Skull's Rainbow Room

What to Expect

Skull's is in the basement of the Southern Turf Building at 222 Printer's Alley, which means you're heading underground into a room with two-foot-thick stone walls, low lighting, live jazz, and a speakeasy feel. The original Skull's Rainbow Room opened in 1948 under David "Skull" Schulman, who ran it until his murder onsite in 1998, and the room sat empty for nearly two decades before reopening in 2014. Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Etta James, Bob Dylan, and Paul McCartney all performed or spent time here. The menu has earned recognition from Condé Nast. The prime rib, rack of lamb, and pork chop are the standout entrees, portions run large, and the lobster bisque and truffle mashed potatoes are worth ordering alongside. Craft cocktails run $15 and up. The burlesque show runs Thursday through Sunday starting at 11pm, with a $25 cover kicking in at 9pm on those nights. Reservations are strongly recommended; Saturday nights book out months in advance. Walk-ins are possible at the bar earlier in the evening but a real gamble after 8pm.