Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up: Nashville’s High-Energy Rooftop Bar
Experience Nashville’s newest high-energy rooftop honky-tonk from Grammy-winning artist Lainey Wilson.Photo credit: @bellbottomsupnashville
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What Sets It Apart
Photo credit: @bellbottomsupnashville
Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up isn’t just another honky-tonk—it’s a celebration of authentic country spirit with a modern twist. Opened on May 10, 2024, this three-level venue on 3rd Avenue South combines Southern charm with high-octane energy. The rooftop bar offers panoramic views of downtown Nashville, while the ground floor pulses with live music from rising stars and seasoned performers. Named after Wilson’s hit song, the space reflects her bold, unapologetic style—think vintage denim, retro signage, and a stage that never sleeps. It’s a destination for fans and newcomers alike.
Food & Drinks Deep Dive
Photo credit: @bellbottomsupnashville
The menu blends Southern comfort with upscale flair. Starters like Baked Pimento Cheese Dip and Crispy Fried Pickles set the tone. The star is the Bell Bottom Burger—double patties, candied bacon, and house sauce on a brioche bun. Vegan options include the Plant-Based Smash Burger. Cocktails are creative: the Bell Bottom Blues Margarita with jalapeño-infused tequila and the Denim & Dirt Old Fashioned with Tennessee whiskey. Brunch runs weekends (10 AM–3 PM) with bottomless mimosas and Chicken & Waffles. Prices reflect premium quality but may feel high for some.
Standout Menu Items:
- Dirty Fries – Beer cheese, short rib, bourbon demi-glace, gruyère blend.
- Smash Burger – Wagyu beef, cheddar, caramelized onion, brioche.
- Shrimp & Grits – Havarti grits, shrimp, andouille, garlic butter.
- Bang Bang Shrimp – Buttermilk shrimp, hot honey, dill pickle slaw.
- Wilson’s Cut – 20oz ribeye, garlic butter, potato nest.
Service & Scene
Photo credit: @bellbottomsupnashville
Staff are friendly and knowledgeable, though service can slow during peak hours—especially Friday and Saturday nights when the rooftop reaches capacity. The energy is electric: dancing, singing along, and constant photo ops. Weeknights offer a more relaxed vibe with shorter wait times. Bands play nightly starting at 6 PM, with extended sets on weekends. The dance floor is packed by 8 PM, and the rooftop bar may require a 15–20 minute wait during prime time.
First Impressions: Location and Atmosphere
Photo credit: @bellbottomsupnashville
Located at the bustling corner of 3rd Ave S and Broadway, Bell Bottoms Up commands attention with its retro neon sign and denim-themed façade. Inside, the energy hits immediately—live music, laughter, and the clink of glasses. The venue spans three floors: the main bar and dance floor, an elevated lounge, and the rooftop terrace. Each level offers a distinct vibe, from intimate booths to open-air party zones. The industrial-chic design with reclaimed wood, vintage concert posters, and Lainey Wilson memorabilia creates a welcoming, fan-driven atmosphere.
Insider Tips
Use Rideshare
Street parking is extremely limited. Uber/Lyft drop-off is right out front.Reserve for Weekends
Book group tables (6+) via the website to guarantee entry and seating.Casual Dress
Denim, boots, or sneakers—all welcome. No formal attire needed.Weeknight Advantage
Tuesday–Thursday offer shorter waits and easier conversation.Stay Safe
Watch your drink closely, especially in crowded areas, to stay safe.What Visitors Are Saying
Jacob W.
Awesome vibe with killer live music! The Chicken & Waffles at brunch were spot-on, but it got super crowded by 9 PM on Friday.
Chris M.
The Bell Bottom Burger was delicious, and the live band playing Lainey’s songs was a vibe. Only downside was the wait for rooftop seating on Saturday night.
Emily T.
Loved the Denim & Dirt Old Fashioned! The atmosphere is so lively, but drinks are pricey—$16 for a cocktail is steep even for Nashville.
Michael R.
Perfect spot for a bachelorette party. The bottomless mimosas at brunch were a hit, and the decor with Lainey’s posters is so cool!
Lauren K.
Music was great, but service was slow when we went. Took 20 minutes to get drinks. Still, the rooftop view and energy make it worth a visit.
The Verdict: Worth Your Nashville Adventure?
Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up delivers a premium honky-tonk experience with personality, great music, and standout food and drinks. It’s ideal for visitors who want more than just a bar—they want a memory.
Best For:
- Groups celebrating birthdays or bachelorette parties
- Fans of Lainey Wilson or modern country music
- Visitors seeking rooftop views and live music
- Weekend nightlife seekers who love energy
Consider Alternatives If:
- You’re on a tight budget (entrance free, but drinks/food are premium)
- You prefer quiet, intimate bars
- You’re visiting during peak season without reservations
Planning Your Visit
Parking
No dedicated parking. Use rideshare or nearby garages (e.g., 4th Ave Garage, ~$15/day).Best Times
Weeknights (Tue–Thu): 5–8 PM for shorter waits. Weekends: arrive before 7 PM for rooftop access.Floor Strategy
Ground floor: dance and music. Lounge level: quieter seating. Rooftop: views and cocktails. Elevator access available for rooftop.The Bottom Line
★★★★☆
Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up is a must-visit for any Nashville traveler seeking live music, rooftop views, and a taste of modern country culture.
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FAQs
What are some other notable bars in the downtown Nashville area, and how do they differ in atmosphere or offerings?
Other Noteworthy Broadway Bars: Exploring the Downtown Scene
Looking for more honky-tonk hotspots within walking distance? Broadway’s nightlife scene is stacked with character, and each bar brings its own flair to the party. Here are a few local favorites that offer a different spin on the downtown Nashville vibe:
- Hank Williams Jr.’s Boogie Bar Tucked along the neon-lit stretch, this spot leans into classic country with live bands and memorabilia lining the walls. The space itself is narrow and feels like a throwback to old-school Nashville. Expect rowdy crowds, line dancing, and a playlist that’ll have you two-stepping in no time.
- Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa For country glamour with a pop of pink, Casa Rosa stands out—think rhinestones, photo ops, and a Texas-meets-Tennessee menu. The decor is cheeky, feminine, and unapologetically over-the-top. Besides the entertainment (and the taco bar), it’s a selfie magnet for groups wanting big energy and bigger margaritas.
- AJ’s Good Time Bar Owned by Alan Jackson, AJ’s is beloved for its no-nonsense, straight-up country bar attitude in a more intimate setting. You’ll find live music on multiple floors, a rooftop with sweeping downtown views, and plenty of locals cutting loose. It’s less glitz, more grit—a reliable spot for old-school honky-tonk charm.
Whatever your style—glam, classic, or down-home—there’s a Broadway bar ready to match your mood. Each one amps up the Nashville energy in its own unique way, making bar-hopping a must while you’re downtown.
How does Bell Bottoms Up compare to other celebrity-owned bars on Broadway in Nashville?
How Bell Bottoms Up Stands Out from Other Celebrity Bars on Broadway
You know Nashville loves its star-powered spots—Luke’s 32 Bridge, Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa, Blake Shelton’s Ole Red—but Bell Bottoms Up marches to its own beat. Unlike many celebrity-themed bars that lean heavily on photo ops and familiar bar bites, Lainey Wilson brings a fresh take to Broadway’s lineup. Here, the playful décor (yes, you’ll spot those massive sparkling bell bottoms overhead) is matched by a menu that’s actually worth your Instagram story.
What really sets Bell Bottoms Up apart is its focus on both atmosphere and quality. While you’ll find the requisite live music and rooftop views everyone craves downtown, guests rave about the creative Southern-inspired food. Forget the generic fried baskets that dominate Broadway; Bell Bottoms Up puts real effort into flavorful dishes and clever twists on comfort classics. Add in a crowd that balances devoted Lainey fans with curious locals, and you’ve got a spot that feels relaxed yet energetic—never just another copy-paste celeb hangout.
What is Bayou Keys, and how does its vibe and menu compare to the main level of Bell Bottoms Up?
Discover Bayou Keys: Lainey’s Dueling Piano Hideaway
Photo credit: @bellbottomsupnashville
Downstairs from the lively rooftop buzz, Bayou Keys offers a distinct detour—a dueling piano bar that puts a Southern twist on Nashville nightlife. While the main floor revels in high-energy country and bold, retro flair, Bayou Keys dials it back with a more intimate atmosphere. Here, you’ll swap neon cowgirl for touches of Louisiana charm: think alligator motifs, vintage décor, and the playful hum of dueling pianos echoing classic hits and requests from the crowd.
Despite its cozier setting, Bayou Keys doesn’t cut corners on food. The menu echoes the upstairs lineup—with favorites like boudin balls and shrimp & grits making an appearance—but the vibe encourages slower sipping and conversation. It’s ideal for fans who want the Bell Bottoms Up spirit with a relaxed twist. Whether you’re soaking in the soulful piano performances or dipping into Southern starters, Bayou Keys delivers an unexpected taste of the bayou right in the heart of Broadway.