Rosepepper bartenders know their tequila

(Credit: Jae S. Lee)

The bustling bartenders at Rosepepper Cantina proudly make their margaritas without mix or machine, and they make 'em strong.

The East Nashville establishment also happens to be the least pretentious tequila bar in town. Ask for the tequila menu and you'll find 58 options, not to mention specialty varieties that occasionally crop up.

Tequilas are ranked from one star to five, with prices rising accordingly. Drink one too many Casa Nobles and you might splurge on the extra-aged Asom Broso Anejo at $25 a shot, recognized as Robb Report's "best of the best."

Or you could spend that $25 on a pitcher of the popular house margarita. Served on the rocks in a pint glass, it's perky enough for the first drink. I was ultimately persuaded to try the Juanita Rita ($10.75), a smoky, smooth-drinking concoction made with Cuervo Black and Cointreau. In fact my arm was twisted by Juanita herself, who was our cheerful waitress in the bar area that night. Josiah's Finest ($11.75), named for another bartender and heavy on the Herraduro Reposado, goes down easy, too.

Rosepepper's bar also is stocked with Mexican beers and a small wine selection. Non-tequila cocktails include the Pina Cantina ($6.50), which blends two kinds of rum with pineapple and coconut, as well as mojitos, red or white sangria and caipirinhas. If you think you don't like tequila, chat up a bartender for guidance. Fortunately, you won't have to pull them away from a margarita machine!