Downtown Nashville Bars and Honky-Tonks
Nashville’s famous honky-tonks are an ideal destination for music fans, food lovers, and whiskey drinkers. One of the most well-known, unique nightlife destinations in Nashville is the three-block strip where Broadway and 5th Avenue intersects with Broadway and 2nd Avenue. Also referred to as “Lo-Bro,” “Honky-Tonk Row”, and “The District”, this is a must-visit area on any trip to Nashville and is located just blocks away from Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville Downtown. There’s a honky-tonk for just about everyone in Nashville, so use our list to find the bars that are perfect for you!
Recommended Honky-Tonks and Bars
Robert’s Western World – Located in the shadows of the Ryman in The District, this honky-tonk offers the music, food, and tradition that everyone is looking for in Nashville. Robert’s staff and house band, Brazilbilly, have a passion for returning country music to its roots and honoring traditional Nashville hospitality. If you are looking for one honky-tonk that you will never forget, stop by Roberts!
Second Fiddle – Kick your boots up with friendly company at this gem on Honky-Tonk Row. Patrons always enjoy live country music every day of the week. Keep an eye out for the antique radios and music memorabilia that line the walls. Martin McDaniel, from the band Alabama, plays here from time to time and the bar was also featured in the film Country Strong.
The Stage on Broadway – See an original oil painting of The Highwaymen hanging above the entrance to a busy honky-tonk on Broadway? Don’t pass it up, because you’ve found The Stage. If you are looking for country with more of a rock feel to it, this is the place to be. Enjoy great brews and music at this spot that has hosted numerous celebrities, television shows, and movies.
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge –Decades of honky-tonk history is in the atmosphere at Tootsie’s. Drink it in as you enjoy great bands and events while surrounded by antique memorabilia and pictures that cover the walls. This legendary bar has hosted a long line of famous country stars and Nashville’s inner circle of song writers; in fact, Willie Nelson got his first songwriting job after singing at Tootsie’s.
Bootleggers Inn – Terms like “rum-running” and “bootlegging” are no strangers to the staff at this watering hole. Patrons come here to get their fill of bluegrass music. Head on out and enjoy two floors of live music and moonshine in the heart of Broadway.
Legends Corner – Enjoy live music and an expanded drink menu at this watering hole. If you are looking for a place to dance during the weekdays than look no further. Located across the street from the Bridgestone Arena, this is a great spot for locals and tourists.
Layla’s Bluegrass Inn – Enjoy great food, live entertainment, and plenty of Southern hospitality at this Nashville spot. Be prepared to wear some comfortable shoes, because you will usually find this bar to be standing room only on the weekends. Have a toe tappin’ good time at Layla’s with live music seven days a week.
Best of the Rest
Broadway Brewhouse – Fulfill your appetite and quench your thirst with tasty homemade concoctions at Brewhouse Downtown. If you have never had a Bushwhacker, make sure you stop by this venue and try theirs! This Nashville original has expanded to five locations, but this city center joint is a favorite with 72 beers on tap at a 60 foot bar.
Full Moon Saloon –This Live country music venue is a great laid back spot in the heart of Broadway. The Full Moon Saloon is a great joint for honky-tonk enthusiasts in search of a young crowd, loud music, and cheap beer. Don’t forget your dancin’ shoes!
Honky-Tonk Central – Party like a country star at this western honky-tonk with three stories of live music and great casual eats. This bar is a lot of fun, but be prepared because it can get very loud.
Nashville Crossroads – Stop into this Honky-Tonk Row favorite on your next trip to Nashville. This crowd favorite is located right next to the World Famous Ernest Tubb Record Shop. Patrons always enjoy friendly staff, cold brews, and a mixture of classic country and southern rock and roll tunes.
The National Underground Nashville – Enjoy authentic rock, pop and country music by local and national talent every day of the week at this spot owned by Gavin DeGraw and Joey DeGraw. Indulge in arguably the best grilling around town in a laid back atmosphere at The National Underground. This hotspot is ideal for locals and tourists, and often attracts some of music’s biggest names. Don’t forget to try their burgers!
Paradise Park Trailer Resort –This playful honky-tonk located on Lower Broadway prides itself in showing locals and tourists an old fashioned rockin’ time. With a trailer-park themed vibe, and Astroturf covered floors, this honky-tonk usually drives the younger crowd. Visit this spot for delicious all-American casual dining, live music, and a full bar of liquor and beer.
Rippy’s Smokin’ Bar & Grill – Delicious barbecue (especially the ribs), live music, and cold drinks are always on tap at this local spot. Dance your way through a main dining area, a sports bar, and an open-air rooftop patio at this smokin’ hot venue.
The Wheel Nashville –Don’t miss this old school honky-tonk on Lower Broadway, where guests always enjoy top-of-the-line service. Dance the night away with friends at the Wheel Nashville, where the music and drinks are always flowin’. Or, head upstairs to The Wheel Cigar Bar to enjoy your favorite cigar as you sit back in a leather chair and sort through their fine selection of whiskey, bourbon, and craft beer. If you are looking to play some games, the cigar bar also features pool tables.
Whiskey Bent Saloon – Look for the giant whiskey barrel out front! Dance to a mixture of live country and classic rock tunes at this local joint that claims to have Broadway’s largest specialty bourbon and whiskey selection.