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Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole Tickets
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The venue
About Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole
Cross-Eyed Critters Watering Hole is a one-of-a-kind cocktail lounge nestled inside Graduate Nashville at 101 20th Ave N, with a private entrance on West End Avenue. Known as the world’s first animatronic karaoke bar, this 21+ venue blends a speakeasy atmosphere with live performances from a robotic bear, pig, and fox backup band. Guests can enjoy crafted cocktails, beer, late-night bites, and even an outdoor taco trailer, all in a setting that’s part dining room, part performance stage.
Today’s guests typically experience a long bar and intimate seating options as part of the venue’s layout. While a public seating chart isn’t published, you can expect a cozy, social environment designed for listening, singing, and savoring cocktails after a night on the town around Vanderbilt University.
Cross-Eyed Critters has hosted live music events and themed nights since its opening in January 2020, including Songwriters Rounds in 2025, offering a memorable blend of music and improv alongside the animatronic performances. Though reports in 2024–2025 note the venue’s closure status in various outlets, the venue remains a compelling option for patrons seeking a distinctive Midtown Nashville experience, with continued association to the Graduate Nashville property.
Logistics and access: Valet parking is available through the Graduate hotel at the best available price; self-parking isn’t listed, so plan for valet if you’re driving. The venue sits in Midtown Nashville near West End, with convenient public transit routes serving the area. The complex is adjacent to Vanderbilt University, making it easy to pair a campus visit or a night out with nearby dining options.
Nearby hotel and dining options: The Graduate Nashville property houses the venue and offers related amenities, including White Limozeen and Poindexter Coffee on site. For guests seeking a broader stay, there are additional Marriott and boutique hotels in the West End/Midtown corridor. Dining options in the vicinity provide a range from upscale to casual, with affiliate partner recommendations available to help you book convenient stays and meals before or after the show.
Tips for securing your experience: Given the intimate nature and 21+ policy, secure your seats early. While the seating chart isn’t published, expect a long bar with seating options and a few closely grouped tables, including a distinctive great seats as noted in venue descriptions. For current show dates and availability, check the venue’s listing and Graduate Nashville announcements, and consider timing your visit to align with open mic or songwriter rounds often hosted by the venue.
Good to know
Seating, Parking & Venue Information
- Location and access: Inside Graduate Nashville at 101 20th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203, with a separate entrance on West End Avenue; adjacent to Vanderbilt University.
- Capacity and vibe: Dining capacity 125; 21+ only; venue described as a cocktail lounge/speakeasy with live animatronic performances.
- What it is: The world’s first animatronic karaoke bar, featuring a robotic bear, pig, and fox backup band; menu includes cocktails, beer, and late-night bites, plus an outdoor taco trailer.
- Seating chart/typical seating: Public seating chart not published; notes mention a long bar with about a dozen seats (including a saddle) as part of the venue’s layout.
- Parking and transit: Valet parking available through the Graduate hotel ($55); self-parking not listed as available; located in Midtown near West End; public transit access via nearby Midtown routes.
- Nearby hotels: Graduate by Hilton Nashville houses the venue; related hotel facilities and dining options are co-located (e.g., White Limozeen, Poindexter Coffee).
- Notable events hosted: Opened January 9, 2020; has hosted live music events and themed nights (e.g., Songwriters Round noted in 2025).
- Current status: Widely reported as closed by notable outlets in 2024–2025; no credible reports of demolition or renaming found.