A new whiskey-focused cocktail bar is set to open in Nashville this week. Middleman is set to open on June 5, 2026. The whiskey-focused cocktail bar is part of the Boka Restaurant Group portfolio.
Middleman Joins Boka Restaurant Group’s Portfolio
Middleman is set to open on Friday at 521 Houston Street in Nashville’s Wedgewood Houston neighborhood. The new concept from Boka Restaurant Group is a whiskey-focused bar. The space is inspired by Tennessee’s whiskey-making heritage.
Guests can expect crafted cocktails, welcoming hospitality, and thoughtful design at Middleman. The name Middleman honors the individuals who once helped in the underground bourbon trade. It also reflects the idea of bringing people, places, and traditions together.
The concept is inspired by the history and culture of Nashville, including its landmarks and musical heritage.
Middleman is situated between Boka Restaurant Group’s Italian restaurant Alla Vita and Japanese concept Momotaro. It serves as a connection between two while also maintaining its individual identity.
The design, by AvroKO, includes a covered passageway, symmetrical walkways, elaborate facades, and a wide glass atrium. The design aims to evoke a cheerful ambiance. The interiors also incorporate travel-inspired and discovery-themed furnishings and artifacts.
Middleman, Alla Vita, and Momotaro are all part of the 18-acre Wedgewood Village development by AJ Capital Partners. The bar will be open daily starting at 4:30 p.m.
Signature Cocktails and Beverage Highlights
Ashley Santoro leads the beverage program at Middleman. Santoro is the Director of Beverage at Boka Restaurant Group. The menu is inspired by the tastes of Nashville with innovative interpretations of classic cocktails.
Many drinks use local ingredients like spice rubs, pickled vegetables, and other regional flavors. There is also a rotating lineup of small-batch Tennessee whiskies, international whiskies, rare agave spirits, and vintage liqueur.
The bar team will also offer reserve bottles and off-menu pours for those looking to try something different. Signature cocktails include:
- Under the Bridge is a blend of Old Overholt rye whiskey, arugula liqueur, and spice-rub sweet vermouth.
- Ride the Bike is a mix of Buffalo Trace bourbon, espresso Campari, sweet vermouth, and orange bitters.
- Banana Daiquiri is a blend of rum, banana liqueur, and lime
- Gran Turismo is a martini-style drink with green tomato, pickle brine, and gin
- Blue Steel blends Reposado tequila, blueberry liqueur, Licor 43, and lime
Boka Restaurant Group was established in 2002 by James Beard Award-winning restaurant owners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm. It has become one of the top chef-driven restaurant groups in the country. The group has several prominent chefs as partners. It has several restaurant concepts, each with a unique type of cuisine and experience.
