Honky Tonk Central

The Basics

Travelers can venture to Honky Tonk Central on their own for a quintessential Nashville evening filled with bar food and live music, or purchase a bar pass with fast-track access and vouchers for drinks at several of the city’s live music venues. Inside this hot spot, you’ll find room to dance and plenty of tables where you can sit back and grab a drink. Plus, you can catch unique views of Nashville from the venue’s balconies.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Special packages for bachelor and bachelorette parties are available.
• Travelers say that drinks can be a bit pricey here.
• Unlike the smaller spots, Honky Tonk Central stands three stories tall and takes up a full corner of downtown, so it’s hard to miss. *The second and third levels are accessible via an elevator.

How to Get There

If you’re traveling from Knoxville to the east or from Memphis to the west, you can reach Nashville by car via Highway 40. From the north, like Chicago, or the south, starting along the Gulf Coast, take Highway 65. If you’re coming from the northwest or the southeast, follow Highway 24. Nashville International Airport is about 8 miles (13 kilometers) from the city.

When to Get There

As you would expect, you’ll encounter the biggest crowds at Honky Tonk Central on the weekends, when visitors from both near and far flock to Nashville. Late spring, summer, and early fall (from April through October) is considered the best time to visit Nashville, when the weather is most pleasant.

Visiting Honky-Tonks in Nashville

An integral part of the Nashville music scene, honky-tonks like Robert’s Western World, Nudie’s, and Tootsies line Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville. Step inside one of the many venues to hear musicians (of all genres, not just country) performing, day and night. Keep in mind that the early sets usually play acoustic, while the late-night acts get a little rowdier.

Ways to explore

Although many visitors pop in and out of Honky Tonk Central at their leisure, guided tours are a great way to get more out of your time on Honky Tonk Highway. These tours include live-music bar crawls that cover not just this popular venue but other spots such as Legends Corner, with special drink deals to enjoy along the way. Hop-on hop-off distillery tours also stop near Honky Tonk Central, making them a convenient way to explore the city, plan your own itinerary, and check off breweries, distilleries, and points of interest without having to figure out transportation.

Accessibility

Honky Tonk Central is wheelchair accessible with an on-site elevator.

Age limits

The venue has a 21-plus rule in the evenings, and you must be at least 21 to drink alcohol, too.

What to pack

Photo ID, earplugs if you’re sensitive to loud music, cash for tips

What to wear

Casual clothing, comfortable footwear, layers

Not allowed

Disruptive behavior, bringing large suitcases, littering

Amenities

Restrooms, bars, multiple floors of viewing spaces

Address 

Honky Tonk Central is located on Broadway in downtown Nashville. This makes it easy to get to by car, public transportation, or on foot. Some visitors also come on guided bar crawls.

Driving

If driving from Nashville International Airport, take I-40, and you’ll reach Honky Tonk Central in around 10–15 minutes. There are paid parking garages nearby, including one at Music City Center.

Public transportation

It’s convenient to travel to Honky Tonk Central by public transportation. You can take WeGo Public Transit’s 93 bus to Broadway Avenue and 2nd Avenue North, then walk to the venue in around three minutes.

Best times to visit

Early evenings are a fun time to visit for live music without the peak crowds. Late nights are louder and busier—but still a lot of fun.

Best days to visit

Come earlier in the week, from Monday to Wednesday, for a better chance of getting a table. Fridays and Saturdays are very busy.

Best months to visit

Spring (April and May) and fall (September and October) are generally great times of year to visit Nashville.

Special events

There is daily live music at the venue, and occasional special events, so it’s best to check the calendar before visiting.