Nashville didn’t earn the nickname “Music City” by accident. While the town has evolved into a diverse cultural hub with fine dining, professional sports, and high-end fashion, its beating heart remains the neon-lit stretch of Lower Broadway. Here, the sound of fiddles, steel guitars, and boot-stomping rhythms spills out onto the sidewalks from early morning until the early hours of the next day. It is a place where the beer is cold, the music is loud, and the history runs as deep as the Cumberland River.
The term "honky tonk" historically refers to an establishment that serves alcohol and features live country music. In Nashville, these are not just bars; they are institutions. Many of these venues have been operating for decades, serving as proving grounds for legends and launching pads for the next generation of country stars. The musicians who play these stages are often some of the most talented in the world, having moved to Tennessee with a guitar and a dream.
Visiting a honky tonk in Nashville is a sensory experience unlike any other. You will hear the twang of a Telecaster, smell the faint scent of stale beer and wood polish, and feel the vibration of the bass drum through the soles of your boots. It is a democratic environment where bachelorettes, businessmen, and blue-collar locals stand shoulder to shoulder, united by a shared appreciation for authentic American music.
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Nashville honky tonk scene is its accessibility. Unlike many major music cities where seeing a headlining act requires a pre-purchased ticket and a crowded amphitheater, Nashville offers world-class entertainment for the price of a drink. The "cover charge" is essentially non-existent in most spots on Broadway; you simply walk in, find a stool, and tip the band.
However, with so many neon signs vying for your attention, navigating the scene can be overwhelming for a first-time visitor. You might wonder which spots are tourist traps and which ones offer the true, gritty authenticity of classic country. You may want to know where to find the best roof-top views or which stage hosts the most legendary sidemen.
To help you cut through the noise and find the soul of the city, we have curated a list of the definitive venues that define the genre. Whether you are looking for the birthplace of a specific sound or a modern mega-bar with three floors of entertainment, this guide covers the essential stops. Here are the venues you absolutely cannot miss on your pilgrimage to the heart of country music.
Honky Tonk Central
| Address | 329 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | (615) 742-9095 |
This is by far my favorite bar to visit in Nashville!! It’s got a great location, they always have great music and the vibe is always so chill!!
The staff is almost always attentive… Though I have had one female bartender who I would have choice words with… The rest of them are always amazing!!
10/10 recommend
We stopped here on a Sunday afternoon to have a few drinks and listen to live music. The band was amazing! They were taking requests and performing a wide range of tunes. Bar was very busy and people were having a great time!
A group of colleagues and I stopped in for lunch after giving a presentation. The place was just on the corner where Uber dropped us. The food was wonderful and the decor was honky tonk tremendous! The live band took requests and nailed Purple Rain and Parsley Klein with equal excellence. We even got to see a group of kids and parents learn to line dance. I highly recommend the hot chicken sandwich with tater tots and the house Nashville Hard Cider.
Why'd it take me so long to visit this place? Broadway is bar after bar after bar, with live music pouring out of every venue. Four days wasn't enough to experience it all, and we're already planning our next trip.
Drink prices are a little higher, but they help support the talented musicians, so it's well worth it. This is an absolute must-visit.
Honky Tonk Central was one of our favourite spots. Great music, friendly service & a simple but tasty food menu. The venue has multiple levels, each with a different live band, so there's always something new to enjoy.
The atmosphere is incredible, and its corner location offers a fantastic balcony overlooking Lower Broadway.
Just remember to tip the band on the level you're visiting—they deserve it.
If you don't have a good time at Honky Tonk Central, you're probably doing it wrong!
This is a really fun bar, and when I was there the band was awesome. They were alternating between things like Morgan Wallen and Jimi Hendrix, so a nice little oasis in the middle of all that country playlist music. Also the bartenders were really nice.
Nudie's Honky Tonk
| Address | 409 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
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Travelling solo from Australia spent an evening at the front bar at Nudies and had a great night. Music was great, great talent, great engagement but not too loud that you can’t order. Service from Tayler was exceptional and introduced me to a Kentucky bourbon that I drank all night. The bar top is covered in US $1 coins inset in resin and I asked if they were genuine coins. The bar top has a few hundred thousand dollars of genuine US currency!! I thought it was pretty cool.
Great night at this iconic bar on a this famous street in this world famous city.
Nina and Taylor H hands down have one of the best service providers. The band was excellent Mike Riley? Show ponies!! Fries were cold but chicken hot… other than that! Loved it here! Never been and come here often to Nashville. Clean and attentive.
If you’re new in Nashville and looking for a spot that truly captures the city’s energy, this place delivers in every way. From the moment you walk in, you’re hit with an electric atmosphere that feels both welcoming and exciting. The live music is the heartbeat of the experience—talented performers, great sound, and a crowd that’s genuinely into it. It’s the kind of place where you can feel the passion in every song.
The vibe strikes a perfect balance between lively and comfortable. Whether you’re there to dance, grab a drink, or just soak in the music, it never feels overwhelming. The service is solid, with staff that keep things moving while still being friendly and attentive.
What really stands out is how authentic it feels. This isn’t a forced “tourist” experience—it feels like a true slice of Nashville. You get that raw, real connection to the city’s music culture, which is exactly what most people come here for.
Overall, it’s a must-visit spot if you want great live music, a fun crowd, and a genuine Nashville experience.
Everything was great! The food the beer the friendly service from a beautiful specimen! They have it all not to mention they are family friendly!! Load up and let's go get some beer and Tennessee barbecue type vibes!
Nudies is amazing!!!! Nina our bartender was so great and Handsome Hangovers were an amazing band!!! Play Skynard, Prince and everything in-between!! Thank you! The bar is not to big and not to small so glad we came in!!! Thank you!!!
Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk
| Address | 411 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
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To be perfectly honest, never in a million years would I have expected to go here. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I don't enjoy country, in fact I am a big Garth Brooks fan. It's my husband and son who are not fans of country music. However, we ended up with an amazing deal for Titan/Patriots tickets, which included the pregame event here. First off, I must say, I didn't not realize there would be sooooo many Patriots fans at the game and at this event. Guessing neither did the Titans staff that put this event on, because most of the free stuff was just pushed to the ends of the tables!
So, for this event we got cheeseburger and chicken sliders, chips, dips, veggies, and basically an open bar. What's not to love! Personally, I liked the cheeseburger sliders best. The staff was friendly, and I truly loved the atmosphere. Guessing my son did too, because after the game we were looking for a bite and a beverage and he suggested we go back to "the place we went to this morning"! Like I'm gonna say no! 😆 We were seated upstairs, where the event was this morning. Again, waitstaff was friendly and helpful. Drinks did not take long, nor did the food, which we all really enjoyed. I got a burger, my husband got the catfish, and my son got the chicken tenders, or should I say 1/2 a chicken! The burger was great, would have preferred not a smash patty, but they were out of the buns for their other burger option so I couldn't get that one. Either way, it was still great! Didn't try the chicken, but did enjoy the sauces that came with it for my fries, especially the garlic one...yum! Thought my husband's catfish sandwich was really good too. The drinks, well felt like they were on the excessively iced side, but again not too bad. Both visits we had some really good bands to enjoy, and it was just a great time for everyone. Highly recommend this place for a fantastic time if you find yourself strolling the music district of Nashville.
We had an absolute blast at this Honky Tonk! The Mac Watts Band is incredible—we completely loved their sound and how they interacted with the crowd. On top of the live music, the food is great and the atmosphere is awesome. Highly recommend checking them out!
We recently celebrated my daughter’s 21st birthday at Friends In Low Places Bar & Honky-Tonk and it was absolutely unforgettable! From the very beginning of the planning process, Elaine was fabulous to work with so helpful, organized, responsive, and genuinely excited to help make the celebration special.
The night of the party, Lauren was wonderful and made sure everything ran smoothly. She took such great care of our group and helped create such a fun, welcoming atmosphere for everyone.
Our entire group had an amazing time, and the memories made that night will stay with us forever! We’re so thankful for the outstanding hospitality, great energy, and incredible experience.
Here are some pictures from the event. Thank you again for helping make my daughter’s 21st birthday so special. We truly appreciate everything and can’t wait to see you again soon! 🩷 🎶
Tia at the door was so sweet and nice. Shes who got us to come in she was working the front door awesome. Josh are waiter was great!! Very nice and personable. The band playing was so good. Food was great. Got the $15 lunch specials the pulled pork and blt so good. Hot chocolate chip cookies. Definitely will be back
Great food and great atmosphere when we attended for lunch. We however did try to go back later the same day and were denied access given my wife's purse was too big. They need to be consistent on their access rules throughout the day. No issues getting in the first time.
Robert's Western World
| Address | 416 Broadway # B, Nashville, TN 37203 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | (615) 244-9552 |
Had literally the cheapest beer in town and a great menu as well! This was our first stop in Nashville as it’s my parent’s favorite place! The Recession special is a must try here! We also got the chicken tenders basket which was great as well.
Truly the last true Honky Tonk in Nashville. Great country music! Staff are lighting fast, truly great vibes!
This place was recommended to me by a customer back in Ireland, turns out he was a singer down Broadway and told me I had to put it on my bucket list! So I did!
It's really got a lot of character!
If I return I will be hitting up Roberts again! 🖤🇮🇪
They get an extra star on their food because they were literally the only thing still serving food on Broadway that I could find during the week after work during a work trip. Not amazing food, but cheap and needed late night.
The bar itself was great, lively friendly crowd and good conversation - great honky tonk band, people dancing. Good beers and cheap. Would definitely return!
The best honky rink in all of Nashville—period. It also doubles as a boot store during the day.
Beer and food is cheap, so be sure to tip the band. Always friendly service and to get a better view of the band the move is to go upstairs. Highly recommended.
The years keep rolling by, and this bar continues to be what it always has been. The best bar on Broadway by a country mile. Pun intended. All of the big name pop "country" stars build their vanity bars that play the same songs over and over. Robert's Western World continues to stay true to the O.G. country sound. They play western swing and olld school country. No better venue. Try the working man's special: a fried bologna sandwich with a cold PBR and a moon pie for dessert. Nothing better!
Tootsies Orchid Lounge
| Address | 422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 AM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 AM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 AM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 AM Friday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Such a hip spot on Broadway! I sat at the bar and was blown away by how fast the burgers and fries came out—and the live music was absolutely killer. It's a great hangout whether you go during the day or at night. Just keep in mind that it gets busy, like most spots along Broadway, but the energy is totally worth it. 10/10 recommendation, and I'd go back tomorrow in a heartbeat!
Old school bar with live music venue with several floors in the heart of Broadway in Nashville. The music is alway good no matter the night. The crowd is lively, friendly and looking to have a great time out. The service is always prompt making sure everyone greats served as quickly as possible. We barely had to wait for drinks or food and servers were often proactive. If you’re looking for a fun night out in Nashville, you can’t go wrong with Tootsies. We were a large group of 12-15 out for an office event and they could easily welcome us. We highly recommend.
First trip to Nashville so of course I had to stop by the iconic Tootsies! Definitely get here early because they get packed quick. We got there 10 min after opening and withing 15 minutes of us getting there it was standing room only. Drinks are good, music is great l, and bartender Julie is excellent!
I ended up at the rooftop at Tootsies Orchid Lounge in downtown Nashville after grabbing brunch nearby, and it somehow turned into the perfect “oh well, it’s vacation” kind of stop.
It was officially time for drinky poos, so I went with a pineapple rum bevvy—and honestly, it was exactly what the moment called for. Cold, tropical, a little too easy to sip, and very dangerous in the best way.
Sitting up there on a beautiful sunny day overlooking Broadway was something else. As a Maine girl, I’ve seen my fair share of interesting things… but I had never seen a tractor hauling a full load of people partying like it was 1999 rolling down the street below me. I just sat there laughing like, yep, Nashville is doing its own thing and doing it loudly.
Even though I was solo traveling at the time, it didn’t feel lonely at all. I ended up chatting with people around me, everyone was friendly, there was live music everywhere, and the whole place just had that easy, welcoming energy.
Cold drink, warm sun and live music....it was the perfect way to wrap up my time in Nashville. The kind of moment you don’t plan, but definitely remember!
Had to stop at this Nashville staple while we were in town. Just an iconic place. You can feel the history the second you walk through the door. Packed house with great energy everywhere. Live music on every floor and the band on the first floor was fantastic. Country nostalgia covering every wall. One of those places you just have to experience at least once if you’re in Nashville.
Atmosphere: Incredible ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Music: Incredible 🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶
Service: Incredible 🍻🍻🍻🍻🍻
Honky Tonk Highway
| Address | 501 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | (800) 657-6910 |
Vibrant stretch of walking. It's the center of the town where all the clubs are. It's a walking distance from all the major hotels in downtown. The only down side is homeless. There are quite a few that you should be aware of. In general though, it's still pretty safe and fund to walk around.
Honky Tonk Highway in Nashville, Tennessee is an incredible place full of live music, energy, and unforgettable experiences. The streets are filled with talented musicians, exciting performances, and the true spirit of Nashville’s country music culture. The vibrant atmosphere, historic venues, and friendly crowds make it a must-visit destination for music lovers. Whether you enjoy country music, nightlife, or simply exploring the city, Honky Tonk Highway offers a memorable Nashville experience!
Semi interesting to walk this street during the day. Made for good pics, but unless you are a bar person, there's nowhere to stop into. The State Capitol was far better as well the rest of downtown
Preds had a game tonight against the New Jersey Devils.
After it let out, Broadway got loud—real loud. Bit of that edge in the air too, folks fired up, some still carrying the game with ’em.
Weeknight or not, felt like spring break out there—crowds everywhere.
Still, that’s Nashville. You walk a block and hear rock, country, bluegrass all spilling out into the street. Hard not to have a good time.
Came for the boots and music, left with so much more!
Weekdays are much better when it comes to foot traffic. I also recommend leaving your car at the hotel and take Uber or Lyft instead. It's cheaper and safer.
You'll spend at least $40 on parking and depending on the day you go, there might not be any parking available. Plus, Broadway street might be closed.
I also recommend Kid Rock's Honky Tonk, Luke's and Posty's!
Bought our boots from Boot Country 👢
Honky Tonk Hideaway Bar
| Address | 1343 Lewis St Ste C, Nashville, TN 37210 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 4:00 – 10:00 PM Thursday: 4:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | (615) 913-2943 |
Omg we had so much fun! The staff is so helpful & help guide you. It’s a bit pricey but my hat came out great so no complaints.
Had the GREATEST time with my girls!!! Our bartender, bus driver, and all staff treated us with such great care and the best vibes!! 1000000000/10!!!⭐️✨ perfect for birthdays, bachelorette, or any kind of celebration. 🔥🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯💯💯
This place is awesome! They have a great Christmas theme and decorations. It’s also probably the best place in town for custom trucker hats. They have great Titans tailgates and coordinated rides to the stadium. I highly recommend it!
We went for a bachelorette trip during March Madness and it was so amazing. Service was amazing drink options were fabulous and it was the perfect place to celebrate. If we come back to Nashville we will DEFINITELY be back!!!!!!
Great experience on the honkey tonk. Although it rained on our party bus our dj made sure to make sure we had a great time . ❤️
Rippy's Honky Tonk
| Address | 429 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | (615) 244-7477 |
What an amazing place to get some BBQ ribs! When look for a spot to eat as we stopped in Nashville, Rippy’s came up, and we decided to give it a try! How amazing it was. Great food, great staff, and great atmosphere. When we arrived they had a band singing, and the server was very friendly and fast! The ribs were falling off the bone, and sooo well seasoned! Super recomend!
Great place to get some BBQ on broadway.
The BBQ itself was fine. Smoked sausage was tasty, green beans were basically from a can, and coleslaw was solid.
Good amount of gluten free options; all the bbq meats are GF and a few of the sides. The staff seemed knowledgeable about cross contamination and food came out flagged as GF.
The live music was a great vibe!
We came for the ribs, but stayed for the music. Finding ourselves on Nashville’s famous Broadway we were a little peckish and looking for a good spot for bite to eat when we spotted a sign announcing the possibility of ribs! Now, who could say no to the possibility of ribs? No one, okay, maybe people who don’t like ribs. But I love ribs so in we go. Up stairs we found ample seating and quick service. As we enjoyed the delectable barbecue platter we were entertained by the band Delta Queen, who really put on a great show and had us stay for a few hours while we enjoyed some adult beverages.
It was such a great experience we went back a few days later to do it all again. The best review I can give, is to say we went back, which we did and we definitely will go back again next time we’re in Nashville.
Stopped in for lunch since I found out that my favorite bbq spot (jacks) is now permanently closed. The pulled pork sandwich was surprisingly good! Nice portion for a sandwich, very filling. Atmosphere is nice, they had an acoustic band singing a mix of 90s covers. Great spot to grab food on Broadway and enjoy the day.
We came in on a Saturday afternoon. Nice band. All three of the members had great vocals. The two guys with me had a total of 4 beers. I drank water. $38 plus a tip.
Whiskey Bent Nash
| Address | 306 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM |
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Whiskey Bent Saloon is one of those classic Broadway spots that delivers exactly what you want out of a Nashville night—great music, strong drinks, and a laid-back, no-frills atmosphere. It may not be the flashiest bar on the strip, but that’s part of its charm. If you’re looking for authentic honky-tonk vibes without all the over-the-top production, this is your place.
The live music is the real highlight. Talented bands keep the energy high all night, playing everything from traditional country to modern hits, and they actually sound really good. It feels more like you stumbled into a place locals would hang out rather than just another tourist stop.
Drinks are reasonably priced for Broadway, and the bartenders are quick, friendly, and know how to keep things moving even when it gets crowded. The crowd itself is a great mix—people there to have fun, dance a little, and enjoy the music without taking things too seriously.
If you want a genuine Nashville bar experience with less hype and more heart, Whiskey Bent is a must-stop. It’s simple, fun, and exactly what a night on Broadway should feel like.
Absolutely love this place. Ended up stopping in twice. First time was mid-week and they had a terrific 80' - 90's rock band playing. We ended up staying nearly 3 hours. The band was fun and engaging.
Went back a few days later, more crowded due to the weekend obviously. Had a great time then too.
Staff is friendly and service was pretty fast. They have a great whiskey selection with quite a few allocated bottles. Normal beer and everything else if you want also.
Stop in and have a cold one.
Easy 5 stars, we were welcomed there with Jenny the dog, great staff, all around good place
Again today, door staff, bartenders, music, you cant go wrong at Whiskey bent.
One of Nashvilles best. Love this place. Great drink selection and great service. Always good music. We always stop in when we are in Nashville.
Had no idea live band karaoke was a thing in Nashville. What a great idea! Mariel and her band were awesome during our visit. Will definitely be back.
Whiskey River Saloon
| Address | 111 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | (629) 250-3396 |
This place is great! Great vibe, better food and even better service. Our server Brad topped it off with great drink and food suggestions and just made us feel at home. We were ranking some of the top recommended places while we were here and I'm glad we made it here before our stay ended. Whiskey River Saloon is a must stop. Fish and chips, buffalo and Nashville hot honey wings, potatoes skins and chicken sandwich were fire! Thanks again Brad, stay cool out there brother.
Wonderful place.. Nostalgic/classic saloon look.. Great live entertainment the day we were there.. Staff is and was very courteous and helpful..however.... if we hadnt seen the 4x4" sign on the wall (that nobody mentioned..😡) "if you continue your experience with an open check tab then a 20% gratuity is AUTOMATICALLY ADDED"... So glad we payed after each drink as we were not explained that.. Otherwise wonderful staff and helpful with our experience.. will definitely come back to here..
We went during the day time so all of the bars didnt have the tops held drinks we wanted. Instead of the staff calling drinks to the roof we had to go back downstairs so that was annoying to keep going back and fourth. After deciding to stay on the ground floor we had a decent time. Live music, jokes, bull rides and drinks. It was pretty fun for an afternoon in Nashville!
A great bar for a good day, Andi loved the tractor bar inside! They have a huge rooftop bar which was great. When the weather is hot you want your beers cold. They delivered! Would go back, two thumbs up 👍👍
Really fun place with great views from the outdoor deck. We had burgers and they were huge and delicious. The service was very friendly.
Layla's Honky Tonk
| Address | 418 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 AM Tuesday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 AM Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 1:30 AM Thursday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 AM Friday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 AM Saturday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 AM Sunday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 AM |
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Really incredible place! Loved the music. The ladies behind the bar were awesome!! We had the local $5 lager.. so tasty!
I want to warn customers. If you are in there and the band says come on up and request a song. Be warned, the band that was there Monday Aug 24th, asked for a $100.00 donation to play a song. I was shocked. I have been going to bars for many, many years. I am from Los Angeles. I do tip the band-- But I felt this request was OUTRAGOUS.
I did enjoy the bar, and I would go back.. But would NEVER ask a band to play any song at this establishment. I am not sure if Management is aware of this practice.
Friendliest staff on the entire boulevard! Rainy was the absolute sweetest bartender we had all night. The band was also wonderful. If you are on Broadway than be sure not to miss this little spot.
Hands down the best Honky Tonk in Nasthy!
The bartenders are super cool and seems like the people that come here are less ego-filled than other places.
Tip em well fellas!
Great spot on broadway!!! Stopped in to see one of my favorite bands while I was in town. Great atmosphere and cold beer! Check out the eskimo brothers!
Ole Red
| Address | 300 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 2:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
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A must visit when you are in Nashville! We went around noon on a Monday. Wasn’t too busy. Live music was great. Audra McLaughlin who was on Team Blake on the Voice was performing that day. She was great. Courtney our server was super! We had Blake’s Favorite and my goodness it was delicious couldn’t stop eating it even when full! I had a Texas Sunrise and it tasted like pink lemonade which I enjoyed very much - got to take home the Mason jar it came in which was an added bonus. Rooftop view is a must see! Thanks Ole Red for an awesome experience while visiting Nashville! Oh and don’t forget to go to the second floor and leave your mark on the board!
This spot was so good we had to come back twice during our trip! The music is fantastic, the performers are truly top-notch, and the sound quality is some of the best we’ve heard. Even when the main floor is buzzing and busy, the second-level overlook offers a great perspective on the action. Highly recommend!
To be fair, I only had tater tots and wine. My server, Crystina was wonderful. Highly attentive and very sweet. The live music was awesome...Kelly & Sarah. I didn't want to leave this place! Good service and good music was the best combination.
The rooftop bar at Ole Red Nashville is easily one of the best spots on Broadway to take in the full Nashville experience. Known as “The Lookout,” it combines high-energy country vibes with a surprisingly polished rooftop atmosphere. The views overlooking Lower Broadway are unbeatable, especially at night when the neon lights and live music spill into the streets below.
What really makes this place stand out is the balance between fun and comfort. Downstairs can get packed, but the rooftop gives you room to breathe while still keeping that electric Nashville energy. Live acoustic sets and DJs keep the vibe going, and the drinks are creative, strong, and definitely part of the experience.
The food is solid Southern-style fare, perfect for sharing with friends, though it’s really the atmosphere that steals the show. Expect a lively crowd, great music, and a mix of locals and tourists all enjoying the moment.
If you’re bar-hopping Broadway, Ole Red’s rooftop is a must-stop—whether you’re there for the views, the music, or just a memorable night in Music City.
We enjoy this bar for live music. The stage is in a great space, allowing everyone a good view. The beer was cold. The bathrooms are a bit of a hike up the stairs, but there is a stand-up Blake you can get your photo with on that level. This is one of our go-to bars for live music!
Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N' Roll Steakhouse
| Address | 221 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | (615) 248-2706 |
if you ever go to Nashville you definitely need to stop at the kid rocks bigger assuming honky tunk, you will not regret, we been at Nashville 3 times and we will always stop by and never regret this last time we took my son to celebrate his 21 years and he had so much fun, any drink that you ask they know what they are doing i never had a problem thay are always so delicious, the food omg it's so good. we are planning to go for maybe the last time to Nashville and yessss we are stop by. you get to dance, sing drink delicious drinks have delicious food and have a wonderful time. thay have 3 bars at night they have at the entrance a guy selling hot dogs.
We visited the third floor bar. Pretty quiet for a Friday evening. The band was terrific and the servers were excellent. We had drinks nachos ans broccoli. The food was fantastic ample portions and good flavors. Best views of Broadway up there too!
Kid Rock's Bar was so much fun. The atmosphere was awesome. The stage was easy to see from anywhere in the bar. The band that played was fun to sing with.
So I didn’t eat here but let me tell you what if you’re in Nashville and you want a good time. This is the place. The atmosphere was electrifying and was a ton of fun to hang out for 45 minutes to an hour and I have my wife with me. We probably would have eaten, but I thoroughly enjoyed our time.
I’m going in the opposite direction with this one. Don’t get me wrong the place is fun. The music is good, the crowd has energy, and overall it’s a good time. That part is hard to argue with. But once you get past the atmosphere, the details start to stand out and not in a good way.
For a business that’s clearly pulling in millions of dollars, it’s surprising how much of the place looks worn down and neglected. The menus were nasty, the kind that make you wonder how long it’s been since they were last replaced or wiped down. There were signs with half the lights burnt out, giving the place a tired, rundown feel that just doesn’t match the success or popularity of the venue.
I know this might sound like nitpicking, and maybe some people won’t care at all, but when you’re running a place at this level, the little things matter. Those details are what separate a good spot from a great one. A fresh set of menus, properly working signage, and a bit more attention to upkeep would go a long way and cost next to nothing compared to what they already bring in.
The fun is there, no doubt—but it feels like management has gotten comfortable and stopped paying attention to the basics. Kids management really needs to take a step back and take a hard look at Jelly Rolls. With just a little effort, this place could match its reputation in every way, not just the entertainment.
The Stage on Broadway
| Address | 412 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 AM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 AM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 AM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 2:30 AM |
| Phone | (615) 726-0504 |
The Stage on Broadway was easily our favourite spot to visit while in Nashville.
Everything about this place hit the mark. The music was fantastic, with great bands every time we stopped in, and the atmosphere was exactly what you hope for on Broadway. It has that perfect lively energy without feeling overwhelming.
The drinks were reasonably priced, which was a nice bonus, especially in such a popular area. What really stood out was the service. No matter how busy the place was, the staff were always attentive, friendly, and quick.
We found ourselves coming back more than once and would absolutely make this a must-visit again on our next trip.
I had only one night in Nashville, and I had meant to go to the more famous Robert's Western World. However, it was closed when I arrived because of a street fair, so I walked next door to The Stage. I heard some great music inside, and I went in for a look. I am glad I did. This was one of the more enjoyable nights out I have had in a while. The band was great, the service was quick, and the drinks were reasonably priced. I was not a huge Bluegrass fan before, but now I am.
We went here in support of Amelia Eisenhauer who was playing the Rooftop.
Hailey, Stephanie and Lizzie were amazing. They helped this hungover dude charge his phone, got him drinks and were super helpful.
Broadway is always hopping and I really enjoyed the place.
Here's the Breakdown:
Good times with good people with great service from Hailey, Stephanie and Lizzie +5 stars.
I'd go back
One of the few Honky Tonks I'd never been to. Really cool vibe. My beer was $7 and that's not bad for this town. Great bartenders. The view of Broadway is amazing, not the tallest but the most impressive view of all the bars. I'm coming back and highly recommend.
The Stage on Broadway has one of the best live music setups downtown. The band was incredible and the sound filled the whole room without being overwhelming. I grabbed a drink and found a spot near the back where you can still see everything. The crowd was mixed with locals and tourists and everyone was having a good time. A great stop if you want real talent and a classic Nashville bar feel.
Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row - Nashville
| Address | 400 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 3:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM |
| Phone | (629) 203-7822 |
Great bar! The music this afternoon was excellent. Ordered the "Apple of my eye" and it was so good. Im extremely happy that I can order one slider!! (I had weightloss surgery and can only eat small portions) being able to get a small meal at a good price can make a big difference when on vacation on a budget. Overall great place.
This place was fantastic. The band was great, the vibe was amazing, we had so much fun. No cover charge, everyone was cool. Will definitely come back when we visit Nashville again.
This was a fun place to celebrate a 21st birthday! Each level had a different band or DJ, so there was a great variety of music and something for everyone. The atmosphere was energetic, and we had an amazing time celebrating. Definitely a fun spot for a special occasion!
This was our first stop on Broadway this weekend and we had a great time! It’s not the busiest spot, seems to draw in an older crowd. It was great, good drinks, the band was awesome.
Had a wonderful experience here! The food was excellent, the service was outstanding, and the entertainment made the evening even more enjoyable. The staff was friendly, helpful, and made us feel very welcome throughout our visit. Everything came together perfectly for a fun and relaxing time. I really enjoyed my meal and the overall atmosphere. This is definitely a place I would recommend and plan to visit again.
Tips for Navigating Nashville’s Honky Tonk Scene
A little local knowledge goes a long way in ensuring you have a memorable and smooth experience on Lower Broadway. The scene is fast-paced, loud, and crowded, but it operates on a unique set of unspoken rules and traditions. By understanding how the economics and etiquette of these venues work, you can avoid common rookie mistakes and maximize your time listening to the best music the city has to offer.
Bring Cash for Tips: The musicians on stage are usually working for tips and a small base pay. If you enjoy a song, walk up to the stage and drop a few dollars in the tip jar. If you want to hear a specific classic song, a $10 or $20 request will almost always get it played immediately.
Venues are Multi-Level: Don’t just stop on the ground floor. Most of the large honky tonks on Broadway have three or four floors, each with a different band, a different vibe, and often a different genre. If the first floor is too crowded or not playing your style, head upstairs. The rooftop bars offer a completely different atmosphere, especially at sunset.
Check the Schedule: While most bands are excellent, some venues feature famous touring acts or legendary session players on specific nights. Check the venue’s social media or the chalkboard outside the door to see who is playing. Often, a well-known country star will pop in for a surprise set, especially during CMA Fest or around the holidays.
Dress Comfortably: Nashville is a walking city, and you will likely be on your feet for hours. While cowboy boots are the standard uniform, make sure they are broken in. The floors can get sticky, the sidewalks are uneven, and you will likely be walking from venue to venue. Comfort over fashion is key to lasting until last call.
Hydrate and Pace Yourself: The "Nashville hot chicken" and the strong pours of Tennessee whiskey are a potent combination. The energy of Broadway can trick you into thinking you can go all day, but the heat and humidity can be brutal. Drink plenty of water between those local beers to keep your energy up for the late-night sets, which are often the best of the day.
The honky tonks of Nashville represent more than just a night out; they are the lifeblood of a musical tradition that refuses to fade. They preserve the raw, unfiltered sound of country music in a world that is increasingly digitized and polished. When you stand in front of a stage and watch a steel guitarist hit a perfect note, you are witnessing a craft that has been passed down through generations.
As you walk back to your hotel with your ears ringing and your feet aching, you will understand why people from all over the world make the pilgrimage to this stretch of pavement. It is a place where the past and present collide in a beautiful, noisy harmony. So grab a drink, find a spot near the stage, and let the music do the rest.
