Wilburn Street Tavern is a neighborhood watering hole in the McFerrin Park area of East Nashville. The original Wilburn closed for renovations in Fall of 2017, expected to be re-opened, and then closed permanently at the end of 2017.  The neighborhood was saddened by the loss of their haunt and home of the beloved Miss Paulette aka “Mama.”

Teresa Mason, the owner of the widely popular food truck turned brick and mortar, Mas Tacos Por Favor, took over the dive.  The new Wilburn Street Tavern opened in May 2018.  The bar is quickly gaining newfound popularity.

The Tavern offers $6 dollar drink specials of handcrafted cocktails as well as regular house cocktails ranging from $6 to $10.  The $6 drink specials vary from a fresh and bright Berry Sangria to Wine Spritzers.  Their house cocktail offerings consist of Latin influenced mixology, a Fancy Margarita and the classic Salty Dog. Wilburn also offers select beers, wines, and bubblies.

The dive is an open space with a full service bar and offers a $5 menu of snacks and quick bites. On select Sundays, Wilburn offers a brunch menu with fresh and carefully prepared Latin influenced options, such as Tamales and Empanadas.

The new Wilburn Street Tavern has maintained much of the dive aesthetic with a trendy revamp.  The bar has a reddish hue with few windows masking out the light of day, adorned with knick knacks, subtle tiki undertone and mid-century vibe. The bar also  offers an event space and a small back patio to indulge in other vices.

The dive bar mojo is evident, complimented with friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere. Sitting at the aged wooden bar reminiscent of my grandparent’s den, the Wilburn had a feel of an upscale establishment.

On my visit, I enjoyed one of the Labor Day Weekend $6 special berry Sangrias. The cocktail was well balanced, bright, and refreshing. One of my companions allowed me to sample their Arnold Palmer, which was also on special.  Arnold was also a well crafted cocktail with a hint of lemon.

I am a person of simple tastes, and honestly, my favorite part of these drinks was their ice.  The Wilburn Street Tavern offers the kind of ice you can find at Sonic Drive-In  that perfectly fills every crevice of liquid and allows it to stay cool exceedingly longer than your standard cube.

Stop in to The Wilburn Street Tavern Tuesday through Thursday 3PM-12AM, Friday 3PM-1AM, and Sunday and Monday from NOON-1AM for cocktail and quick bite.