Schulman's Neighborhood Bar in East Nashville — a first look at a new old-school dive bar

It's a new spot with an intentionally old-school dive bar vibe.

Schulman's Neighborhood Bar has dart boards, a live DJ who plays vinyl records, a jukebox and a cigarette machine — and yes, you can smoke, but only in the indoor/outdoor patio area out back.

The indoor/outdoor patio behind Schulman's Neighborhood Bar in East Nashville on opening night Oct. 5, 2023
The indoor/outdoor patio behind Schulman's Neighborhood Bar in East Nashville on opening night Oct. 5, 2023

The bar is named for David "Skull" Schulman, who opened Skull's Rainbow Room in Printer's Alley, one of Nashville's first dive bars. Schulman may be better known for being found murdered in the Rainbow Room in 1998.

"This is a tribute to the man himself," Schulman's owner Bill Miller — also the owner of Sinatra's restaurant downtown — said Thursday night.

A drink at the bar at Schulman's Neighborhood Bar in East Nashville on opening night Oct. 5, 2023
A drink at the bar at Schulman's Neighborhood Bar in East Nashville on opening night Oct. 5, 2023

"We hope you'll feel his spirit here."

In addition to old-school drinks, the bar serves mostly housemade food, including their own pickles and pastrami.

Schulman's, at 1201 Porter Road, will be open from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. seven days a week.

Reach Brad Schmitt at brad@tennessean.com or 615-259-8384.

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Schulman's Neighborhood Bar in East Nashville — a first look