Guide to the Best Nashville Bars and Nightlife

Nashville is a cultural powerhouse that attracts visitors from around the world with its scenic river setting, tasty Southern cuisine and its famous long-standing title as Music City.

From Johnny Cash to Dolly Parton, to the more modern Jason Aldean and Taylor Swift, Nashville has helped popularize bluegrass, country and rockabilly music over the past century.

Even though Nashville is exciting for travelers of all ages, it truly comes alive at night when the neon lights take over, the music gets louder and the bars fill with people ready to sing, dance and have an unforgettable time.

In this guide, we’ll look at the best Nashville bars to make your next vacation in Tennessee perfect.

Best Bars in Downtown Nashville

Many of the best bars in downtown Nashville are located on Broadway, which is commonly referred to as honky-tonk Highway.

A honky-tonk is a bar that features live Southern-style music, like country, bluegrass, or rock, along with many food and drink offerings. In some places, you’ll find classic American dishes like burgers and steaks, while others may offer Tex-Mex among other local cuisines.

Nashville’s honky-tonks are often open from around noon until as late as 3a.m., which makes it easy to always find a new place to explore. Some bars are better suited for relaxing and soaking in the music, while others are more energetic with huge dance floors, rooftop bars and other unique features.

While there are a number of downtown Nashville walking tours available, you can also simply walk along Broadway and hop into any place that feels right for you. Reservations are generally not needed and entry is usually free.

To get started, here are the best downtown Nashville bars and honky-tonks to check out on your next vacation.

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge

• Address: 422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Since 1960, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge has been a staple of downtown Nashville and it was a local hangout spot for people like Willie Nelson and Kris Kristofferson before they hit it big.

Today, it retains its old-school charm and offers great beers, tasty bar food, plus three floors of live music throughout the day and night. Plus, the building’s bright orchid-purple color makes it easy to find and it’s a great place to start or end your day in Nashville.

Layla’s Honky-Tonk

• Address: 418 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Layla’s Honky-Tonk is a local favorite and you’ll see why from the moment you enter this vintage slice of Americana. While relatively small compared to the other downtown bars, this place is still huge in energy and attitude.

Enjoy constant live music along with unique decorations, from the dim red lighting to the countless vintage license plates that cover the ceiling and walls. With classic bar food, local craft beers and a fantastic lineup of the city’s greatest artists, Layla’s is the perfect place to enjoy some old-school Nashville charm.

Nudie’s Honky-Tonk

• Address: 409 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Nudie’s Honky-Tonk enthralls locals and visitors alike with its vast halls full of rocking local music, great food and drinks, plus its eclectic decorations featuring a classic Cadillac hung on the wall and other vintage memorabilia.

The bar was opened in homage to Nudie Cohn, a fashion designer who created outfits for the likes of Elvis Presley, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash and many more. You can even see some of his most famous creations along the wall, including Elvis’ famous diamond-studded jacket.

With multiple levels plus a rooftop bar, Nudie’s honky-tonk is a must-visit bar when touring Nashville.

Honky-Tonk Central

• Address: 329 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

With three levels, a constant rotation of live music on multiple stages, plus ample room for dancing and relaxing on the rooftop bar, Honky-Tonk Central is a fantastic place to enjoy your time in downtown Nashville.

Some floors may be livelier or more relaxed depending on the band, but with a casual charm and fantastic central location on Broadway, you can’t go wrong at the Honky-Tonk Central.

Robert’s Western World

• Address: 416 Broadway # B Nashville, TN 37203

Robert’s Western World is one of the more old-school honky-tonks on this list and it’s an affordable and casual place that many locals cite as their favorite spot in town.

Enjoy live music and cold drinks alongside the “recession menu,” which features their famed bologna sandwiches among other unique and tasty snacks.

Whiskey Bent Saloon

• Address: 306 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

The Whiskey Bent Saloon is a vintage Nashville honky-tonk that feels like a time capsule of the city’s vibrant musical past.

Designed like an old-time saloon, you can enjoy great beers and bar food along with an authentic cultural charm. Plus, you’ll get some amazing live acts here throughout the day and night and on Saturdays, you can come in the evening for their famed dueling piano show.

Celebrity Bars in Nashville

Nashville’s live music scene has helped to launch the careers of countless musicians, from Johnny Cash to Miranda Lambert, Taylor Swift and countless more.

Once they make it big, many artists wish to leave their imprint on Music City and what better way than by opening their own honky-tonk?

This list features the best celebrity-owned bars and restaurants in Nashville for you to check out today.

Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar

• Address: 307 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Jason Aldean is one of country music’s biggest modern stars and his famed Kitchen + Rooftop Bar is just as popular as his chart-topping hits.

Enjoy live music on the first floor along another stage on the scenic rooftop bar and indulge in some great cocktails and beers along with classic American dishes. Some popular items include the juicy cheeseburger, hearty mac and cheese, plus waffles topped with steak and bacon.

Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar is very popular, so while you may have to wait a bit to get in, it’s always a lively and energetic spot that’s great for a night on the town.

Johnny Cash’s Bar and BBQ

• Address: 121 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

Johnny Cash remains one of country music’s most renowned legends and Johnny Cash's Bar and BBQ is a great way to enjoy his legacy and imprint on Nashville's music scene.

Situated in a beautiful historical building, this place has a rugged old-school charm, making it the perfect spot to relax and unwind day or night. Enjoy live music along with cold beers and warm burgers and then head next-door to the Johnny Cash Museum to dive further into Nashville's cultural history.

Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa

• Address: 308 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Miranda Lambert has been topping the country music charts for over 20 years and her restaurant is equally impressive as one of the best Nashville bars around today.

At Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa, you can enjoy authentic Tex-Mex meals along with artisan cocktails, wine and other drinks plus live country music. With three levels full of bright pink decor and the top level being a lively rooftop bar, you’ll always be entertained at this bustling hangout spot.

The Twelve Thirty Club

• Address: 550 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Owned by Justin Timberlake, The Twelve Thirty Club is one of the fancier bars on Broadway where you can enjoy the best of Nashville's nightlife and music in a sleek, modern environment.

The first floor often features live country music with lush tables and a more high-end atmosphere than traditional honky-tonks. On the upper levels, you’ll find live jazz music plus a rooftop bar complete with a DJ.

Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky-Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse

• Address: 221 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

With a four-level building as big as its name, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky-Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse is a great place to enjoy lively and rowdy music late into the night.

With your classic Nashville bluegrass and country music, along with some occasionally heavier rock bands, you can enjoy an eclectic evening full of live music, cold beers, plus a classic American BBQ menu. Along with a scenic rooftop bar, this is a great place to let loose during your Nashville vacation.

Planning Your Trip to Nashville

When thinking of the best time to visit Nashville it’s important to know that AAA members can access perks and take advances for vacation planning such as getting the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.