Whether it’s your first time to Nashville or you’re a local, there’s nothing quite like a Friday night on Broadway. The Bars on Broadway in Nashville offer live country music seven days a week (almost all day long!), an infectious party atmosphere, and down home Southern hospitality!
Broadway Street is the main street where the best and most famous Nashville bars live. Technically located on Lower Broadway Street, “Honky Tonk Highway” is home to venues that kickstarted the careers of country music’s most famous artists. Lined with music-filled bars, restaurants, dessert shops, and hotels, Broadway is the centerpiece of Downtown Nashville.
When I first visited Nashville, I was amazed by Broadway – the live music bands are amazing and can be heard from many streets over! Bar crawling down Broadway is a rite of passage when it comes to experiencing Music City and I’ve outlined all the best bars on the street so you know exactly which ones to hit on your next trip!
The 18 Best Bars on Broadway in Nashville (The Ultimate Honky Tonk Guide!)
Tootsies Orchid Lounge
422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Open Daily 9:30am – 3:00am (21+ only after 7pm)
Great for Broadway first-timers to experience the original honky tonk!
Known as the very first honky tonk on Broadway, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is the original live music bar in Nashville! This vibrant purple building was established in the 1960s with stars such as Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline gracing the stage prior to their stardom.
Today, Tootsie’s has 3 floors (including a rooftop), 3 stages, country music, and a full food and drink menu available until 1am, seven days a week! Come in and grab one of their famous BBQ sandwiches and enjoy top notch live music.
Tootsie’s is the perfect place to start your Broadway bar crawl to experience one of the most famous bars in Nashville TN. They also have a location in the Nashville Airport for a last minute Tootsie’s experience!
Layla’s Honky Tonk
418 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Mon-Wed 1pm – 1:30am, Thurs & Fri 1pm – 2:30am, Sat & Sun 11am – 2:30am (21+ only after 6pm)
Perfect for Broadway-goers looking for down home Southern hospitality!
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Located right next door to Tootsie’s is Layla’s, a welcoming bar with great beer, burgers, live music, and southern hospitality. Layla’s single floor bar, while smaller than the celebrity-owned bars nearby, is still just as mighty!
Not only is the music pumping, their bartenders and service have rave reviews, giving guests authentic southern hospitality from the moment they belly up to the bar. Layla’s is a great stop on your Broadway bar crawl. Be sure to try their signature beer, Layla’s Lite!
Robert’s Western World
416 Broadway # B, Nashville, TN 37203
Mon-Sat 11am – 2am, Sun 10:30 – 2am (21+ only after 6pm)
Great for tourists looking to listen to the best traditional country music on Broadway (and get the cheapest beer!)
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Robert’s Western World is a truly iconic honky tonk on Broadway. Since the 1950s, the building has changed from a steel guitar factory, to a liquor store, to a jukebox, a boots and cigarette store (during a recession), to the thriving live music venue it is today!
To this day, Robert’s still has boots lining the walls, a gift shop, and continues to sell their “Recession Special” – a fried bologna sandwich, chips, and an ice-cold PBR (for $6!). They also offer $2.50 PBR, Busch, and Busch Lite everyday all day!
Robert’s Western World is also known to host some of the best and most traditional country music artists. On Sundays, Robert’s has morning gospel music from 10:30am – 11:45am, with traditional country starting at noon.
I’d highly recommend stopping by Robert’s to enjoy the incredible music and VERY fairly priced food and beer! It’s a Nashville staple that visitors and locals alike love.
The Stage
412 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Open Daily 10am – 2pm (21+ only after 6pm)
Perfect for tourists looking for a rowdy night out on Broadway!
The Stage is one of the best bars downtown Nashville has, giving total southern dive bar vibes! Known to be one of the rowdiest honky tonks on the street, The Stage is perfect for first-timers looking for an exciting night out on Broadway.
The Stage is also known to bring in some celebrity faces once in a while, whether they are performing onstage or enjoying the music as a patron. There’s no telling what will happen on a night out at The Stage – maybe even some line dancing!
Lucky Bastard Saloon
408 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Open Daily 10am – 3am (21+ only after 6pm)
Great for visitors who love whiskey and hot chicken with their country music!
The Lucky Bastard Saloon is a newer honky tonk on Broadway that hosts amazing live music in a more modern environment. The first thing you’ll see when you walk in is their huge (and very instagram-worthy) angel wings mural. While there are tons of murals in Nashville, this is one of the very few on Broadway!
You’ll be drawn in by the fantastic country music but you’ll want to stay for their whiskey cocktails and hot chicken sandwiches. Enjoy food and drink on their main floor or pop up to the rooftop to enjoy great views of Downtown Nashville.
Also be sure to check out their sister saloon, the Whiskey River Saloon – it has a mechanical bull!
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row
400 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Mon-Thurs 11am – 3am, Fri-Sun 10am – 3am (21+ after 6pm)
One of the best Nashville Broadway bars for Sunday Brunch!
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row is a celebrity-owned honky tonk in Nashville that is all about having a great time. Awarded “The Best Country Bar” a handful of times, Dierks’ is a fantastic spot to stop during your bar crawl.
Similar to its neighbors, Dierks’ honky tonk has constant popular country music playing, courtesy of Broadway’s finest musicians. But what sets Whiskey Row apart, is the expansive food menu, happy hour deals, and brunch (available every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until 2pm!). It’s the ultimate spot for a boozy bachelorette brunch on Lower Broadway.
This is one of the newer and more iconic celebrity bars in Nashville, so it will get crowded on the weekends. If crowds aren’t your thing, a weeknight will be much more tame!
Tin Roof
316 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Open Daily 11am – 3am (21+ after 6pm)
Locally-loved bar! Best place to eat wings and watch live sports on Broadway!
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The Tin Roof is a 3 story bar that is loved by locals! Serving up great deals on food and drinks alongside constant live music, it’s an “off the beaten path” bar on Broadway you must check out!
The Tin Roof is known to host themed parties as well – for sports games, holidays, and special bands! Check out their calendar and make sure you grab tickets ahead of time for any special events. If you’re looking for an eclectic night out “Nashville style”, Tin Roof is an awesome choice!
The Valentine
312 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Tues & Wed 4pm-12am, Thurs 2pm-2am, Fri & Sat 11am-2am, Sun 11am-12pm, Closed on Mondays
Best bar on Broadway in Nashville to host a private event!
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The Valentine Bar and Restaurant is one of the biggest Nashville live music bars on Broadway! Standing at four stories high, this venue has endless options when it comes to a night out with your bestie!
Each floor of the Valentine has a different theme! Floor one is “Honky Tonk Central” were it’s all about the classic experience of Downtown Nashville. Once you reach the second floor, you are transported to Dollywood! Floor three is a bit more relaxed and refined with baroque-inspired decor. The rooftop patio is where the fun really begins – with bubble machines, televisions and a DJ booth.
The Valentine is a must-see on Broadway for first-timers and an amazing place to book your bachelorette or birthday party! Make sure you reach out in advance if you’d like to book your private event at The Valentine!
Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa
308 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Sun – Thurs 11am – 2am, Fri & Sat 10am – 2am
The best place for tacos and margaritas on Broadway!
If you’re looking for a bar on Broadway that is all about girl’s night, Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa is the perfect pick! What is better than all your favorite country anthems with a side of tacos and tequila?
Casa Rosa is one of the best celebrity-owned Nashville TN bars. You’ll feel like a real disco cowgirl on both floors of Lambert’s Tex-Mex Cantina! Enjoy live country music on the first floor and then head upstairs for a delicious meal. It’s a perfect spot to refuel while pounding the streets of Broadway!
Whiskey Bent Saloon
306 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Mon-Wed 12pm – 2am, Thurs-Sun 10am – 2am
(Minors must be accompanied always, 21+ after 6pm Mon-Thurs, 21+ after 3pm Fri-Sun)
Best place to see a dueling pianos act on Broadway!
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The Whiskey Bent Saloon is one of the best music venues on Broadway in Nashville! While the Saloon doesn’t offer food options, it makes up for it with it’s amazing dueling piano entertainment offered every weekend on the second floor!
The Hellbound Dueling Pianos is one of the best dueling piano acts in Nashville and now, at Whiskey Bent Saloon, you can enjoy their talents every weekend without a cover charge or reservation!
I’d highly recommend taking some time out of your Friday or Saturday night and experience this incredible act! Also, make sure you take some pictures of the giant animal heads on the walls…
Ole Red
300 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Sun-Wed 11am – 12am, Thurs-Sat 11am – 2am (21+ after 9pm)
Voted one of the best rooftop bars on Broadway!
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Ole Red is the epitome of country bars! Owned by celebrity Blake Shelton, Ole Red is an award-winning Nashville music venue and restaurant that prides itself on the best and biggest country sound!
Ole Red is one of the largest music venue bars on Broadway, offering a full food and drink menu for patrons and a massive (and loud!) stage for artists. With menu items including their signature fried chicken and their “Trash Talkin” taco salad, it’s a sure winner when it comes to good eats on Broadway!
You’ll want to make sure you also venture up to Ole Red’s massive rooftop patio known as The Lookout. With live country music and some of the best views of Downtown Nashville, it’s the place to be!
Acme Feed and Seed
101 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Hours for 1st Floor and Roof – Mon-Wed 4:30-11pm, Thurs & Sun 11am-11pm, Fri & Sat 11am-2am (21+ after 8pm)
Hours for 2nd Floor – Mon-Thurs 4:30-10pm, Fri 4:30-10pm, Sat 11am-11pm, Sun 11am-10pm (21+ after 8pm)
Best rooftop view of the river!
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Built in 1890, Acme Feed and Seed is one of the most historically rich honky tonks on Broadway known today as a local’s favorite! Originally built as a grocery store and then a farm supply store (housing live farm animals), Acme is now known as one of the best spots for live music with fantastic views.
Acme Feed and Seed as three floors with three distinct “vibes”. Floor one is a classic Nashville honky tonk, with live music every day, bar food, and 28 beers on tap. The second floor is a restaurant lounge setting, with a full service menu and sushi bar! Catch any game on one of the 22 televisions. The rooftop is probably the most impressive part of Acme. Take your food up and enjoy cocktails with the best views of Nashville and the Cumberland River.
It’s located on the corner of Broadway at the end of the street, but totally worth the walk!
Luke’s 32 Bridge
301 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Mon-Thurs 11am – 2am, Fri-Sun 10am – 2am (kitchen closes at 10pm, 21+ after 8:30pm, rooftop always 21+ Thurs-Sun)
Best honky tonk to enjoy a craft beer!
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If Luke Bryan is your favorite country artist, then a visit to Luke’s 32 Bridge is essential in Nashville! This three-story country music haven is a great spot to listen to music with hot honey chicken and a beer in hand!
Luke’s has an expansive menu, but I’d recommend trying their Beer Can Chicken – a half a chicken cooked and brined with Luke’s signature beer, Two Lane Lager. When in Nashville!
A Luke’s 32 Bridge you’ll hear some of the best up and coming artists in town. You never know, you may see a celebrity or Luke himself there!
Tequila Cowboy
305 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Open Daily 11am – 2am (21+ after 8:30pm)
Best bar on Broadway to do karaoke!
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As you walk Downtown Nashville and listen to all the amazing country music, that last beer may be telling you “Hey! I could sing onstage like that!”. As a performer, I can tell you it’s VERY hard to get on those Broadway stages but if you decide to stop by Tequila Cowboy, your dreams of Nashville stardom may not be so far away!
Tequila Cowboy is similar to it’s other neighboring Downtown Nashville bars with great live music, bar food and drinks BUT what sets it apart is their connecting bar, WannaB’s Karoake! Every Thursday through Sunday starting at noon you can sign up to sing your heart out on Broadway!
This is a great experience for bachelorette parties, corporate events, or even just with your best friend! You can also rent out the entire space for a special event. I’d highly recommend heading to Tequila Cowboy and WannaB’s Karaoke Bar for great music and laughs!
Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar
307 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Mon-Thurs 11am – 2am, Fri-Sun 10am – 2am (kitchen closes at 10pm, 21+ after 8:30pm, rooftop always 21+ Thurs-Sun)
One of the only bars on Broadway with an iHeart Radio Show Broadcasted live from inside!
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At Jason Aldean’s spot on Broadway, you’ll come in for the great food and stay for the awesome music. With 2 floors of great country music accompanied by southern cooking and craft cocktails, you’ll want to spend some time at this honky tonk!
Jason Aldean’s “My Kind of Party” restaurant is everything Nashville! What sets his bar apart is that the Wayne D Show “Country House Party” is always broadcasting live from the restaurant!
There is always fun to be had at Jason Aldean’s – make sure you take time to stop in!
Honky Tonk Central
329 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201
Sun-Wed 11am – 3am, Thurs-Sat 10am – 3am (21+ after 8pm)
Best place to host your Private VIP Bachelorette Party!
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Honky Tonk Central is one of the most well known Nashville Tennessee bars on Broadway. With three stories of live music, delicious bar food, and flowing drinks, you’ll definitely want to stop here on your bar crawl.
While Honky Tonk Central is a great bar to stop in during your evening, they specialize in private parties and have great deals on Private VIP Bachelorette Parties!
For $100 per person, you’ll get a private VIP section, full open bar for 3 hours, light appetizers, and a private bartender! If you are looking to have a Nashville Bachelorette, I’d definitely go to Honky Tonk Central for a VIP experience!
Nudie’s Honky Tonk
409 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Open Daily 10am – 3am (kitchen closes at 10pm, 21+ after 6pm)
Home to iconic country music memorabilia and the longest bar in the town!
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Nudie’s Honky Tonk is one of the most historical bars on Broadway. Over 100 years ago, it stood as the building that held amazing costume pieces designed by Nudie Cohn. He was known for his rhinestone studded suits worn by celebrities such as Elvis Presley, John Lennon, and Elton John!
Since 1947, it’s been a hopping honky tonk on Broadway. Today, you will still see Nudie’s costumes on display as you rock out to current country hits. It’s also home to Nashville’s longest bar. With silver dollars imbedded in the bar itself, it’s a true masterpiece on Broadway!
With fantastic bands, karaoke nights, and great food and drinks, Nudie’s is a must-see in Nashville – especially for those interested in history! It’s one of the more popular bars in Downtown Nashville; if you’re not fond of crowds it may be better to go on a week day. Before you go, make sure you check out their dress code and FAQs.
Rippy’s Honky Tonk
429 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Sun-Thurs 11am – 2:30am, Fri & Sat 10am – 2:30am (21+ after 8pm)
Best place to get BBQ on Broadway!
Located right across the street from Tootsie’s is Rippy’s, a three story live music venue with some seriously delicious BBQ! Conveniently located on the corner, it’s the perfect place to start or end your night out on the town.
With live music every day, an expansive drink menu (including fun shooters and tons of locally brewed beer), and the best barbecue of any honky tonk nearby, Rippy’s is the perfect place to refuel. I’d highly recommend ordering their smoked pulled chicken sandwich paired with a Hap & Harry’s Tennessee Lager. A match made in Nashville heaven!
Map of Nashville Bars on Broadway
FAQs About the Bars on Broadway in Nashville
How do I get to the bars on Broadway?
There are plenty of ticketed lots and garages within walking distance of all the main bars if you’d like to drive in. However, if you are staying nearby and especially if your drinking alcohol, I’d suggest using Uber or Lyft. It’s not too expensive and there are plenty of accesible drop off points!
Do I need to make reservations at bars in Nashville?
If you’re a small group wanting drinks and food at any of the aforementioned bars you do not need any reservations for bars on Broadway. Almost every bar (even those with tables and a full service experience) do not offer any reservations and it’s fully first come first serve! If you are looking to have a private event or large party at one of the venues, you should contact the bar/restaurant ahead of time.
Is there an age limit at the bars in Nashville?
Yes! Most bars on Broadway in Nashville will only allow those 21 and older in their venues after 6pm. Some are open to minors until 8 or 8:30 but usually 6pm is the cut off. If you are over 21 and entering a bar after that time, you will need identification (even if you’re well over 21 years old!). Here are the types of IDs usually accepted at most places:
- Valid picture state issued identity card
- Valid pictured state issued driver’s license
- Valid state issued temporary ID
- Valid military ID
- Valid passport with current photo
Do bars in Nashville charge covers?
Of all the bars mentioned above, unless there is a specially ticketed event, there are no cover charges for bars in Nashville. However, bands work for tips only so make sure you tip the live music!!
Are the bars on Nashville expensive?
Depending on where you’re visiting from, this answer can skew. If you’re visiting from New York City, the food and drinks at just about every bar are pretty affordable. If you’re used to your hometown dive bar prices, you may have different feelings.
I’ve gathered that the big-name celebrity bars charge more (on average) than the older, more historical bars. You can get a lite beer for $2.50 at Robert’s Western World any time any day, while you’ll pay triple that at Jason Aldean’s.
How many bars are on Broadway in Nashville?
There are 35+ bars on Broadway in Nashville offering live music every single day of the week!
What is the most well-known bar in Nashville?
The most well-known bar is Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. It’s known as the first honky tonk on Broadway and hosted some of country music’s biggest stars from before they were celebrities to now!
What are the best restaurants on broadway in Nashville?
While I would personally head to 12 South or East Nashville to get some of Nashville’s best food (including out of this world barbecue and some of the best street tacos I’ve ever had) Lower Broadway does have lots of honky tonks that serve up great bar food! My favorites would have to be Rippy’s for the best barbecue on Broadway, Acme Feed and Seed for sushi, and Lucky Bastard for great wings.
The Assembly Food Hall is another great spot for food right on Broadway. You’ll find lots of small kiosks with interesting handheld options – like Hattie B’s, Prince’s Hot Chicken, and lots of amazing Nashville sweets and treats!
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