Big changes ahead for Sean Brock's The Continental in Nashville. Here's what to know.

Mackensy Lunsford, Nashville Tennessean
·2 min read

Sean Brock, the chef behind Joyland, Audrey and June, has announced plans to hold the last service at The Continental at the Grand Hyatt on Sept. 17. In its place, he'll open Bar Continental, a vinyl bar and lounge, this fall.

According to a release from Brock's team, Bar Continental is inspired by Japanese kissa culture and will combine the chef's love of music, Japanese culture and food.

Jazz kissas are Japanese listening cafes centered around the appreciation of jazz and excellent audio. What began as tea lounges evolved into cocktail bars with unfussy drinks. The chef counted them among some of his favorite places to visit during his Japan travels, his team noted in the release.

In an emailed statement, Brock called Bar Continental "a place for those who appreciate extraordinary sound and the pursuit of sonic excellence.”

Sean Brock has a collection of more than 5,000 records, from soul to old-school honky tonk. (Credit: Ray di Pietro/courtesy photo)
Sean Brock has a collection of more than 5,000 records, from soul to old-school honky tonk. (Credit: Ray di Pietro/courtesy photo)

“Visiting Bar Continental is like attending a concert,” the chef said. "You feel the music; it's transcendent, similar to an experience on Lower Broadway, and my hope is that Bar Continental will bring that same kind of memories to this side of Broadway, with excellent service in mind. We want to be the place you take your friends visiting from out of town, who may not want to deal with the crowds on Lower Broadway."

What to know about Bar Continental

  • Bar Continental’s bar menu will offer classic cocktails, wine, local beer on tap and zero-proof drinks.

  • Food will include "simple dishes showcasing the best seafood available," according to Brock's team.

  • Brock and his team will still serve brunch, including the prime rib cart, on Sundays.

  • During the day, the bar will serve coffee, tea, and pastries, and feature full-length classic jazz records.

Sean Brock's record collection predominantly features music from the 1960s, '70s and mid-'80s.
Sean Brock's record collection predominantly features music from the 1960s, '70s and mid-'80s.

  • Brock boasts a collection of more than 5,000 records, including Mississippi blues, soul, classic rock and more.

  • Bar Continental will have two distinct bars: the 24-seat Wolf Bar and the 21-seat Onken Bar. The main dining room will have 46 seats.

  • A high-quality audio system will feature vintage Mclntosh and Tannoy speakers.

  • The dining room will be split by large black acoustical curtains designed to improve sound quality.

  • A section of the restaurant will be designated for those who prefer lower volumes.

  • According to Brock, the space is designed for guests "to feel the music (and) to discern the individual instruments and performers as though they were sitting in the control room."

  • Bar Continental will be at the Grand Hyatt Nashville, 1000 Broadway Suite 101, in downtown Nashville.

More at @barcontinentalhifi.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Sean Brock in Nashville: The Continental to become vinyl listening bar