In keeping with journalistic integrity, we thought the only fair way to review the Stampede grounds’ beer gardens was to sit down for a beer in each one. Though the events of Saturday are foggy, here is our opinion to the best of our recollections.
BBQ, Bulls, & Beers
This beer garden has a prime location within the grounds as it has easy access to most of the food vendors. This would be a good place to grab a drink with your frenemy as it’s nearly impossible to make conversation over the blaring music. This beer garden has you covered when you start feeling adventurous after a few drinks because it contains mechanical bulls. But if you’re not up for dancing in the small space between the tables and bathrooms or staring awkwardly into your drink because no one can hear anything you say, this beer garden is not for you.
Clamato House
This beer garden is a mixture of outdoor living and indoor comforts – because you can literally sit inside if you get tired of the heat. It’s prime location next to the Coke Stage means you can drunkenly sing along to whatever performer is on that night. Not to mention, you care a lot less about the long line to enter the garden when there’s live entertainment to distract you. Aside from a few picnic tables inside the building, this beer garden lacks seating but has plenty of standing/leaning room.
Corona Beer Garden
This beer garden is situated furthest from the main entrance which means you have to burn calories getting there before you can drink them. It features an array of seating with umbrellas so attendees can get some shade. There is also a large Corona beach chair within the garden which is an excellent photo opportunity. The one downside to this garden is the DJ is located in an elevated box with no access to the general public – which means if you have a song request you better be good at folding paper airplanes.
Nashville North
As old people would say, this is where all the cool kids hang out. And to prove it, you’re guaranteed to wait an hour in line getting into the place. This beer garden is by far the largest and features live entertainment from local country rock bands. There is very minimal seating, but who needs it when you’re expected to dance the entire time you’re in there? A bonus to this beer garden is the fact that it contains food vendors right inside its perimeters, because calories from beer just aren’t enough during the Stampede.
