Operating as one of Nashville’s most iconic and enduring recreational establishments, Gold Rail and Cue is widely recognized as an earlier name for the Melrose Billiard Parlor. While the specific address 407 Gallatin Avenue does not yield direct historical records for a venue named Gold Rail and Cue, multiple local sources confirm that Melrose Billiard Parlor, located at 2600 8th Avenue South, was historically known by that name. The Melrose Billiard Parlor first opened its doors in 1944, providing a consistent subterranean gathering place for the community for decades.
This historic dive bar offered a variety of attractions, including numerous pool tables, ping-pong, shuffleboard, darts, foosball, and Golden Tee, along with cheap beer and, in earlier times, chili dogs. After surviving the 2010 Nashville flood, the establishment underwent a temporary closure in September 2016 for renovations and reopened by the end of that year under new ownership by A. Ray Hospitality, committed to preserving its cherished dive bar ambiance. Throughout its long history, Melrose Billiard Parlor has served as a significant local hub, attracting a diverse clientele and even notable figures such as musicians John Prine and Jack White.