Visiting Nashville, TN: Your Guide To Broadway History, Honky Tonks, & Hidden Gems
A typical night out on Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee looks a lot like this: music echoing on every corner, long lines to get into honky-tonk bars, pedal taverns, urban cowboys, and bachelorette sashes as far as the eye can see. As the most tourist-heavy area in Nashville, the nightlife scene can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers. It’s nearly impossible to see everything there is to see downtown in one weekend, and there are some unexpected spots that may be overlooked in lieu of more well-known destinations. Below is a comprehensive guide to navigating downtown Nashville like a pro, so you can hit all the obvious stops and hidden gems on and near Broadway.
History: The Capital of Country Music
Given that music remains the heart and soul of Nashville, Tennessee, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the industry. Home some of the most recognizable attractions in music, here you have the opportunity to stand in the same places where musical giants made their debut, or see where some of the most legendary songs were written and shared with the world.
Ryman Auditorium, affectionately known as “The Mother Church of Country Music” is a historic venue and museum most known for being the home of the world-famous Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974. The Ryman still regularly hosts live shows on their iconic stage flanked by stained glass and church pews. There are also regular opportunities to tour the venue’s hallowed halls, located on 5th Avenue North, a half block from Broadway’s main strip.
The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum is “The House that Holds the Music.” With curated exhibits and educational programs, the museum showcases the most culturally significant phases and voices in country music history. It’s one of the most visited history museums in the United States, preserving the story of country music and paying tribute to those who have been inducted into the hall of fame. Located on South Broadway, the museum is a worthwhile excursion.
The Johnny Cash Museum is an award winning museum honoring the life and legacy of superstar musician Johnny Cash, known as “The Man in Black.” The museum houses memorabilia and original artifacts, including Cash’s awards, costumes, instruments, and pieces from his estate. A testament to Cash’s influence on the music industry in Nashville and beyond, the museum is a well-curated and memorable stop adjacent to Broadway, located on 3rd Avenue South.
Honky Tonks: The Broadway Bar Crawl
Given the nickname “Nash Vegas,” it’s no secret than many people flock to Music City to party. The touristy, country-star studded bars in Downtown Nashville are popular for a reason, and many are absolutely worth checking out, especially if you’ve never ventured into the city. Whether you’re an avid country music fan or are just looking for an excuse to break in your new cowboy boots, Broadway’s “Honky Tonk Highway” is the place to be for a crazy good time.
Some of the Most Famous Honky Tonks:
Jason Aldean’s is one of Broadway’s central points, with bright lights, Southern food, and live music. The honky-tonk has 4 levels and “My Kind of Party,” the largest rooftop patio on the street.
Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa is easily spotted, with pink neon lights and Southwestern decor. The Nashville-Style Tex-Mex restaurant, cantina, and club is among the most frequented establishments downtown.
Blake Shelton’s Ole Red is the place to be for a full-on country experience. Inspired by Shelton and named after the hit song Ol’ Red, the restaurant and venue is a must-visit for live music and signature drinks.
Kid Rock’s Big Honky Tonk has no less than 5 floors, 4 stages, and 6 bars. One of the rowdiest spots on the street, Kid Rock’s is a great place to hear rock and country performances or enjoy a steak dinner fresh from the kitchen.
Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge is an all-American bar and venue. The honky-tonk has 6 floors, a casual menu featuring Bryan’s favorite dishes, live performances, dance floors, and ice cold beer, making it the perfect recipe for a good time.
Honky Tonk Central is the epitome of the Nashville bar scene, with multi-genre music, incredible energy, and drinks to boot. Located closer to the Cumberland, a visit to Honky Tonk Central is a perfect excuse to venture all the way down the busy street.
Legendary Downtown Bars:
Robert’s Western World has been around since 1950, and is known to be the home of traditional country music, carrying on the spirit of old Nashville. Robert’s is famous for their “Recession Special,” a $6 meal that includes a fried bologna sandwich, chips, a Moon Pie, and an ice cold PBR.
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge has been an orchid-colored beacon for singer-songwriters since the 1960s. The downtown bar, first called Mom’s by original owner Hattie “Tootsie” Bess,” has 3 floors and 3 stages, and is a must-visit for fans of classic country lore.
Layla’s Honkey Tonk is as advertised: a true Nashville original. The intimate, eclectically decorated bar is Broadway’s premier bluegrass bar, and it’s the only woman and independently-owned honky-tonk downtown.
Nudie’s Honky Tonk has been around since 1947, and is named after Nudie Cohn, the tailor famous for designing elaborate, rhinestone-covered suits worn by some of the world’s most famous people. Nudie’s is also home to the longest bar in Nashville, measuring over 100 feet.
Legends Corner is situated in the top corner of the street, welcoming travelers to Broadway with a good, old-fashioned dive bar experience. Legend’s holds fast to the country music roots of Music City, hosting some of the best contemporary voices for daily live performances.
Newer Additions to the Downtown Bar Scene:
Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up is modeled after the country starlet and her famous wardrobe. The casual bar, grill, and rooftop is a vibrant place to find a craft cocktail, live music, Louisiana-inspired cuisine, and enjoy a fruity drink from the frozen daquiri bar located on the rooftop.
Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville is a tattoo-themed ode to the Nashville music scene, featuring the highest rooftop in the city and a great view of the skyline. Alongside signature drinks, great bar food, and some truly talented cover bands, there is a walk-in only tattoo parlor on-site called “Glasshouse.”
Morgan Wallen’s This Bar is a love letter to the state of Tennessee, complete with a Southern-style kitchen, an abundance of whiskey, and 6-stories of neon lights and country music. Opened in May of 2024, the bar on 4th Avenue North has quickly become one of Broadway’s biggest hits.
Eric Church’s Chief’s is a Broadway bar unlike any other, with 6 distinct floors including a 2-story ticketed music venue, dining rooms, a rooftop bar, bar-be-que, and more. The establishment is located close to the riverfront, and is hard to miss with its distinct, stained-glass windows depicting some of Church’s biggest inspirations.
Post Malone’s Posty’s is Broadway’s newest bar, opened in July of 2025. The exciting new addition is located right new to Jason Aldean’s, with 6 bars, 3 live music stages, and dining options. Post Malone is famous for his musical talent across genres and the beloved “Posty” has officially joined the ranks on Honky Tonk highway.
Hidden Gems: Broadway Off The Beaten Path
If you’re looking to experience Broadway like a local, there are some fantastic spots that have remained somewhat elusive in the nightlife scene. It’s always exciting to stumble upon a hole-in-the-wall, or experience a local spot that blows your expectations out of the water. Although Nashville is certainly known for the big, loud bars of Lower Broadway, there are other downtown attractions that celebrate the diversity that make up Music City.
Printers Alley
Printers Alley is a historic alleyway off of Broadway. In the early 20th Century, the alley was home to 10 printers and 13 publishers, alongside the offices of 2 of Nashville’s biggest newspapers—hence the name. The area famously pushed back against Tennessee prohibition laws, and in the 1940s, night clubs became a central feature of the area, ushering in performers like Hank Williams, Chet Atkins, Jimi Hendrix, and more. Today, the district has remained a downtown hot spot for clubs, speakeasies, and saloons that divert from the typical bar scene on Broadway. Highlights include:
Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar, a New Orleans style destination that celebrates the spirit of The Big Easy with live blues performances, signature cocktails, and Cajun & Creole food.
Blueprint Underground Cocktail Club is a contemporary nightlife destination serving up signature cocktails in an elevated atmosphere perfect for a night of dancing and gathering with friends.
Alley Taps is an unassuming speakeasy, perfect for a more mellow night on the town. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with regular singer songwriter series, draft beers, and a local vibe.
Skull’s Rainbow Room became a favorite Nashville haunt in 1948. The entertainment venue has famously been the stomping grounds of Elvis Presley, Etta James, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, and more. Alongside an award-winning menu, Skull’s has nightly jazz shows and burlesque on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Fleet Street Pub in Printers Alley offers a taste of the United Kingdom in Music City. Named after London’s famous Fleet Street, the casual pub is a great place for chatting with friends and enjoying a pint.
Dirty Little Secret is a nightclub that boasts a more typical club environment than other downtown destinations. The club is open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and features hip hop music, dancing, and more in a contemporary, tucked-away venue.
Sophisticated Stops
If you’re a fan of the finer things, you may be tempted to believe that Broadway is not for you. But, as with most places, downtown Nashville has more to offer than meets the eye. If you’re looking for a more sophisticated day or night exploring the city, there are some elegant destinations on and near Broadway that you could miss out on, should you opt to avoid downtown scene.
Schermerhorn Symphony Center is home to the GRAMMY Award winning Nashville Symphony, and the Schermerhorn Center remains a beacon of local culture and the arts. Orchestra accompanied concerts and events are held regularly; check out their calendar for more information.
Sinatra Bar & Lounge is located on Printer’s Alley, and is a relatively new Nashville destination for fine dining and drinks. Honoring legendary crooner Frank Sinatra, the restaurant features live music, a premier menu, and classic ambiance. Keep in mind that Sinatra enforces a business casual dress code.
5th and Broadway is a multilevel complex situated on the North end of Broadway. The open-air shopping and dining destination contains high end stores, restaurants, bars, as well as The Assembly Food Hall and the National Museum of African American Music.
The Frist Art Museum is not on Broadway, but it’s located only a mile away. As the only art major art museum in Nashville, The Frist showcases revolving exhibits featuring some of the world’s most famous artists and art movements.
If you’re a fan of the keys, there are some places on Broadway that you won’t want to miss. Bayou Keys is Nashville’s newest dueling piano bar, located underneath Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up. Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar, located on 2nd Avenue, is another great option for a piano-accompanied party.
Western Revival
If you’re looking for the coveted cowboy experience that brings thousands to Nashville every week, you won’t have to search very far. Country is cool again, and there are some specific downtown experiences that can make you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a classic Western film or a rowdy rodeo.
Lonnie’s Western Room is a classic karaoke bar that’s been a beloved Nashville staple since 1989. Lonnie’s, which is 18+, has been voted the #1 local karaoke spot in Nashville, and the #10 college bar in the country . Stop by the iconic western room for a chance to sing your heart out.
Category 10 is Luke Comb’s bar, situated on 2nd Avenue. The honk-tonk offers free, large group line dancing lessons at staggered times Wednesday through Sunday in the venue’s incredible Hurricane Hall. For more line dancing opportunities, keep an eye out for Stompin Grounds, a group that regularly host lessons at iconic Broadway destinations.
PBR Cowboy Bar is situated on 2nd Avenue, and is a great place to experience the energy of a classic PBR event (even if the bulls are only mechanical). On Broadway, can also find mechanical bull riding at Nashville Underground, Wild Beaver Saloon, and Whiskey River Saloon.
If you’re looking for the perfect hat or pair of boots, chances are Broadway storefronts like Boot Barn, Boot Country, French’s Shoes & Boots, Tecovas, Big Time/ Betty Boots, Redneck Legends, and Ariat have exactly what you’re looking for.
Bonus Tip: If you’d rather avoid the crowds while making your purchases, check out the great places to find western wear in Williamson County.
Music City, U.S.A
Nashville has quickly become one of the world’s top destinations, and here in Williamson County we have a front row seat to its booming growth and popularity. Broadway, in particular, is the place to be—and is even considered the unofficial Bachelorette capital of the world. If this all sounds like a little too much for your pre-wedding festivities, check out our guide to a laid back bachelorette weekend in Williamson County.
Other, tamer, Nashville excursions that may be of interest include the The Gulch, a family-friendly commercial district, 12 South, a trendy, tourist-friendly neighborhood, and East Nashville, home to some of the coolest restaurants, bars, and venues in the city. As always, there are an abundance of opportunities to see live music across the city, from small stages to the huge arenas situated downtown: Bridgestone Arena (home of the Nashville Predators), Ascend Amphitheater, and Nissan Stadium (home of the Tennessee Titans). Additionally, there are regular opportunities to experience the best of Nashville culture and energy at events like the the annual Iroquois Steeplechase or the world-renowned CMA Fest.
And on that note, whether you’re a go-with-the-flow kind of explorer, or a fan of a play-by-play itinerary, we hope this guide has helped you scope out your next Broadway bash!
