)
Janet M.

We really enjoyed Sambuca! They have live music every night, and the night we were there featured a Latin Jazz band that played some original songs as well as covers. They were really good. Staff was great! Very helpful and professional. We had fried artichokes stuffed with goat cheese. They were good, but average. The crab and lobster bisque however was some of the best I've ever had. Sweet and creamy, the way I like it. For my main entree, I had lobster enchiladas, which were also fantastic and very tasty. My fiancÃ©e had crab stuffed salmon. I had a bite. It was good, but paled in comparison to the superb flavor of my entree. We couldn't resist getting a side of prosciutto Mac & cheese, which was good, but next time I could resist. For dessert, I had the tiramisu, which was different because the marscapone layer was very thick. Personally, I like it that way. My fiancÃ©e got a Heath pie, which was exceedingly rich, but he ate the whole thing somehow! My only criticism would b the cocktails. They were paltry and expensive. I swear I could have sucked down my entire margarita in one slurp. My guy ordered bourbon on the rock - hard to mess that up. Perhaps it would have been wiser to order wine, but alas I'm a tequila/vodka lover. Rim salt was excellent. Very Limey! But that's not supposed to be the best part of the margarita! Lol
(4)
Mookie L.

Co-workers and i were referred to this place and it was quite the suprise for Nashville standards. The service was good, our server was fun and we happened to come on an off night but nonetheless the place seemed like it would be fun on a weekend. The food was good and there was live music and people dancing. I ordered some kind of fish and replaced the mashed with vegetables thinking it would be more healthy, but should have known better that any restaurant will sautee everything healthy in butter. Regardless, food tasted good ,service was good and they even let us take our wine bottle home that no one drank. I recommend Sambuca and would come again.
(4)
Anita R.

Went there with a large party we were upstairs had the best service, best food. Everything was great, I highly recommend Sambuca! I will go back
(5)
Janette L.

I came late on a Friday night to Sambuca. Walking in I thought the atmosphere was very trendy and a live band was an added bonus. We sat at the bar while waiting for a table and ordered a bottle of wine. I guess not too many people do this since it took almost 10 mins to get our bottle. Still, we got a table in the bar area after a short wait. We started with the seared tuna app and ordered the chili rubbed scallops and pork chops for our main courses. Though highly recommended by our server, the pork was very dry/tough even with the sauce. I was surprised by this since I believe it is a house specialty. The scallops/risotto cakes and tuna were good and portions were more than sufficient. Our server was sweet and very attentive. I would likely come back to Sambuca again for drinks + apps but skip on the meal.
(4)
Shiloh T.

Decent patio with comfy chairs. That's the end of positivity in this review. I asked for a dry martini and she asked details about a dirty martini. The skinny bitch cocktail came in a fake glass (read plastic) highball glass. Dans could not be bothered to come back to the table more than every 20 min. It took 20 minutes to get a requested water refill. Goat cheese artichoke I'd fried (not stated) and bland. We asked for one check and got two. WTF.
(1)
Caitlin D.

I had a friend from wayyyy out of town (we're talking London by way of Singapore) last weekend, and I wanted to show her that what she heard about the south was not necessarily true. Especially when you're in a great city like Nashville. So I took a gamble and tried out Sambuca, where I had never been, because I had heard great reviews by people I know. I was not disappointed. The ambiance was more or less romantic, although I think it's probably better for a small group of friends going out. The food was delicious. I had the Tuna Etouffe, and it was soooo rare it was almost sushi. That's just how I like it! It was topped in crab and shrimp. That pretty much is my dream dish. We ordered Mojitos. Mind you, we went on a mojito rampage in Thailand, Singapore and Bali together this summer... and none ever quite matched up to what I had come to love ordering in San Francisco where I used to live. The mojitos at Sambuca were the best I've had since San Fran, no doubt. They used enough fresh mint and not too much sugar to make it just right. The music wasn't outstanding nor was it bad. It was fine for background music while you eat. Anyway, long story short, I recommend this place and will certainly be back!
(4)
Kimble B.

Our monthly social gathering for NAWBO brought us to Sambuca. I've been there many times before and always enjoy it; but this trip was the best ever. The waitress was enthusiastic and helpful (we were searching for some healthy appetizers to round out our happy hour). Boy, did she pick a winner - the new shrimp cocktail was one of the best I've EVER had! The cocktail portion was slightly sweet and tangy with fresh herbs, nice-sized tomato bits and fresh avocado slices. The shrimp tasted fresh and perfectly cooked. Service was fast and valet is always a bonus in Gulch.
(5)
Rob S.

Good atmosphere and music. Pricey drinks.
(4)
Rahel K.

I went to meet some girlfriends for drinks here last night and I was very impressed. We walked in while a doorman held the door for us. Great vibe, sophisticated crowd. We drank martinis at the bar and then decided to have appetizers and wine. Our waiter was very attentive, even with the final four game on the big screens. Our appetizers were a little skimpy on portion size but pretty good on taste. Walked out with a $25 tab (2 drinks and 2 split apps). The music is what really impressed me. This is why I live in Nashville. Random places you can find amazing live music. This is the only place I know where you can have a nice dinner and then dance at the same place. Great for first dates...high energy so if the conversation starts to lull you can look at the band instead of asking for the check....
(4)
Claire B.

I've eaten dinner at Sambuca, and the dinner was good, but that's not my favorite thing about this place. I really like to go upstairs to the outside patio and sit and drink gin martinis (which are the best anywhere). In the summertime, there are fans going and you can see downtown Nashville (although the view is currently being obscured by the construction of condo high-rises. In winter, there are heat lamps and sometimes a fire to keep you nice and toasty. I just love sitting up there, sipping cosmopolitan drinks and feeling fabulous. I would also recommend going for dinner, but if you're like me and you don't swallow noise pollution too well with your food, try to get a table as far away from the stage as possible, and then you might be able to enjoy the music and your conversation. I recommend the scallops and polenta, for its presentation as well as taste, although everything my party ordered looked good. The prices are what you would expect for a restaurant of this quality, but I didn't come away thinking I had paid too much.
(4)
Noelle T.

Sambuca is a stimulating place. I went to Sambuca on a Friday night for a group event. We rented out the upstairs area for a large group. The doorman made us feel like VIP as he opened the door and unlocked the velvet rope to let us upstairs. They had a full service bar upstairs as well as downstairs. Sambuca' has a warm atmosphere suitable but is also very hip with a great after work crowd. Bold colors and dim lighting set the mood for the experience, and they had a stage up front for live music / dancing. It didn't seem crowded at all and the service was amazing. We had a diverse menu includes shrimp grits, sushi, dessert bar, chicken satay, etc. I enjoyed everything. The parking was a little difficult but I believe this is not unusual for this part of town.
(4)
moore t.

First - sit on the patio or the upstairs cabana and enjoy fried cheesecake. It is one of the best deserts in town. Great atmosphere all the way around. Inside is sheek, with deep comfortable colors, velvet drapery and dark, smooth finishes. One of the best spots to listen to music with a casual setting.
(5)
Gil D.

Trendy, dark settling. Warning- small portions, so have some small plates before the entree. The band we saw wasn't great. Might be fun for drinks and apps with a big group of friends, sitting in the bar area or patio.
(2)
Mr Mrs J.

I like this place. The music Thursday nights is my favorite. The blond chick with the AA male band can sing and the band is great. The food is not bad as long as you don't go too far off the basic known menu like the lamb, salmon, seabass, steak, not the weird names. They can't seem to get that part right. The appetizers aren't the greatest, but the drinks and atmosphere makes up for it. I love the decor. I hope this will last a little longer. Great for dates. Dinner for 4 can run to $225 total bill depending on what you order.
(4)
Kristen D.

This is one of my favorite places! Don't go hungry if u plan on spending a reasonable amount of cash. The small plates r good if u just want something light. Perfect for date or group of friends...the music is awesome. You'll love it.
(5)
Katherine M.

Sambuca is a great spot to meet friends for dinner/drinks. I love the ultra modern decor and wonderful shaded patio. It is the perfect place to have a happy hour. On Thursday they have $5 drinks/sushi rolls. However, this only applies to inside dining! My group found this out the hard way. Even though they let us stay on the patio since we were already there, our server told us not to do it again. Wow! I've had better maki rolls, but they weren't bad. Just the rice was a tad soggy. But, the rest of their food is really good. They have delicious, fresh salads which are actually big enough to share. I had a grilled shrimp dish that was really tasty. A friend had the sea bass and enjoyed it. They offer other fish dishes, steak, and have good pot stickers/spring rolls. One of the main things I like is their prices. You can have a meal and drinks and not spend a fortune. The group I was with split apps, ordered entrees, and had drinks. We just divided the bill and I spent around $30. Can't beat that!
(4)
Wanita N.

Wonderful selection in a lovely romantic setting. We lucked out with an outstanding jazz band playing throughout dinner, and not just what the waiter called " ambiance". I had the mixed sides as my main course allowing me the chance to sample the spaghetti squash fritter, roaster veggies, crab gratin and mac & cheese. My date had a succulent steak complete with a cool red center. Lamb meatballs, were excellent, but the whole appetizer didn't quite work. Mint jelly, Phyllo puff and chutney ... something didn't just add up. Would absolutely recommend for a wonderful night out.
(4)
J W.

Just don't eat the fish tacos. Just don't. They are completely tasteless. Verging on gross. Otherwise, I really like the atmosphere. I love cozy cushions to lounge on and I love patios, so this place is ideal for me. Also, happy hour on Wednesdays is a great deal. The pizza is decent. I heard the seared tuna was good.
(3)
SJ C.

Eight years ago I had dinner here and I still remember this outstanding restaurant. Born and raised in San Francisco California our family loves to dine out, which we often do around the world. - This special, fun, restaurant has always been a world favorite for me. / A pilot friend just moved to KBNA and made me think about this special gem. I told her she MUST go to Sambuca's for a fun ladies night, or great date night!
(5)
Maria S.

I've been twice, and it's a great atmosphere for happy hour. The pizzas are good, and the beignets are good albiet slightly bready. However-- I was waiting for a friend who was running late and observed the staff talking to each other (servers w/ bartenders and food runners) and was completely turned off how disrespectful some of them were. I won't go into detail, but for whatever reason it really bothered me. So, 3 stars.
(3)
Avery M.

I went to Sambuca for their happy hour which is supposed to be awesome. Well, I would say it is just ok. I would rather go to Sams for happy hour and get two for ones for the way we were treated. It's funny that most of the other reviews all had similar things to aay about service. I had 2 of the skinny bitchy drinks and they were decent for low cal cocktails. I did not eat but had a bite or two off of friends plates and the food seemed pretty good. I work as a an aspiring chef and I enjoyed the bites I had....however, the service was AWFUL!! Maybe I am jaded because I work in the industry, but I have worked here and there and believe I know the difference in good, average and bad service. I try not to be overly picky so as not to annoy my non "industry" friend but even they started asking me if certain things the service was doing was normal and they believed it was poor as well. It started at the front door. I had never been there before and I walk in to 3 people at the hostess stand.1 male obviously flirting with the 2 ladies and he has his back to me. I stand there for an awkward second or two and no one acknowledges me, so I proceed to ask them if I am to find the people I am meeting and they all point towards the main dining area...no help there. I find my friends....our server comes by at least 4 times in 10 mins....sounds great right? No, never once asked me what I wanted to drink clearly being I was late to join as my friends were a drink or two in. the story continues with the classic forgetting of the orders even though she had to walk 2 feet to the computer to ring it in..she even told us she was super forgetful,...so why not write it down?? She got very annoyed that we tried to order a few drinks each ruby before happy hour ended. another pet perverse of line that they seem to execute very well was their food runner. I work in a restaurant where there is a food runner. the reason they get paid and tipped out is to take care in placing each order.3 times my table ordered food and all 3 times, he just threw it down on the table with no care as to a seat number. he didn't even do the old school polite thing of "who had the pizza?" He just through it all down in front of whomever. now if we had told the server we would all be sharing then no big whoop but they clearly all ordered individually. Lastly, when we were finally leaving, again 3 people at the door and one very near the door, no one opened it for us to leave nor did they acknowledge we.were.leaving at all....not a single word...which to me is an eff you, eff them. its unfortunate, bc my bill was 10 bucks and the menu did look intriguing. it really makes me mad when one part of a restaurant can ruin it for the other. the problem is, I would go back to a place with mediocre food if it had great service, but bad service and ill skip the food that looks enticing...i feel for their BOH....bottom line don't waste your time or your tip...those people don't care....
(2)
Su A.

tasty martinis, good apps; GREAT service!
(4)
Meredith C.

For this place to be a chain, I was impressed. Outstanding beignets. Awesome tuna over a bed of shrimp etouffe. Great waiter.
(4)
Lakisha J.

A friend and I had a late lunch at Sambuca last Monday. This was my first time ever visiting this place. The decor was nice and I've seen the crowds that are here during the summer and it seems like a fun place but our lunch service experience was borderline horrible. Our waiter acted as if we were interrupting his afternoon lounging to watch his soaps. While my friend was looking over a flyer with the live music schedule and questioned the type of jazz that was performed there, he proceeded to argue with her as to what was real jazz and what wasn't. Fast forward to taking our orders, my friend's order was extremely simple. Caesar salad with tuna(thoroughly cooked - on top) with the dressing on the side. I ordered the sea bass which came with sauteed leeks and steamed rice. My order was ok a bit under seasoned. I'm not sure about you guys but the only time that I eat under-cooked fish or uncooked fish is for sushi. There were portions of sea bass that weren't cooked well enough for my taste but my order was peaches and cream compared to my friends. She ended up only eating a bowl of lettuce. First off, the first salad brought to the table had the dressing on the salad, which was not a big deal, until he said, "Oh there is very little dressing on the salad". She stated that she didn't want the dressing on her salad and he took it away with a bit of an attitude and brought her a new one with dressing on the side. Note - she has never eaten the dressing. We were a bit confused as to where the tuna was but figured that he was just waiting to bring out her side of fish out with my meal .... ummmmm no .... what did he bring out with my order for her? He brought out tuna sandwiches with fries and a pickle. We didn't even bother to send it back because we didn't know what type of person that we were dealing with and didn't want anything sickening to happen to her order. The service was crazy bad. This would've been a great visit if he had of been a proper waiter and even feigned interest in us as customers. I will give this place another try simply because this visit was ruined by the service alone but if I get seated in his section .. I will promptly get up and move.
(2)
Sunshine G.

Although Sambuca wasn't our original destination, the restaurant we had resos at had unfortunately ran out of most of their seafood entrees. I'm not a huge meat-fiending person, so we hit up Sambuca. I was impressed with the decor and the energy in the place. Three levels with two separate bars, a heated outdoor/smoking lounge area and an extremely large dining area with live music. We lucked out getting a large half-moon shaped booth on the outskirts of the main dining area. Super cozy & intimate allowing us to chat and catch up, listening to the band but not being overpowered by them. The service also deserves kudos, he was awesome about giving the run down of his favorites and what to avoid. I love servers that are honest. They had some yummy cocktails, although I don't recommend the Pomegranate Champagne cocktail...couldn't taste the pomegranate, which I thought was the point. Everything we tried was tasty, try the Gorgonzola Salad and Scallops. These scallops were seared perfectly with a little crunch on top for texture, sitting on a decadent Risotto Cake. Unfortunately, the asparagus were loaded with salt, not my thing. All in all, this is a groovy weekend spot or from the looks of it a good date spot...and the band (I think they called themselves The DIggy Band) was great.
(4)
Nate C.

Sambuca's presentation is awesome, it deserves 5 stars. Their chic decor, live music stage, great service, etc makes this place a happening spot. However, their food is far below what it can be. Their food presentation is amazing, probably one of the best from Nashville. The food LOOKS really really good, but once you eat them, they're mediocre. I don't remember much of what I ate b/c it wasn't memorable, but I do remember trying out the zebra pasta, don't get it. It looks real nice, but the dish is too fishy. However, their scallop w/ risotto was pretty good. It would have been AWESOME if the scallop was warmer, but the risotto was the bomb! The risotto was cripy outside and it really had nice texture to it. I was really thinking about giving this spot 3 stars because of their food, but their decor, vibe, service, and food presentation earns them one extra star. So if you're looking for a place for drinks, appetizer, and some live music, this place rocks!, but for food, it's mediocre at best.
(4)
Kenny K.

First off, any place that serves Moet is cool with me. The food is great, but the atmosphere is really the high point. It's a perfect jazz bar. We just wandered in not knowing what it was, and came out loving it. Definitely a great place to hang out, but only if you're a rich person or someone else is treating.
(4)
Nicki R.

We went on a Sunday night which featured half price bottles of wine and live Jazz music, which by the way was nice and relaxing. Our server, Ashley, was really great. She was friendly and professional. She was able to make a fine dining environment, comfortable. Our food was SO delicious! We started with the Buca Beignets, then my husband got the Caesar Salad and I had the Shrimp & Crab Bisque. YUM! We both ordered the filet (mine petite) and an order of asparagus. The quality of meat was fantastic and the gorgonzola butter complimented it very well. Overall, our experience was wonderful. A little pricey, but pretty standard for the type of restaurant. We had a very nice, romantic evening and we will definitely be going back!
(5)
Sarah B.

I have a voucher for a free drink at Sambuca due to them screwing up a dinner party I had there a few years ago. I decided to give them another try today, years later, and they are consistent in poor service. I arrived at approximately 2:30. The restaurant was almost empty. There were two ladies at the bar, I couple that was placing their order, and two business men leaving; that's it. It took approximately 5 minutes before my server acknowledged me, 15 minutes before he took my order, and my food-after waiting for a total of 45 minutes I walked out! Unbelievable! I requested my server twice while I was waiting. When he came the first time he was very nonchalant about me having to wait for him. When I asked him to ask the bartender a question for me, he explained that he was the bartender as well. When I got up to use the restroom, I explained to the hostess that I had been experiencing poor and slow service. When I came out of the restroom, she was gone and my food was still not on my table. I do not understand for the life of me, what their problem was. There are too many restaurants in Nashville that can deliver even during peak time; this wasn't even peak time, it was dead!!!!! I left and went to Eastland Cafe' where the food, service, and drinks are always excellent!
(1)
Eryn F.

Totally not worth the money! Food is blah and service is slow!
(2)
Mariela C.

Sambuca is upscale and fantastic, and if I were older, fancier, and richer I would go there more often. With so much to offer, Sambuca is the kind of chic restaurant that you can spend an entire night at. The food and drinks are expensive but with the live Latin Music shows your dinning experience is bound to be a great one. I have been here once for dinner and a couple of times for drinks, and have really been impressed by their live performances. However, my favorite part of Sambuca is their upstairs patio. With a feel of an old Spanish Moor harem, their upstairs patio is really what sells the place. With a drink in hand, you can enjoy the stars, cushy pillows, lively crowd, and faint sounds of music.
(4)
Cliff N.

SAMBUCA is sultry and has a slow sizzle to it. Dark, romantic, spacious seating, old world sytle, it reminds me of a House of the Blues meets Spainish riviera, with black leather and red satin and velvet, very relaxed and with sexy undertones. Smooth Brazilian jazz was playing and the upstair outdoor areas were full of minglers, mincing about the canopy and curtained seating, that overlooks the busy street corner below. The patio is great for a quiet conversation before going inside for the music. I had the salmon and my friend had a pizza, the salads were great, mine spinach-fresh & tasty. The salmon was very good in a honey terraki glaze over rice, very nice. SAMBUCA has great atmosphere and good food, that will put you into a good mood, at the end of your work day. Prices are reasonable for food and typical for drinks. The menu could be larger and more diversified.On-site Valet parking was helpful. Is it a dinner club I'd do again?, Oh YEAH!
(4)
Josh B.

The Good: live Jazz band-Awesome Buca Beignets- Delish Cheap drinks- Our greyhounds were $4 each The Bad: The Smoked Pork Chop- Mine came out dry. Tasted great, but I felt I might have been able to do better at home. Lobster Enchiladas- Left a lot to be desired. This is a fun place for drinks and appetizers, I would think. Unfortunately, the entrees were found wanting. Service was not as friendly as I have come to expect in Nashville.
(3)
andy t.

I went to a private party here last night and was very impressed. I can't really speak for the food because we weren't eating off the main menu. But the decor and vibe of this place is really great. There are 3 levels, a stage, multiple bars, couches and a cool terrace which is heated and has a funky waterfall. If this place were in NY, it would be a mob scene.
(4)
Dave B.

Best mix of great steakhouse/fun trendy scene. If your looking for a upscale steakhouse that has a little lounge/club feel this is the place. The setup is awesome, large bar area over looking a seating section so you can still see the stage where they have live music. There are tvs in the bar area so if you want you can watch the game or get a table in the dinning area for a more formal feel. Either way you cant go wrong with this place. We were in town over new years and the place was alive, nice entertainment, great crowd and great food. We had the filet and it was cooked perfect, side of the biggest asparagus ive ever seen. Go for dinner or stop late night for drinks.
(4)
Kristin F.

My friends and I gathered in Nashville last weekend for a wedding, and while they rehearsed on Friday night, we went to Sambuca. This place was recommended by the conceirge and it did not disappoint one bit. The atmosphere is great.....dark, red velvet everywhere that feels swanky but not pretentious or stuffy. The ambiance was welcoming and there was also a band playing....live music with dinner is always a plus in my book. The menu had lots of choices ranging from seafood and steak to tapas and pizza. I had one of their specialties: miso sea bass with jasmine rice, sauteed apples, and baby bok choy. This was some of the best sea bass I have ever eaten. It was tender and soft, perfectly cooked with just the right amount of salty sweetness from the miso and apples. I can see why its a specialty. Since all of us at the table love food and each other, we nibbled off every plate and tried lots of different dishes. The chili-rubbed scallops with risotto cakes were off the hook, as was the lobster gnocchi. I think the gnocchi was my favorite dish of the night, with the sea bass running a close second. The cowboy ribeye was also perfect. The prices are up there....ranging from $15-$50 for entrees but it is so worth it! The preparations and ingredients are top quality. They have a full bar and wine list, and the dessert menu looked pretty tasty, but I had no room left. We all left full and pleased with our money well spent!
(4)
Shiloh T.

Decent patio with comfy chairs. That's the end of positivity in this review. I asked for a dry martini and she asked details about a dirty martini. The skinny bitch cocktail came in a fake glass (read plastic) highball glass. Dans could not be bothered to come back to the table more than every 20 min. It took 20 minutes to get a requested water refill. Goat cheese artichoke I'd fried (not stated) and bland. We asked for one check and got two. WTF.
(1)
T L.

Eh! It was alright. Apps and salads were nice. Deserts were good. Service was what I would expect from this type of establishment. The entrees were just OK. The wife's steak was mediocre, nothing we couldn't have found elsewhere for half the price. My pork chop was nicely smoked and cooked perfectly. It was, however, rather tough. I got bored chewing it halfway through. Overall it was an average meal at above average prices.
(3)
Caitlin D.

I had a friend from wayyyy out of town (we're talking London by way of Singapore) last weekend, and I wanted to show her that what she heard about the south was not necessarily true. Especially when you're in a great city like Nashville. So I took a gamble and tried out Sambuca, where I had never been, because I had heard great reviews by people I know. I was not disappointed. The ambiance was more or less romantic, although I think it's probably better for a small group of friends going out. The food was delicious. I had the Tuna Etouffe, and it was soooo rare it was almost sushi. That's just how I like it! It was topped in crab and shrimp. That pretty much is my dream dish. We ordered Mojitos. Mind you, we went on a mojito rampage in Thailand, Singapore and Bali together this summer... and none ever quite matched up to what I had come to love ordering in San Francisco where I used to live. The mojitos at Sambuca were the best I've had since San Fran, no doubt. They used enough fresh mint and not too much sugar to make it just right. The music wasn't outstanding nor was it bad. It was fine for background music while you eat. Anyway, long story short, I recommend this place and will certainly be back!
(4)
Kimble B.

Our monthly social gathering for NAWBO brought us to Sambuca. I've been there many times before and always enjoy it; but this trip was the best ever. The waitress was enthusiastic and helpful (we were searching for some healthy appetizers to round out our happy hour). Boy, did she pick a winner - the new shrimp cocktail was one of the best I've EVER had! The cocktail portion was slightly sweet and tangy with fresh herbs, nice-sized tomato bits and fresh avocado slices. The shrimp tasted fresh and perfectly cooked. Service was fast and valet is always a bonus in Gulch.
(5)
Rob S.

Good atmosphere and music. Pricey drinks.
(4)
Lauren S.

Overall: Great atmosphere, C list food. Food/Drink: It kind of hurts my feelings to give this restaurant 2 stars. I've been several times and have really enjoyed myself 2 of the 3, but neither experience was tied to the food. I'll start with the scallops & risotto - the scallops tasted as though they had been cooked on a crowded pan (meaning too much in the pan, they steamed rather than seared.) and the risotto was pretty dry. My sister got to the pork chops, cooked medium well. We ended up having to send them back because they were as close to rare without being straight up uncooked as possible. Honestly, though - I'll give you the slip up. It happens! My issue was that it took 40 minutes to get a new dish out. But enough negative, on to the positive, there's a pretty decent wine list and if you're wanting entertainment, then it gets the job done. I would pick a new location if you're wanting conversation, though, it can get pretty loud. I do, however, recommend the patio upstairs for drinks - great view of the city! Atmosphere: Heed warning by the website, they call themselves a "rockin' dinner club." It's very dark lighting/deep color upholstery... but depending on the night, the music may not fit the mood you're going for. Better for drinks then a sit down dinner. Cost: A bit on the expensive side for what it is. Entrees are in the mid to upper 20s, and side salads about $6. The cheapest glass of wine is $8.
(2)
Jodie B.

Came here on a Sunday night with my girlfriend and we enjoyed great eats, super friendly & helpful staff and nice music :-) I like the sexy dark colors everywhere and the lighting... yea, I'd do it again!
(4)
Mell F.

This is a dinner review. I'm sure it's a cool place for drinks and rubbing elbows with the beautiful people; If you're into that sort of thing. But back to dinner. It was just ok, but for the price and buzz I guess I expected better. Service was good. The tables in the main dining room are packed too close together. The chairs may have been the highlight of the meal, sadly. Very comfortable. The "Signature" calamari app was OK, but you can get better at Carrabba's. Shrimp/Crab bisque was, again, just OK. I can't imagine they are making it in house. I'd guess it was a mix something from corporate. I had the halibut. It was supposedly wild caught, but tasted like something you might get at a banquet at the Marriott. She had the lamb chops and they were fine. Cooked properly and nicely seasoned. The Havarti tater tots were good. Taramisu for dessert. Average at best. Publix has some in the deli that is at least as good. So, 1 app, 1 soup, 2 entrees, one dessert, 2 basic coffees and 1 glass of port came to around $95. We also had a $48 bottle of wine (Artesia, I think). In a word: underwhelmed.
(2)
Ms T J.

This was my first time going 1/18/13 for my bfs bday. We did a reservation through the opentable app so we got there an was seated in 10min. Looooove the atmosphere an band that was there that night. So the food was good but highly priced for the small portion. I got a Caesar sald an champagne chicken my bf got the filet. It was good but we left hungry. I'd go back probably just for cocktails though. Very sexy place though.
(4)
Janet M.

We really enjoyed Sambuca! They have live music every night, and the night we were there featured a Latin Jazz band that played some original songs as well as covers. They were really good. Staff was great! Very helpful and professional. We had fried artichokes stuffed with goat cheese. They were good, but average. The crab and lobster bisque however was some of the best I've ever had. Sweet and creamy, the way I like it. For my main entree, I had lobster enchiladas, which were also fantastic and very tasty. My fiancÃ©e had crab stuffed salmon. I had a bite. It was good, but paled in comparison to the superb flavor of my entree. We couldn't resist getting a side of prosciutto Mac & cheese, which was good, but next time I could resist. For dessert, I had the tiramisu, which was different because the marscapone layer was very thick. Personally, I like it that way. My fiancÃ©e got a Heath pie, which was exceedingly rich, but he ate the whole thing somehow! My only criticism would b the cocktails. They were paltry and expensive. I swear I could have sucked down my entire margarita in one slurp. My guy ordered bourbon on the rock - hard to mess that up. Perhaps it would have been wiser to order wine, but alas I'm a tequila/vodka lover. Rim salt was excellent. Very Limey! But that's not supposed to be the best part of the margarita! Lol
(4)
Mookie L.

Co-workers and i were referred to this place and it was quite the suprise for Nashville standards. The service was good, our server was fun and we happened to come on an off night but nonetheless the place seemed like it would be fun on a weekend. The food was good and there was live music and people dancing. I ordered some kind of fish and replaced the mashed with vegetables thinking it would be more healthy, but should have known better that any restaurant will sautee everything healthy in butter. Regardless, food tasted good ,service was good and they even let us take our wine bottle home that no one drank. I recommend Sambuca and would come again.
(4)
Anita R.

Went there with a large party we were upstairs had the best service, best food. Everything was great, I highly recommend Sambuca! I will go back
(5)
David A.

Great menu and music although a little less volume would be fantastic. The decor is awesome, with a full bar near the entrance and plush seating further in surrounding the stage. The seating was very comfortable and intimate. The decoration fed into the flow of the music from the stage and gives a great vibe. The wait staff was excellent, and tried to provide the best advice that they could about the selections on the menu. The food was also very well done with some unusual selections that made for good dining. Sambuca also has a full service bar that is staffed with fantastic bar tenders. The main issue was the volume of the music making it impossible to have a conversation with anyone other than your date with your lips two inches from her ear. I would recommend this place to all who love live music but be prepared to talk during the intermissions.
(4)
Caroline Y.

3.5 stars Yes...another great memory of Nashville... This restaurant didn't really impress with their food. I remember a bland zebra print pasta, a watery mac and cheese but a great scallop risotto dish. I say...go for the scallop risotto dish, go for the great decor and ambiance, go for the great food presentation, go for a drink at the bar, go for the friendly service.
(4)
Jason E.

Fantastic food, atmosphere, service and live music! This place made our trip to Nashville! We'll definitely be going back!
(5)
Anna A.

I tried the Service here on the appetizer list and thought it was phenomenal. We have gone for lunch and dinner and I think their lunch menu is really unique and taste. Dinner was very good as well but since this is a chain, I tend to not frequent on our rare nights out. I think their lounge area is really pleasant is fun and comfortable. They have a nice wine selection and I had a rock in dirty martini there. All in all I would suggest lunch or drinks and appetizers. Certainly a wonderful option in the gulch.
(4)
Grant Y.

Sambuca has wonderful food with an ambience of a jazz lounge with the dim restaurant lighting and back lit purple and red stage. A nice local band played songs that were familiar to most and the sound was at just the right level. The only complaint I have is the service wasn't as good as I was expecting it to be. Especially with the price. However, I would still recommend it as a nice place to go in downtown Nashville.
(4)
John W.

One of my favorite restaurants in Nashville and a place I always take my out of town friends to give them the Nashville vibe in a classy way. The food is good, there is free valet (although remember to tip), and the general ambiance of the restaurant is fantastic. Every time I have ever been the music acts have been wonderful and perfect for a dinner out with some drinks and music. On a side note, I have to agree with some of the previous reviews that the music can get a little loud so if you are looking for dinner somewhere and conversation is a premium I might consider somewhere else. The only downside is that the food is a little pricey. I used to get lamb chops when I would go here but they are now $42 a plate! That must be one impressive lamb. On the flip side, the other dishes I have had here are all quite good. Drinks are also a bit pricey as I think I was paying around $11 a drink the last time we went. And although they are quite good, $11 for a margarita is just a hair expensive. All in all though, Sambuca is a classy restaurant with good food and an excellent vibe. One of my favorites.
(4)
Anthony I.

Been to Nashville twice, been here both times. NY hip, Nashville charm, great love music, awesome vibe, fantastic menu, great food! This place is a great mix of hip, comfy and lively!
(5)
Adam B.

You have a date this weekend. Where to go? You want to combine a nice dinner with some great music? Sambuca! The place is amazing. The decor is dark red and marble...with seating upstairs and they also have a huge balcony upstairs for drinks or food. Bars are located on both floors for the after work drink. They also have great lunch specials with quick service. The evening becomes more upscale with lots of jazz, country and blues influences taking the stage. You can enjoy a nice band and some great food. Great place for a date!
(5)
Jessica A.

This place is so gorgeous, with candelabras and red velvet dripping everywhere. Dark, romantic, and sensual, it's perfect for an intimate evening among friends or with a special someone. The live music is always inspiring, ranging from blues to jazz, and always mirroring the lushness of the restaurant. It's a very spacious place, with a big bar up front leading to the cozy cave of a dining room. Service is excellent and friendly. Food has never disappointed. I find the focus to be on seafood, and would highly recommend the lobster dumplings with wasabi cream and the chili-rubbed scallops over risotto coin cakes and asparagus. Unfortunately everything is very expensive, but it does fairly correspond to the excellence in food, service, and ambiance. If you like wine, the best deal is to go on Sunday nights, when all bottles are half off. I haven't been for lunch, but that might also be a good option for the budget-conscious. (Though I admit I couldn't imagine going at any other time but night, when the moody vibe is fully realized.)
(4)
Mario S.

Love the overall look and feel the place. A good jump off point of the night if you are with a group of friends. At he the same time, a good date spot for something in between casual and dressy night out, but more toward the dressy night out end of the spectrum. I have to confess, I have never eaten here, just drinks. The bar area is nice, but not too many places to sit, but upstairs is more of a lounge bar area with an outdoor area that is open all year, even when it is cold. All and all a good spot to go to.
(4)
Erin D.

This place really isn't my scene but I've been here for dinner a few times and the food is always good. Their filet mignon ain't shabby. Although on one occasion I did get the Parmesan Encrusted Chicken and wasn't impressed by the basil-pesto cream. It was that same visit when my party was completely horrified by the cover band playing in the corner. They were much too loud to ignore and were horrible, even on Nashville standards. They sang the cheesy "Keep Your Hands To Yourself" songs and then when they went into "Jesse's Girl" a drunk customer jumped onstage and took the mic. It was definitely an experience. If you're able to avoid the life music, it's not that bad a of an eat.
(4)
Bernadette S.

We decided to go to Sambuca for our one and only fancy group dinner while on vacation in Nashville for my bachelorette party. Let me start off by saying that my Maid of Honor had to jump through hoops to get a reservation here. We're talkin' submitting a signed contract saying that we each had to spend at least $21 and we had to leave a credit card on file for them. Ok so we get there on time and they have us wairting around for a good 45 minutes so we can order drinks. I had the Effen Sangria which went down a little too well. BUT one of our girls ordered a dirty martini and when she got it , it was some kind of fruity vodka with some olives thrown in ( a simple mix-up I'm sure). One of our girls didn't get her drink at all and another one of our girls left her drink on the table to go smoke and they dumped it (which they later apologized and replaced). OK... now on to the fiasco that was dinner. All of us girls are from Chicago and know how to appreciate a piece of steak... every single one of our steaks came out cold. I'm not exaggerating when I say cold, they must've been sitting around for a long time before they brough them to us. We brought this to the attention of our server who couldn't have been sweeter and had the manager come and talk to us. Well, there were 12 of us and about 6 girls gave him an earful. Anyways to make a long story longer... the manager ended up apologizing and comping our dinner and sending out deserts for us... but by the time they got there my Bachelorette Party dinner was pretty much ruined.
(1)
Ashley S.

This is a GREAT place to come for a bach. party or fun night out with a group. It is almost like being at a wedding reception. You can run up and dance with the band, go back and forth to table. The service was excellent! Food was very good. Price range is great for a group. Pizza is $12 and main dishes are around $30. I thought it was such a fun atmosphere. It is loud, but less than what I imagined. I wouldn't go here to have a serious date night or with a serious group of people. I will recommend this to friends.
(4)
Bridie O.

We went to Sambuca for dinner and loved it. We were able to eat outside in an intimate setting. I had the special which was tuna served over spinach with a side of crab and shrimp risotto. It was amazingly good! My husband ordered the Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagna and it was also very good. The valet outside of the restaurant is free (they work on tips). That was a great bonus!
(5)
Christine P.

Was in Nashville last weekend with some girlfriends and tried Sambuca for dinner on Saturday night. Like everyone has said, the atmosphere is good, dimly lit, candles, live music. A very good place to have a drink and talk with friends, or go on a date. The food was very good. I had the gnocchi, which I would highly recommend. We also tried some different appetizers and small plates to share. Everyone seemed really happy with the food and I would have given Sambuca 4 stars if it wasn't for the service. However, our service was TERRIBLE. Appetizers were thrown on the table, and not cleared before we received our dinner, which drives me nuts. Our waitress was literally pushing appetizer plates to the side with my entree plate so she could put the entrees on the table. Seriously??? We didn't get refills of water unless we asked, and after our first round of drinks the waitress didn't ask a single one of us if we wanted another, or if we wanted any dessert. Someone needs to teach her how to serve and she may have had some repeat business! So all in all Sambuca is a great choice for good food, but if you get the same waitress that we did, sit next to an emtpy table so you can throw your appetizer plates on it, because we all know she won't be clearing them.
(3)
John O.

I really enjoy every meal here. They are all very unique, tasty meals, with plenty of variety. Be sure to save room for the Cheesecake Soapapilla! I'm not a big dessert-eater, but it is incredible with a cup of coffee.
(4)
Nicole D.

I wouldn't recommend dinner here, it is over-priced for the loud atmosphere. BUT, if you are going for a great martini and loud-but-intimate ambiance, this is the place to go. My husband and I made it a once-a-week date to go on $5 maki and martini nights (not sure if they are around anymore?) and to listen to Laura Vida (sp?). My favorite items on the menu: Buca Beignets - filling, decadent, and so sinfully not on my diet Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichokes - oh how I love an artichoke that is dressed well! Seared tuna - yummy and light - just what I need when I am not 'that hungry' but want a nibble. Drinks: Their extra dirty martini with goat-cheese stuffed olives is very tasty The Lavender martini is girly enough to make me feel feminine, but punchy enough to do the trick. We loved that the waitstaff knew us by name and were sure to get us a spot at the bar (the only place we really liked to hang) but, if you want a more intimate evening, I recommend the second floor, away from the stage.
(4)
Josie D.

LOVE this place! Have hosted an event for a couple hundred people there as well as having had several meals - lunch and dinner - there. Food is always delicious! Service is top notch and the overall vibe is wonderful!
(4)
restaurant r.

Food is what I love and I was very disappointed in the filet. It was overcooked and not special. The salad was not great and one of the sides had a funky flavor- fire roasted veggies. I have eaten here before and liked it so maybe it was just an off night. I really like the atmosphere and the music was not loud- it was so cool to have live music while you eat. This one is hard to rate 5 stars for atmosphere and service! 3 stars for food. I will try again next time I'm in Nashville.
(3)
Laura C.

so, obviously i'm an out of towner to Nasvegas as my cousin calls it. I traveled there for his wedding and was a bit... concerned about how my NOLA soul was going to do in this here northern territory. i quickly learned, though, that i needn't have worried. much of the sensibilities that i love in nola are present in this city. and this restaurant experience was one of the things that solidified this for me. i'm more of a down home relaxed girl than a trendy one so i was nervous about how the rehearsal dinner he and his fiance were having here from the reviews that i read, but after eating dinner here i can wholeheartedly say that nothing about this place felt like a trend. dev and kate had reserved the upstairs private room for the dinner, that was set up in long tables with thoroughly modern lounge area and floor to ceiling windows that allowed us to see all of the city we were near. it was incredibly comfortable. the service here was incredible. my grandmother has a hard time with stairs and normally we all rush to help her up stairs and do what we can, however, before we were even fully at the door one of our servers had rushed over and offered her his arm. he charmed her the entire way up the tall flight to the second floor room. she was giggling adorably by the time we entered the room. i remember even catching him say "ma'am, i would carry you up these stairs if i thought it wouldn't mess up your dress and possibly have your husband running up to give a talking to the fresh youngster touching his wife". That instantly put a smile on my face. That they so quickly were able to put her and all of us at ease with that simple gesture was fantastic. after we had gotten settled in the room we were immediately asked for our drink order and upon my timid query about what i could drink i received a quick.. anything. so i asked for my customary old fashioned and got a big grin from our lady server and an "atta girl". as we mingled around and talked while waiting on the lovely couple i suddenly noticed that one of my earrings had gone missing.... proceed to all hell breaking loose! i didn't so much mind, i mean, what is one $10 pair of earrings i can pick up at world market compared to the experience of having a nice evening out with family and new friends? NOTHING. But my aunt was having none of it, apparently she took a liking to those feathers. She and my grandfather promptly proceeded to searching the entire room, and upon seeing this frantic pushing aside of tables the waiter who walked my grandmother up the stairs went over to ask if their was a problem and when the missing earring was explained off he went! He searched the entire trail we had traveled, even sending another server into the women's bathroom, and going out into the streets and came back to report that alas no earring. All of this went on unbeknownst to me as i was talking to family. That is service. He didn't need to search for that earring, but he did. When they took our order they were incredibly precise and everything came out prepared pretty damn near perfectly. my aunt and i split the steak and the salmon entrees as we wanted a little surf and turf. The steak came out perfectly rare, still bleeding just a little. and the squash... oh my god the squash... i'm a carnivore. i love meat. salmon and steak are two of my favorite things on the planet... but i kept pushing them aside to get at the squash. i don't have any idea what they did to it, but it was freaking delicious. i would totally just have eaten an entire bowl of that if given the chance. even now i want some.... the bride's father ordered the veggie lasagna and it looked and smelled incredible. loaded with veggies and not just a paltry amount either. i remember the salad being fantastic (spinach, walnuts, and other yummy stuff) and at the end we had tiny little desserts. the toffee pudding just... ok... so just give me a bowl of the squash and another of the toffee pudding please. and the old fashioned rocked. none of this crap marachino cherry, just the right amount of bitters. i have to say, i have old fashioned envy from tennessee. Seriously. I would love to go here again and just eat dinner sometime whenever i go back to nashville, to have that experience. But it really was a great night and if you are looking for a rehearsal dinner venue that was fun and friendly and had really great food and staff i really do suggest you go here. i am nola spoiled, but this place definately is a winner in my book and i would take them building one down here with a huge smile on my face and the rubbing of my hands together like mr burns. go. ENJOY!
(5)
Sarah M.

3 Stars is Fair. Sambuca is very classy, but don't try going there without a reservation on a Friday or Saturday night. You meet Nashville's Elite and Nashville's Wannabe Elite, all intermingled to almost an insanity of nothing. I have never seen so many 30,000 dollar millionaires, but hey, they seem to make the number ad up in their heads... On the slower nights, I found that the live jazz music is too loud and often obnoxious, however, maybe some prefer not to talk. Very beautiful people walk in and out and that should not go unnoticed. The prices are insane-if you are trying to impress and don't have the cash, you will easily be embarrassed there. Their food is in small portions and very expensive. If done correctly, you could propose in a location such as this, but I find there is so many factors that you have to learn how to control--I saw a lot of Cougars there though--if you are out for that, I would go!
(3)
Megan M.

Sambuca serves unique, delicious food in the bustling Gulch neighborhood. The roof top patio makes dining or drinking even more enjoyable with views of the Nashville skyline. The live blues music I've heard here has been excellent and a little different from most places in Nashville. The food isn't cheap, but lunch is reasonable, sharing small plates recommended for evening eats. Last time I was here I tried the buca beignets, filled with mozzarella and prosciutto.. oh so fattening but yum! The pizzas, especially The Cosmo, are very tasty, as well as the salads and fish dishes which include lobster enchiladas. Nothing I have tried here has disappointed me. The lunch specials include soup & salad (with four salad choices, soups include tortilla and shrimp and crab bisque), pizza and salad, and triple combo (soup, salad, half sandwich), all for $10.95 or less. Save room for dessert and you will be very pleased. The flour-less chocolate cake topped with pieces of Heath bars is almost literally death by chocolate to me. The berry cobbler streusel is delicious as well, and I've heard great things about the tiramisu and creme brulee. Dessert menu also includes key lime, wedding cake, and after dinner mint martinis. I haven't always had the best service during busy times, which is somewhat understandable, but lunch service is very friendly and quick.
(4)
Jon A.

Friday night, dinner, and it was so loud in the main dining room that I can no longer hear my past self well enough to even write a review. Oh, if you think there was even an inkling of energy left inside of me after I went deaf... the hair brained haywired server who ate a Red Bull car before his shift, sucked out all the energy in my brain like Daniel Plainview does to our milkshakes. I quivered in the face of volume level whitesnake and ordered "crab bisque, that's it." And not even the accompanying Fat Tire could quell the nerves that were endlessly unsettled by the volume. I'm never one to dislike loud music or a loud dining experience but this was entirely different; this... well... this I have no idea what it was because they took everything out of me and walloped me with it all over the stage with that volume.
(2)
Brandon R.

This place deserves more than 3 stars, but it doesn't deserve 4. Consider as you read this that it's a dinner review. I'm sure if you're going there to hit the bar, it's perfectly fine. The menu strikes me as being inspired by a very good chef. The execution however is quite lacking. I was looking forward to trying their mozzarella and prosciutto beignets. I ordered them for an appetizer. These would have been perfect if they weren't cold in the center. What a disappointment. Nevertheless, with the jalapeno and balsamic glazes, it could have been epic had it been cooked properly. For my entree, I ordered the chicken with champagne buerre sauce. It comes served over a potato and corn hash. This was another dish that was a brilliant idea, but poorly executed. The hash was fantastic, I'll admit. The chicken was very overcooked, and fairly flavorless beneath the skin. I wished I had more of the sauce. It would have helped. As a side I just had to try the prosciutto mac & cheese. How any chef can let a dish with a name like that come out of the kitchen with unmelted, cold shredded cheese on top is beyond me. It's disrespectful to two of the best foods on the planet. Once I dug down beyond the cool top layer, it wasn't bad. Again though, I felt like it lacked flavor overall. Atmosphere is pretty nice, with excellent music when I was there. I agree with others that most of the patrons believe they are much more important, and cooler than they really are. I part company though with those who complain about the service. My waiter Matt was excellent. I couldn't have asked for better service.
(3)
Robin S.

I'm a big fan of Sambuca. It's never overly crowded, but always full. You can actually carry on a conversation with your dining or drinking mates, which is a lot more than I can say for some places that have live music! The music, speaking of, is generally good jazz and blues. Sometimes it can border on the cheesy, but not often. If Sharif Iman is ever playing, he is excellent--definitely go if for no other reason than to see him perform! Drinks are a little pricey, but well made. They have a pretty extensive wine list as well--again, a little pricey. Food is delish--I really enjoy their "Buca beignets" and crabcakes for starters--or a whole meal, if you order a few things! They also have pretty good sushi, for a place not known for sushi rolling. Lunch menu is great too--and oddly inexpensive for lunch! I like the trio deal--you get soup, salad, and a half sandwich all for around $12! Best choices in my opinion are the crab bisque, the Gorgonzola salad, and the turkey and brie sandwich. I could eat there for lunch every day and not tire of it! Great for lunching with the ladies, taking out business associates or clients, or for a nice but casual lunch date! Thursday is one of my favorite happy hours in town--especially in the spring and summer when you can enjoy the open air upper deck with a fabulous Nashville view! Enjoy $5 maki rolls and martinis while you are at it! Sambuca is a great choice for lunch, dinner, or just hanging out at the bar. I'll always go back!
(5)
Kristin Marie S.

Oh.my .god! Go there and order the small plates!!! The sea bass was to die for, same with the ahi tuna. Atmosphere check, snotty bartenders check, great live music, check! It's pricey, it's the gulch, but honestly I liked it and it reminded me of SF so it gets 4 stars!
(4)
UncharteredNashville A.

The first thing to know about Sambuca is to bring cash for valet. It's free, right out front, and with no available self parking close by, it is worth the $5 tip. Since it is getting warmer out, Sambuca has an amazing upstairs patio that overlooks the Gulch. Even when it's cold outside, the decor of Sambuca is also gorgeous and perfect for an intimate date or private party. Drinks- Brent had two beautiful 1/2 price cocktails: Skinny Bi*%# Pink Lemonade (HH $5) and the Effen Sangria (HH $5.50). I order the house Riesling (HH $4.75) which was so dry and bitter, that I couldn't finish and gave the rest to Cole. The bartender offered to make me a specialty drink to my taste (he said all bartenders there will) so I had a pineapple margarita without sweet and sour mix (HH $5). This is probably my new go to drink and was a hit with all 3 of us! Cole had my leftover dry Riesling and a glass of the house Merlot ($4), which is always a sure bet. Food - We sprung for 2 orders of the Garlic Bread ($2.25 HH and perfect to share), Margherita Pizza ($5.50), and the Chicken and Beef Satay ($4.75). The bar food and appetizers are good, especially for the price, but definitely aren't the main attraction at Sambuca. That being said, if you go for a sit down meal and are not worried about a budget, they have amazing filet and chicken along with plenty of other options that are very impressive. Read More - uncharterednashville.bloâ€¦
(4)
Lashona M.

It was ok. I liked the dim atmosphere and live band. Very inviting and great place to play dress up and mingle with other professionals. The food had a great presentation but I was looking for a little more taste though for the price. I had some type of Halibut dish with some sort of mango salsa which was a chefs special. The price for it was around $28. I shared a chessecake dessert with a friend which was delicious and will definitely get a dieter in trouble! Food usually runs between $8-30 bucks depending on what you get. There is something for everyone! So all in all, I would go again! :)
(3)
Julie L.

Great atmosphere, the band that was playing that night was pretty good. Food is good, but not as good as I'd expect at their menu prices - prices were not unreasonable for a nice meal, but the food just didn't quite measure up.
(3)
Myia B.

The atmosphere & live music = sweet. Great date spot. Nice ambience. The food - especially for the price, gets a Needs Improvement. I had a lobster dish that might have been a special. I wasn't impressed with the food, but had a good time.
(2)
Ash N.

The Lobster Enchiladas were bland. The steak was not the temperature that was asked for. And our waitress got everything wrong. Instead of substituting sides we got extra sides and then she forgot to take it off our check. She didn't provide straws or a steak knife! I am unimpressed.
(2)
Claire H.

Service was horrible. The food mediocre. The restrooms were the quality that you would expect to find at a "club" late at night. The band was good. If anything go for a drink at the bar.
(1)
Meshelle E.

Had I read the reviews prior to going here I would have skipped it.....,so happy I didn't!!! This place is fantastic!!!! I am a serious foodie and own multiple high end restaurants and bars. I have now been there 3 times and keep expecting something bad, but it is always superb!!! Last night we brought some out of town friends who frequent Nashville and now proclaim this as their favorite place! The pastas are all great, as well as the steak. My friends had the scallops and sea bass and everything was perfect! I have read reviews now that say the place is too loud and you can't talk. HELLO people there is live music every night........it's not a quiet place, bit never too loud that you can't talk or hear the people with you. Very good wine list also!
(5)
Doreen M.

Amazing! Try the crab cakes and the cheesecake sopapilla. You won't be disappointed.
(5)
Erin R.

Went to Sambuca last night for the first time and had a very enjoyable experience. I gave it a 4 overall but here is the breakdown: Food - 3 stars. Had the shrimp bites, house salad and filet. They were all good but nothing to write home about. However, the cheesecake sopapilla was to die for-it was like a churro with a cheesecake center covered in chocolate. I highly recommend! Service - 5 stars. We had an awesome waiter that gave us a lot of details about the menu, wine list, entertainment, etc. which I really appreciated since it was our first time dining here. Entertainment - 4 stars. There was a jazzy type singer playing last night and she really played a variety of music from different genres. They were all well-known songs which always makes it more fun. The music was just loud enough to be enjoyable but at the same time not so loud that you have to shout across the table to your dining companions. Overall, this is a great place to go for a night out. The decor and vibe is very chic. I also appreciated that there was really a mixed crowd here from young hipsters to baby boomers. And it feels more like a "supper club" because you can linger as long as you like after you finish your meal to just enjoy the music and have a few more drinks. Will definitely go back!
(4)
Mr Mrs J.

I like this place. The music Thursday nights is my favorite. The blond chick with the AA male band can sing and the band is great. The food is not bad as long as you don't go too far off the basic known menu like the lamb, salmon, seabass, steak, not the weird names. They can't seem to get that part right. The appetizers aren't the greatest, but the drinks and atmosphere makes up for it. I love the decor. I hope this will last a little longer. Great for dates. Dinner for 4 can run to $225 total bill depending on what you order.
(4)
Kristen D.

This is one of my favorite places! Don't go hungry if u plan on spending a reasonable amount of cash. The small plates r good if u just want something light. Perfect for date or group of friends...the music is awesome. You'll love it.
(5)
Tim A.

There are a lot of things going for Sambuca: free valet, really hot music, and arresting visual displays. The food, however, leaves me perplexed. Food is my primary measure for evaluating a restaurant, but I have to take a moment to comment on the ambiance of this place. With its generous use of draped red and purple cloth and weird light fixtures. The interior design is sort of how I would imagine what an upscale Turkish brothel would look like. I can't say that that's either a good or a bad thing, but it's certainly interesting. I have to say, though: I am all for mood lighting, but this place is exceptionally dim. At one point, I watched a waiter forced to identify a soup by using a flashlight. If the lighting is bad enough to interfere with your employees' ability to do their jobs, I think it's time to go back to the drawing board. As for the food, I was pretty optimistic after the first course: the bisque was well-balanced and quite tasty. Furthermore, their side-dish, prosciutto mac&cheese, was remarkably light. I thought I was headed for a thoroughly 4-star meal, but alas, it was not to be. I admit that I broke one of my own commandments of restaurant eating, which is "Don't order a chicken breast or a pork chop unless someone has specifically recommended it." As punishment for my sins, I spent my evening chewing through an overcooked, though relatively well-seasoned, pork chop. Remarkably, they managed to pull off the opposite feat with their vegetables. Now, I prefer many vegetables, like broccoli and carrots, to be on the "al dente" side. However, bell peppers and onions do NOT fall into this category: it was remarkably bitter. I will say, though, that because they were undercooked it made for good eating the next day after I nuked them in the microwave. I didn't try too much of my tablemates' food, but at least two folks commented that the lobster enchiladas were not particularly lobster-y and that the portions were a bit stingy. This meal showed some moments of promise, but I was expecting a bit more. Perhaps one should only order items with cream in it.
(3)
Kristen V.

I used their catering service for a work luncheon. Delivery was very prompt and friendly. Their food (boxed lunches) were good no doubt, but what stole the show for me was the chocolate chip cookies (very addicting!). When I asked everyone on a scale of what they thought, they rated Sambuca a 7 out of 10.
(3)
Paula B.

My flatiron steak was gristly and tasted like a whole bottle of spicy rub was poured on it. I couldn't taste the potatoes or the cheese in the au gratin potatoes for the copious amount of garlic-I love garlic, but that was was too much. My stomach hurt an hour or two after eating, then my guts-still 15 hours later. I would have sent it back but for two reasons- 1. I didn't want date night to be ruined. 2. Courtney, asked if everything LOOKED good, after I had had only one bite of green beans. Then nothing. The coconut mojito was good, though overpriced. The band's selection were decent, but the vocalist was sick, so he sounded bad, which the restaurant manager pointed out to us. Too bad he didn't stay long enough to ask what I thought of my meal.
(2)
andy t.

I went to a private party here last night and was very impressed. I can't really speak for the food because we weren't eating off the main menu. But the decor and vibe of this place is really great. There are 3 levels, a stage, multiple bars, couches and a cool terrace which is heated and has a funky waterfall. If this place were in NY, it would be a mob scene.
(4)
Dave B.

Best mix of great steakhouse/fun trendy scene. If your looking for a upscale steakhouse that has a little lounge/club feel this is the place. The setup is awesome, large bar area over looking a seating section so you can still see the stage where they have live music. There are tvs in the bar area so if you want you can watch the game or get a table in the dinning area for a more formal feel. Either way you cant go wrong with this place. We were in town over new years and the place was alive, nice entertainment, great crowd and great food. We had the filet and it was cooked perfect, side of the biggest asparagus ive ever seen. Go for dinner or stop late night for drinks.
(4)
Billy D.

I went here for Valentine's Day 2010. They had a price fix menu, but misspelled it and called it a prix fixe menu. There were white sheets over the tables and fancy looking glasses and like three times more silverware than I needed. Then a band started playing and I realized this wasn't another date night at SATCO. You don't have to park your own car there, either. People are out front and park it for you!
(4)
Joey B.

I didn't care for the food or the atmosphere.
(1)
moore t.

First - sit on the patio or the upstairs cabana and enjoy fried cheesecake. It is one of the best deserts in town. Great atmosphere all the way around. Inside is sheek, with deep comfortable colors, velvet drapery and dark, smooth finishes. One of the best spots to listen to music with a casual setting.
(5)
Gil D.

Trendy, dark settling. Warning- small portions, so have some small plates before the entree. The band we saw wasn't great. Might be fun for drinks and apps with a big group of friends, sitting in the bar area or patio.
(2)
L P.

It is a dark, but a very romantic restaurant. We had a party of 20 for a friends birthday and were told we had to pay in cash if we all were not on one ticket?? It doesn't make sense. I thought was a little too loud to enjoy my meal. I really loved their fried calamari. I dont remember what I order for dinner that night, so I guess it wasn't all that great.
(4)
Tara R.

Great ambiance! The entertainment is always great - get a booth if at all possible for a bit more private meal. Good people watching, great bartenders and staff. Fun place!
(4)
Kristin F.

My friends and I gathered in Nashville last weekend for a wedding, and while they rehearsed on Friday night, we went to Sambuca. This place was recommended by the conceirge and it did not disappoint one bit. The atmosphere is great.....dark, red velvet everywhere that feels swanky but not pretentious or stuffy. The ambiance was welcoming and there was also a band playing....live music with dinner is always a plus in my book. The menu had lots of choices ranging from seafood and steak to tapas and pizza. I had one of their specialties: miso sea bass with jasmine rice, sauteed apples, and baby bok choy. This was some of the best sea bass I have ever eaten. It was tender and soft, perfectly cooked with just the right amount of salty sweetness from the miso and apples. I can see why its a specialty. Since all of us at the table love food and each other, we nibbled off every plate and tried lots of different dishes. The chili-rubbed scallops with risotto cakes were off the hook, as was the lobster gnocchi. I think the gnocchi was my favorite dish of the night, with the sea bass running a close second. The cowboy ribeye was also perfect. The prices are up there....ranging from $15-$50 for entrees but it is so worth it! The preparations and ingredients are top quality. They have a full bar and wine list, and the dessert menu looked pretty tasty, but I had no room left. We all left full and pleased with our money well spent!
(4)
Nicki R.

We went on a Sunday night which featured half price bottles of wine and live Jazz music, which by the way was nice and relaxing. Our server, Ashley, was really great. She was friendly and professional. She was able to make a fine dining environment, comfortable. Our food was SO delicious! We started with the Buca Beignets, then my husband got the Caesar Salad and I had the Shrimp & Crab Bisque. YUM! We both ordered the filet (mine petite) and an order of asparagus. The quality of meat was fantastic and the gorgonzola butter complimented it very well. Overall, our experience was wonderful. A little pricey, but pretty standard for the type of restaurant. We had a very nice, romantic evening and we will definitely be going back!
(5)
Josh B.

The Good: live Jazz band-Awesome Buca Beignets- Delish Cheap drinks- Our greyhounds were $4 each The Bad: The Smoked Pork Chop- Mine came out dry. Tasted great, but I felt I might have been able to do better at home. Lobster Enchiladas- Left a lot to be desired. This is a fun place for drinks and appetizers, I would think. Unfortunately, the entrees were found wanting. Service was not as friendly as I have come to expect in Nashville.
(3)
Sarah B.

I have a voucher for a free drink at Sambuca due to them screwing up a dinner party I had there a few years ago. I decided to give them another try today, years later, and they are consistent in poor service. I arrived at approximately 2:30. The restaurant was almost empty. There were two ladies at the bar, I couple that was placing their order, and two business men leaving; that's it. It took approximately 5 minutes before my server acknowledged me, 15 minutes before he took my order, and my food-after waiting for a total of 45 minutes I walked out! Unbelievable! I requested my server twice while I was waiting. When he came the first time he was very nonchalant about me having to wait for him. When I asked him to ask the bartender a question for me, he explained that he was the bartender as well. When I got up to use the restroom, I explained to the hostess that I had been experiencing poor and slow service. When I came out of the restroom, she was gone and my food was still not on my table. I do not understand for the life of me, what their problem was. There are too many restaurants in Nashville that can deliver even during peak time; this wasn't even peak time, it was dead!!!!! I left and went to Eastland Cafe' where the food, service, and drinks are always excellent!
(1)
Eryn F.

Totally not worth the money! Food is blah and service is slow!
(2)
Mariela C.

Sambuca is upscale and fantastic, and if I were older, fancier, and richer I would go there more often. With so much to offer, Sambuca is the kind of chic restaurant that you can spend an entire night at. The food and drinks are expensive but with the live Latin Music shows your dinning experience is bound to be a great one. I have been here once for dinner and a couple of times for drinks, and have really been impressed by their live performances. However, my favorite part of Sambuca is their upstairs patio. With a feel of an old Spanish Moor harem, their upstairs patio is really what sells the place. With a drink in hand, you can enjoy the stars, cushy pillows, lively crowd, and faint sounds of music.
(4)
Cliff N.

SAMBUCA is sultry and has a slow sizzle to it. Dark, romantic, spacious seating, old world sytle, it reminds me of a House of the Blues meets Spainish riviera, with black leather and red satin and velvet, very relaxed and with sexy undertones. Smooth Brazilian jazz was playing and the upstair outdoor areas were full of minglers, mincing about the canopy and curtained seating, that overlooks the busy street corner below. The patio is great for a quiet conversation before going inside for the music. I had the salmon and my friend had a pizza, the salads were great, mine spinach-fresh & tasty. The salmon was very good in a honey terraki glaze over rice, very nice. SAMBUCA has great atmosphere and good food, that will put you into a good mood, at the end of your work day. Prices are reasonable for food and typical for drinks. The menu could be larger and more diversified.On-site Valet parking was helpful. Is it a dinner club I'd do again?, Oh YEAH!
(4)
SJ C.

Eight years ago I had dinner here and I still remember this outstanding restaurant. Born and raised in San Francisco California our family loves to dine out, which we often do around the world. - This special, fun, restaurant has always been a world favorite for me. / A pilot friend just moved to KBNA and made me think about this special gem. I told her she MUST go to Sambuca's for a fun ladies night, or great date night!
(5)
Lakisha J.

A friend and I had a late lunch at Sambuca last Monday. This was my first time ever visiting this place. The decor was nice and I've seen the crowds that are here during the summer and it seems like a fun place but our lunch service experience was borderline horrible. Our waiter acted as if we were interrupting his afternoon lounging to watch his soaps. While my friend was looking over a flyer with the live music schedule and questioned the type of jazz that was performed there, he proceeded to argue with her as to what was real jazz and what wasn't. Fast forward to taking our orders, my friend's order was extremely simple. Caesar salad with tuna(thoroughly cooked - on top) with the dressing on the side. I ordered the sea bass which came with sauteed leeks and steamed rice. My order was ok a bit under seasoned. I'm not sure about you guys but the only time that I eat under-cooked fish or uncooked fish is for sushi. There were portions of sea bass that weren't cooked well enough for my taste but my order was peaches and cream compared to my friends. She ended up only eating a bowl of lettuce. First off, the first salad brought to the table had the dressing on the salad, which was not a big deal, until he said, "Oh there is very little dressing on the salad". She stated that she didn't want the dressing on her salad and he took it away with a bit of an attitude and brought her a new one with dressing on the side. Note - she has never eaten the dressing. We were a bit confused as to where the tuna was but figured that he was just waiting to bring out her side of fish out with my meal .... ummmmm no .... what did he bring out with my order for her? He brought out tuna sandwiches with fries and a pickle. We didn't even bother to send it back because we didn't know what type of person that we were dealing with and didn't want anything sickening to happen to her order. The service was crazy bad. This would've been a great visit if he had of been a proper waiter and even feigned interest in us as customers. I will give this place another try simply because this visit was ruined by the service alone but if I get seated in his section .. I will promptly get up and move.
(2)
Sunshine G.

Although Sambuca wasn't our original destination, the restaurant we had resos at had unfortunately ran out of most of their seafood entrees. I'm not a huge meat-fiending person, so we hit up Sambuca. I was impressed with the decor and the energy in the place. Three levels with two separate bars, a heated outdoor/smoking lounge area and an extremely large dining area with live music. We lucked out getting a large half-moon shaped booth on the outskirts of the main dining area. Super cozy & intimate allowing us to chat and catch up, listening to the band but not being overpowered by them. The service also deserves kudos, he was awesome about giving the run down of his favorites and what to avoid. I love servers that are honest. They had some yummy cocktails, although I don't recommend the Pomegranate Champagne cocktail...couldn't taste the pomegranate, which I thought was the point. Everything we tried was tasty, try the Gorgonzola Salad and Scallops. These scallops were seared perfectly with a little crunch on top for texture, sitting on a decadent Risotto Cake. Unfortunately, the asparagus were loaded with salt, not my thing. All in all, this is a groovy weekend spot or from the looks of it a good date spot...and the band (I think they called themselves The DIggy Band) was great.
(4)
Maria S.

I've been twice, and it's a great atmosphere for happy hour. The pizzas are good, and the beignets are good albiet slightly bready. However-- I was waiting for a friend who was running late and observed the staff talking to each other (servers w/ bartenders and food runners) and was completely turned off how disrespectful some of them were. I won't go into detail, but for whatever reason it really bothered me. So, 3 stars.
(3)
Nate C.

Sambuca's presentation is awesome, it deserves 5 stars. Their chic decor, live music stage, great service, etc makes this place a happening spot. However, their food is far below what it can be. Their food presentation is amazing, probably one of the best from Nashville. The food LOOKS really really good, but once you eat them, they're mediocre. I don't remember much of what I ate b/c it wasn't memorable, but I do remember trying out the zebra pasta, don't get it. It looks real nice, but the dish is too fishy. However, their scallop w/ risotto was pretty good. It would have been AWESOME if the scallop was warmer, but the risotto was the bomb! The risotto was cripy outside and it really had nice texture to it. I was really thinking about giving this spot 3 stars because of their food, but their decor, vibe, service, and food presentation earns them one extra star. So if you're looking for a place for drinks, appetizer, and some live music, this place rocks!, but for food, it's mediocre at best.
(4)
Kenny K.

First off, any place that serves Moet is cool with me. The food is great, but the atmosphere is really the high point. It's a perfect jazz bar. We just wandered in not knowing what it was, and came out loving it. Definitely a great place to hang out, but only if you're a rich person or someone else is treating.
(4)
Katherine M.

Sambuca is a great spot to meet friends for dinner/drinks. I love the ultra modern decor and wonderful shaded patio. It is the perfect place to have a happy hour. On Thursday they have $5 drinks/sushi rolls. However, this only applies to inside dining! My group found this out the hard way. Even though they let us stay on the patio since we were already there, our server told us not to do it again. Wow! I've had better maki rolls, but they weren't bad. Just the rice was a tad soggy. But, the rest of their food is really good. They have delicious, fresh salads which are actually big enough to share. I had a grilled shrimp dish that was really tasty. A friend had the sea bass and enjoyed it. They offer other fish dishes, steak, and have good pot stickers/spring rolls. One of the main things I like is their prices. You can have a meal and drinks and not spend a fortune. The group I was with split apps, ordered entrees, and had drinks. We just divided the bill and I spent around $30. Can't beat that!
(4)
Wanita N.

Wonderful selection in a lovely romantic setting. We lucked out with an outstanding jazz band playing throughout dinner, and not just what the waiter called " ambiance". I had the mixed sides as my main course allowing me the chance to sample the spaghetti squash fritter, roaster veggies, crab gratin and mac & cheese. My date had a succulent steak complete with a cool red center. Lamb meatballs, were excellent, but the whole appetizer didn't quite work. Mint jelly, Phyllo puff and chutney ... something didn't just add up. Would absolutely recommend for a wonderful night out.
(4)
J W.

Just don't eat the fish tacos. Just don't. They are completely tasteless. Verging on gross. Otherwise, I really like the atmosphere. I love cozy cushions to lounge on and I love patios, so this place is ideal for me. Also, happy hour on Wednesdays is a great deal. The pizza is decent. I heard the seared tuna was good.
(3)
Beth W.

Great food and service but pricey. Buca Beignets are amazing (had 2 orders with a group) as was the Pizza. But was surprised for a Saturday night the band ended at 10PM. Overall not bad Nashville...not bad.
(4)
Tom S.

Went out with the gang. Sat upstairs outside which was perfect. Weather was nice, very comfortable. Everyone seemed to have a good time. Started with the bruschetta which was ok, then the Sea Bass, which was phenominal. One of my favorite meals in Nashville so far. So perfectly cooked, how'd they do it ? Chocolate something pie for dessert was outta this world. The pear margaritas...outta bounds!!!! Service was excellent, very attentive, always available. Much appreciated!
(5)
Scott L.

Booked reservations last night for 6:30. Got there early at 6:10, restaurant was fairly empty with the exception of 4 or 5 tables. After we were seated a party of 6 was seated next to us, then 5 minutes later a party of 8 seated to the other side of us. What the hell?? It should have been obvious that my wife and I were on a date, we were dressed up, and it was just us two. THEN, both the larger parties had a server take their drink orders. 15 minutes sitting there and no one visited our table. Needless to say I pulled out my phone and booked another reservation and we left. I've heard nothing but great things about their food but their service was pathetic. I'll never go back.
(1)
Avery M.

I went to Sambuca for their happy hour which is supposed to be awesome. Well, I would say it is just ok. I would rather go to Sams for happy hour and get two for ones for the way we were treated. It's funny that most of the other reviews all had similar things to aay about service. I had 2 of the skinny bitchy drinks and they were decent for low cal cocktails. I did not eat but had a bite or two off of friends plates and the food seemed pretty good. I work as a an aspiring chef and I enjoyed the bites I had....however, the service was AWFUL!! Maybe I am jaded because I work in the industry, but I have worked here and there and believe I know the difference in good, average and bad service. I try not to be overly picky so as not to annoy my non "industry" friend but even they started asking me if certain things the service was doing was normal and they believed it was poor as well. It started at the front door. I had never been there before and I walk in to 3 people at the hostess stand.1 male obviously flirting with the 2 ladies and he has his back to me. I stand there for an awkward second or two and no one acknowledges me, so I proceed to ask them if I am to find the people I am meeting and they all point towards the main dining area...no help there. I find my friends....our server comes by at least 4 times in 10 mins....sounds great right? No, never once asked me what I wanted to drink clearly being I was late to join as my friends were a drink or two in. the story continues with the classic forgetting of the orders even though she had to walk 2 feet to the computer to ring it in..she even told us she was super forgetful,...so why not write it down?? She got very annoyed that we tried to order a few drinks each ruby before happy hour ended. another pet perverse of line that they seem to execute very well was their food runner. I work in a restaurant where there is a food runner. the reason they get paid and tipped out is to take care in placing each order.3 times my table ordered food and all 3 times, he just threw it down on the table with no care as to a seat number. he didn't even do the old school polite thing of "who had the pizza?" He just through it all down in front of whomever. now if we had told the server we would all be sharing then no big whoop but they clearly all ordered individually. Lastly, when we were finally leaving, again 3 people at the door and one very near the door, no one opened it for us to leave nor did they acknowledge we.were.leaving at all....not a single word...which to me is an eff you, eff them. its unfortunate, bc my bill was 10 bucks and the menu did look intriguing. it really makes me mad when one part of a restaurant can ruin it for the other. the problem is, I would go back to a place with mediocre food if it had great service, but bad service and ill skip the food that looks enticing...i feel for their BOH....bottom line don't waste your time or your tip...those people don't care....
(2)
Su A.

tasty martinis, good apps; GREAT service!
(4)
Meredith C.

For this place to be a chain, I was impressed. Outstanding beignets. Awesome tuna over a bed of shrimp etouffe. Great waiter.
(4)
Alex S.

I was clearly not cool enough to go to Sambuca, so I'm pretty sure I slipped past the bouncer somehow. I'm glad too, since it was a pretty damn good time. This funky-colored mood-lit jazz home American fish and steakhouse was Nashville at it's craziest. This is a giant restaurant with candelabras on the wall, purple and red lights everywhere and an elevated stage in the dining room for live music -and they mean live music. It's impossible to notice the band on the stage. They're loud when you walk in and they get louder as you get to the seat ... mostly because they're right in front of you. It was fantastic music when I was there (four people with a damn good female lead singer) but I wasn't ready for that level of rock in my face. Be prepared. That's the strange thing, I guess. This actually is quite the upscale restaurant - at least when food comes. They have all different kinds of steaks and fish and dishes you'd normally get at any fine dining - only here it's funky and basted with music. The food was good. We got a bunch of appetizers to share, which were amazing (especially the shrimp and crab dip with chips. Dear god, I don't think we left a bite.) My filet was OK ... great, but not actually that flavorful (they even put this walnut butter and cheese on top and still just eh...) Plus, everything is just a bit overpriced. You are going to drop some dollars here, just know it going in. I enjoyed Sambuca - it was seriously different than anything else I'd ever tried and I liked that just fine.
(4)
Veeral S.

I am here now on a Wednesday evening. Been waiting an hour, and the waiter still hasn't brought anything. No soda and not a single dish yet. If I knew I'd have to wait this long, I would have gone grocery shopping myself and cooked at home.
(1)
Samantha P.

This place is solid. I come to Nashville a lot for work and we always stop by Sambuca when we're in town. Sambuca is great because there is something for everyone on the menu, and thus far it has ALL been good. There seems to be music there every night of the week and it's always enjoyable. This past week I had the Lobster Enchiladas with lobster, shrimp & jalapeÃ±o jack cheese smothered in poblano cream sauce with cilantro lime rice. Awesome! Other gems from previous visits include: Filet with port wine bordelaise, topped with Gorgonzola walnut butter Crab-Stuffed Salmon with lobster veloutÃ©, served over asparagus Miso Sea Bass atop jasmine rice, sautÃ©ed apples & baby bok choy All delicious. We'll definitely be back!
(4)
William H.

Great spot for my Cousins rehearsal dinner! Sat out on patio and had "VIP" are reserved and 4 booze attendant. Only issue was the non friendly attitude across the full staff. I know you are working and the tip will be a lump sum but work with me!!
(4)
Sharon M.

My friend and I given the name of this place from our server at Sunset Grill. We were just looking for a place to relax and have drinks. He was spot on. We enjoyed sitting in the bar with our drinks listening to Scarletta the band that was entertaining that evening. It's a fantastic place. I wish there was one in the PHX area.
(4)
Annie D.

It was a little unexpected to come to Sambuca for dinner at 8 p.m. and have to yell just to talk to the people sitting right next to me. The style of music the band was playing wasn't inherently loud either, but lose the amps during dinner, Sambuca! So, the music volume was out of control, but that's only the start of the so-so experience. The drink menu, the dinner menu and the service reminded me of a mediocre chain restaurant or something (it actually is a small chain). Something about the place just didn't jive with me. I'm trying to be as fair as I can because I'm sure he is a good dude, but our server was simply obnoxious. With prices as sky-high as they are at Sambuca, the service shouldn't feel uncomfortably casual. The worst was when the bill came and he awkwardly explained how gratuity works. Then I signed the credit card slip and he reached over me to grab the book as if he was in a rush to see if we left him anything extra. Not professional, man. The food itself was decent. We tried a number of appetizers and I ordered the flat-iron steak, which comes with potatoes au gratin and green beans. I also really liked the spicy crab dip. There was nothing that stood out to me on the drink menu though, and I definitely wouldn't have trusted our novice server to recommend a wine.
(2)
Merritt G.

I went to Sambuca the other night for happy hour with a few folks. We sat inside near the bar at a high top table. It's very dark in here and there isn't a whole lot of seating. The girls I was with and I took advantage of the 1/2 price wine specials that night. Sambuca has a decent list of wines offered by the glass. Sambuca has a gluten free menu! Now, it wasn't updated, so many things on the list the waitress told me I couldn't order. I did notice they had a chocolate torte on the list, so while my happy hour companions ordered the bruschetta to share I ordered the torte. And the torte was amazing! This is a decent place for happy hour. I'm anxious to give this place another shot once it's warmer outside and you can sit on the patio while people watching in the Gulch.
(3)
Emily P.

Definitely one of my favorite stops we had in Nashville. Went here for a wedding rehearsal dinner and was so impressed!!!! We were seated in the top area, not sure how to refer to it, and we had our own private bar area and seating area. Our table overlooked the whole downstairs area of the restaurant and had a perfect view of the stage where a live band was playing. One thing is for sure, Nashville knows how to entertain. Every single place we went had live music and they were talented people! The night we went we got to see Chris Weaver? I think that is what they said his name was, I guess he had just signed a contract with someone's label. He was so talented and entertaining .. played up the crowd and the wedding party and did a great mix of covers and his own music. It was loud enough to enjoy but I could still hear my neighbor which is nice .. no need for yelling! The waiters were unbelievable ... not one bad server. There was one gentleman and I feel horrible that I don't remember his name because he remembered all our names the whole night .. he was a red head with glasses and a faux hawk type hair cut ... he was AWESOME ... the best service I have EVER HAD anywhere I have EVER eaten! He was helpful, nice, patient, and not pushy at all. He was attentive but not annoying and he was fun .. told us about the area since we were all mostly tourists and made sure we were happy and comfortable the whole dinner! The food .. oh the food .. it was delicious. We had a preselected menu with a few choices to pick from .. I had the Shrimp and Crab Bisque first .. it was to DIE FOR!!!! Creamy and rich and just a perfect amount of flavor! Then I moved on the the Gorgonzola Salad .. what a treat .. next I had the Mediterranean Lasagna .. it wasn't the best thing of the meal, but it was good .. just a tad too much balsalmic for my liking but a large portion and delicious otherwise .. then the dessert .. oh dear .. what a treat .. a bread pudding, fruit salad, chocolate mousse cup and lastly a Creme Brulee AMAZING!!!! It was the perfect mix of tiny desserts to taste but not be too filling. The whole ambiance was great .. great decor, great food, great service .. what more could you want .... Normally I would rate the restrooms too but I didn't use the facilities so I can only imagine that they were immaculate and clean as well as decorated cute and tasteful!
(5)
Marcia M.

I suggested Sambuca for a large dinner party of out-of-towners because I knew that it was going to offer good food with a bit of Music City flavor. What I didn't realize was how loud and invasive the music was going to be when everyone at the table was trying to have dinner conversation and banter. That being said, the entertainment that night included a very talented female singer and her back-up band was also very entertaining. In the past, I have always come later in the evening and expected the boom of the speakers. If you are seeking any kind of communication besides sign language during dinner, this is not your place. I love the ambiance of a moody jazz club and although our server was obviously amped up on energy drinks and probably did a keg-stand of coffee before his shift, he was kind and efficient. Someone may need to tell him to take it down a notch though... I was very impressed with the Broccoli Crunch ($5.50) which was a perfect balance of texture with broccoli, apples, walnuts, and a savory sauce. I am craving this side-dish as we speak! I also ordered up the Fire Roasted Vegetables ($5.50) which were suitable but nothing remarkable. The wine list did appear to be a bit over-priced so I ordered up my trusty vodka and water (with a lime!) standby instead. Overall, it was an okay experience and I will likely come back but during happy hour or for a night cap. TIP: Monday - Friday / 4:30 - 6:30pm - Enjoy 1/2 price cocktails, appetizers, and pizzas!
(3)
Sugar X.

Wrap me in red velvet!!! Yes the walls at Sambuca are a bright red fabric to match the Beetlejuice themed design, love love love! The welcoming laid back attitude of staff makes this a Nashville staple. Live music, check. Dancing, check. Well executed cuisine, check. Drinking, HELLO!!! The charm of a place that serves cheese sticks a la cranberry sauce, calls it something fancy and makes me love to pay for it, has my vote!
(4)
Wes M.

Our food was excellent. There were four of us and we ordered the Sea Bass, Fillet, Scallops and the special was Trout topped with crab. This is a supper club. The band playing was really good. The best part of the night was our server Scott. He knew the menu extremely well and was very helpful and enthusiastic with choosing our dinner. He knows his food and beer. We were visiting from out of town and he gave us lots of ideas on what to do and he went out of his way to write down a list of recommendations based on our conversation. All in all a great night!
(5)
Aja B.

I heart it every time I eat here! Good food, good drinks, decent live music = a happy me :-)
(5)
David G.

They've got it figured out at Sambuca. You have to deliver the trendy goods while remaining true to the roots of your city. This restaurant does just that. The vibe is great. Classy atmosphere with no pretentious bull. You can get any assortment of great dishes mixing French, American, and Italian cuisine. The prices are what you would expect from a relatively trendy restaurant - high but not unbearable. This is a great place for couples or even a small group of friends going out for drinks and food after work. I must admit, like most Nashvillians, I'm a glutton for live music. Sambuca brings the music and at the intimate level that makes Nashville great. Even on weeknights, you'll hear great bands playing good music through the evening as you enjoy your scallops (which I highly recommend). Really, its some of the best seafood you can find inland. All in all, I like Sambuca. Where it fails for me is in its inability to separate itself from the Gulch competition. There is nothing about this place to make it a favorite. They do everything well but nothing perfectly.
(3)
Dusty K.

I was a little skeptical to eat here. The other reviews are pretty harsh with the general feeling that it's simply too loud to enjoy dinner. To add to it, I was pushing for dinner at the much maligned City House but live music was the choice of the group. Off to dinner we went. We walked in and asked for a seat on the large patio. With the sun setting, the music being played and the warm spring air, I rather enjoyed my 2.5 hour dinner. Slowly sipping on a beer, I could have sat there another hour enjoying life. But all good things must come to an end. We started with the grilled garlic cheese bread and the bruschetta. The cheese bread is clearly for lovers of cheese but the bruschetta had wonderful flavor. The tomatoes were bright and flavorful and even the raw tomato haters in the group were getting seconds. This was a hit. For dinner I went with the pork chop. Presentation of the food was picture worthy with my bone in chop resting on a pile of mashers and a large helping of grilled veg on the side. Not listed on the menu, the sauce they use on the pork chop is very smoky. This isn't a bad thing but it's not what I was looking for and wish I'd known. The grilled veg was wonderful on this warm night and the mashers were downed rather quickly. For dessert we split the caramel bread pudding with vanilla ice cream. I would recommend this to anyone dining here for dessert. Maybe it was because I dined outside but I really liked this place. Service was attentive and friendly, the food was good and the patio sits many during warmer weather. Sambuca was a fun place.
(4)
Amanda C.

I lived in Nashville for all my life and never went in to Sambuca until recently. Which is odd, because the minute I walked in, I literally wanted to kick myself. Located in the hotspot Gulch area, this place is great if you want live music, upscale food and great drinks. The music is pretty mellow. It was not loud and I was able to hear the bartender and my friend inside. I hate when I have to yell! I cannot speak for the food at this place, but the drinks are top notch and the prices are even better! My friend told the bartender she liked frangelico. He made her an awesome chocolate martini. I opted for some Bookers on the rocks. Well, these drinks were only $5 a piece on a Friday night which, at those prices, I think I was ready to just move back to the South. Bookers is usually a $70 bottle of bourbon and I got a more than generous glass. *Scores* Please remember to try out this little gem. The patio is a great place to sit too!
(4)
David G.

I attended a corporate department function at Sambuca that was serving appetizers, salad, entrees, and dessert on a fixed menu to roughly 30 people. So, there's my caveat for the review. I would echo the sentiment from Marcia that suggests that because there is live music every night, which at times can be loud, that unless your folks are screamers then this may not be the place for you. Even on a 1-on-1 date with someone, you're going to be doing a lot of screaming at each other over the music. Fortunately, we're all yellers. Second, the appetizers that were distributed were moderately tasty. I enjoyed the wrapped piece of beef with some vegetables and the chicken-pot-pie (but with curry) and a cranberry demi-glaze. I did not particularly think the caprese salad (bite sized piece of cheese, tomato, and basil on stick) was all that great. In terms of salad from the fixed menu, I chose the mesclun greens with strawberries and red onions. They were heavy on the mesclun, not so much on the strawberries and red onions. The dressing was moderately tasty, but not tasty enough for me to remember what it was. In terms of entree, I apparently ordered wrong. Everyone who got either the Filet Mignon, the crab and shrimp enchiladas, or the scallops and pasta was extremely happy. They said their meal was tasty and delicious. I, unfortunately, ordered the pork chop with some mashed potatoes and "steamed" vegetables as a side. The pork shop was extremely dry and way overcooked. The vegetables were covered in oil (that's not steamed, Sambuca) and soggy. The mashed potatoes tasted like they were from a box. I totally ordered the wrong thing. Again, at dessert, I was the odd man out. I ordered the creme brulee which was still runny on the inside. Ugh. Others ordered creme brulee and the custard was done correctly and still others preferred the flourless chocolate cake. The restaurant gets 3 stars not because of my experience - which was poor - but because 80% of the people around me were having a great dining experience. (I should note that the person sitting directly next to me also ordered the pork chop and hers was well overcooked, inedible and dry as well... so... stay away from the pork chop.)
(3)
Amanda M.

Maybe it's because I get easily distracted by the neighboring Ru Sans or shiny things in general, but whatever the reason, of all the years I've lived in Nashville, I'd never set foot in Sambuca until recently. (Special thanks to a generous gift card!) The minute I walked through the doors, I felt like I'd been transported to a Manhattan hot-spot -- only roomier. The ambiance had me at hello. Between the velvet curtains, suggestive mood lighting, and plush seating, I was in love. Because I'm a girl who enjoys a liquid diet, after seeing the prices (~$12/each) I decided to go easy on the food (unlike my boyfriend who ordered the $42 lamb chops) so I could splurge on libations. TIP: Order the Hornitos Redhead if you're counting calories or the martini with Grey Goose, St. Germain and champagne if you're not. For dinner, I opted for the baby spinach salad - baby spinach, strawberries, bacon, onions, poppyseed dressing (TOTAL win!) - and the chicken & beef satay. With three skewers of each, this was plenty for me. However, the small plates are aptly named so be prepared for 1) your date to turn up his nose or 2) your date to swing by McDonald's on his way home. As long as you're there, be sure to save room for dessert (tiramisu!) or one more drink upstairs on the rooftop patio. In my humble opinion, Sambuca has one of the best nighttime views of the city.
(4)
jamie w.

I guess Nashville's Sambuca in the Gulch comes with more southern snobbery than a bedazzled pair of rhinestoned wranglers. If you stripped this restaurant of it's pretentious manager and revamped the wine list and the menu, then maybe it would be worth going back to. Our experience last night was shocking. After spending $200 on food and beverage I felt used and abused. The mark up on wine is approximately 80% and the seafood tastes like it has been sitting in a freezer for weeks. The salmon is farmed raised and disgusting. It was sent back due to the bottom of the fish being grey. The flavor tasted like nothing. The cream of crab soup tasted like it had 5 times the amount of cream needed. Upon leaving and tipping 20%, the doorman told my fiancÃ© that if would have seen him earlier, he would have not let him in wearing a tee-shirt. Never in my life have I witnessed such condescending manners from a doorman!!!! The manager was notified and made no real effort to apologize. With far better service and food elsewhere here in Nashville, there is no reason to ever return to Sambuca. Waste of money and time.
(1)
Stephen M.

Had dinner with a friend on 02/05/13 and enjoyed it. I had the flat iron steak with a Caesar's salad and it was tasty and a good portion. The service was not spectacular, but the jazz band was pretty good and not too loud. It was pleasant in it not being too busy as well.
(4)
Becka H.

Delicious food but their reservation system is currently not pulling open table reservations so call to confirm. Thankfully we had out reservation confirmation so they helped us out and found a way to get us seated in a full house! Server had a little attitude but overall did a good job. Trendy and enjoyable ambiance, good was delicious and they have a little something for everyone!
(4)
Joe T.

My wife and I had a wonderful time the food and service was great. The jazz band was awesome, this is my favorite new place to come to in Nashville. If you are in Nashville this is a must visit.
(5)
Nicole U.

Took my boyfriend here for his birthday. They sat us two tables from the stage. The jazz band playing was great. Definitely set the mood, and they were also taking requests. We ordered the shrimp and crab dip for starter and it wasn't anything special but was good. Our entrees were really awesome though. The waiter recommended the Blackened Red Snapper and is was incredible, the flavors were spot on! My boyfriend ordered the Shrimp and Crab Scampi, another winner. But by far the dessert was the best: Cheesecake Sopapilla. I would go back just based on the desert alone. Are waiter was awesome, very friendly and definitely directed us to the better choices on the menu. Definitely plan on returning!
(5)
J L.

Disappointed almost every time. I agree with the reviewer who wishes there was a 2.5 rating. I've been to Sambuca 3-4 times, I always want to enjoy it more than I do. I usually order off the small plates- most recently I had the caribbean Jerk Chicken. This came with an accompaniment of black beans and rice (which was kind of sticky-ish in a good way), and was topped with a mango sweet salsa. Small plates: bruschetta is ok but slightly bland- comes diced with a balsamic sauce and shredded cheese, the bread/toast is good. Seabass skewers are good and I would order again- my friend and I really liked these, although they were on the edge of being slightly over-ripe. Margherita pizza- good when hot, as soon as it gets cool the cheese and crust is kind of hard and overall not tasty. Cocktails are good- very reasonably priced during Happy Hour. Our server recommended the toffee bread pudding- it came with a vanilla ice cream. Our bread pudding was totally burnt on the bottom, and overall it was very dry. I think it could have been good (and the caramel sauce on the plate was good and the vanilla ice cream was solid). I think the server felt bad and took it off our bill. Live music was good- it was a pianist and a guitarist. They played a variety of songs. Not too loud (like some other reviews complained) I found them enjoyable. Indoors is very dark. TVs were showing a WNBA game which is kind of random- maybe nothing else exciting was on. After several times here, I think I finally have to realize that a meal here is going to be very average. I think the draw of the place is having a cocktail on the outdoor patio. Otherwise, not worth it for me to visit.
(3)
Kris L.

I'm a sucker for live music and good food so it's no surprise I enjoyed this restaurant. Loved the ambiance very classy and dark. We sat in the main dining room and enjoyed the "Van Morrison" cover band during dinner. Our waiter was attentive without being annoying and never once felt rushed. The music wasn't that loud (I could have a conversation without screaming), but there are tables in the bar area you could eat your dinner at if that is something you think would bother you. Food was excellent, I had the margarita shrimp while my hubby had a pork dish. Great spot to check out in the Gluch area!
(5)
Bridgette C.

I haven't been here in a while, but just thinking about this place puts me in a good mood. The upstairs deck at Sambuca was, and still is, one of my favorite places to sit on a lovely night in Nashville. I could smoke a good cigar with a glass of gin or bourbon and share good conversation with friends here. I've had amazing birthday dinners here. The live music, usually jazz infused (think Norah Jones-style performers) lends to a laid back atmosphere. One night when I was here with the BF, we weren't starving, but feeling snack-y, so we asked to be surprised by the chef...so we got a delcious cheese and fruit plate to go with our drinks...and made some new friends by sharing our bounty from our seat at the bar. This is a sign of a great place: we were treated like royalty for no reason, just because, and it made our night. I would spend any beautiful night upstairs at the bar or outside, talking to the friendly bartenders and other patrons. This is a great place to chat, hang out, go on a date, or catch up with a friend. And any place that let's me have a cigar is at the top of my list!
(4)
Natalie P.

In Nashville for a conference, this was a welcome departure from the severely disappointing choice of terrible touristy restaurants in the downtown area near the conference center. After a few days, we finally found a concierge at our hotel with good taste. Previously, we had been referred to brewing houses and dive bars for trendy dining. Swing......and a miss. I was cautiously optimistic when the concierge suggested Sambuca, but since it wasn't in the downtown area I had hope. The second we walked in I knew the concierge was right. First, I have to say that I love the ambiance of the room. It's rich, beautiful, and feels warm and comfortable. The live jazz music provided by the wonderful Rachel Pearl was a thrill and a relief after days of being bombarded by some of the twangiest country music known to man (and I love country music!) I had the vegetarian lasagna - not the best I've ever had, but still good. However, dessert was where I think I met my maker. Cheesecake Sopapilla. Um, deep fried cheesecake? Why, in my 26 years of existence, had I never had deep fried cheesecake before? I don't know. But my inner fat kid went crazy. Sometimes, I suddenly wake up in the middle of the night thinking of this dessert. OK - not really but it's AMAZING. The 4 star rating is by Nashville standards. Of the 10+ restaurants I ate at while in Nashville, this was undoubtedly the best. By Miami or Vancouver standards, I would rank it a 3. Definitely still worth visiting - go on live jazz night.
(4)
Sam L.

As a rule, we order the calamari at every restaurant we go to. Our experience with the calamari at Sambuca was extremely memorable. It was cooked perfectly: the batter was very light and airy, the chewy texture was very evident, and it was served with cherry peppers and marinara sauce. YUM! For entrees, we had the chili-rubbed scallops and the filet. Scallops were absolutely scrumptious and served with a rich creamy tomato sauce and the best asparagus I've ever had in my entire life. Filet was served alongside green beans and dill potato tots. The potato tots were very interesting - one would've been enough, but it came with two. The meat literally melted in my mouth. It was extremely well prepared. Dessert - - - - - - - CHEESECAKE SOPAPILLA. Get it! You must try this dessert or you're doing yourself a disservice. It was to die for. Also, they had a live jazz band playing, which was really fun to listen to and they picked great songs to sing. We were placed in a circular booth which was very cozy and romantic. I loved the entire experience.
(5)
Sabrina S.

We just celebrated my bachelorette party in Nashville this past weekend and had a blast! However, my Maid Of Honor has some severe food allergies (dairy and beef) and we had a difficult time finding a place that would accommodate. I can't tell you how excited we were when we saw online that Sambuca can accommodate any allergy and they re-assured us of that when we called to make the reservation. So fast forward to dinner - the place was beautiful, the waiter was super nice, and the wine was delicious. The waiter even brought out the chef who spoke to my MOH and even further re-assured us that there wouldn't be any issues. So it's going to be a good night, right? Well about 15 minutes into our entrees, my MOH calmly announces that she is going to take a few Benadryl because she doesn't feel right... Long story short, she went into a full allergic reaction which required an epi-pen and we ended up spending 3 hours in the Emergency Room because the kitchen somehow screwed up her food. Luckily, she fully recovered and is feeling great, but the worst part was that the restaurant didn't even have the decency to take anything off our $300 bill - including the contaminated food that sent my best friend to the hospital and ruined our night.
(1)
Kristen Z.

I've gone to Sambuca a number of times for group dinners. I like the live music, drinks, and apps, but the service, indoor seating, and food are not up to par. It's the type of place where you love it or hate it. I know a couple of people that love it, and that is why I've gone more than twice... but each time I come to the same conclusion, it's not worth the time or money. I don't like to cross a place off my list until I've given it a fair shot. I've tried a lot of items on the menu, but none of them make my taste buds dance. The drinks and patio are pretty cool, but there are loads of cool patios and drinks downtown. I say if you just want to try it, then do... you'll have to decide for yourself what you think!
(2)
Molly A.

The food and entertainment were huge pluses for me here. Even though the singer was not a very good DANCER, it was a nice change of pace from all the country to hear some blues. The food was phenomenal. My husband (again) made the best choice with the vegetable lasagna - feta cheese, yum! i got a delicious pork chop dish and loved the whole experience. They had a lot of delicious looking cocktails, though I regrettably didn't get to try any of them, since I was too busy eyeing wine. Only one complaint - it was too cold in here!
(4)
Mandy C.

I LOVE this place! From the food, atmosphere, service and entertainment- it is by far one of my all time favorite places to dine and a must when in Nashville. The atmosphere is a trendy, classy jazz bar scene with high quality food presented in fabulous ways. The lobster dumplings and seabass skewers are my favorite appetizers. My husband really likes the filet and I love the crab stuffed salmon. Our favorite side to share is the maple bourbon sweet potatoes. I also reccomend the broccoli crunch. Though this is one of the more expensive trendy restaurants in the Nashville area, I think it is reasonably priced for the quality you get. It never disappoints!
(5)
Diondre V.

Took my gf here for her birthday since it was the only place that could accommodate a large party on a Friday night. It was my first time here. First, the ambiance is something I think everyone should experience with a live band, sky bar with a lounge type feel. Drinks were ok. Had the starburst which tasted like unset jello but was good. The tigersblood was good also but was a little too dry. For dinner I had the cosmos pizza which was decent. Gf had the beignets which were ok....it was my first time having those as well. She wasn't impressed with the desserts which were fried cheesecake and creme brulee. I would go back but not really for dinner. Maybe just for an appetizer and drinks and to listen to the band.
(3)
Alex V.

This trip to Nashville opened my eyes that this town has many different spots and they can satisfy most genres. I liked this place cause I came from a classy place and we were dressed well and fit in. Not the Honky tonk wear... The people were nice, the crowd was cool, however at around 10:30 the crowd started to change. It was more urban... However the drinks were nice, uptown pricing after I was getting used to the downton pricing... The menu looked good, I want to try it again for dinner next time in town.
(3)
Aj R.

The atmosphere here is phenomenal and the music is Great, I would go just for those Reasons but the cocktails and food are also amazing! The cocktails here are a little on the pricey side but they are all made with top shelf alcohol and taste great, Totally worth the cost. The food is top quality and the dishes are simple yet refined, nothing that your average person won't eat. The Services is amazing, another perk is that they offer specials of some sort pretty much every night so add them of Facebook to keep up! Sambuca is a little pricey but you get what you pay for! Try it you'll like it.
(5)
Twee V.

Live band music! Delicious food and wine. It will be my go-to place when I am in Nashville.
(4)
Stacie F.

Sambuca is perfect for a special night out. It's a tad on the pricey side, but the food is outstanding. The decor is pretty swanky and hip so be sure to wear something stylish. Don't miss the sea-bass and soapapia cheesecake - it's seriously one of the best meals I've ever had.
(4)
Yappy M.

Maybe I just look like a sucker...*shrug*... I've been here three times for dinner. Each time it is the exact same thing: enjoyable ambiance, decent but moderately overpriced food, and god-awful service. More precisely, each time the server has tried to add something to the bill that no one at the table actually ordered. If I had more reason to be in the Gulch, I could make this a fun game for a business dinners: can you spot where the Sambuca server got greedy? Helpful hint for Sambucca waiters: I am willing to tip more for good service than the $10 glass of hypothetical wine you add to the bill. This place is all style and little substance, much like the personalities who sling plates in this glorified Red Lobster.
(1)
Dan Z.

The Good: Quality of food; experience; service; selection. The Bad: notta The Rest: One of my favorite stops in Nashville. They have a great selection and I never had anything On the menu I didn't like. I dined as the host of a party of 11 and the service was exceptional. We had several appetizers in addition to main courses and desert and everyone was pleased with their meal. Following dinner, we stayed for a while to listen to the live music and were made to feel welcome. Final bill was under $1k for a party of 11 with appetizers, main courses, deserts, and drinks. Great vegetarian selection as well.
(5)
Cesar V.

I have been here a few times and every time it's been amazing! The food and service is always amazing followed by great live music. *Now the menus are hard to read due to the lack of lighting
(5)
Christina B.

What a cool place!! The atmosphere is just amazing. Nice big bar area, dining area with a stage and live music, and if that's not your thing, then you can sit outside on their patio and people watch The Gulch. Love it! Hubby and I got drinks at the bar and I must say, I was not a fan of mine. I got a lemondrop martini and it tasted like pure lemonade. Ok lesson learned, stick to wine... The beignet appetizers were AMAZING. A puff pastry ball stuffed with cheese, prosciutto, and I think even basil with balsamic drizzle. Just do it. Dinner was not great.... I got the scallops. They are served with risotto which I love but this stuff was either over or undercooked (hard pieces) and seemed as though it had been sitting around for a while and someone just popped it under a warming light. Husband got the lobster tacos and he was also very underwhelmed, very little taste he said. The meals are not cheap, but we chalked it up to the price you pay for the great atmosphere. We got desert on the house since we were celebrating his birthday - berry cobbler and it was delish!!! I do want to comment on the service also.... not good. Our waitress never came to check on our drinks the entire time we ate dinner and both of us had empty glasses sitting out hoping she would notice. So instead of ordering from her when she brought the bill, we just decided to get drinks elsewhere. Overall we loved this place because of the atmosphere and we would be back, although next time I think we would just sit in the bar area, get wine & apps, and listen to the band.
(4)
Shannon M.

This was the last dinner I had during my trip to Nashville. We had a reservation and were sat on the balcony above the stage. A jazz band played some light music starting at 6:30pm. It was a really awesome set up and had such a trendy cool vibe. I had a couple of Dirty Martinis (best ones I had in Nashville) and we tried a few of their apps to start. the Mac and Cheese with prosciutto, the buschetta and 2 orders of the Buca Beignets. All fantastic. We order the right about for the 7 of us to share. I had the special which was sea bass wrapped in bacon with risotto. Different but delicious. A very unique dining experience. We had a great time!
(4)
Marisela S.

We had a private event here and everything was delicious, meats, sausage, pasta, salad, desserts to die for, appetizers, everything was so good and tasty and flavorful. They had a band as well that played all variations of songs from different eras and languages as well and the upstairs had a great view as well as patio to lounge on, overall this was a great spot to enjoy a nice dinner
(4)
Christa P.

My (awesome) job hosted our annual Holiday (Christmas) party here this year. The space is nice, but not amazing. The service was alright. And the food was.... blah at best. Unfortunately this just isn't the place I would recommend or spend my time. I got a three course meal - started with a crab bisque - the cream wasn't cooked down enough and wasn't really edible. The second course was pretty good though- medium rare filet was seasoned and cooked well. The side of asparagus was ok, lower quality veg and the au gratin potatoes were salty, cold and were over cooked. Nashville is an awesome city- and there are so many places with great food or music. Dont waste your time or money going here. Sorry!
(2)
Joseph D.

Awesome restaurant, awesome band, awesome environment! Our waiter perfectly spaced out our wine, appetizers, and entres. Everyone was very nice and the music is the right volume. The food is a little pricy, but overall I do not have any complaints. Make sure to get a booth; it makes the experience much better...hope this helps.
(4)
Jamie S.

I love this place!!! Great spot for dinner or even just drinks and live music. When I'm in Nashville, this is where I go for guaranteed enjoyable time.
(4)
Ralph S.

Beth's Aunt and Uncle celebrated their 50th Anniversary here. We drove up from Atlanta for an overnight trip. Had a super time with excellent food and drinks. Staff was friendly and delightful. Really made us welcome.
(4)
Viva C.

Came here with a group of friends and had a good time. The food was enjoyable, atmosphere was nice, the only downside was the really loud volume of the live band. I felt bad for my friends and other patrons who were seated by the stage. The music was fun and entertaining, but the volume of it was almost a bit much as evidenced by the faces of the people stuck to sit around the stage (before the live music started up). The food was pretty good! The Buca Beignets were delightful and the Shrimp & Crab dip was tasty. I really enjoyed my chili-rubbed scallops. The cheesecake sopapilla was awesome!
(4)
Jatin S.

The ambience, atmosphere and the music make this place truly unique. It's never a dull evening at the restaurant. The food has always been great. I've personally only had the pizza, but what great pizza it was. The wait staff were exceptional. Even on a day when they were busier than usual r waitress provided just amazing service in the bar area nonetheless. Very positive experience and i can't wait to go again.
(4)
John T.

Great drinks and awesome atmosphere. they were gearing up for some live music. too bad i couldnt stay. i would go back in a heartbeat
(3)
Olivia R.

Made a reservation for 8:30pm and arrived at 8:10pm to check in and have a few drinks. They did not seat us until 9:10pm. Conclusion: a reservation means nothing here. Very unprofessional to be 40 minutes past the time of the reservation w|o any hostess even communicating with us. Oh and when we talked to the hostess at 8:45pm they were so carefree and acted like it wasn't a big deal... Again, very unprofessional. If you are paying $50+ per a head you should absolutely have better service.
(2)
Laura Y.

Had dinner here with a large group last night. Great ambiance/music. The food was really good, other than one issue with a steak not being cooked to perfection which was corrected. The only complaint would be the slow service, like extremely slow. By the time our entrees arrived, we were ready to leave and one person did not receive his entree until most everyone else was finished and ordering dessert. All in all good place to go, but not with a large party.
(3)
Ken J.

We were looking for good food and music. Found Sabuca on-line, plus we get recommendations from the hotel guy and the tour bus driver. The food was delicious, creative and served hot - so was the music. The service was friendly and well informed. The music (Jenerators) was just to our liking - some pop, classic jazz, R&B. The talent in the group was incredible. Thanks for providing just what were looking for.
(5)
Savannah R.

My friends and I enjoyed our dinner here almost 3wks ago. Although, the live music was a bit loud, but they sounded great. The steaks were cooked per individual temp request, accompanied with a side of our choosing. We also ordered appetizers which we devoured! The cocktails were on the strong side but tasty according to the ladies ;) our waitress and her assistants did an okay job serving us. As a note, it is not as dressy as they claim it to be, most customers were dressed casually. However, you won't be out of place if you decide to dress semi-formal. One more thing, it is very dark in the restaurant, tables were only lit with 2 small candles, therefore, making it hard to read the menu. They brought a special dessert on the house to celebrate our friend, which was a very nice touch!
(4)
Robyn W.

Let me start from the very beginning: I was trying to make a dinner reservation for a group of ladies the Monday before the Saturday evening that we wanted to dine here the same weekend of the Music City Marathon. The lady that I spoke with on the phone to make the reservations was extremely nice and helpful with ways to get around the city, things to see, shuttle services, etc. I requested to be seated on the patio if possible (wish was granted, & awesome by the way). So, we arrive at our dinner reservation right on time, we were escorted to the patio near a lovely fountain. We all ordered some fun drinks. If you get a cocktail, expect to pay $12.50 a pop for it. I got the Sambuca Sling. Worth every penny. Apps, we ordered the beinets and crab dip. They were both fabulous. I ordered the champagne chicken entree with havarti tater "tots", that were actually more like potato logs. lol. Everyone ordered something different & everything was fabulous. Service was very friendly & quick. We were given a complimentary dessert for my friend who was celebrating her bachelorette party. I mentioned that the cocktails were a little pricey, but my bill ended up only being around $50 before tip, so as a whole it really wasn't a bad price for the quality of food/drinks/service they have. If you are planning a trip to Nashville, you must come to the Gulch & go to Sambuca for dinner. Sit on the patio if possible!
(5)
Lola S.

I personally dig Sambuca, but I agree with others in the sense they are a bit expensive, which is why I only go for happy hour. I had the chicken samosas and the shrimp and crab dip. The samosas were terrible, I mean whoever even came up with that recipe needs to be slapped. They were drenched in grease and had some wierd cheese mixture on the inside. But the shrimp and crab dip, now that was delicious. Now I know what Im going to order next time. The drinks are expensive but very good. My only disappointment was the fact that despite most of the patio area being empty, only one teeny tiny area was available for happy hour dining. Whats up with that?
(4)
Eckhard K.

two and a half stars is what I'd really like to give because this place in a certain way is a 5, but in another way it's a 1. or maybe I'm just a jackass. I'd been here for a few private parties, which were fun, but then again I usually have fun when snacks come floating along and my drink is refreshed by a smiling face every so often. This is a great place to have a private party. It looks and feels like something between a restaurant and a club. Sort of like on a cruise ship, but right here in the gulch My friend invited me to see his wife sing here. They're cool so I went. There was singing. The waitress smiled. It seemed like a nice place. I, being a jackass, ordered a French 75. I thought that this nice, upscale-seeming, place would whip me up one of these delicious classic cocktails and the Katy Perry covers would wash over me like icy seawater from a penguin. After about 20 minutes I was worried. When something showed up in a martini glass I knew I had made a mistake. Sambuca, I'd like to say I'm sorry I misjudged you. But also, I feel misled. In this day of craft beverages and pretentiously knowledgeable bartenders I thought I was ordering something of the relative obscurity of an Old Fashioned. Again, I'm sorry. It's never happened to me before that I couldn't drink my drink. It might just be my age. Did I mention that I was really tired? The nice and smiling waitress asked me how it was. I didn't want to tell her, but I was making a face while trying to think of some gentle but true words and she didn't need me to say anything. "Just a glass of bubbles please," I asked the second time she offered to replace my drink. After another 20 minutes peppered with spontaneous group dancing from each of the seven bachelorette parties around the room I was planning my escape. I had been working all day, surely my friends would understand. But then suddenly the article of slender glassware I had been waiting for arrived, appearing just in front of me the way I had imagined it two hours before when I was leaving work. A champagne flute can really change things. The Proseco tasted like an old raisin, but I didn't care. I had to reach into the glass to pull out a half inch of spaghetti that had dried to the inside of the glass, but I laughed when I showed my friend. It was then he told me just to order straight liquor. I'll remember that. Maybe this was all just a case of mistaken identity. Maybe we just don't quite understand each other. I appreciate the space and accommodation, but as I sat there averting my eyes from the lithe bodies bumping in to things as they sang along to Christina Aguilera I had this feeling that it wouldn't work out between us. Really, it's not you. It's me. Good luck in the future, I'm sure you'll do fine.
(2)
Kathy G.

This place is in a great location and the music and live band is top quality, however the price on food is outrageous and not very much food, for a drink and an appetizer is a great place!
(3)
Charika W.

Sambuca is chic with lavish decor, made for the young and hip professionals of today. A great place to go and unwind, grab a drink and listen to live music. For you with a immense palate, the food is amazing.
(5)
Rachel F.

Not sure where to start on this one, folks. Sambuca...the name itself oozes cool, just like the liquor it's named for. This Sambuca, however, um...uh...uh... Dark, cool colors and cool light fixtures and a super industrial feel set the tone upon one's arrival. The place hums and buzzes with life and energy. The thing is, there's music. LOUD music. If you don't come expecting it, it's a bit of a shock. But that's NBDeal, I'm adaptable. So there's music...it's loud...so what? You may just have a less than conversational dinner, which is sometimes okay too. Again, adaptable. Wine list. Here's where I go sour. 15 dollars for a glass of Rodney Strong? Oh man oh man ohhh no you didn't. I hate hate HATE overpriced wine lists, *especially* when they're less than stellar (& that's me being charitable). It's an insult, and I'm a curmudgeon. Our server. Here is also where I go sour. Well he meant well, he was extremely obnoxious. Like seriously obnoxious. Interrupting conversation and reaching over people in order to grab the signed bill even though gratuity was included? Big no-no, mister. He had the same sort of vibe as the "O-face" guy from "Office Space," though he was maybe a biscuit over 21. I'm a firm believer that service too familiar is not always desired by the customer. Actually, now that I think of it, he was maybe more like the other server in "Office Space," the one with all the flair. Ugh. The food itself wasn't bad...but it wasn't anything to write home about, either. My risotto wasn't really so much risotto as it was rice, but the scallops were pretty good, as was the asparagus. Sometimes I'm really picky...I know this about myself and have no problem admitting it. But this experience most definitely coincides with the whole, "Meh. I've had better" for me personally.
(2)
Caroline F.

Let me keep this short and sweet: The BEST- melt in your mouth like butter- Seabass I have ever consumed GREAT music from the Murphy Sisters- very impressed Nice server- did a great job with your bachelorette party table for 11 I am definitely adding Sambuca to my must go to list next time I'm in town. I'm still dreaming about the Seabass!!
(5)
Kendrick P.

Ok after reading some of the reviews on Sambuca, I must say I wasn't really thrilled to say the least about going. So here is my review...IT WAS REALLY NICE! The food was was excellent! my lady and I had a great table that was close to the live band,..and it wasn't too loud as others have for mentioned to have a conversation. We enjoyed our time there, I recommend the "Call a cab" drink ( and i see why they call it that!) it was delicious sonnn! and creept up on me pretty quickly!..my kind of drink!! over all I loved and will be going back soon!
(5)
Jessica C.

Good music and fun atmosphere but I asked for about 4 drinks from the bar after being turned down the 4th time bc they didn't carry an extensive cider and beer list I gave up and settled on wine. I got the champagne chicken I thought the food was ok. It sounded way better on the menu than the food actually tasted. I would go bAck but more for drinks apps and the band rather than a nice dinner. On a plus note they advertise gluten free options clearly on there menu and it's nice having options.
(3)
Cara L.

WAIT...WHAT?! I CAN'T HEAR YOU!!! Oh, I'm sorry. Am I speaking too loudly? Maybe it's because I went to Sambuca expecting a little live jazz and some dinner with my colleagues. Instead I spent the evening screaming across the table in order to have a normal convo. Alright, that's a little harsh--but overall my experience here wasn't that fantastic. The music wasn't bad, just ridiculously loud. It's a lounge singer, folks, not a heavy metal rock band. Let's take it down a notch so I'm not leaving half deaf. The food was actually very tasty. A few appetizers and small plates really tickled my fancy, but most where just average. My filet was perfectly cooked and the side of mashed potatoes where almost tasty enough to swallow the guilt I had from consuming each creamy bite. (Dang you carbs...) I asked for my steak with the walnut-buttery-gorgonzola sauce on the side and I'm really glad I did. It was a little too overpowering and very unnecessary. I watched as my other colleagues enjoyed their food, but many were disappointed with the beer and wine selections. I just ordered my vodka-soda standby, so none of that really affected me. And now, the best part: our server. Oh, he was special. This guy, while super-sweet, was all up in biz-nass the entire night. Like, not normal friendly... bizarro-invasive-borderline-creepy friendly. I can't put my finger on what it was specifically, but this guy was AWK-ward. I think TGIFridays might be a bit more appropriate place for that little spunkster. He also took the liberty of explaining the automatic gratuity to me in the most roundabout, random and uncomfortable manner. Although I feel a little mean for this review, I have to be honest. The space was really cool, the food was good. I just think they were a little off on a few key things. Maybe it's just not my style, and that's totally cool. I love all kinds of music, just not that loud during a meal.
(3)
Katie M.

This place was amazing! I was in Nashville for a bachelorette party and this was by far the highlight of our trip. The drinks were excellent (a little pricey but totally worth it). The appetizers, main entrees, and dessert were all wonderful. I would recommend the filet as a main entree and you cannot skip dessert because the cheesecake sopapilla is to die for!! It has a great intimate atmosphere with live music. The service was impeccable. I would recommend this restaurant for anyone visiting the Nashville area.
(5)
Benson C.

I wish Yelp allowed me to rate this place a 2.5. I had high expectations going to this place in the Gulch, since there's so much hype about urban living in the Gulch. I was pretty disappointed with the quality of their crab cakes. I've had better crab cakes of similar caliber of restaurants. The crab cake was dry and bland. The only thing that partially saved this review was their margarita selection. I had a blood orange margarita the other night and it was awesome, but $10.00 + tip is beyond my student budget. Drinks in Chicago aren't even this pricey. Thumbs down for this place.
(3)
Paul K.

This is a service review, I can't comment on the food which is one of the reasons this is a 1-star service review. My story takes place about 2 years ago (2007/2008). Birthday party, I have been invited and have been told I could bring a guest. I do, he has already eaten. It was a bit early after my last meal so I had planned on drinking and ordering a bit later. Party arrives, we're seated on the second floor, we order some drinks and the waiter asks the party what they want. It's food+booze, appetizer+booze, appetizer+booze, pass for a bit+booze, pass, pass for an hour+booze, booze+food, and I do not remember what the others were. We'd already hit about $100 with 3 more people coming and 2 more eating a little later that he knew about. The waiter starts coming up every couple of minutes and asking if anyone wanted to order yet, we inform him at the moment we were drinking and there was going to be food ordered in a bit. We did not expect this was going to be an issue. About his 5th unrequested drop in in 20 minutes he informs us that if we are not ordering $35 in food each we lose the table (which was an ok table, but not in a particularly great spot). It was not so much the out-of-left-field request that pissed me off, it's that he acted like we were stealing from him with no warnings that there was a per-seat-minimum-food order. I ask him to bring the check and a manager. I get the checks, we tell him to cancel the food and no manager ever appears. He does not come back to take the payment for our drinks after 15 more minutes. I walked to another server, told her the story, gave her the check and a tip and my phone number for a manger to call and we left. So, no idea if it was just that waiter or what, never have been back. Don't particularly care for a place that treats me like I'm stealing from them, and I never got a call from the manager. Went over to ru-sans after that, easily blew past the minimum we were told at Sambuca. No idea on the quality of the food, I can say the place was pretty cool looking, our server was just mean and treated us like thieves.
(1)
Meghan C.

Went here for a girlfriend's bachelorette party. They were super nice even though the bride got stuck in traffic and was a half hour late. Our food was all really good. My favorite part was the upstairs bartender, Eric! He made the whole night better. We had a few drinks and an app. upstairs with him while waiting on the bride and the rest of the party. He was a lot of fun, very helpful with the menu, and made the night great! Thanks Eric!
(4)
Alina K.

We went to sambuca for our first meal in Nashville. Environment: excellent. Live music, great lighting, wonderful service, overall excellent ambiance. Food: for the price, it was okay. We got everything that was highly recommended by our server as being the very best, and it was decent- but not worth the upscale prices. We liked our cocktails and local brew, but the appetizers, salad and main course simply did not match the lovely environment. Although, desserts looked amazing, we were too full!
(3)
Tara F.

Dark, sexy, delicious.... That's Sambuca Nashville! I've been to Sambuca many times now and I've never been disappointed. The food is outstanding, their happy hour is exceptional, their cocktails are expertly prepared, their ambiance is plush & a little sensual and the music is generally rockin! I'm all for a place that has draped booths where if you get one... you can't help but think.... oh yah, I'm totally a rockstar (I mean who doesn't want a swanky, slightly covered, I've got the best table in the house type booth?). Couple that with it's dimly lit bar & dining room and a band... and we're not in Nashville anymore... we're in LA (but with actual hospitality instead of fake friendliness). The first time I went to Sambuca, I knew it was something special. The heavy tall doors you walk through, the flame lit patio overlooking the Gulch, a loud "cool kids" upper balcony and the shiniest marble floors I've ever seen... I'd just hoped the food was as good as their designer... It was! I've tried the bignets (amazing little morsels of prosciutto, mozzarella, & some kind of delightful basil glaze), the calamari (huge portion, perfectly seasoned & fried with the yummiest aioli ever), the miso seabass (juicy, tender, flavorful and just the right amount of spice... this is my favorite), the fliet (topped with gorgonzola walnut butter... it melts in your mouth), and last but not least... the creme brulee (which is easily big enough for the whole table to share and perfectly caramelized... mmmm). Their cocktails are strong, but totally drinkable and their wine list boasts some really great by the glass choices! Oh.... and valet parking is free (just tip). If a "supper club" is your thing... or you just love great food set in a great atmosphere with good service... Sambuca will be on your love list after just one visit!
(5)
Bill C.

Great food, great service, great atmosphere, excellent music. Fillet, chilli rubbed scallops, sea bass, all wonderful. Great for dates, great for clients, all very up scale. See photos of dishes for examples. Cannot go wrong here in Nashville or in Dallas at Sambuka. Did I say "great"?
(5)
glenn e.

the food was really good, the service - justine - was really, really good and the entertainment was over the top. a great break from the cma's.
(4)
Courtney M.

It was our first trip to Nashville and our hotel recommended this place - you never know with hotel concierges but this place was great. We sat in one of the booths along the side and listened to the band, which was awesome - they played Johnny Cash and all kinds of country to get us into the Nashville mood. We started with the shrimp and crab dip which was amazing - I literally could have just eaten it with a spoon. We ordered the sea bass and the chili rubbed scallops - both of which were recommended by our waiter and did not disappoint. Our waiter was by far the best thing about this place - his name is Will, apparently he is also a bartender. Not only were his recommendations right on point but he was entertaining and attentive. We will definitely hit this place up whenever we make it back to Nashville.
(5)
Annette J.

When you're hanging out with a group of folks chances are you're going to want a nice, quiet, place to enjoy dinner and conversation. Sambuca, just so you know, is a nice place but not a quiet one. But it's to be expected since it's a live music joint. And last night night, the music was live. A pixie blonde gal on her piano, belting out covers and originals with her band. She's got some pipes on her! So conversation doesn't come easy, except between sets, but what it lacks in chill it totally makes up for in eats. They specialize in mostly seafood and steak type fare. Surf and turf type stuff, if you will. And they do it VERY well. Our table started out with a round of appetizers. Most noteworthy were the goat cheese stuffed artichokes and the crab queso dip. Damn, they were good! I also enjoyed the calamari although they did get soggy pretty quickly. For the main course I enjoyed the chili rubbed scallops with little bits of risotto cake underneath each scallop. Holy wow! This was great. The scallops were cooked perfectly and the risotto has this nice smokey flavor that I really enjoyed. In the middle was a veggie medley of some asparagus, peppers, onions, etc. Fresh and also with a bit of a smokey taste. Loved this! Also tried my colleague's sea bass (fantastic!) and filet (meaty goodness!), both of which I would have been happy eating as my own meal as well. The drinks are serious business. They've got a nice variety of cocktails, including some in a category called "skinny bitch" which, as you can imagine, are a bit lighter in caloric content. Nice! After eating out all week I was totally ok with having a lighter mimosa. Of course my next drink, the "call a cab" completely negated the first drink but ah well! (The "call a cab" being, of course, a long island iced tea made with sweet tea vodka. WHOO BOY). The music was loud, the ambiance kind of dark (almost too dark, had to use my phone to read the menu), and decorated in lots of lush fabrics like velvets in jewel tones. Verrrry luxurious, obvi. Our server was a very nice fella who did his best to make sure our meal was great. So although I had to shout a bit to be heard at times they certainly pulled off the "great meal" part.
(4)
Liz H.

I made reservations for this Sambuca outing in honor of my friend's bachelorette party. This restaurant has special meaning to her because she went on several dates with her fiancÃ© there while they were dating. We had a really special night. Some rad blonde girl was belting out some killer tunes with her band that were totally mood appropriate. We had calamari and the shrimp crab dip for appetizers and both were pretty good. The bride got the salmon dish and she LOVED it. The other dish that seemed to be a hit at the table was the filet with the Gorgonzola walnut butter. YUM. I (and one other pal) got the ribeye and it was unremarkable. The other guest got the lobster enchilladas and she wasn't all that keen on them. So to sum up, we had: excellent appetizers, a few solid entrees, good cocktails (apparently there is a berry dragon cocktail that everyone loved), and killer tunes. The ambiance rocks. Worth the trip for sure.
(4)
Lorynn H.

Eclectic environment, live music and amazing food! This restaurant exceeded my expectations. Staff was attentive and courteous. Highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great place to eat in Nashville.
(5)
Cathleen M.

My client suggested this place for dinner after our work meeting. Much to our surprise Red Bow records was having a party with live music being performed by Rachel Farley. Not only was the live music great the dinner was excellent. For appetizers we had the Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichokes and the Shrimp & Crab Dip both are definite must haves. Then for entrees we had the Hickory-Smoked Prime Pork Chop, Filet, Miso Sea Bass, Crab-Stuffed Salmon and the Chicken Parmigiana. All of our entrees were superb! I would recommend this place to anyone for a romantic dinner (the ambiance was great), client meeting or just to have a drink at the bar. With excellent service and food, who could ask for anything more? I will absolutely go back next time I am in Nashville.
(4)
Justin R.

I'm really not a fan of the Gulch area, but since I work so close, it's often suggested for after work drinks. I went here on a random Wednesday afternoon, to grab some drinks with coworkers. We got there around 4:30, and the place a pretty much dead. If it wasn't for out 30+ group of people, they might have been sitting around twiddling their thumbs. This is not a bar I would choose to go to, but since I was there with people I like hanging out with, it made it a hundred times better.
(3)
Janet Y.

Sambuca is a great spot for a classy dinner in Music City. Offering free live music 7 days a week, it gives this Gulch destination an edge. The food is good and the servers are attentive, but definitely expect this to be a spendy visit. Most of the dinner entries will cost you on average $25. You can also order pizzas for about $15. The decor is nice, and I've never had much trouble looking for parking. Other than the price, I don't have too many complaints. I guess this is an ok place to come for special occasions, but I don't find myself CRAVING the food or the environment.
(3)
Marty Y.

Attended on a Wed night for dinner with a colleague. Restaurant was lightly attended. There was a live jazz band playing. Nice evening, good meal, overall positive experience. Food was very good, but not exceptional. We were seated and then no one came to the table so we had to go ask for a server. Server was a little goofy, but he got the job done. Jazz band was very good, but it was too loud and prevented any dinner conversation. On a night like this, they would have been better off not having live music. Total bill for dinner for 2 with drinks was $175. This is where I have an issue and gave only 3 stars. To me, this was a $100 dining and experience, not a $175 dining experience. In other words, its too expensive for the quality that you get.
(3)
Sean O.

This is my favorite restaurant in Nashville for a classy night out. If you're in the mood for wine, good food and a soft jazz band, Sambucca is perfect.
(5)
Brooke L.

I came to Nashville one weekend for a bachelorette party! This place had good reviews so we tried it out. Their drinks were pretty great. I drank a Naked Margarita and it was perfect. I sampled a few other drinks that my table ordered and nothing disappointed. We ordered mostly tapas and it was perfect to just have a few bites of everything. We ordered the Chicken Samosas, Shrimp & Crab Dip, Chicken & Beef Satay, Tomato Caprese, Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichokes, and Margherita Pizza. None of these dishes disappointed. My favorite by far were the Goat Cheese Stuffed Artichokes. They were absolutely delicious. The atmosphere of this place is also pretty cool. The decor is very trendy. We went on a Friday night and they had live music. Can't remember the name of the band but they were awesome. Definitely would recommend this place to anyone visiting Nashville!
(4)
R B.

I am not sure why this place has 3.5 stars. In my opinion, it's a guaranteed good time with fab food! We had a bachelorette dinner there for 18 girls who flew in from several different cities throughout the country. I wanted to make sure the bride to be and the other gals had delicious food, good ambiance & service, and great live music. That is exactly what we got. Since we had such a large party we had to choose one of the many pre fixe options. We were able to adjust the menu we selected since we had a handful of vegetarians, to two veggie entrees (veggie lasagna and Portobello quinoa- YUUMM) and two meat (the steak was perfectly charred). Each dish was so unique and worth every cent (which wasn't much!). To top it off with the trio dessert, let's just say we were craving more. The toffee chocolate ball was to die for. Tiffani, who helped arrange the menu was a pleasure to work with and even personalized the menu for us! Natalie served us the entire evening and put up with our antics. :) She was such a great server.The band was fun and entertaining as well. The bride got to go up on stage and chat with them, it was a riot. I am giving it a 5 on every level! Made our Nashville experience all that much better!
(5)
Jill R.

I really want to like this place because the ambiance (both before and after it's reinvention) is cool and the bands are pretty darn good. However, both times, the service was slow, the food was just 'eh' and the drinks were like TGI Fridays. The could get a Jack and Coke just fine, but anything requiring more attention than that came back either too sugary or simply wrong. We've thrown a few dinner parties/group gatherings here and it's difficult to keep everyone fed and with a drink in their hand, even when the rest of the restaurant wasn't crowded. Great location, great atmosphere- but if they revamp the drink list and hire more staff they'll have a real winner.
(3)
Channa P.

Very cool atmosphere, and decently priced appetizers and drinks. I'd say it's good for starting or finishing a night. The service was lacking a bit, but overall okay. They had a great jazz singer and band that added to the ambiance and the bar and lounge sofas are all open seating. I would go back my next time in Nashville. I would say the main menu items looked a bit pricey. I ordered the shrimp appetizer and got a decent helping. I'd go that route and save the money for drinks.
(3)
Trish T.

My friend and I went here last night. It was "ok." I enjoyed the live music, and the bar tender told us they have different bands almost every night. The atmosphere is nicer than some other bars in Nashville and its geared towards upscale (I said geared towards..not it IS upscale). The food is somewhat greasy and salty, but I guess that goes hand-in-hand with beer. However, I'm not a beer drinker. We ordered the lobster tempura (if you want to call it that). It was a disappointment. The 3 small lobster tails were dipped and fried in what looked like onion ring batter with panko bread crumbs. That my friends is NOT tempura. I ordered the margherita pizza, which was beyond salty. I could only eat 2 slices...I gave it a second try incase I just happen to eat a salt patch. My friend ordered their striped bass with vegetable couscous. The fish that came out was a very sad less than 4 oz filet that had soggy skin. However, the 3 cups of couscous they piled on her plate was ok o_O. That is not worth $32 dollars. About the drinks.. I've "heard" around town that this place makes the 'best' drinks. If you like mixed drinks that are sweeter than southern sweet tea, you found your place. I ordered a strawberry mojito, and my friend ordered their 'signature' pink lemonade..blllaaaahhhh! They should write in the description these are sugary drinks with a pinch of alcohol. I gave this place 3 stars because I enjoyed the environment. However, the service and the food are not worth it for me. I forgot to mention..my friend and I had the "dinning experience" at this place. In other words, we were here for about 2 hours waiting for service and food. This is not the place for that..maybe I will come here just to listen to the bands?
(3)
Steve M.

Needed a perfect place for an important business/fun dinner.....could not have found a better place..... 1) our waiter "Price" was incredible.....great recommendations...sincerely wanted us to have a great time. 2) the band was amazing (thx Nashville!) but not too loud. 3) appetizers, wine list, entrees, and dessert were all awesome! The chef is incredible......an epic evening!!!
(5)
Gary Y.

Great ambiance and a classy vibe. Perfect music for dinner and drinks. Outstanding service and hands on attention from a super friendly general manager.
(5)
Leah L.

Sit outside on the upstairs patio. It's gorgeous. If you're in the mood for a live band in a lounge setting, sit inside. The shrimp and crab dip was delicious. Also great cocktail selection! The items are pricy but you could fill up on appetizers to ease the wallet.
(4)
Molly C.

A group of 8 girls on a bachelorette party landed here on a Friday night for dinner and it was one of the best foodie decisions of the weekend! IT is a perfect place for a date night or with a large group. I started with the beet salad then I had the shrimp brochette and Brussel sprouts--amazing flavor! I ate every crumb off of my plates and got to taste some of the of the fish and steak. Everything was cooked to perfection! Also, I loved the idea of having the band in the restaurant. The atmosphere is so much fun, but you are still able to chat with your friends and have a delicious meal. Will be going back!
(5)
Andreas H.

On a recent business trip to Nashville it was suggested we visit Sambuca for happy hour. OK class, let's have a little lesson. Sambuca - a definition: "sambuca (sm-bk, sÃ¤m-bkÃ¤) n. An Italian liqueur made from elderberries and flavored with licorice. [Italian, from feminine of sambuco, elder, from Latin sambcus.]" Sambuca Nashville - a definition: "Overpriced drinks, food, and vacant eyed staff" On to the review! The Great: + Happy Hour - the saving grace was when our bill came and we saw the appetizers were half priced during happy hour. Thank the gods. + Very cool patio area. The Average: o The food. The pizzas were strictly average. The shrimp/crab dip was decent, although a little heavy handed with the salt (maybe it was the batch?). The garlic bread was decent, but come on... it's garlic bread. The Poor: - Missing servers. Our table of 6 would have to flag down servers after having empty drinks for nearly 10 minutes. I'd understand if the place was packed, but it wasn't. The servers gathered by the front door and were having a great time chatting to each other while pretending we didn't exist. - No beer on tap. Um. Really? I know you're a "lounge", or whatever you want to call it, but come on! How about some local micros? Impressive imports? SOMETHING. Overall, I was definitely a little bit let down by the experience, especially since we ended up dropping about $500 there.
(2)
Nicole V.

My girlfriends and I ate here for a girls-night-out. We split 5 or so plates among the 7 of us, and had one person pay and we split the bill later. The food was all delicious and it was really fun to sample a little bit of everything on the table. It was fun to have live music on stage behind us.
(5)
Michael M.

Not a huge fan but I keep going back! The food is overpriced for what you get. The ambience is upscale as is the decor but I always leave feeling like I was pick pocketed. The guy who wrote the diatribe below is right so far as mixed drinks go; order straight liquor or a bottle of vino. Last nite I had the tuna tartare and a salad. Both were good. Th fam had champagne chicken which they enjoyed but were still hungry when they finished it. Again, can't really knock the place but....... One thing for sure the hostess is a sweatheart, the service is excellent, and the valet parking a must. I'll be back. One thing that drives me NUTZ in Nashville. I have been to five restaurants in the past month who say their espresso machine is broken. FIX IT! When I pushed the waiter at Sambuca he said we don't carry it because no one orders it. Hey Nashville - Wake-up and smell the coffee!!!!
(3)
Greg H.

Cheesecake was quite possibly the best dessert I have ever tasted.
(5)
Sue F.

I was invited to a reception at this restaurant, and we were put in the sky room on the second floor. The food was outstanding and the wait staff was not only extremely attentive, but they went out of their way to accommodate special requests. Not to mention that they were extremely friendly. The entire ambiance of this place is comfortable and extremely amenable to social gatherings. Big thumbs up on all counts.
(5)
Phil C.

It's all about the people ! My wife and I were exploring the Gulch on our last day of vacation in Nashville. It was extremely hot out so we stopped in to have a couple of iced teas when we were greeted by Dawn. She seated us with a big southern smile and within minutes we were sipping our tea and talking with her about how great Nashville is and why most folks who live here never leave. Time had slipped away through pleasant conversation about travel experiences when I realized we had a flight to catch and asked Dawn if she would call us a cab to get us back to our hotel. She gladly made the call but almost 30 minutes had passed and no taxi in sight. We were running out of time and were stressing about the possibility of missing our flight. Without the blink of an eye Dawn insisted on driving us back to the hotel in her car. My wife and I were shocked by her generous offer and took her up on it. I tried to offer her gas money, but she refused and said it was karma. We have been around a little but never experienced kindness and generosity as we have from her. We were in a town full of celebrities, but never knew what it was like to treated as one. Kudos to you and your great city, Dawn !
(5)
Todd N.

Great food, great vibe. Just don't get the lobster.
(4)
Nikky T.

I've had a great meal every time I've been to Sambuca. It's never disappointing, great atmosphere, and great location. Who wouldn't love to eat in The Gulch? Get you some!
(4)
Matt T.

Food is a bit pricey for what you get, but the ambience and live music make up for it. I had a very enjoyable time. Ordered the beignets (wow! what a contrast in taste and I forgot they were filled by the time they arrived), the crab dip (awesome), and 2 other appetizers that I can't remember now. For entrees, I got the sea bass, while my friend got the chili scallops. Both were quite delicious, although the portions were smaller than expected.
(3)
Zeke A.

I celebrated birthday #27 here with my boyfriend and this place met and exceeded all my expectations. We got a great table with a perfect view of the stage. It's such an intimate, romantic environment, but maybe a little too dark as it's hard to read the menu with just candle light. The food was spectacular as were the drinks. Fresh blueberries in my cocktail - what a nice touch. An amazing waiter who was so hospitable and gave great recommendations. The music was also great. I loved how the guy playing the saxophone came down and played at some of the tables. People dancing made the place even more enjoyable and fun. The rooftop patio was really nice too - perfect for a drink and to relax with that special someone or with friends. If you're visiting Nashville definitely make this one of your dinner stops or at least get a drink and two and just enjoy the ambiance.
(5)
Jennifer L.

I visited this restaurant while in Nashville for a conference. Great atmosphere, amazing food, the best service (ask for Matt). Matt did an incredible job at recommending apps, entrees and desserts. Everything was so good. We were so stuffed! The music was nice as well. I highly recommend this restaurant.
(5)
Rahel K.

I went to meet some girlfriends for drinks here last night and I was very impressed. We walked in while a doorman held the door for us. Great vibe, sophisticated crowd. We drank martinis at the bar and then decided to have appetizers and wine. Our waiter was very attentive, even with the final four game on the big screens. Our appetizers were a little skimpy on portion size but pretty good on taste. Walked out with a $25 tab (2 drinks and 2 split apps). The music is what really impressed me. This is why I live in Nashville. Random places you can find amazing live music. This is the only place I know where you can have a nice dinner and then dance at the same place. Great for first dates...high energy so if the conversation starts to lull you can look at the band instead of asking for the check....
(4)
Claire B.

I've eaten dinner at Sambuca, and the dinner was good, but that's not my favorite thing about this place. I really like to go upstairs to the outside patio and sit and drink gin martinis (which are the best anywhere). In the summertime, there are fans going and you can see downtown Nashville (although the view is currently being obscured by the construction of condo high-rises. In winter, there are heat lamps and sometimes a fire to keep you nice and toasty. I just love sitting up there, sipping cosmopolitan drinks and feeling fabulous. I would also recommend going for dinner, but if you're like me and you don't swallow noise pollution too well with your food, try to get a table as far away from the stage as possible, and then you might be able to enjoy the music and your conversation. I recommend the scallops and polenta, for its presentation as well as taste, although everything my party ordered looked good. The prices are what you would expect for a restaurant of this quality, but I didn't come away thinking I had paid too much.
(4)
Noelle T.

Sambuca is a stimulating place. I went to Sambuca on a Friday night for a group event. We rented out the upstairs area for a large group. The doorman made us feel like VIP as he opened the door and unlocked the velvet rope to let us upstairs. They had a full service bar upstairs as well as downstairs. Sambuca' has a warm atmosphere suitable but is also very hip with a great after work crowd. Bold colors and dim lighting set the mood for the experience, and they had a stage up front for live music / dancing. It didn't seem crowded at all and the service was amazing. We had a diverse menu includes shrimp grits, sushi, dessert bar, chicken satay, etc. I enjoyed everything. The parking was a little difficult but I believe this is not unusual for this part of town.
(4)
Janette L.

I came late on a Friday night to Sambuca. Walking in I thought the atmosphere was very trendy and a live band was an added bonus. We sat at the bar while waiting for a table and ordered a bottle of wine. I guess not too many people do this since it took almost 10 mins to get our bottle. Still, we got a table in the bar area after a short wait. We started with the seared tuna app and ordered the chili rubbed scallops and pork chops for our main courses. Though highly recommended by our server, the pork was very dry/tough even with the sauce. I was surprised by this since I believe it is a house specialty. The scallops/risotto cakes and tuna were good and portions were more than sufficient. Our server was sweet and very attentive. I would likely come back to Sambuca again for drinks + apps but skip on the meal.
(4)
Leann P.

My husband and I went to Sambuca for a laid-back night out. The jazz band that was playing live was great to listen to! Lots of people were out dancing and having a great time! We sat at the bar watching the NCAA tournament and talking to the bartender and local patrons. The bartender obviously took pride in his work and the bar was kept very clean. He also checked on us often (but not too often) to see if we needed anything. If you go, I would definitely suggest the creme brÃ»lÃ©e! It was fabulous! My only complaint is that the drinks are pretty pricey.
(4)
Chris M.

Ambiance was great -- music was a tad bit loud, but the band did a good job of playing for 45-60 minutes and then breaking for about 30-45 to give time for both conversation and enjoying some great live music (jazz, soul, etc). Bill for two entrees, app, dessert, and bottle of wine was $120 plus a tip, which I thought was quite reasonable. Our dessert was absolutely to die for -- I will return again if only for that dessert. Definitely a fun place when you need to celebrate and splurge. Two pay lots right up the street ($5 for 5 hours), and also valet. It can accommodate groups, but don't plan on being able to have across the table conversations while the music is playing... best for an intimate night with one other person.
(4)
Alexa F.

I used to love this place, but this time it was awful:( the service was slow, food was not good, especially for the price, and they cut their portions, and music was so loud my throat hurts from trying to talk to the guests at our table over the music. Used to be a nashville fave, I won't be sad to never return!
(1)
Susan R.

Nice outdoor seating in the thick of it. Over-priced menu for the average quality of the food. We did enjoy the seared tuna appetizer, but were so disappointed that the ice machine was broken and they could not make some of those tasty-sounding drinks on the menu. I had a very overly sweet passion fruit Mojito. The mint was not at all muddled- which drives me crazy. Yo, bartenders: MINT MUST BE MUDDLED IN MOJITOS!! Over-priced drinks, too. The Havarti tater tots did not taste as if they had any cheese in them, nor could I detect any garlic, as promised. Too bad, they have live music and a good ambiance....but the food does not deliver.
(2)
Chris M.

My wife and I were so excited on our first night in Nashville but Sambuca truly underdelivered I'm sorry to say. It's all about perspective right? My college kids would have loved it. My foodie wife and I found the entire experience average at best, though our waiter was kind and attentive. Tuna special came out cold, twice. Hanger steak was comparable to something I could whip up in short order. Oh well, live and learn.
(2)
Jennifer P.

Went with friends before an evening at TPAC and it was delightful! We started with the goat cheese stuff artichoke - a combo I have never had but really enjoyed! My table companions had the shrimp, the veggie lasagna, and the chili-rubbed scallops, and they all munched way quite happily. The scallops were a very pretty dish - with risotto "discs" under each scallop that had been shaped and seared to resemble scallops too. fun. I went with a Gorgonzola salad (sooo good) and then the 3-side combo because the sides all looked so good. The crunch broccoli was good, but I wish they said onions and peppers in the description (not my fav), the prosciutto mac and cheese was creamy goodness. but the BRUSSELS SPROUTS - oh my, wish I'd gotten 3 of those. If you like Brussels sprouts, you must try! and if you don't THINK you like them, this might just change your mind. For dessert we shared the Sticky Toffee Pudding...and wow, it was amazing. Not too sweet, almost a savory bread pudding with warm toffee inside---man, out of this world. Great service from Matthew and we made it to the show on time. The was a light rock band (sorry did not catch the name) that was really excellent as well.
(5)
Fred Lee S.

Love . Love , Love ! I love their food. , music and the staff is so very nice ! Fun place to eat and listen !
(5)
Samantha H.

Went here for a bachelorette party. We had an amazing server. So that wasn't what got the three stars. It's all about the food. It was just not in line with what you expect to get for that price. I suppose you are paying for the ambiance and live music. The risotto under the scallops was very dry. The lobster enchiladas were also just dry and bland. No one at the whole table finished their plate.
(3)
Jewell S.

Had such high expectations and was sadly disappointed. Ordered medium rare filet. Sent it back. Still came out medium to medium well. Tough. Tasteless. Only offered free dessert. Creme brÃ»lÃ©e was less than desirable as well. Service was poor. Will not be back. I prefer filet from Stoney River or J. Alexander's as a comparison.
(2)
Jacky L.

A colleague wanted to try out Sambuca since it was nearby and was a bit different than the other restaurants in Nashville. The menu looked delicious with items ranging from lobster enchiladas to a red snapper Ã©touffeÃ©. However, the food itself was just "meh" and wasn't really memorable. We happened to be there on a night with live music and were seated right in front of the stage. Although a conversation may be possible if you were seated further back, I could barely hear myself up front. One highlight of my experience is the Tennessee Mule, which is served in a pretty big glass (maybe it was more surprising to me since I'm used to those little copper mugs). The dinner was okay; I might try to come back for their bar and see if they have a happy hour!
(2)
Erin M.

Fantastic food, service, and atmosphere. Great live music too! I will definitely be making a trip back next time I am in town!
(5)
Sheena T.

Sambuca is just never my first choice. After a horrid NYE experience years ago, I am slowly giving it a chance again. I've only stopped in for cocktails my past couple visits, and I'll admit they are a bit few and far between. The cocktail list is pretty decent and they have a variety of liquors to choose from. Most of the drinks looked quite sweet and I ended up having a plain mojito on my last visit. It was made well and I was pleased. Our bartender was friendly and the place wasn't very busy on a Tuesday night, however we couldn't sit in the upstairs patio due to a corporate event. There seem to be quite a few corporate events that happen here. The jazz singer and band downstairs was VERY loud and not very good. They must bring out their C squad on non busy nights of the week. I love the atmosphere and the dim romantic lighting. The giant Buddha on the second floor is pretty bitchin as well. I honestly haven't eaten in here in so long that I can't go into detail about it, but I remember it being decent but nothing blew me away. Overall an upscale fancy place to stop in for a drink. Not too bad.
(3)
Marla T.

This is absolutely my favorite spot ever. It has live music and fantastic food! I've been several times and every time I like it more and more. The music is fantastic! Great Cocktails and ambiance! So far for my Nashville spots this is my favorite!
(5)
John M.

Solid upscale dining/live music combo! The blackened snapper was perfect and the scallops were cooked just right. Bottle of pro secco was reasonably priced and the service was great!
(5)
William H.

Enjoyed the food. Several reviewers felt it was over priced but my wife and I felt with the entertainment (which was very good) that it is a fair value. The parking is very tight and valet parking is provided by the Resturant . Must pull up to the Resturant on the far right side where there is a slot to pull your car into!
(4)
Lindsay B.

I went to Nashville for a friend's bachelorette party. The night we all went out we decided to start by having dinner at Sambuca. The service was terrible. It took them 45 minutes to figure out our checks. Due to the time it took us to eat and the check debacle we started our night out very late.
(2)
Allaina L.

One of my favorite restaurants in Nashville. The food is always amazing and normally the music is great too. Great atmosphere and the service is always on point. Definitely make a reservation because they stay busy. The patio is great during the warmer months, but the main dining area is the place to be to see the nightly band.
(5)
Jessica B.

Went here with some girlfriends while we were in town for the weekend. Not only was our waiter extremely helpful, our meals were amazing! Patton James was playing and we all found the band very entertaining. This place made me wish I lived in Nashville.
(5)
Jes O.

Great service. Try the goat cheese stuffed artichokes! Amazing. We caught a great blues band, and got sat right away at 7pm in Saturday night. (Although to be fair.. The entire city of Nashville is out waiting for fireworks in the rain)
(5)
Lisa G.

Rates high in atmosphere for the live music and service. The Peter Moon Band was excellent... really good w/ a crowd and loves to take requests; even if they don't know them, they'll try to play them. Our waiter was timely and personable. Excellent bartender. Food is good but not great. I had the chili rubbed scallops which came with risotto and asparagus, $28. Good, but it came out lukewarm. Risotto is not good lukewarm. Nor are scallops, for that matter. I also had the spinach salad (with strawberries, portabella, bacon and onion with poppyseed dressing) which was really good. Sides for the table included prosciutto mac and cheese, which was delicious. We also had some chicken and beef satay, and calamari, both mediocre. For my happy ending, I got a chocolate toffee torte which was definitely more torte than toffee. I was hoping for the opposite. Very rich. So all in all, mostly hits but some misses on the food... which, of course, is what we mostly go to restaurants for. And the band doesn't come with the restaurant. Still, I'll give it 4 stars since the service and atmosphere really were pretty great. And valet parking is always a plus.
(4)
Olen M.

Great atmosphere. Made an evening dinner. Great music. Fabulous meal. The blackened red snapper et toffee is off the hook!!! Great service , the staff is fantastic. A new Nashville must visit for me!!! Loved it!!
(4)
Amy H.

I just love this place. Never a bad experience. Sat on the patio and enjoyed terrific music, service, food and cocktails. Can't beat that.
(5)
Oz T.

Needed a fun place for a client dinner .. been here before food is great. (Not cheap) Great atmosphere, music is a little loud but great for a fun place..
(4)
dave p.

Food was great especially the stuffed artichokes. Sat at the bar and the hot blonde behind there served me well!!!! She's great at her job and works hard!!! I will be back just to have some water maybe!!! Great place
(5)
Rolando O.

Had dinner here with my sister and niece who is a Vandy student. Best flat iron steak you will have. Service was awesome. If you get Jason, you will get top notch service.
(5)
Kim J.

Great night, food was great with a wide selection. The entertainment on the night was awesome. Only problem was we never booked a table and had to sit at a bar area, a first come bases. Had a great view of the band however so wasn't to bad!
(4)
Blake C.

Horrible service for the price of food. Ordered a burger for lunch being one of two tables in the place it took 30 minutes... Served with no condiments... When I asked for condiments that took another 5 minutes. I have been here before for drinks but for it being the first time here for food I am not at all impressed.
(1)
Jennifer L.

This was my second visit to Sambuca and it was amazing! We went on Saturday 10/4/14 and the band Minnie Murphy was playing. We made reservations for 6 o'clock (only availability unless we wanted to eat at 9:30) I dined with my husband and our two children ages 1 and 3. Yes it is very kid friendly! We were seated in the far left booth in the main dining. Perfect view of the stage. We were promptly greeted by our fabulous server Jordan. We knew we were gonna take the dinner slow because we wanted to see the band (they started at 7)! First lets talk about the food. We ordered the bucca beignets, bruschetta, garlic cheese bread, caprese salad, and the house salad to start! All was very very good. The kids enjoyed is all as well. We asked Jordan about the pinot noir selection. He suggested a few but pushed one more so based on our palate. We tried 2 tastings both were good. We trusted our server and order the Meomi Pinot Noir he suggested. He nailed it. It was a delicious bottle! My husband also order a sweet tea, where Jordan told us they didn't have any but could bring some sweetener. A couple minutes pass and he returns with the iced tea and fresh made hot simple syrup! He went above and beyond to get us our sweet tea! He just set the tone for the rest of the night. We were quite stuffed from all our apps but shared the Miso Sea Bass (another suggestion from Jordan) It was Fantastic! I seriously don't know where we put all the food?! Once the band started our kids hit the dance floor! They were not a disturbance to any of the guests dining. I actually think those around enjoyed their entertaining. We sat in our both listening to Minnie Murphy who was just as fabulous. The whole night was perfect. The service, the entertainment, the food! We will definitely be back when in town and ask for Jordan! Yes the venue is loud. Yes the food is yummy. Yes it is kid friendly. Yes theres a patio. Sambucca is at the top of my list for favorite restaurants.
(5)
Queen B.

Comfortable venue and plenty of space for 12 or so people to go enjoy a meal and great music. Pros: Food is fresh American sized portion Waitstaff is attentive Water glasses kept replenished Dirty dishes kept off the table Music is good Menu has plenty of variety. Chairs are comfortable Cons: Lacking BAM! in the dishes. Expensive Waitress suggests the most expensive wine on the menu, and doesn't tell you. I agree with everyone that said that the dishes sounded good, but lacked ooomph. I had the salmon Oscar tonight and the hollandaise sauce had dill in it, but I didn't taste it. I saw it, but didn't taste it. Asparagus was cooked perfectly, salmon was cooked perfectly, portion size was more than ample. In fact, half the size would have been perfect. Dessert: I ordered the bread pudding with a syrup on it, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The bread pudding was so dense, it definitely needed much more syrup than what they put on it... It needed all the bites to be wet... They were not. But that's just piddly stuff.. I think flavor is lackluster. It's like someone is afraid to create art with herbs, spices and salt.... Wine: I asked for a Pinot Grigio. Waitress suggested a brand. I accepted, and then when I saw the price on the check.. I was surprised she suggested the most expensive Grigio on the menu... When I looked at the wine list, there were 3 Pinot's... and the one she suggested was the most expensive. I wished she had said out loud, "This ** Pinot is a good one, and it's $15/glass." I think that would have been more honest. The place was just less than half full at 6:30 on a week night. All in all..... there is at least 2 new restaurants opening a week, here in Nashville.. Not sure when I'll get back to this one. Nothing was memorable.
(3)
Scott B.

Visited here while on a business trip to Nashville. It was a Monday night, so it was pretty dead. They did have some live music and a bit of an older crowd. I proceeded t grab a seat at the bar, and ordered a drink. They dont have any draft beers which was what I was wanting. Settled for a bottled beer and ordered the shrimp and crab in lemon butter sauce with linguine. The shrimp was very plump and flavorful. Was a little disappointed by the crab in it as it was more of a crab puree then actually getting crab meat. I told them light on the lemon butter sauce which is the way to go. Too much it may have been swimming in it since it is a very rich dish as it is. I wish they gave a little bread or maybe a side to go with it, but I think you have to pay for that. For the value I would say average, but thankfully the meal tasted pretty good. Barendar was nice, and they had TV's with some games on so that kept me occupied. If I go back may try someplace new, but if you are staying in the gulch this place isnt too bad.
(3)
Arshbir G.

Went here on a Saturday evening around 7pm. Had no issues getting a table for 3 people without a reservation. The band was excellent; kinda loud for a good conversation. Drinks -- awesome! Food -- eh. I ordered the pizza and caprese. Not the best food I've had. The drinks and music made up for it. Service was really good.
(4)
Jennifer M.

My husband and I really enjoy Sambuca, especially when The Diggy Band is playing. The food is delicious and we love the approach to spreading out your meal while you listen to the music. You don't feel rushed and can enjoy each part of your meal while also enjoying the music. The prosciutto mac and cheese is my favorite dish, with the sweet potatoes coming in a tight second. Creme brulee for dessert and all is right with the world.
(5)
Tom K.

Went here with my in-laws for my fiancÃ©'s birthday dinner. We were expecting great food and atmosphere. Bottom line: food is way over priced, the service was average, the restaurant was very loud. I wouldn't come back here unless I had a discount.
(2)
Dana S.

I made my first trip to Sambuca on 12/10/14 and loved it. I met a group of ladies for happy hour and had a great experience. First, it was not busy on this particular evening, so we had a very easy time finding seating. The bar area has several couches and over-sized chairs and tables in addition to regular tables/chairs and seats at the bar. The entire restaurant was very clean and decorated very nicely. The atmosphere was very warm and welcoming; all of the staff I talked to were extremely friendly and seemed happy to be there. This being Nashville, you can always find someone singing/playing and this place is no exception; a singer with a nice selection of Christmas music. Parking is also ample and very easy to find; there are 2 pay parking lots 1 block away - I paid $2 for 2 hours - completely reasonable. Good happy hour specials with a fun selection of drinks and appetizers; the food was excellent. I had the mac & cheese with prosciutto - a small plate but was more than enough for me and it was delicious. I will definitely be back to Sambuca!
(5)
Emmie L.

This place is INCREDIBLE. I planned a bachelorette party weekend away in Nashville, and this was the first location I attempted to call a week in advance to make a reservation for eight. Sadly, they said they were booked at the time we needed. So I made a reservation for a different place. The other place fell through so a friend called Sambuca and asked again, and this time they said they had availability! I was really frustrated by the fact that we had been given different information, but my elation at eating here overshadowed it. They were so helpful and accommodating. Some of the most friendly service I've had. The waitress talked with us for a good while and provided great recommendations. We were seated on the top floor on the terrace overlooking the city, and it was such a lovely view and a lovely night. They had little candles on the tables and all these couches around the room and really ambient lighting. There was live music in the level beneath us and people were dancing. It was just such a beautiful atmosphere, everyone was so happy. Prices are high, but the food was worth it. We all got different drinks (around 11 dollars each) - I got the Tennessee Tornado which packed a punch, and was so delicious. My friend and I split a pizza, the name evades me but I know it had goat cheese, italian sausage, and prosciutto. It was AMAZING. And it was only 15 dollars and provided a great meal for two. Many of the girls commented on how amazing the shrimp and crab bisque was, and I also heard the beignets were to die for. Overall, this place was top notch. Great location. Great food and drinks. Great service. If I go to Nashville again, this is definitely going to be a must go.
(4)
Tiffany O.

We love this place!!! Miso sea bass and shrimp crab dip are to die for! Staff is always friendly but you need to make reservations in advance (more than 1 day). Love the romantic atmosphere and the music sounds great. Highly recommend for date nights and birthdays. Birthdays get a free dessert too ;)
(5)
Jason E.

Good food and really fun to go there. Beer was very tasty and live music was awesome. Get the catfish sliders they were the best!
(5)
Mary F.

Went here last week on a recommendation from our hotel. This place is perfect for a date night out. NO COVER and great live music. Beautiful decor inside , nice and classy. Menu was easy reading and tasty. Kinda pricey but expected with upscale ambience and free live music. Drinks were super tasty. I had the Tigers Blood. Service was great and speedy. I think our waitress's name was Natalie. Do pass up this spot if you like jazz and good eating.
(4)
J S.

Great food and service. Centrally located near downtown. Prices are reasonable. Only negative is the parking. I would go back!
(5)
Lyrad V.

Don't let the fact that this establishment looks like a trendy upscale bar and lounge keep you from coming here for dinner. Their food is actually amazing. It only took me at least five years of coming to Sambuca to figure that out! My friends and I used to come here to hang out for drinks after dinner usually somewhere else in the Gulch. Sambuca has a great ambiance and amazing drinks. I loved their pomegranate martinis! One night we were hungry and got a few tapas/small plates and thought, man this is good food! Fast forward a few years later and we're now all married. My husband and I decided to make a dinner reservation for one of our birthdays. We were blown away at how good the food was! My husband had a really amazing steak here. The live music was a nice added romantic feature. I would definitely say this place is worth checking out whether you are looking for a place to hang with friends or for a nice dinner.
(5)
Emily O.

Stepped in here before going to see a show at the Station Inn which is across the street because they only serve beer over there and I'm more of a hard liquor kind of girl... Very nice live band playing but didn't catch the name. Female lead singer and female backup were both great. Again with the cover songs tho... Shimmied up to the bar. Ambiance is chic and dark... The crowd was a little off-putting, maybe a tad too snotty for my mingling taste. Angie the bartender was great tho and did me a huge favor by making me a slammin' espresso martini. I was on the road all day and badly needed caffeine to perk up. Espresso martinis, when done properly are probably one of my favorite things in life. I don't usually order them tho because being a bartender myself I know what a bitch they are to make. She glady obliged my request and it was delish! My bf got a fancy $12 beer and then had major martini envy when he saw/tried mine. Place wasn't cheap but I guess that is to be expected in this part of town. Only had one round and left but it was a good one!
(4)
Tim B.

We went to the Gulch for a nice meal. Sambuca had great entertainment, nice food, and great drinks. We had an excellent time.
(4)
Tiffany B.

Really really good service and a very attentive waiter. On the weekends (Friday and Saturday) they have a live band. When I went it was Al Green and the hard times. Lol. They were really in good though and had the whole crowd enjoying themselves. If you don't want to be close to the music there are quieter areas or a patio outside. The place is really nice. The drinks are on the more expensive side but totally worth every penny. They don't cheat you on your alcohol and they have really taken their time to come up with a creative and satisfying drink menu. Food was great. They serve small plates and larger meals. I ordered a small plate of Chicken Samosas. They were a tad greasy but the flavor was on point. In will definitely be going back there my next visit.
(5)
Charline H.

I haven't been to Sambuca in years, but joined a friend at the bar on Saturday night. Our bartender was amazing. He ran the bar like the ultimate pro- cool and collected while sweeping in to take orders and refilling drinks as we enjoyed the jazz band. We enjoyed the small plates and I cannot wait to go back and check out the bar upstairs which was closed for a private event. Until then... I'll be dreaming of those Goat Cheese-Stuffed Artichokes :p
(4)
C M.

Difficult review to write - really was wanted a good experience but disappointed in terms of food quality, cost and frankly service. I would equate the food experience equivalent to that of a mass produced event type quality. The restaurant was filled to capacity (not a bad thing) but the food fit - was somewhat lukewarm, dried, and lacking any serious flavor. I had the red snapper Ã©touffÃ©e- again, fish was overcooked and a bit dry. My wife had scallops with risotto coins - very small serving and a bit salty. Derive was adequate at best - appeared understaffed for the amount of people. B coffee came after dessert - annoying. Drinks were adequate at best as well. For the cost ($150 for two - three drinks and normal dinners with dessert) just left feeling like we could have gone to a dozen other local new places and had a much better meal. Good place for large parties I suppose.
(2)
Leah G.

This is my go to lunch restaurant. I love the atmosphere inside, and their patio is equally marvelous. The lunch menu has lots of options, you can mix and match a variety if salad, soup, sandwich options. The best part? Apparently no one else in Nashville ever thinks to stop in for lunch! I have never had to wait for a seat, and the restaurant usually only has a few occupied tables. Makes it a fantastic place if you need something conducive for a conversation with clients or colleagues. I'm not as big of a fan for dinner - still love the atmosphere, but the menu just isn't my style at night. If I could rate lunch and dinner separately I would give them 5 & 3 stars respectively.
(4)
Emay B.

Good food, good service, good drinks... Came here on a Friday night in August and encountered no wait to sit outside on the patio. Our server was attentive and offered a great suggestion as I was in between the salmon and the scallops. I took his suggestion and did the scallops and was so pleased I did. The flavors of the scallops, the tomato sauce, and the seasoning used paired with the risotto cake was out of this world. I encourage you to visit The Gulch and Sambucas. Oh and did I mention the $5 valet?
(5)
Josh B.

The wife and I sat near the stage area. The band they had was totally amazing! The band's name was the Chris Weaver Band. The food was decent. The drinks were okay as well. But what got us was the air conditioning seem to be out when were there last Friday night! It was extremely hot inside. We don't like eating hot food when the thermostat is set to Hell. We were sweating profusely! We only come here occasionally and parking is valet tip plus $5.
(3)
Angela D.

Our visit started off poorly when the hostess said "I need your drinks" immediately after greeting us (referring to our empty coffee cups that we would have thrown away had they had a trash can outside). It just seemed extremely rude. Once we were seated, our server Robby greeted us and he was amazing from beginning to end. He made great suggestions and never rushed us. He was very laid back and knowledgable in the best possible way. The food was very good but the difference in portion sizes between the flat iron steak and the salmon was kind of odd. The band playing the night we were there was unreal! A lady named sissy was singing with them but I can't recall what the band's name was. The only other thing I found odd was the fact that a restaurant this nice has paper dinner menus. Overall, great experience!
(4)
Antony F.

Came with a group for a late night dinner, ambiance outside was nice, I had the crab and shrimp scampi (minus the shrimp) and it was pretty good. I went to order a 2nd drink and was told the bar was closed, yet I noticed another server coming out with a round for the table next to us, not to mention some folks at our table joined us after, with drinks they bought at the bar. They closed early for a Friday night. Felt like our server was just done, and wanted out.
(2)
Carrie L.

With a night to spend in Nashville, I thought it would be best to find a place with live music and food. Sambuca came up a few times on google so even with an average rating on yelp, I decided to try it out. Long story short, I am never listening to google again. Sambuca has a stage on one end with various performers almost nightly. Tables and booths are facing the stage giving it the proper attention. My server was super attentive and sweet. Service was the only "wow" factor I got from Sambuca. I ordered the beignet appetizer and filet entree, and while they weren't bad, the food in general was only average, to say the truth. The filet was a bit soggy to the cut. The butter sauce was not complimentary to the steak. The drink (sambuca sling-back) was strong with no particular flavor. Food is overpriced and I was not satisfied from the food to the drink to the ambiance. This place was unbelievably dark! Everyone around me had to use their phone in order to read the menu. Maybe I was expecting too much.. But I'm sure there are other restaurants that can better represent Nashville.
(3)
Aisha M.

Sambucca is a solid place for a night out. On my last visit there was live music. I ordered the pasta and my companion a steak. Both were tasty. I had the sticky toffee pudding for dessert...it was a solid decision.
(4)
Katrina L.

Loved our server. Cumcumber pineapple drink was delicious. My entree was the scallops with risotto -- So perfect. Scallops were cooked perfectly and paired great with the risotto and asparagus.
(5)
Punam D.

Came here for dinner on Wednesday night. What a disappointing evening. As noted in Alex's review from 2011, you can't ignore the band because they are completely in your face. I don't wish to complain; they weren't bad but if I had wanted to go to hear a band play, I would have gone to a bar. I went there with a large group, and was supposed to have a set menu but a few of us went off piste and ordered appetizers. I'm so glad that we did. The beignets were lovely and creamy and the lobster and crab were seriously tasty. The fried oyster had been obliterated by the cooking process and was just a hard lump of batter. The chicken samosa was good. The entrees were not so good. The steak came with a weird sauce and no sides. I would have ordered something had I known. i didn't even touch the set menu dessert. Service was good and friendly though. Wine was quaffable. No thank you to the rest Sambuca!
(2)
Necey T.

Good food, good music, nice staff. A lot of space for groups and nice ambiance for date or group night out. Artichoke appetizer delicious Chicken Somasas- pretty good Artisan pizza with sausage- tasty Mango pear drink-pretty good Will definitely be back!
(4)
Jenni E.

I came here on a Sunday night for a late dinner. Food and service did not disappoint. The drinks were great - I too went with the pineapple, cucumber drink and that is probably one of my new favorite combinations. The food is pricey here - so I went with a couple of the small plate options and dessert. I had the bruschetta, Mac and cheese and the duck breast. I did feel like it was a little crazy to pay $15 for three bit size pieces of duck breast, but they were delicious. The Mac and chest was good and you would love it if you love goat cheese. I don't like goat cheese, but I still liked it enough to eat it. The bruschetta is pretty standard here. I really wanted the creme brÃ»lÃ©e, but they were out so I settled on sticky toffee pudding with ice cream. That was pretty amazing. The night I came they had an amazing blues singer that I could have listened to for hours. This would be a great date spot for anyone looking to impress.
(4)
Raj R.

My wife and I went to here last night. It was pretty dead and the restaurant was very dark, like hard to read the menu dark. Yes, I get it's the vibe, but still. The band was average at best, much better performers elsewhere. The was was definitely good.
(3)
Mindy J.

One of my favorite Nashville restaurants, The food is always on point, The service was JUST RIGHT, and the ambiance so perfectly romantic And they have live Jazz at night I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone in the Nashville area! It is however, a LITTLE on the pricier side... My group of 4 ate for $170 + $30 tip and we all had immaculate entrees, several drinks, TWO appetizers, and TWO desserts!!! Not bad AT ALL, and completely worth every penny :) Will return!!! OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!!
(4)
Steve S.

Went to this place for a birthday. I will say it has great atmosphere and that night they had a really great live cover band playing. This place is great for accommodating groups. We got the top floor and the decor and atmosphere is nice. Felt like I was in a private LA style bar. They do valet so keep your receipt when getting your car. If you want to take a date, a intimate setting with that special someone, this is the place to take them. Do not come here looking for a big meal. You are paying for more experience than a full stomach. Though I will say the food I did order was tasty and full of flavor. I did enjoy the Shrimp & Crab Bisque. I also ordered the Chicken & Shrimp Tostadas. Paid 9.50 for 3 small chips. You are going to pay more for much less on a plate. I would say this is a great place to get drinks, have fun with friends, listen to live music and just enjoy the Gulch area. If you are tight on budget, prob find a place to eat first than come here for drinks. But they have a full menu and great choice and if money isn't an issue than this is a one stop shop!!
(3)
Shami K.

Anyone that has worked in the food industry knows Mondays are not busy like a Friday or Saturday, so I was a little confused when they couldn't seat us till 8:40PM even though the dining area was basically empty (maybe 10 tables seated) and we had reservations for 8PM. When we were sitting at the bar for 30 minutes waiting to order, the bartender did not once try to ask what I'd like. Definitely overpriced for what you get. There are tons of amazing new restaurants in Nashville, and this place is waiting to go out of business. My scallops were room temperature at best- actually kind of cold. Another girl at the table ordered a pizza, and it was literally cold (not even room temperature). I'd prefer to get my food 5 minutes before or after someone else at the table than to be served cold food. With tip, my meal and drinks cost $80. For that price, take your money and go to Rolf and Daughters or Sinema.
(1)

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Address : 601 12th Ave S
Nashville, TN, 37203
Phone (615) 248-2888
Website https://www.sambucarestaurant.com
Click To Get Directions

Opening Hours

Mon :11:00 am - 11

Specialities

Takes Reservations : Yes
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Trendy
Noise Level : Average
Music : Live
Good For Dancing : Yes
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : Yes
Best Nights : Thu, Fri, Sat
Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : Yes

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Sambuca

601 12th Ave S, Nashville, TN, 37203

Sambuca Menu

Small Plates

Savory Bowls

Leafy Greens

Pizzas

Using Our Noodles

Off The Hook

From The Range

From The Range - Add Ons

Sides

Happy Ending

Healthy Meal suggestions for Sambuca

Small Plates

Savory Bowls

Leafy Greens

Pizzas

Using Our Noodles

Off The Hook

From The Range

From The Range - Add Ons

Sides

Happy Ending

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Christina B.

Shannon M.

Marisela S.

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Jenni E.

Raj R.

Mindy J.

Steve S.

Shami K.

Jes O.

Antony F.

Carrie L.

Aisha M.

Katrina L.

Punam D.

Leah G.

Emay B.

Josh B.

Angela D.

Allaina L.

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Emily O.

Tim B.

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