When you’re called the Music City, you have to match that with exquisite live music. Here in Nashville, were know to keep your feet moving and your drinks full. With a sea of honky tonks and venues to choose from, it can be hard to decide where to spend your night out. Nashville is the birthplace of the scene and does it better than anywhere in the world. Whether you visit all of them or just a few, you’re bound to hear some great live music with the community to match it.
Crazytown
Got a big group with different music tastes? Well Crazytown has got you covered. They’re known for their eclectic music selection on each floor. Whether you want to dance to a DJ or live music, you’re sure to find the right style for you. This venue is made up of 6 bars and 4 levels, one of them being a rooftop bar, and plenty of vintage décor. Lining the walls are antique signs, enormous hanging guitars, and a barber chair, which has been known for a good photo op. Each bar features specialty cocktails like The Nashville Mule and the Blood Orange Bourbon Sour, to name a few. The food menu includes many ways to consume hot chicken, a Nashville specialty, as well as some of the best bar food on Broadway. Start your meal with cheese curds and end it with fried twinkies. They wont disappoint. With no reservations required, there’s no reason not to stop!Follow them on FacebookLocation: 308 Broadway Nashville TNTimes: 11AM – 3AM DailyUpcoming EventsHonky Tonk Central
Located on the corner of 4th and Broadway, Honky Tonk Central is one of the busiest and most central spots downtown. They open up for lunch and stay open until 3am, with live music and some of your favorite American fare. The menu features an original approach to your fave classic like nachos, buffalo wings, wraps (the best!), burger and sandwiches. And don’t let me forget about those fried pickles! Along their 3 story building, you’ll see that their balconies have some of the best panoramic views of the streets of downtown. They also have exclusive bachelor and bachelorette party specials with access to their VIP area including an open bar. Whether you start or end here, the staff at Honky Tonk Central have got your back.
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Location:
329 Broadway Nashville TN
Times:
Sunday – Thursday | 11am – 3am
Friday – Saturday | 10am – 3am
The Bluebird Cafe
The Bluebird Café has gained worldwide recognition as a listening room, where artists perform their songs in an intimate setting. Big names such as Leanne Rhimes, John Prine, and Marren Morris have been known to stop by and mingle with up and coming singer/songwriters, before and after the show. Although it gained worldwide acclaim in more recent years, as a key plot piece in the hit show “Nashville”, it had already made its name in music history well before that. The legendary Garth Brookes used to come share his songs with the community at the Bluebird before he became famous. Their “shhh” policy allows the audience to focus on the songs as well as the stories and meaning behind them. So if your looking for an unforgettable, intimate musical experience, then we highly recommend reserving your spot at the Bluebird Café. They do not accept reservations over the phone, so hit up their website to grab some seats!
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Location:
4104 Hillsboro Road Nashville TN
Times:
Friday & Saturday | 5:30pm – 12am
Sunday -Thursday | 5pm – 11pm
Legends Corner
Located near the Bridgestone arena, this classic Nashville honky tonk can be the beginning of your downtown adventure or the end of it. Either way they never disappoint. Country music memorabilia line the walls of this crowd favorite, where the talented local bands will have you dancing the moment you walk through the door. Don’t forget to pop right next door to Legends gift shop where they have everything you need to look like a Nashvillian. You my even get a chance to see some famous faces like Kid Rock, Toby Keith, and Darius Rucker. They’ve been known to stop by for a drink.
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Location:
428 Broadway Nashville TN
Times:
Saturday – Sunday | 10am – 3am
Wildhorse Saloon
Wildhorse Saloon has its own style with a Nashville experience you will never forget. This spot is perfect for a lunch or dinner live music experience. If you stop by during the day, you’ll have the chance to dance the line with complimentary line dancing classes which take place on the biggest dance floor in Nashville. If you’re looking to spice up your lines dancing skills, you can even request private lessons. The food menu has a ton of delicious food items to make ny one in your party satisfied. Known for their delicious BBQ and hickory smoked ribs, Wildhorse also has a large local beer selection to make a great pair. Enjoy some of their original cocktails, Nashville Heat and Save a Horse, to get the party started. Their live music artists are a great mix of covers and originals that will keep you dancing the day away. Get your day started, dancing with the folks at Wildhorse Saloon.
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Location:
120 2nd Ave N Nashville TN
Times:
Mon | 4:30 pm – 11:00 pm
Tues – Thurs | 11:00 am – midnight
Fri – Sat | 11:00 am – 2:00 am
Sun | 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Layla’s
A true Nashville original, Layla’s will give you a taste of home with great live music to go with it. This bar is 2 levels but has a smaller more cozier vibe than the other larger honky tonks on Broadway, so if you’re looking to keep it cute, Layla’s is the spot. Some of the various music styles you will find are classic country, Hillbilly, Rockabilly, Americana, and Bluegrass. A few big names have graced the stage such as Th’ Legendary Shackshakers and Drive-By Truckers. Something special you’ll recognize are all of the license plates hanging all over the entire venue. They just like them, so if you’ve got a license plate you don’t mind parting with, bring it to Layla’s and they’ll buy you a beer. Their food are simple classics like fries and sandwiches but try their specialty poblano popper bites and corn nuggets for some good bar grub. Whether you stop in for a drink or stay the whole night, you’re sure to have a great time.
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Location:
418 Broadway
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
Just across the alley from the Ryman, is the original and historical Honky Tonk, Tootsies Orchid Lounge. Opened in 1960 by Tootsie Bess, singer and comedienne, Tootsie’s has the authentic vibe with all the history to go with it. This is where it all began! Many country greats, like Kris Kristofferson and Patsy Cline, were known to sing and drink here when they were still up and coming. Dean Martin received his first songwriting gig after performing at Tootsie’s. With all of this music history, you know the live music has to follow suit, which explains why they’ve been open for 59 years. You may also have seen Tootsie’s feature in movie classics like “Coal Miner’s Daughter” starring Sissy Spacek. The food menu features simple bar food like appetizers, sandwiches, burger and pizza by the slice. Don’t miss you chance to stop by and party in the only purple building on Broadway. After a visit at Tootsie’s, your can understand why they call Nashville, the Music City!
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Location:
422 Broadway
Tin Roof
One of the smaller venues on Broadway is Tin Roof. It a has a casual and eclectic vibe with a more modern feel. This spot has two levels for music a smaller rooftop patio for fresh air. They put as much love into their food as the artists performing on stage. Boasting “better than bar food”, try their Dixie biscuits and sausage and cheese plate from their appetizers. Spice it up with tacos or quesadillas. Head straight to the sweet stuff with fresh moon pies. This would make a great spot for dinner or the start of the night. You never know, you might just spend your whole night here! With reasonable prices, amazing musicians and a saying “where everybody is somebody”, there’s no reason Tin Roof shouldn’t be on your list of places to go.
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Location:
316 Broadway
Times:
11am-3am
Rippy’s
Got a big party but your worried about accommodations? Well take your folks over to Rippy’s where you get a little bit of everything. They have every kind of seating imaginable, from the bar top tables, to great bar seats with a spectacular street view, to the rooftop patio. Sometimes its hard to find seating in club venues, but at Rippy’s, there is plenty on each floor that will satisfy your whole party. The staff is also accommodating and make you feel right at home. Listen to their live performances on all 3 of their stages. From open to close, you can walk in and listen to some great local bands playing both originals with great covers. Along with a main dining area, there is a side area lined with big screens for the sports lovers in your group. Fear of missing the big game even though you’re on vacation, Rippy’s has got you covered. Known for their delicious BBQ, their food menu speaks for itself. They’ve got their signature ribs, as well as brisket, smoked chicken, and the best baked beans you’ve ever had. If you’re looking for a one stop shop, stop by Rippy’s.
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Location:
429 Broadway
Date:
Sunday – Thursday | 11am – 2:30am
Friday – Saturday | 10am – 2:30am
Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock-N-Roll Steakhouse
Kid Rock pulled out all the stops on the biggest and newest honky tonk in the center of Broadway. This venue has 5 floors, 4 stages and 6 bars. The second story serves as a mezzanine overlooking the fourth floor. The main stage is elated for perfect viewing anywhere on the first or second floor. The mezzanine has exclusive VIP table right next to the stage, and honestly, it’s the best seat in the house. Kid Rock memorabilia line the walls with modern décor and a clean finish. The rooftop bar has many vibes to it. Whether you want to bring a large group, or keep it small and intimate, the rooftop is where its at.this venue has the club experience you know and love without feeling overcrowded. There’s plenty of space for dancing! Who knows, you might even have the chance to rock out with Kid Rock himself! If you’re hungry, check out their signature 36 oz Tomahawk Ribeye. The food menu is simple and forward with a fine dining twist. This place has been given an overrated energy, but take a chance, walk in and I’m sure you’ll find your own kind of perfect here.
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Location:
221 Broadway
Times:
11am – 3am Daily