25 Best Bars in Nashville on Broadway | A Local’s Guide - Tori Pines Travels (2024)

Last Updated on January 31, 2024 by Tori Mitchell

There’s no question about it, Nashville is known for its hopping bar scene filled with both live music and a really good time. Broadway is the center of the action, and since I have lived in Nashville for the last few years, I have had the opportunity to visit most of the best bars in Nashville on Broadway. While there’s many to choose from, here are the bars that I think are worth adding to your Nashville itinerary!

I also want to note that not every bar is for everyone. I have noted on each bar listing what type of person might enjoy that bar. Whether you’re visiting for a bachelorette party, traveling with family or spending time with your significant other, I hope this best bars in Nashville on Broadway guide helps you plan your Nashville getaway!

_{This post may contain affiliate links for activities, destinations and products that I love, and think you will too!}

Table of Contents

Map of the Best Bars in Nashville on Broadway

My Favorite Bars in Nashville on Broadway

Here are my personal favorite Broadway bars. They’re both a little unique and a lotta fun. They usually include yummy food and always include a great time!

1. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge

Address: 422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Hours: 9:30am-3:00am daily

Who this bar is perfect for: The person looking for a historic Nashville experience.

Tootsie’s was opened back in 1960, and is the oldest bar on the strip. It has been painted a bright “orchid” purple since the day they opened and you can’t miss it when you set foot on Broadway. Of course, it is historic and holds a special charm, but it is also tons of fun to visit today.

Throughout the years all of the great singers and songwriters have passed through the door. Many were even discovered here, including Willie Nelson, among others. While you’re in town you have to visit Tootsie’s; it’s a Nashville icon. Take a picture in front of the famous purple building and grab a drink inside as you imagine some of the greats sitting at the bar throughout the years.

2. Wildhorse Saloon

**Wildhorse Saloon is temporarily closed for remodeling as of January 2024**

Address: 120 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201

Hours: Sun-Mon Closed

Tues 4pm-10pm

Wed-Thurs 12pm-10pm

Fri-Sat 12pm-12am

Who this bar is perfect for: Anyone who likes to line dance or wants to learn, families, bachelorette parties, etc.

Easily my favorite of all the bars in Nashville on Broadway, Wildhorse Saloon sits just a few steps off of the main strip. This bar has amazing live country music daily, and multiple bars to grab a drink. It even has a full kitchen with pretty good food. But none of that is why you come. You’ll make Wildhorse Saloon your first stop on Broadway because of the line dancing.

Yep, this is a line dancing bar. That means there’s a huge dance floor for anyone to get up and enjoy. But the best parts are the classes. Every hour or so, daily, the instructors get up on stage with the band and teach you how to line dance. They start with the basics, something anyone can learn, and then work their way up to more difficult choreography.

It is seriously such a blast. We recently had several family members visit for our baby shower and many had never been to Nashville. We wanted to give them an authentic Nashville experience, so we knew we had to hit the dance floor and learn to line dance. And you better bet I was out there kickin’ up my boots at 32 weeks pregnant! I was pretty huge at that point, and the dancing was quite the workout for this pregnant lady, but I had so much fun. From 13 years old to 76 years old, everyone in the group had a blast. It’s easily my favorite thing to do on Broadway and one of the best bars in Nashville on Broadway.

Update:

Sadly, the bar was bought out recently by Luke Combs and they will be transforming the space in the next few months. They say that the bar will remain open throughout much of the renovations, but from my understanding the line dancing will be gone or will at least not be the main focus. The plans seem really cool, read more about the new updates if you’re interested. But if you visit before the changes begin in early 2024, be sure to hit up Wildhorse before it’s gone!

3. The Twelve Thirty Club

Address: 550 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Hours: Honky Tonk:

Fri 11am – 1am

Sat 10am – 1am

Sun 10am – 11pm

Who this bar is perfect for: Anyone who is looking for a classy experience.

Tired of the dirty honky tonks packed with people? Get dressed up and head to The Twelve Thirty Club. Our friend first recommended this spot to us and we instantly fell in love. Honky tonks have a time and a place, but as a local we don’t want to hit up those bars all the time.

It’s another one of my absolute favorite bars in Nashville on Broadway because it’s unique and classy. Owned by the one and only Justin Timberlake, The Twelve Thirty Club is located inside the fairly new 5th and Broad complex, a huge building that sits right on the corner of 5th Ave and Broadway filled with restaurants, shops, bars and more.

The Twelve Thirty Club is three stories tall, each floor with a unique space offering a different experience. The bottom floor is their honky tonk. The stage will have an aspiring country musician playing, there’s tables to hangout at, a bar and plenty of drinks and yummy food. It’s a honky tonk, but a much classier version.

But the top floor is the real gem. Once you enter you’ll see the large stage in the middle of a room filled with red velvet chairs and flickering candles. It’s a jazz club and the ambiance is amazing. On either side of the club, you’ll find the gourmet restaurant called the Supper Club and to the other side is the outdoor rooftop bar complete with a DJ and neon lights.

Each space is both super elevated and really unique. We love taking visitors here, and having Nashville date nights too.

4. Acme Feed and Seed

Address: 101 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Hours: Sun 11am-11pm

Mon-Wed 4:30pm-11pm

Thurs 11am-11pm

Fri-Sat 11am-2am

Who this bar is perfect for: Someone looking for good drinks, great food and some live music without the “club” scene.

I lived in downtown Nashville several years ago and would spend lots of time here at Acme Feed and Seed so I knew it had to be near the top of my list of the best bars in Nashville on Broadway.

Acme is located on the very end of Broadway closest to the river with sweeping views of the strip, the river and Nissan Stadium. It’s also owned by one of the biggest names in country music, Alan Jackson.

Another multi-level bar, each floor brings something new. The first floor is a casual restaurant serving authentic southern cuisine with live music in the middle of the restaurant. The second floor is a sushi bar. It seems so random, but don’t be put off, the sushi is amazing. I love their fried rolls!

The third floor is another private event space and then the top floor is their rooftop bar, perfect for drinks, listening to music, watching the sunset and people-watching. This place has it all!

Celebrity Owned Bars in Nashville on Broadway

Back in the day, “Honky Tonk Highway” was just a collection of bars along the main strip. But over the last several years, the biggest names in country music have been buying the property and plastering their names all over the neon signs. There are tons owned by artists along the strip, but here are some of the best bars in Nashville on Broadway that are owned by the celebrities themselves.

5. Kid Rock’s Big A** Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse

Address: 221 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Hours: 11am-3am

Who this bar is perfect for: Someone looking for a classic honky tonk experience.

I would consider Kid Rock’s a local favorite as many of our friends love this bar. It’s located right in the center of the action in the heart of Broadway.

It’s 5 stories tall, with 6 bars and 4 stages featuring a constant rotation of live musicians. You’re bound to find an artist you really like if you wander around to each stage!

Now technically they are a steakhouse, as their name claims, but I wouldn’t plan on coming here just for the steak. It’s not bad but it’s not the best food in town of course. Plan to come here for the numerous stages, and incredible ambiance. It’s one of the best bars in Nashville on Broadway for that reason alone!

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6. Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar

Address: 307 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-2am

Fri-Sun 10am-2am

Who this bar is perfect for: The younger crowd looking to drink, sing, dance and have a good time.

Jason Aldean’s bar is by far the most requested of the bars in Nashville on Broadway from my friends when they come to visit music city. I’m not sure if it’s because of the name plastered on the side of the building or if the bar just has created its own popularity, but it sure is well-loved!

I’ve been here several times and there’s always two really great artists/bands performing, one on the lower main stage and then another on the stage on the roof. Both are large and accommodate tons of spectators.

But come prepared. You will likely wait in line to get in, once you’re in you’ll fight for a spot at the bar, and the place will be packed. But if you want to drink, listen to great music, have fun with your friends and meet new people, Jason’s place is just the place for you.

7. Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa

Address: 308 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-2am

Fri-Sat 10am-2am

Who this bar is perfect for: Someone looking for great food and awesome live music.

I’m not necessarily the world’s biggest Miranda Lambert fan but I sure was blown away with her bar Casa Rosa. I almost placed it under the “My Favorite Bars in Nashville on Broadway” section because I really think it’s that great.

I need to start by saying that the entire place is decorated hot pink. It’s a girly-girls paradise and I am all about it. Want the perfect vibes for your bachelorette party? This is your place.

The first floor and rooftop are the typical bar and band. But the second floor is the real gem. There’s celebrity bars in Nashville on Broadway that actually serve really great food? This is the spot! The restaurant on the second floor is a Tex-Mex + Cantina, and the food is delicious!

Now, I’m not saying that it’s authentic Mexican cuisine by any means, but for Tex-Mex everything is great! We walked in with a large group for lunch, they sat us right away, and everyone loved their food and drinks. It was an awesome experience and I go back whenever I’m on the strip!

8. Dierks Bentley’s Whisky Row

Address: 400 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-3am

Fri-Sun 10am-3am

Who this bar is perfect for: Someone looking for a fun bar and a great brunch.

Sure, there are many places to enjoy brunch in Nashville, but why not kill two birds with one stone by hitting up one of the bars in Nashville on Broadway and getting brunch at the same time? The brunch menu at Dierks Bentley’s Whisky Row is awesome and the drinks are sure to start the day off strong.

Dierks actually has four locations with the other three in Scottsdale, AZ, Gilbert, AZ and Denver, CO. So, if you live in any of those places or are traveling there soon, enjoy a taste of country music as you get excited for your trip to Nashville, or reminisce about the great time you had here.

9. FGL House

Address: 120 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-1am

Sat-Sun 10am-1am

Who this bar is perfect for: Someone who loves Florida Georgia Line’s music as much as we do!

The FGL House is an awesome bar just one building off of Broadway. But it holds an extra special place in my heart because my husband and I are big fans of the country duo; we danced to H.O.L.Y. as our first dance at our wedding! And yes, we are sad the duo broke up…we don’t like to talk about it. But don’t worry, the bar isn’t going anywhere any time soon!

The bar itself is located right at the bottom of the pedestrian bridge that crosses the river, so if you’re coming over after a concert or football game over at Nissan Stadium, then you can’t miss it! Like the others, this bar has multiple stories filled with great live music, plentiful drinks and some typical American food. It’s another one of the great bars in Nashville on Broadway!

10. Johnny Cash’s Bar & BBQ

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

Hours: Mon-Wed 11am-2am

Thurs-Sun 9am-2am

Who this bar is perfect for: Those who love the history of country music, or those who grew up on his music.

Just across the street from FGL House sits another one of the bars in Nashville on Broadway, Johnny Cash’s Bar & BBQ. While the food isn’t exactly the best, they’ve always got great live music and more space to enjoy compared to the cramped bars on Broadway. Head here after you visit the Johnny Cash museum next door for a relaxing evening of music and drinks!

11. Luke’s 32 Bridge

Address: 301 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-2am

Fri-Sun 10am-2am

Who this bar is perfect for: Younger crowd, and those who might not enjoy country music.

Luke’s 32 Bridge sits right next door to Jason Aldean’s but offers much more appeal! The food is better, with the burgers being the main draw as they’re huge and yummy. But the whole menu is a little unique and great.

The best part about Luke’s is the variety of the music. Unlike many of the other bars in Nashville on Broadway, you don’t have to listen to country music if you don’t want to, as each floor offers different genres. There’s even DJs playing here often!

12. AJ’s Good Time Bar

Address: 421 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Hours: 11am-2:30am daily

Who this bar is perfect for: Someone who loves karaoke!

AJ’s Good Time Bar is owned by the one and only Alan Jackson! (He actually owns ACME too!) While it’s definitely a smaller bar compared to some of the massive bars in Nashville on Broadway, you’ll get a much more intimate experience.

And the best part? The third floor is a karaoke bar! So if you love to sing karaoke, or enjoy laughing along with those who do, be sure to add AJ’s Good Time Bar to the top of your list of bars in Nashville on Broadway to visit.

13. Redneck Riviera Bar & BBQ

Address: 208 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-3am

Fri-Sat 10am-3am

Who this bar is perfect for: Those who love America, our military and our first responders.

The Redneck Riviera is owned by Country Music’s own John Rich of Big & Rich (Save a Horse Ride a Cowboy, anyone??). It’s right on Broadway and is a little bit of a dive bar but in all the best ways. The bar shows its overwhelming love for our country, our military and our first responders, which is so nice to see emphasized here on the strip. Veterans even get BOGO free drinks for their first round!

Fun fact, when we first moved to Nashville I worked for a catering company. We once had an event at John Rich’s house, it was super cool! His pool is shaped like a guitar!! This photo is of me on the rooftop of his house!

14. Ole Red

Address: 300 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Hours: Sun-Wed 11am-12am

Thurs-Sat 11am-2am

Who this bar is perfect for: Someone looking for a huge bar with a great rooftop!

Ole Red is owned by, you guessed it, Blake Shelton. The bar is huge, super clean and modern and has 5 floors of entertainment. The rooftop has great views all up and down Broadway. It does get pretty crowded at night though, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait in line to get in.

They have several other locations including Gatlinburg, TN, Las Vegas, NV, Orlando, FL and Tishomingo, OK. There’s also a location inside the Nashville Airport, so if you don’t get the chance to stop by during your tour of the bars in Nashville on Broadway, then visit on your way out of town while waiting on your flight!

15. Chief’s – Coming soon!

Address: 200 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Hours: TBD

Who this bar is perfect for: Someone looking for bigger-name artists

Is Eric Church opening the largest bar yet on Broadway? It sounds like it! Chief’s will have 6 stories, several stages, plenty of drinks and part of it will even be a ticketed event space for some more sought-after artists. It’s getting close to being finished and is supposed to open sometime at the end of 2023.

16. Friends in Low Places – Coming Soon!

Address: 411 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Hours: TBD

Who this bar is perfect for: Huge Garth Brooks fans – There’s millions of them!

Garth Brooks decided he wanted in on the party and is opening up the next of the bars in Nashville on Broadway with his name (well, song) plastered on the front. Friends in Low Places will sit just steps from Bridgestone arena and across the street from the famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.

While they haven’t released much information about the bar yet, it’s sure to be great as he has many other awesome bars to keep up with. They were planning to open Summer of 2023, but since that has come and gone, we aren’t sure when the doors will open, but it should be very soon!

The Rooftop Bars in Nashville on Broadway

Rooftop bars are fun no matter what city you’re in. But in Nashville I think they’re a little extra special. You can hear the live music wafting all around you and enjoy the glow of the neon lights below. Here’s a few of my favorite rooftop bars in Nashville.

17. The Bobby Rooftop Lounge

Address: 230 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219

Hours: Sun 10am-10pm

Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm

Fri-Sat 10am-12am

Who this bar is perfect for: A super unique rooftop, and an even better time during the holidays.

Okay so I’m cheating a little here because the Bobby Hotel is definitely not on Broadway. But a quick walk up a few blocks and you’ll find this awesome hotel with a super fun rooftop bar, so it must be included on the list of bars in Nashville on Broadway! I absolutely love hanging out at the Bobby Rooftop Lounge year-round with the rooftop pool, and the bus that sits on top of the building, (yup, I’m serious) but I love it even more during the holiday season.

Sure it can get a little cold in Nashville this time of year, but with the blow-up igloos, bonfires and spiked hot cocoa you’ll warm up in no time. Oh and did I mention there’s an ice rink up here too? You’ve gotta check it out, it’s one of the best things to do in Nashville around the holidays.

18. Moxy Rooftop

Address: 110 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

Hours: Friday 11 AM–3 PM, 5 PM–12 AM

Saturday 8 AM–2 PM, 4 PM–1 AM

Sunday 8 AM–2 PM, 4–10 PM

Mon-Thurs 11am–3pm, 5–10pm

Who this bar is perfect for: A relaxed experience in the heart of the action but away from the crowds.

The Moxy Hotel is located just steps from Broadway in the building right behind the big honky tonks. The Rooftop Bar is much classier than the big bars and offers much better food than most. You can see the people on the street below enjoying their honky tonks while you sip a glass of wine and eat your surf and turf.

19. Nashville Underground

Address: 105 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Hours: Sun 10am-1am

Mon-Wed 10am-12am

Thurs-Sat 10am-3am

Who this bar is perfect for: Someone looking for the BEST views over Broadway.

Ironically enough, the bar with the name Nashville Underground is quite the opposite. It has the highest rooftop of all the bars in Nashville on Broadway. There’s a double decker rooftop with sweeping views over the neon lights that glow below.

What makes this place even better are the arcade games, bowling alley and bull riding you’ll find on the floors throughout the building. You could literally never get bored at Nashville Underground.

20. The Stage

Address: 412 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Hours: 10am-2:30am daily

Who this bar is perfect for: Someone who wants to listen to the best bands in town.

Another classic honky tonk, but this one is known for their awesome rooftop. They always seem to have some of the absolute best bands playing here, so if you stop by you’re in for a treat. The Stage is also always busy but not usually crazy packed like some of them can be.

All of my friends adore this bar, and it is definitely a local favorite, which says a lot about a place! I’ve included it on my list of the best Nashville music venues because of the consistent awesome bands they have playing here.

21. White Limozeen

Address: 101 20th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203

Hours: Sun 10am-11pm

Mon-Wed 2pm-11pm

Thurs 3pm-11pm

Fri 3pm-12am

Sat 10am-12am

Who this bar is perfect for: Bachelorette parties, girly girls and Dolly Parton lovers

So I’m really cheating here, as the White Limozeen isn’t on Broadway and it’s a short Uber drive away from the main area of the strip. But it’s just so amazing and unique that it had to be included on the list of the best bars in Nashville on Broadway.

This bar is completely Dolly Parton themed. Yep, I don’t even need to say more…but I will. The bar sits on the top of The Graduate Hotel, which is also completely decked out in hot pink Dolly décor. It’s definitely the best place to stay in town!

The rooftop is over-the-top pink and precious. The drinks are delicious and they have a full food menu as well. Just note, reservations are required so be sure to book up to 14 days in advance!

The Speakeasies in Nashville

If you’re anything like me, you can’t pass up a speakeasy. They’re like a bar and an activity rolled into one. Plus they’re usually so gosh darn fancy I feel classy when I’m there. Nashville is home to a handful of them, and here’s the ones located on or super close to Broadway.

22. Red Phone Booth

Address: 136 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville, TN 37203

Hours: Sun 5pm-10:45pm

Mon-Wed 4pm-11:45pm

Thurs 4pm-12:45am

Fri 4pm-1:45am

Sat 5pm-1:45am

Who this bar is perfect for: Someone who wants an authentic 1920s style speakeasy.

The Red Phone Booth is probably the most fun speakeasy in Nashville! They take the speakeasy vibe seriously and will not let you in without the secret code. Ask the concierge for the code, or look for it hidden somewhere on this page!

But whatever you do, get here as early as possible. We tried to get in once around 7pm and they already had an incredibly long wait time. Try to arrive when they open for guaranteed entry. They also follow a strict dress code and collared shirts are required for men. Although, they do have sports coats you can borrow if needed. It might take a little work to get in, but it’s worth it since it’s one of the best bars in Nashville on Broadway.

23. Hidden Bar in the Noelle

Address: 200 4th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219

Hours: Sun-Thurs 5pm-12am

Fri-Sat 5pm-1am

Who this bar is perfect for: Someone in town during the Fall or the holidays who want a themed experience!

A super fun spot just a few steps from Broadway is the Hidden Bar in the Noelle hotel. It’s not open year round, only for Halloween and Christmas, with the place decked out for each holiday. For 2023 the bar will be open with a spooky vibe from September 7th through October 31st. The Christmas dates have not been announced.

A code is not necessary but directions on how to enter are. They instruct you to follow this guide: “Enter through the Makeready L&L entrance on Church Street, and head down the stairs to enter Hidden Bar”.

Once again, this place is popular and they will turn you away or put you on a waitlist. Get here as early as possible for the best chance of getting right in! You can also consider staying at the Noelle for close access.

24. One More co*cktail Club

Address: 5055 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Hours: Sun-Thurs Closed

Fri-Sat 5pm-12am

Who this bar is perfect for: Someone looking for a quieter, more intimate experience super close to most of the best food on Broadway!

I mentioned Fifth and Broad earlier, a huge building filled with bars, restaurants, shops and more. It contains a few of the best bars in Nashville on Broadway. You can wander around this center and eat some of the best food. But I bet you’ll never find One More co*cktail Club if you didn’t know it was there. Tucked away among the delicious local eateries in the Assembly Food Hall portion of the building lies this speakeasy.

It’s only open on Friday and Saturday nights, but the drinks are super fancy and you are sure to feel like a VIP.

25. Pushing Daisies

Address: 570 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Hours: Sun 12pm-12am

Mon-Tues Closed

Wed 5pm-12am

Thurs 5pm-2am

Fri-Sat 12pm-2am

Who this bar is perfect for: Margarita lovers.

An underground Margarita bar, the perfect destination for the ultimate tequila drinker. No code or fancy instructions on how to get into this one, but Pushing Daisies is tucked away underneath Fifth and Broad. They’ve got over 15 different margaritas to choose from, so be adventurous and try something new, like one featuring pomegranate, jalapeno or even avocado!

Broadway is quite the attraction in and of itself, so seeking out some of these different and unique bars only adds to the experience. Check out as many of these bars in Nashville on Broadway while you’re here, or just plan to come back and visit many, many times!

Frequently Asked Questions about Broadway Bars

What is the most famous bar in Nashville?

Tootsie’s Orchid lounge is easily the most famous bar in Nashville. It is the longest standing of the bars in Nashville on Broadway, and stands out with its bright purple painted building!

What is the famous row of bars in Nashville?

Broadway, also known as the Honky Tonk Highway, is the famous row of bars in Nashville. There are so many awesome and unique spots to visit including speakeasies and rooftop bars!

How many bars are on Broadway in Nashville?

There’s easily over 40 bars on Broadway with most playing live music every night. There’s everything from line dancing bars, karaoke bars, speakeasies and rooftops!

What is the oldest bar in Nashville?

The oldest bar in Nashville is Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge on Broadway. It has been there since 1960!!

Is there a cover charge for Nashville bars?

No, the bars in Nashville on Broadway do not have a cover charge! The live music is totally free, just tip your musicians if you like them!

xoxo,Tori

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