Nashville Nightlife — Honky-Tonks, Bars & Live Music

Nashville’s nightlife centers on one undeniable fact: live music pours out of every door on Lower Broadway from 10 AM until 3 AM, seven days a week, with no cover charge. There is no other street in America like it.

But Nashville’s nightlife goes far beyond Broadway. Here’s the full picture.

Lower Broadway — The Honky-Tonks

The four-block stretch of Lower Broadway between 2nd and 5th Avenues is the epicenter. Every bar has a live band on stage — country, rock, blues, covers, and everything in between. No cover charge at any of the honky-tonks (this is the law of Broadway).

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge — The most famous honky-tonk in the world. Three floors of live music. The back door opens onto the alley behind the Ryman Auditorium — legends like Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Patsy Cline used to duck in between Opry sets.

Robert’s Western World — The local favorite. Country music, cold beer, and fried bologna sandwiches. Less tourist-heavy than Tootsie’s. The house band (Brazilbilly) is excellent.

Layla’s (formerly Layla’s Bluegrass Inn) — Bluegrass and old-time country. Smaller, more intimate, and the music is consistently great.

AJ’s Good Time Bar — Alan Jackson’s bar. Multiple floors, rooftop deck, and a vibe that’s slightly more upscale than the classic honky-tonks.

Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge, Jason Aldean’s, Kid Rock’s — The newer celebrity bars. Bigger, louder, more produced. Multiple floors with different music on each level. More nightclub than honky-tonk.

Midtown & Music Row

Losers Bar & Grill (Division St) — Dive bar with a legendary jukebox and a back patio that’s one of the best hangout spots in Nashville. Cash only.

Winners Bar — Across from Losers. Sports bar energy with strong drinks.

The Patterson House (Midtown) — Craft cocktail bar with a no-standing policy (everyone sits). Speakeasy-inspired, no TVs, and cocktails that are genuinely excellent.

East Nashville

The 5 Spot — Live music venue with eclectic booking — funk, soul, indie, comedy, and “Motown Monday” which is a Nashville institution. Small, sweaty, perfect.

Dino’s (East Nashville) — Late-night dive bar. Burgers after midnight. The smashburger has a cult following. Bands play in the back room.

Basement East — The bigger live music venue in East Nashville. Nationally touring indie and Americana acts. The mural on the side of the building is one of Nashville’s most photographed spots.

Rooftop Bars

L.A. Jackson (Thompson Nashville, The Gulch) — The best rooftop bar in Nashville. Downtown skyline views, craft cocktails, and a crowd that actually gets dressed up.

Acme Feed & Seed (Lower Broadway) — Multi-level bar with a rooftop overlooking the Cumberland River and the pedestrian bridge. The best view from Broadway.

Bobby Hotel rooftop — Rooftop pool and bar open to the public (sometimes). Check availability. The vintage Greyhound bus on the roof is a private lounge.

The Gulch

Nashville’s most polished neighborhood for dining and nightlife.

The 404 Kitchen — Hidden restaurant/bar in a converted shipping container (now expanded). Creative cocktails and one of the best late-night kitchens in the city.

Station Inn — The most famous bluegrass venue in the world. In the Gulch, technically. Small, legendary, and the music is world-class. Cover charge for shows.

→ Nashville Fun Things To Do — Complete Guide → Nashville Timeshare Promotions