All the Honky Tonk Bars on Broadway: Complete Nashville Guide
I visited all the honky tonks and live music venues on Broadway to provide you profiles, tips and recommendations.
- There’s no cover charge at honky tonks but the musicians survive on tips and most take requests.
- Most honky tonks are open to all ages until 6pm. Some switch to 21+ at 8pm, others at 10pm.
- Expect to be asked for a photo ID to purchase alcohol.
- Menus range from storebought pizza to gourmet entrees.
- Most are eager to rent you a room or an entire floor for a private event.
- Check with individual websites for current calendar. Things change so frequently I can’t keep up!
NOTE: Due to staffing issues, some establishments may operate limited hours or days.
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. I recommend the Saturday Soul brunch for a groovin’ good time; no reservations required. 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. They’re available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. 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 vibe. They welcome private and bachelorette parties. 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. Hours: M-Th 11am-close, Fri-Sun 10am-close. Kitchen closes at 10pm.
Honky Tonk Central
@329 Broadway. It’s pretty much a three-story party with continuous live music on each floor. There’s a band on the first floor and something more acoustic on Floors 2 and 3. 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. Hours: Sun-Wed, Thur-Sat, 10am-3am daily.
To-Be-Named Bon Jovi Bar
@405 Broadway. No details yet.
Nudie’s Honky Tonk
@409 Broadway. Don’t go in here expecting a strip club. For those who don’t know their couture history, 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. Space can be reserved for private gatherings. 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. Hours: 10am-3am daily. Kitchen closes at 10pm.
Hank Williams, Jr. Boogie Bar
@419 Broadway. Add one more to the celebrity-packed Honky Tonk Highway. Details to be added as plans develop on what was formerly Nashville Crossroads.
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.
Starting back at the river, let’s go door-to-door to the honky tonks on the north side of Lower Broadway.
Chief’s
@200 Broadway. No opening date yet announced for Eric Church’s new honky tonk, barbecue restaurant and music venue.
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. Note: no food available.
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. They go for the uptown, upscale vibe of a classic speakeasy even though the music is more rockin’ country than Roaring Twenties. Live music on the first and second floor with solo artists until mid-afternoon. Lots of cozy booths for small groups and larger areas for the whole gang. The third floor, similarly decorated, is reserved for private parties. The whitewashed wood on the two-tier deck has a beach vibe where you hear acoustic artists until 5pm, followed by a DJ spinning tunes till closing time. Bachelor and bachelorette parties welcome. Vegetarians can go for the black bean wrap from their fairly extensive menu. Hours: M-Tu, 4pm-12am, Wed-Thurs, 2pm-2am, Fri-Sun 11am-2:00am.
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. My third date with my wife-to-be was a visit to Robert’s so it holds a warm place in my heart. Unlikely some honky tonks that seek to please everybody, Robert’s is proudly the home of traditional country music, the popular Don Kelley Band typically take the stage Th-Sat nights. 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 $5, you can order the Recession Special (fried baloney sandwich, chips and PBR) or the Stimulus Package (hot dog, chips and Miller Lite). Domestic beers are always $2.50. Hours: 11am-3am, except noon-3am Sundays. On Sunday at 10:30am, you can have church at Robert’s during Sunday Morning Gospel. No charge but if you want to make a donation to a worthy cause, you won’t be denied. Hours: 10am-3am daily.
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. Two rockabilly bands have strong followings; most weeks the Eskimo Brothers play on Tuesdays 5-9pm and Hillbilly Casino on Fridays 10pm-close. 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. Garth gave a surprise performance in February 2018. 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 for $9) as well as pizza. If you’re into old radios, you”ll want to see the owner’s impressive collection. Hours: Mon-Wed, 2pm-2:30am: Th-Sun, 11am-2:30am. 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.
Boots Above Broadway: Visit Fifth and Broadway’s Skydeck Thursdays starting at 6pm for free line dancing lessons. Click for details.
A few summaries:
Broadest menu: Acme, Underground, Margaritaville, Whiskey Kitchen, Blake Sheldon’s Ole Red, Valentine, Dierk Bentley’s Whiskey Row, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen.
Vintage honky tonk vibe: Legends Corner, Layla’s, Tootsie’s, Second Fiddle, Robert’s, Bootlegger’s Inn
Leans toward traditional country music: AJ’s, Robert’s Western World, Layla’s, Bootlegger’s Inn, Second Fiddle, Nudie’s.
Nice neighborhood vibe: Bootlegger’s Inn, Layla’s, Second Fiddle.
Lots of music memorabilia: Legends, Second Fiddle, Nudie’s, Tootsie’s.
Celebrity connections: Blake Shelton, Dierks Bentley, Alan Jackson, John Rich, Jason Aldean, Jimmy Buffett, Jason Aldean, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert and Kid Rock. Off-Broadway you’ll find Florida-Georgia Line.
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.
