South Side of Broadway
That said, let’s walk the south side of Broadway, starting by Riverfront Park.
Acme Feed and Seed
@101 Broadway. Acme is the original name of the place where some years back you could buy alfalfa and bring your dog in on Saturdays for a flea dip. Today each floor has a different vibe, menu, and musical personality. On the first floor, home to Acme Radio Live, you place your food order at the counter and they’ll bring it to you while you listen to live music. The second floor is a sushi bar with salads and other non-country fare. The third floor is home to special ticketed concerts and private groups. The rooftop bar (no food) gives you a gorgeous view of the river. I’d label the first floor more of a restaurant than a bar. Recommended: the Saturday Soul brunch for a groovin’ good time; no reservations required. Acme has more adventurous tastes than some Lower Broadway venues–like Grateful Mondays with Grateful Dead jam bands. Hours: M-W 4:30pm-11pm, Thurs, 11am-11pm, Fr-Sat 11am-2am, Sun 11am-11pm.
Nashville Underground
@105 Broadway. Sounds like it’d be a basement but in fact it’s four floors. Home to Broadway Bull and Bowl, you can ride a mechanical bull, bowl a bit, and play video games. I’m including it although it’s not really a honky tonk. Instead, you’ll find DJs offering up dance mixes upstairs. Mimi’s Hot Chicken is worth a try. They claim that, at 29° F, they have the coldest draft beer in town. Hours: M-W 10am-12am, Thur-Sat 10am-3am, Sun 10am-1am. All ages until 9pm.
Whiskey River Saloon
@111 Broadway. Named for a famous Willie Nelson song (and an Instagram-able lyric mural continues the tribute), this honky tonk touts its mechanical bull, VIP table service and elevated whiskey bar. Probably one of the largest stages and dance floors on the row. The manager claims that they do such a good job with food and service that locals frequent the place. Quite a feather in their cap! Open daily 10am-3am.
Bootlegger’s Inn
@207 Broadway. When I was growing up, this shotgun shack of a building housed Tillman’s Butcher Shop; these days, it’s out with the T-bones and in with the 100-proof moonshine. The cozy honky tonk offers 29 flavors ranging from jalapeno to apple pie and blue raspberry as well as locally distilled Picker’s Vodka. Both floors have stages where you’re likely to hear country and southern rock. Upstairs you can drop in for a line dancing class. (See the schedule on the website.) Hours: M-W noon-3am, Thur-Sun 10am-3am.
Kid Rock’s Big A– Honky Tonk Rock’n’Roll Steakhouse
@217 Broadway. If you’re looking for music that leans more toward rock than country, there’s a good bet that you’ll find it here. The playlist includes ’70s-’90s rock as well as Kid Rock covers. Unlike some places that lean toward acoustic solo performers and duos in the afternoons, Kid Rock’s is all about bands. By the numbers: 5 floors, 5 stages and 6 bars. Not into music? There are 4K TVs on each floor. The menu includes more steak options than most places but they also serve chili, burgers and salads. Statistically speaking, police are called to Kid Rock’s more than any other establishment on Lower Broadway so take note if you’d prefer a less rowdy environment. Hours: 11am-3am daily.
Luke’s 32 Bridge
@301 Broadway. There’s live music leaning toward modern country on the first floor. Floor 2 is more a restaurant vibe with live music piped in from below and a whole bunch of TVs. Floor 3 is another stage along with a bar and a mix of indoor and outdoor seating. The menu might surprise you with choices including sushi, a veggie burger and an elk-burger. Hours: M-Th, 11am-close, Fri-Sun, 10am-close. Kitchen closes at 10pm.
WannaB’s
@305 Broadway. It’s a karaoke bar with a bazillion tracks of popular songs. One rule: no slow tunes. The interior is a bit plain–and that’s fine because all eyes are on the stage. Surprisingly, most people who take the mic can actually sing. When time allows, the tuneful staff will render a number or two. It’s a little tricky to find so look for the entrance between Luke Bryan’s and Tequila Cowboy. Hours: Th 4pm-?, Fri-Sun 2-pm-?
Tequila Cowboy
@305 Broadway. The “cowboy” part may be a misnomer because the music is the first floor hosts rock bands under a mirrored ball. There’s also a private room for small groups. You can also shoot pool in a sports bar. Hours: 11am-close daily.
Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar
@307 Broadway. With a hit song called “My Kinda Party,” I figured Jason’s place would be pretty rowdy but it was a bit more refined than expected. The honky tonk sits on top of Tequila Cowboy with a balcony above the stage level and restaurant seating on both floors. The large rooftop patio is the party place for more live music and their “food in a basket” concept. The menu skews southern with several items based on his mama’s recipes. It’s also among the few places in the Honky Tonk District serving steak and pasta. Kitchen closes at 10pm.
Honky Tonk Central
@329 Broadway. It’s pretty much a three-story party with continuous live music on each floor. Musically, it leans toward uptempo modern country. Hint: There’s more room for dancing on the second floor. Their most popular menu selections are their Ultimate Appetizer, barbecue and an entree called Church Street Chicken. Fun fact: Almost 30 years ago the space was home to Cowboy LaCage, a club featuring female impersonators as country stars.
JBJ’s
@405 Broadway. Jon Bon Jovi’s five-story bar has entrances on both Broadway and 4th Avenue. The stage is narrow so the musicians are stacked on multiple tiers. What’s this New Jersey boy’s connection to Music City? He’s recorded multiple albums here and considers Nashville one of his musical homes. The tunes here are touted as a merging of country and rock. The concise menu’s most Jersey-ish item is Italian sausage and peppers; everything else is standard Lower Broadway fare. Fun fact: There’s a hologram of John for photo ops.
Nudie’s Honky Tonk
@409 Broadway. Nudie Cohn was an L.A. designer who never met a rhinestone he didn’t love. His creations were so distinctive a Nudie suit came to describe the kind of stage attire worn by Porter Wagoner, Hank Snow, and others. You’ll find some of those over-the-top suits as well as other memorabilia along the walls. At 111 feet, the first floor features the city’s longest bar, plus room to dance to the traditional-leaning live music. Want a little more space? Go up to the balcony which overlooks the stage. The rooftop has a small stage; a DJ spins house/club music starting around 9pm on Friday and Saturday night. Karaoke Wed-Sun with cash prizes awarded. Eats include a hot chicken sandwich, burgers, hot dogs, tacos, apps and salads. A bucket of six domestics will set you back $30, premiums go for $35–one of your better deals on Broadway. NEW: Go upstairs for Tanya Tucker’s Tequila Cantina where you can buy a $300 drink.
Garth Brooks’s Friends in Low Places
@411 Broadway. The first floor is dominated by a large stage in front of what’s likely the biggest video wall in the neighborhood. A lifesize metallic cast of Garth is waiting for you to join him for a photo op. “Head on up to the o-o-o-oasis” to find a smaller stage, all the trappings of a tiki bar, and a rooftop patio. In between is a private area where I’m told Trisha has her kitchen for TV tapings and there’s a living room you can rent. The southern-inspired menu includes a facsimile of Garth and Trisha’s wedding cake.
Hank Williams, Jr. Boogie Bar
@419 Broadway. The name pays tribute to Hank’s 1987 hit, “Born to Boogie.” Here you’ll find four floors populated by “all his rowdy friends” plus a rooftop bar. It’s goes 21+ at 6pm. The second floor bar has TVs showing sports behind the bar and it serves as a balcony to look down on the stage below. The music can probably best be described as rockin’ country and rock standards although I’m told they roll back to the ’80s, ’90s, and occasionally the ’60s. The uncluttered rooftop is band-free so you can actually have a conversation. Goes 21+ at 6pm.
A.J’s Good Time Bar
@421 Broadway. Alan Jackson had one stipulation–it had to play traditional country on Floors 1 and 2. (That’s generally interpreted as pre-2000s.) The first floor is pure honky tonk with a live band. Up on the second floor, A.J.’s G.T. Bar opens at 4pm with a more acoustic sound and a sports bar vibe with TVs. It’s karaoke starting at 6pm on the third floor, home to the nautically-themed Hull Billy Bar (get it, hull, as in boat?); there’s a small stage and plenty of open floor space. And finally, up on the roof is A.J.’s Star Bar with comfortable seating under umbrellas. Karaoke on the 3rd floor every night starting at 7pm. They keep things simple (and affordable) menu-wise: pizza and snacks. For example, pepperoni pizza is $11.50, and chips and salsa is $4. Hours: 11am-2:30am daily. 21+ after 6pm.
Mellow Mushroom
@ 423 Broadway. Yes, I know it’s a primarily a pizza joint with a hippie dippy attitude–not a honky tonk–but they also serve up live music ranging from country to rock. Fun fact: They host Metal Mondays, a genre you won’t find represented elsewhere on Lower Broad and a bluegrass band is frequently slotted. The first and second (aka as the balcony) floors are family friendly but the rooftop is always 21 and up. The third floor is a private club. On tap are 24 beers, including local brews, and they have a Jack and Coke machine dispensing the adult equivalent of an Icee. Their pizza (including gluten-free options) and calzone are right fine, and I give their hoagies a thumbs up. Most domestic beers are $7; that’s a buck or more below its neighbors. And they have happy hour specials. Live music daily and a kids’ band featured on the last Sunday of the month. Hours: 11am-11pm.
Rippy’s Honky Tonk
@ 429 Broadway. One side is more of a restaurant; the other, more of a bar. Both have live music as does the large cover deck up top. The playlist is mostly country with some classic rock in the mix. First floor too crowded for you? There’s a ton of tables upstairs. Great view of the Bridgestone Arena main entrance–a primo spot for Predators home games–while listening to acoustic artists. The full southern-flavored menu (including some gluten-free options), features their notable ribs and brisket. There’s also a kids’ menu. They ice their beer for maximum chill. Hours: Sun-Thur, 11am-2:30am, Fri-Sat, 10am-2:30am. 21+ after 10pm.
Locals Tip
Why are some Honky Tonks closed to the public seemingly random? Nashville is a big conference town, and many venues downtown are available to rent. They call this “buyouts,” where the whole location is rented for a private event. It can be for a few hours or the entire day. This usually happens on weeknights but can happen just as often on weekends. If there is a place you really want to visit, you can just check their website or call in advance to make sure they are open.
North Side of Broadway
We’ve covered the south side of Broadway. Before crossing the street, let’s answer a key question:
Hard Rock Cafe
@100 Broadway. Because there are more than 100 Hard Rock Cafe locations around the world, I was on the fence about including it. Is it a honky tonk? Not really–but what won me over is country music memorabilia upstairs in the Reverb Lounge. Some cool artifacts including stage attire from Bobbie Genry and Conway Twitty and guitars owned by Buck Owens and Waylon Jennings. With the Wildhorse Saloon closed, this may be one of your more family-friendly options.
Chief’s
@200 Broadway. Eric Church’s six-story music venue and restaurant is now open and he’s kicked off a 19-show residency that runs through June. Adding a smoky twist to his place, Church has partnered with James Beard award-winning barbecue wizard Rodney Scott. Unusual for Lower Broadway is the Neon Church, an intimate concert hall reminiscent of the Ryman. It plays hosts to some of Nashville’s most notable songwriters and artists; advance tickets are available for these shows through the website.
John Rich’s Redneck Riviera
@208 Broadway. John is a master marketer so his gift shop is loaded with RR-branded items including beer, whiskey, jerky and apparel. Vets, active service, and first-responders get 2-for-1 pricing on beer, wine and cocktails for their first beverage. The concise menu is big on barbecue and burgers. Ten drafts on tap. Live music on the first and second floors features solos and duos the small stages until 2 pm, then bands take over. Fun fact: if the light for the sign that reads “JR is in the house,” John’s onsite. Hours: Sun-Th 11am-3am, Fri-Sat, 10am-3am.
Blake Shelton’s Ole Red
@300 Broadway. Nice big stage with good views from both the first and second floors. A terrific female trio was on stage during my visit. The third floor is reserved for upscale private dinners and receptions. Above it is The Lookout, a 6,000 sq.ft. Skybar with a unique combination of indoor and outdoor space, offering a small-plates menu instead of the more expansive options of steaks, smoked meats and an interesting assortment of starters and sides served below. They even have a kids’ menu. The bar features signature drinks, wine and beer including a dozen beers on tap. You can rent a floor or the whole shebang. Hours: Sun-Wed, 11am-midnight, Thurs-Sat 11am-2am, Sat-Sun 11am-2am.
Whiskey Bent Saloon
@306 Broadway. As you walk in, there’s a seriously tall bear standing to your left and, to your right, a band stands where the music spans from country to rock. Lots of taxidermy on display as well as large portraits of country legends as you find yourself a place to sit and listen. Upstairs is a private room available for rent. As you might guess, they’re big on whiskey here. Ask the bartender to introduce you salted caramel or another unique flavor. Reserve your spot for a line dancing class on Monday, Thursday, Friday, or Saturday. At 7pm on Fridays and Saturdays, Hellbound Dueling Pianos hit the stage.
Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa
@308 Broadway. Miranda Lambert busts up the male-dominated scene with a Tex-Mex cantina decorated with props from her music videos and other memorabilia. The clientele skews more toward females than anyplace in the Honky Tonk District. If you don’t like pink, stay outta there. Burritos, tacos and other border favorites dominate the menu. Mon-Fri, 11am-?, Sat-Sun, 10am-?
The Valentine
@312 Broadway. There’s a bit of a speakeasy vibe in the first floor decor but the live music leans toward rockin’ country. The second floor functions as a balcony for the main floor. The third floor can be reserved for private parties and the rooftop has a beach vibe where you hear acoustic artists until 5pm, followed by a DJ spinning tunes till closing time. The menu leans toward chicken. Hours: M-Tu, 4pm-midnight; Wed-Thurs, 2pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 11am-2:00am; Sun, 11am-midnight.
Tin Roof Broadway
@316 Broadway. When I walked in, a really good bluesy band was cranking out the tunes. Decorated with old advertising signage and ’50s era dinette sets, the Tin Roof’s musical style is, to quote a bartender, “all over the place” although you’ll probably hear more country here than at its sister location on Music Row whose patrons include the college crowd. It bills itself as “a live music joint” with a stage up front, plus views from the second floor balcony. There’s a patio upstairs as well. Menu: appetizers, street tacos, quesadillas, burgers, sandwiches and salads. Happy hour specials. Groups welcome for seated dinners (170 max) or cocktail parties (300 max). Hours: 10am-3am daily. 21+ after 9pm.
Margaritaville
@322 Broadway. They call it Conky-Tonk, a breezy blend of Jimmy Buffett’s tropical tastes and Nashville honky tonks. With a variety of semi-secluded seating areas, Margaritaville is big with big groups and private parties (reservations accepted). There’s live music on two floors, a hint of twang and tequila with performers posted online. The biggest buzz is generated by SiriusXM’s live radio show Music City Happy Hour with Buzz Brainard, Fridays, 3pm-7pm; no reservations accepted so lines form early. The best strategy is to arrive for a late lunch and stay put. Except for MCHH, you can call ahead @ 615-208-908 to get your name on wait list. Menu: appetizers, Caribbean-influenced seafood, steaks, burgers, sandwiches, salads, key lime pie, gluten-free options. Hours: Sun-Thur, 11am-11pm, Fri-Sun, 11am-2am. All ages, all the time.
Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row
@400 Broadway. If you like Dierks, you’ll probably want to at least roam through this spacious bar and restaurant. Not as much Dierks memorabilia as I expected. The music follows Bentley’s bent–contemporary and fun-loving. There’s a big stage and, during my visit, the band seemed louder than most honky tonks so, if you want to have table conversation, you might want to head upstairs to the more acoustic set. Menu: Appetizers, salads, sliders, burgers, sandwiches, entrees, desserts. Serves brunch starting at 10am on Sat/Sun. It may be the only place among the honky tonks where you’ll find kale and quinoa on the menu. Hours: Sun, 10am-3am, Mon-Thurs, 11am-3am, Fri-Sat, 10am-3am.
Lucky B@stards Bar
@408 Broadway. This outpost of a chain is sort of a hybrid. Still big into televised sporting events but also has a stage for performances. Seems to follow the game plan of most other places in the District–acoustic performances until evening hours, then revving things up. The menu is your typical sports bar favorites but there’s a hot chicken joint upstairs.
INSIDER INFO: Too crowded on Broadway? There are rear entrances to The Stage, Tootsie’s, Layla’s and Legends on the alley that backs up to the Ryman Auditorium.
The Stage
@412 Broadway. The first thing you’ll notice is the size of the stage, big enough to accommodate more than your basic guitar, bass and drums. And the dance floor–it’s big too. That’s the first floor but you’ll find live music on the second floor and its rooftop patio (with heaters). They like to mix things up so you might find a different style of music on each floor. Take your photo ops with the giant guitar and mural of iconic country stars. Tip: if the front bar is crowded, move to the smaller one in the back.
Robert’s Western World
@416 Broadway. Unlikely some honky tonks that seek to please everybody, Robert’s is proudly the home of traditional country music. Fun fact: Robert’s hosts the district’s only Sunday Morning Gospel fellowship. Private parties can rent the balcony or the entire joint. Limited menu: appetizers, burgers, sandwiches.For $6, you can order the Recession Special (fried baloney sandwich, chips and PBR). Domestic beers (Busch, Busch Light, Miller High Life, PBR) are always $2.50. Hours: 11am-3am, except noon-3am Sundays. Hours: 10am-3am daily. Goes 21+ at 6pm.
Layla’s Bluegrass Inn
@418 Broadway. One stage with continuous music. And they’re not just bluegrass; they mix it up with country, Americana, newgrass, Western, hillbilly, and rockabilly. Fun fact: Layla really owns the place (25 years and counting) and she’s known to join the band on stage. Fun fact #2: Layla’s has no manager; just Layla, her bartenders and wait staff. The main floor and balcony are available for rent to private parties. The limited menu includes sandwiches, snacks and a salad. Hours: Mon-Wed, 1pm-1:30am, Thurs-Fri, 1pm-2:30am, Sat-Sun, 11am-2:30am.
Second Fiddle
@420 Broadway. One stage. Leans toward traditional country. In addition to the daily line-up, Easton Corbin and Chris Young are among the well-known artists who’ve dropped in. The afternoon I visited a five-piece band was blazing through a set with a dang-good fiddler. The bartender says they turn out a pretty good line-up of hot and cold sandwiches (ham, turkey, turkey club or BLT) as well as pizza. If you’re into old radios, you”ll want to see the owner’s impressive collection. Hours: 11am-3:00am daily. 21+ after 6pm.
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
@422 Broadway. The undisputed queen of the district, the legacy of Tootsie Bess began in 1960. (And it was named “2023 Best Honky Tonk” by Southern Living readers.) Countless legends-in-the-making sought respite and refreshment here including Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Roger Miller and Waylon Jennings. Three floors including its rooftop patio. Can be reserved for private parties; you can also reserve the front table, conveniently located near the band’s tip jar. Featured on the menu is Rippy’s barbecue. Opens earliest among honky tonks. Hours: 9:30am-3pm daily.
Legends Corner
@428 Broadway. You could spend hours perusing the walls covered with thousands of album covers and photographs–many of them autographed. Although the decor says “legends,” the music leans toward current country. Make sure you catch the celebrity mural outside facing 5th Avenue. Tip: if it’s crowded up front, enter via the side door on 5th Avenue where there’s a bar by the pool table in the back. Hours: 10am-2:30am daily. 21+ after 6pm.
Twelve Thirty Club
It’s tad elevated for a honky tonk. We’re talking truffle fries and spaghetti bolognese on the menu alongside chicken fried chicken and burgers. But the bands’ playlists definitely are in tune with the street. Located on the ground floor of the Fifth and Broadway complex, it’s another restaurant/bar combo that I’d feel comfortable recommending to families before they go 21+ at 10pm.
What’s a Honky Tonk?
The term “honky tonk” originated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in the United States, likely deriving from the slang term “honkatonk” for a style of rowdy music played in bars and dance halls. Over time, it became associated with the bars and nightclubs where this music was performed, known for their rough, boisterous atmosphere. In Nashville, honky tonks are synonymous with the city’s vibrant country music scene, particularly the bars along Broadway, where live country music is performed nightly. These venues carry on the tradition of honky tonk music, featuring simple melodies and heartfelt lyrics and attracting visitors seeking an authentic Nashville experience. For more, check out this 4 min video by Johnny Falstaff on the history of Honky Tonks.
A few summaries:
Broadest menu:
Acme, Nashville Underground, Margaritaville, Whiskey Kitchen, Ole Red, Valentine, Whiskey Row, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen, Friends in Low Places.
Vintage honky tonk vibe:
Robert’s Western World, Legends Corner, Layla’s, Tootsie’s, Second Fiddle.
Leans toward traditional country music:
AJ’s, Robert’s Western World, Layla’s, Second Fiddle.
Nice neighborhood vibe:
Bootlegger’s Inn, Layla’s, Second Fiddle.
Lots of music memorabilia:
Legends, Second Fiddle, Nudie’s, Tootsie’s, Hard Rock Cafe.
Celebrity connections:
Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Alan Jackson, John Rich, Jason Aldean, Jimmy Buffett, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Garth Brooks, Hank Williams, Jr., Eric Church, and Kid Rock. Off-Broadway you’ll find Johnny Cash, Lainey Wilson, and Morgan Wallen.
Fills up fastest:
Tough call but I’d say Tootsie’s and Robert’s. After that, I’d go with Old Red, Luke’s, and Kid Rock’s.
Rooftop patios or decks:
Almost every venue uses some superlative to describe its space–tallest, largest, etc–and roughly half of the honky tonks have some form of rooftop service. A few notes: Acme has the best river view. Ole Red’s huge indoor/outdoor space is most impressive. Tootsie’s has space for full bands to play in the covered area. Rippy’s is fully covered.
Unique features:
Garth’s Friends in Low Places has the widest stage. Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa seems to draw more women than men. You can pass between Luke’s and Jason’s rooftops without returning to street level. Your best bets for rock music on Broadway are probably Kid Rock’s and JBJ’s.
Off-Broadway Locations
Venture beyond the main Broadway strip for these honky tonks, clubs, restaurants, and music venues.
What would you like to explore next?
- Distilleries We’ve got a barrel of them. Many offer tours and samplings.
- Breweries Tap into our burgeoning beer businesses.
- Hot chicken We made it famous and it’s kind of a rite of passage in Music City.
- Unique Nashville Experiences Everything from biscuit-making to a sophisticated night of magic.
