THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO NASHVILLE'S BROADWAY BARS

Nashville's Broadway is packed with legendary honky tonks that blend live music, Southern charm, and vibrant nightlife. Top picks include:

• Tootsie's Orchid Lounge – A historic icon since 1960, known for its purple exterior and live country sets across three floors.
• Robert's Western World – A go-to for traditional country music and its famous $6 "Recession Special" (fried bologna sandwich, chips, MoonPie, and a PBR).
• Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk – Massive multi-level venue with rock influences and open windows overlooking Broadway.
• Nudie's Honky Tonk – Home to the longest bar on Broadway and vintage rhinestone suits on display.
• Honky Tonk Central – Three floors of upbeat modern country music with balconies overlooking the strip.

If you're looking to explore even more of Broadway's star-powered side, check out these crowd favorites:

• Luke Combs' Category 10 – A hurricane-themed, multi-story bar with live music on every level, killer light shows, rooftop views, and a menu that brings a taste of Combs' Carolina roots to Nashville.
• Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar – Multiple floors of Southern comfort food, live bands, and the famous "My Kinda Party" rooftop patio with skyline views.
• Morgan Wallen's This Bar – Spacious and bustling, this multi-level hangout salutes all things Tennessee, with great music and a standout third-floor Tennessee Kitchen.
• Lainey Wilson's Bell Bottoms Up – A western-themed honky tonk on 3rd Ave., showcasing Lainey memorabilia, a Louisiana-inspired menu, and one of downtown's best rooftops.
• Eric Church's Chiefs – Standout décor, themed floors, and the intimate Neon Steeple stage (a tribute to the Ryman) make this a must for fans who love a creative twist.
• Garth Brooks' Friends in Low Places – Two main stages, a massive lower-level performance space, and a tropical rooftop "Oasis" with live shows and skyline views.
• JBJ's – Jon Bon Jovi's blend of rock and country, with two rooftop patios, live bands on every floor, and a main stage visible from multiple levels.
• Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa – The first Broadway bar by a female artist, with Tex-Mex dining, multiple floors of live music, a rooftop bar, and plenty of pink flair.
• Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row – Gastropub meets honky tonk: three stories, a main-floor stage, a dance hall upstairs, and a rooftop offering panoramic city views.
• Luke Bryan's 32 Bridge – Six levels, eight bars, four stages, two restaurants, and one of Broadway's largest rooftop bars.
• Blake Shelton's Ole Red – All about music, food, and fun, this multi-level spot features a large stage, a rooftop bar, and the iconic green tractor hanging above the room.

Whether you're after old-school legends or new-school celebrity flair, Broadway's honky tonks have a little something for everyone—and a lot of live music at every turn.

Most Broadway bars operate on a walk-in basis, especially for casual drinking and dancing. You can usually just show up and enjoy the live music and drinks without any prior booking.

However, if you're visiting during special events like New Year's Eve or major festivals, it's wise to check whether the venue requires reservations or has private table bookings. Celebrity-owned venues may recommend reservations for seated dining or special events. Always check the bar's website or social media for updates before arriving.

Yes! Most honky tonks on Broadway offer free live music with no cover charge. That includes popular spots like:

• Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
• Robert's Western World
• The Stage
• Legends Corner
• Layla's Honky Tonk

While entry is free, tipping the musicians is highly encouraged. They often take requests and keep the energy high, which makes Nashville one of the most accessible and exciting live music scenes in the U.S. Weekdays often feature lesser-known but talented local artists, ideal for a more intimate experience.

For the most energetic vibe, aim to start your night around 6 PM or later, especially on Fridays and Saturdays when crowds peak and the atmosphere is electric.

Live music typically runs in sets throughout the day:

• 10 AM – 2 PM: Early afternoon acoustic sessions
• 2 PM – 6 PM: Laid-back crowd
• 6 PM – 10 PM: Busy and buzzing
• 10 PM – 2 AM: Peak party hours with wild performances

If you prefer a more relaxed pace, weekdays or early afternoons are ideal.

Broadway's legendary honky tonks—like Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Robert's Western World, and The Stage—keep the music going nearly 16 hours a day, 365 days a year. The main five-block stretch is packed with venues, each offering its own spin on classic and new country, and by nighttime the sidewalks are alive with folks decked out in their best Southern style. Most bars become 21-and-up as the evening rolls in and fill quickly, so expect a lively crowd and non-stop entertainment. Whether you're a tourist or a local, there's truly something for everyone on Lower Broadway—no matter when you visit.

Yes, Broadway is generally safe at night, thanks to a strong police presence, well-lit streets, and the constant flow of visitors and locals. Tourists regularly report feeling secure while walking between bars.

That said, always stay aware of your surroundings:

• Stick to the main stretch of Broadway
• Stay in groups
• Avoid isolated alleys or poorly lit areas

This ensures a fun and worry-free experience while soaking in the city's iconic nightlife.

Enjoy a fun-filled but wallet-friendly night out with these smart tips:

• Visit no-cover honky tonks like Robert's Western World or Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
• Try cheap drink deals: Robert's offers a $6 Recession Special (beer + meal), and AJ's Good Time Bar is known for affordable drinks
• Take advantage of happy-hour specials at spots like Acme Feed & Seed
• Walk between bars—Broadway is compact and easy to navigate on foot

This way, you can hop between multiple venues without overspending.

If you're looking to capture the spirit of Nashville for social media or memories, here are the top photo spots:

• Ole Red – Rooftop views of Broadway and a vibrant interior
• Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa – All-pink decor and a built-in selfie wall
• Tootsie's Orchid Lounge – Walls lined with photos of country legends
• Nudie's Honky Tonk – The customized Cadillac hanging above the longest bar in Nashville
• Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk – Open windows and bold signage perfect for snaps

These spots offer both historic charm and modern flair, making them ideal for memorable shots.

If you're planning a group outing, celebration, or even a lively corporate event, Broadway has you covered with plenty of spacious, party-friendly bars. Many offer private rooms, bookable spaces, and multi-level layouts to handle crowds of any size.

Some favorite spots for hosting a group include:

• Luke Bryan's 32 Bridge – Six levels, eight bars, multiple stages, and bookable event spaces make it one of the most flexible large-group venues on Broadway.
• Honky Tonk Central – Three stories of neon-lit fun with plenty of balcony space and multiple bars to keep everyone's drink topped up.
• Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk – A massive venue with wide-open spaces perfect for bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthdays, and big group nights out.

Whether you're organizing a birthday bash, reunion, or corporate night out, call ahead for reservations or VIP packages. And for getting your whole group there and back without the parking headache, Rowdy Bus handles round-trip transportation for parties of 8 or more.

Absolutely! While Broadway is best known for its honky-tonk nightlife, a handful of venues welcome families—especially during the daytime. Nashville Underground, for example, sets itself apart with four floors packed with live music, food, and activities like arcade games and a mechanical bull. Kids are welcome there during daylight hours, making it a rare spot where the whole family can join in on the Broadway buzz.

Of course, policies can change and each bar sets its own age limits—so if you're bringing youngsters, be sure to check ahead with the venue.