The Patterson House and The Catbird Seat begin bold new chapter in Nashville’s South Gulch
- Jake Nicholas
- 6 hours ago
- 2 min read
Two of Nashville’s most acclaimed hospitality concepts—The Patterson House and The Catbird Seat—have recently debuted their striking new home atop the fifth floor of the historic Bill Voorhees Building in Paseo South Gulch, marking a major milestone for Strategic Hospitality. The move brings both institutions into a fresh era with elevated interiors, expanded culinary offerings, and a renewed sense of identity—while preserving the spirit that made them beloved staples in the city’s dining and cocktail scene.
After 16 years on Division Street, The Patterson House has reemerged with more space, more light, and a more evolved approach to modern mixology. With seating now expanded to over 100 guests and a three-sided bar anchoring the room, the space trades its speakeasy darkness for midcentury warmth—complete with tin ceiling panels, natural woods, and full downtown views. The refreshed menu reflects that maturity, too, as general manager Adam Binder and the bar team roll out two cocktail menus: a rotating Short List showcasing experimental seasonal creations like the Vodka Jasmine Smash, and a deeper Long Menu of over 150 tried-and-true hits, organized with the brand’s signature humor and deep technical prowess.
Designed in collaboration with The Catbird Seat chefs Andy Doubrava and Tiffani Ortiz, the menu now includes standout dishes like grilled catfish, sourdough with cultured butter, and a pork chop topped with smoked trout roe and a herb whey sauce. Desserts and cocktail-pairing bites—including fermented potato ice cream—underscore a playful, boundary-pushing approach that continues to define The Patterson House’s identity.
Just steps away, The Catbird Seat now occupies a glowing jewel box of a space with 25 seats arranged around a U-shaped pink marble chef’s counter. Under Doubrava and Ortiz’s leadership, the new kitchen emphasizes zero-waste techniques and ingredient-driven storytelling across a 15-course seasonal tasting menu. The buildout also introduces a dedicated Wine Lounge—an intimate, velvet-draped space led by beverage director Sarah Salim, offering curated pairings and pre-dinner cocktails with seating for just 16.
Strategic Hospitality tapped designer Nick Dryden to bring the project to life, integrating rare materials like backlit bird’s eye maple and floor-to-ceiling drapery to control ambiance throughout the evening. The expanded back-of-house setup—with double the plating space and new dedicated prep zones—further empowers the chef team to operate with precision and creative agility.
For guests, the new location allows for a seamless evening: pre-dinner cocktails at The Patterson House, followed by a transportive meal at The Catbird Seat, and maybe one last drink to close out the night. It’s a thoughtfully choreographed experience that raises the bar for what dining in Nashville can be—and proves these legacy concepts are still leading the way forward.
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