- Attraction: M.L.Rose Craft Beer & Burgers – Melrose
- Location: 2535 8th Ave S Ste 107, Nashville, TN 37204
- Industry: Restaurant
- Website: https://mlrose.com/melrose-location/
Since opening its doors in December 2008, M.L.Rose has transformed from a humble watering hole in Nashville’s gritty Melrose neighborhood into an institution that helped define what a great neighborhood pub should be.
You’ll find this spot near 12 South, and it still maintains that lived-in, comfortable atmosphere that makes you want to settle in for hours. The original location sparked what’s now grown into a local chain with seven spots across Middle Tennessee, but the Melrose pub remains the heartbeat of the operation.
What sets this place apart?
Their democratic Beer Council meets four times yearly to taste-test and vote on which brews make the cut for their seasonal menu.
This isn’t just marketing fluff—it’s a thoughtful process where bar managers narrow down 200 contenders to 50 finalists before the council blind-tastes each one.
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Keep Exploring →The result is a carefully curated selection of approximately 36 draft beers and around 100 total options that change with the seasons, ensuring you’ll always discover something new alongside reliable favorites.
Burger Highlights
The A.N.M.L. Burger: This signature creation deserves its own spotlight. You’ll get two smashed patties topped with American cheese, bacon fat caramelized onions, shredded iceberg lettuce, tomato, pickles, and their proprietary awesome sauce.
The patties have that perfect crispy edge from being smashed on the griddle, and those bacon fat caramelized onions? They’re rich, sweet, and absolutely addictive.
Burger of the Month: Keep an eye out for rotating monthly specials that push creative boundaries. Past creations have included everything from a Cubano-inspired burger with maple ham and Swiss on Texas toast to a Notorious Pig burger that had people raving. These limited-time offerings give you a reason to return month after month.
Truffle Mushroom Swiss: If you prefer something earthier, this combination delivers with mushrooms, Swiss cheese, and truffle aioli creating a savory umami bomb that pairs beautifully with a darker beer.
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Discover MoreThe Spicy Options: For heat seekers, burgers topped with habanero jack cheese, serrano pepper-bleu cheese, grilled jalapeños, and chipotle ranch bring serious fire without overwhelming the burger’s flavor.
Vegetarian & Turkey Alternatives: The black bean quinoa burger gets high marks, featuring umami mayo, Korean cucumbers, kimchi, and cilantro. Meanwhile, the turkey burger options—including a Cajun-seasoned version with smoked cheddar and bacon—prove poultry patties can absolutely hold their own.
Wings, Fries & Appetizers
Beer-Braised Wings: These aren’t your typical wings. They’re beer-braised first, then seasoned and flash-fried until crispy. You can toss them in buffalo, hot buffalo, habanero buffalo, garlic parmesan, sriracha honey, or cajun dry rub. The process creates wings with incredibly tender meat inside and a satisfying crunch outside.
The Famous Waffle Fries: Crispy, golden, and served in generous portions, these waffle fries come with every burger and earn consistent praise. You can upgrade to sweet potato waffle fries for a different twist, or go all-in with loaded waffle fries smothered in melted cheddar and jack cheese, bacon, tomato, and green onions with their signature Thicc Ranch for dipping.
Nashville Hot Cheese Curds: A local favorite that combines Wisconsin white cheddar fried until crispy, then tossed in Nashville hot seasoning. They arrive piping hot with M.L.Rose Thicc Ranch as the cooling counterpoint.
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Keep Exploring →Bottle Caps: This appetizer platter showcases fried vegetables in an unexpectedly delightful way. The fried okra stands out particularly—it’s split down the middle into halves rather than sliced into discs, creating an ideal ratio of okra to batter. The fried jalapeños bring heat, while fried pickles round out this vegetable variety pack.
Nachos & Quesadillas: The grilled chicken nachos feature housemade tortilla chips with ample chicken, while layers of queso and black beans topped with grilled chicken, pico de gallo, and jalapeños create a satisfying starter perfect for sharing.
The Beer Experience
Rotating Seasonal Selection: The beer menu changes four times yearly, with that dedicated Beer Council ensuring quality over quantity. You’ll find beers organized by flavor profile—Bright & Crisp, Slightly Hoppy, Dark & Rich, Gluten-Conscious—making it easy to navigate even if you’re not a beer expert.
Flights & Samples: New to craft beer? You can order flights to sample multiple brews, or ask for small pours before committing to a full glass. This approach encourages exploration without the risk.
Local & National Mix: Several taps stay reserved for collaborations with local Nashville breweries, limited releases, and exclusive offerings you won’t find elsewhere. The menu balances familiar craft favorites with adventurous new additions.
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Discover MoreWeekend Brunch Specials: Saturday and Sunday brunch comes with 2-for-1 mimosas and bloody marys from 10am to 2pm—ideal for recovering from Friday night or kickstarting your weekend.
Atmosphere & Setting
The Patio Experience: The covered, heated outdoor patio ranks as a favorite spot for regulars, especially during Nashville’s pleasant weather months. You’ll find high-top seating, a fire pit that creates a cozy gathering point, and enough TVs to catch the game while enjoying fresh air.
Indoor Pub Vibes: Step inside and you’ll encounter that authentic neighborhood pub feeling—lived-in without being shabby, eclectic without trying too hard. Multiple TVs throughout ensure you won’t miss any sporting events, while the space maintains an atmosphere that works equally well for casual dates, friend gatherings, or solo dining at the bar.
The Bar Scene: Bar seating provides quick service and a front-row view of the action. You can order directly from bartenders, making it efficient for lunch or when you’re dining solo.
Music City Character: The original M.L.Rose location captured the spirit of Nashville’s Melrose neighborhood when it was still emerging and gritty. Studio musicians, hospitality workers, and regular folks all mix here, creating that unpretentious Music City vibe.
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Keep Exploring →Other Considerations
Pricing & Value: You’ll find prices fall in the mid-range category—not cheap, but reasonable for the quality and portion sizes you receive. Most burgers land in the $14-$16 range, and they all come with waffle fries. Beer prices vary by selection, but the quality-to-cost ratio feels fair, especially considering the curated selection.
Parking Situation: Free parking is available in a garage right next to the building, which is a genuine luxury in Nashville. However, during peak dinner hours or weekend nights, spots can fill up quickly, so arriving slightly off-peak helps.
Family-Friendly Factor: This spot works well for families during earlier hours, with options like chicken tenders and kid-friendly burgers. The atmosphere shifts more toward an adult crowd as evening progresses, particularly on weekend nights.
Happy Hour Deals: Weeknight happy hour runs 3pm-6pm and again from 9pm-close Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, offering discounts on beer, wine, cocktails, and select appetizers. Thursday brings 2-for-1 night from 3pm until closing—arguably the best deal of the week.
Team Trivia: Tuesday nights at 7pm feature team trivia that’s been voted best in Nashville by Nashville Scene readers. It’s competitive, fun, and fills the place up, so arrive early if you want a table.
Self-Seating Setup: You seat yourself rather than waiting for a host, which typically means shorter waits. Just grab an available table when you arrive, though this system can occasionally lead to confusion during busy periods.
M.L.Rose Craft Beer & Burgers – Melrose
📍 2535 8th Ave S Ste 107, Nashville, TN 37204
