Denzel Irwin, Owner Of Iconic Santa’s Pub In Nashville, Has Passed Away

A true Nashville legend.

If you’ve never been to Santa’s Pub in Nashville, you’re missing out. The iconic dive bar located in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood of Music City may not be as flashy as the massive artist bars on Broadway, but the Christmas lights and decorations on the small trailer will no doubt catch your eye as you pass by the small building.

And when you step inside, you’re greeted by low ceilings, a cash-only bar that sells only beer (no whiskey or cussing allowed), karaoke, and quite simply one of the best dive bars in the city.

Santa’s Pub is a great place to end a night in Nashville. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve ended up at Santa’s after a night out…because honestly most of the time I’m already way too hammered by the time I get there. It’s not really the type of place you start the night at, but when it comes to finding a great dive bar to kick back and relax in, there’s nowhere better in Nashville.

It’s also the kind of place that you’re likely to see your favorite artist hanging out in, because it’s a favorite among everybody in Nashville.

The iconic bar was opened in 2011 by Denzel Irwin, who was a painter for 40 years and decided to open the bar after he retired. Irwin named the bar after his own nickname, Santa, which was given to him by his 18 grandkids.

Since it opened, Santa has been a constant presence at his bar, hanging out with celebrities from Ed Sheeran to Jelly Roll and Kelsea Ballerini, and reminding patrons of the rules of his bar:

“There’s no cussing at Santa’s. You respect women or find another bar. I’m an ole’ country boy, that’s the way it is.”

And as for why his bar only sells beer? Well according to Santa, it’s because people don’t fight when they’re drinking beer:

“Beer only, you peel out and go to the Waffle House, whiskey, you’re 10 feet tall and bulletproof, there’s never been a fight here. Beer, you get sleepy and hungry before you want to fight.”

Unfortunately, the legendary owner of the bar passed away this morning, with Natalie Osborne, the wife of Brothers Osborne’s TJ Osborne, being among the first to share the sad news:

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A post shared by Natalie Osborne (@natalieosborne)

After his passing, several artists took to social media to pay tribute to “the real Santa,” including Kacey Musgraves, who shared several posts on her Instagram story recalling the memories she’s made at Santa’s Pub:

“This man was such a massive part of mine and my friends lives for years. I have so many unforgettable and hilariously legendary memories with him in it. Rest in peace to the real Santa.”

Over the years, many music videos have been filmed inside Santa’s Pub, and with all of the artists who frequented his bar, it’s hard to put into words the impact Santa had on Nashville and country music.

Definitely won’t be the same walking into the bar and not seeing the real Santa sitting there with his beer and cigarette.

Rest in peace, Santa.

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