Nashville is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, especially honky tonks. So whether you’re a local or just passing through, you won’t want to miss out on the best spots for live music, cold drinks, and good times.
Our guide to the best honky tonks and nightlife in Nashville is here to help you navigate the city’s bustling entertainment district. From Broadway to the outskirts of town, we’ve scoured the city to find the most happening spots for you to check out.
We’ll start by giving you a rundown of the city’s most iconic honky tonks. These classic venues have been around for decades, drawing locals and tourists alike with their authentic country music and rowdy crowds. But that’s not it! We’ll also introduce you to some of the newer hotspots that have been making waves in Nashville’s music scene.
Of course, no guide to Nashville nightlife would be complete without a section on the city’s famous dive bars. These gritty, no-frills establishments are where you’ll find the most dedicated music fans and the best deals on drinks.
But we won’t leave out the upscale spots, either. Nashville has plenty of swanky bars and clubs where you can sip on craft cocktails and enjoy a fancy evening.
If you’re looking for something a little off the beaten path, we’ve got you covered there, too! From underground music venues to speakeasies hidden behind unmarked doors. Nashville has plenty of hidden gems for those willing to explore.
Whether you’re in the mood for line dancing, jazz, beer, or champagne, Nashville has something for everyone. So grab your cowboy boots and get ready to experience Music City’s best.
Honky Tonk Central
This three-story Honky Tonk offers live music and delicious southern-style food! After hitting the dance floor, grab some nachos or a sandwich to refuel and keep the fun going!
Nudie's Honky Tonk
A historic multi-level venue that features live music and comfort food. Also home to iconic costumes created by Nudie Cohn and worn by musicians such as Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Elton John and many more!
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is a historic hotspot for live music and nightlife on Nashville’s Lower Broadway.
White Limozeen
White Limozeen is a glamorous rooftop bar and restaurant atop the Graduate Nashville, offering panoramic views of the city skyline. Inspired by Dolly Parton, the venue boasts a vibrant pink aesthetic with velvet seating, crystal chandeliers, and a chicken-wire bust of Dolly herself.
LA Jackson
Perched atop the Thompson Hotel in The Gulch, L.A. Jackson is an ultra-stylish indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge with sweeping views of the Nashville skyline. Known for its craft cocktails (hello, espresso martinis!) and shareable bites — from charcuterie boards to glitter chicken and the indulgent double‑patty smashburger — it’s effortlessly cool from sunset to late night.
Robert's Western World
With live music 7 days a week, Robert’s Western World is a Nashville nightlife staple! Grab some delicious grub and dance the night away at this fun Nashville Honky Tonk!
The Stage
The Stage is known for being a staple of Nashville country music. With a stage that has seen the likes of Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, and Hanke Williams, the Stage is a perfect place to enjoy live music!
Barstool Nashville
Catch the game, enjoy craft cocktails, and soak up the fun atmosphere all in one spot. With a rooftop patio offering stunning views of the city, it’s the perfect place to unwind. Open Tuesday and Wednesday: 4 PM – 12 AM, Thursday: 1 PM – 3 AM, Friday: 11 AM – 3 AM, Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM – 3 AM, Monday: 4 PM – 2 AM
Ole Red
Ole Red Nashville is Blake Shelton’s flagship live-music restaurant and entertainment complex on Lower Broadway. Spread across four vibrant levels—with Southern scratch-made food, full bars, daily music performances, a retail shop, and a rooftop lounge offering skyline views—this hotspot delivers the full country experience.
Morgan Wallen's This Bar
Morgan Wallen’s This Bar is a six-story venue in downtown Nashville, blending live music, Southern-inspired cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere. Located near the Ryman Auditorium, it features multiple bars, stages, and a rooftop, offering a dynamic experience for visitors.
Posty's
Posty’s (Nashville) — a massive, multi-level honky-tonk and live-music playground located at 305 Broadway in the heart of downtown Nashville. This 26,000‑sq‑ft venue packs in six bars, three stages, and three floors of pure energy.
Luke's 32 Bridge
Luke’s 32 Bridge is a six-floor entertainment venue located at 301 Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee. The venue features eight bars, three stages with live music, and a rooftop patio known as the ‘Nut House,’ one of downtown’s largest rooftop bars. The venue provides a lively atmosphere with live music playing on multiple floors, making it a popular spot for both locals and visitors.
Lainey Wilson's Bell Bottoms Up
This three‑story honky‑tonk from Lainey Wilson brings Louisiana roots and Nashville flair together—with two live‑music stages, four bars, a rooftop disco‑dance floor, dueling pianos, and a menu full of Cajun comfort food like shrimp boils, po’boys, and beignets
Jelly Roll's Goodnight Nashville
Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville is a four-story bar on Broadway featuring multiple bars, a tattoo pop-up, live music, and Music City’s highest rooftop—perfect for drinks, bites, events, and killer skyline views
Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar
A four-level honky‑tonk and party destination on Broadway, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar blends southern comfort food, live country music, and big-time energy. With 6 bars across its 27,000+ sq ft space, there’s always something happening — from the main dining floor (complete with a vintage John Deere “Big Green Tractor” centerpiece) to the “My Kinda Party” rooftop patio that offers panoramic views of downtown and non-stop entertainment.
The Valentine
The Valentine is a lively four-story bar and restaurant in the heart of Nashville, featuring multiple levels of live music, a rooftop bar, and unique event spaces. It’s the perfect spot for both casual nights out and big celebrations on Broadway.
Groceries etc.
A cozy vinyl‑listening lounge hidden in East Nashville, Groceries Etc. is the kind of spot where you can curl up on velvet seating, spin your favorite records, and sip creative cocktails in a low-key, intimate setting. It’s a neighborhood hangout that feels like your best friend’s living room — just with a killer sound system.
Night We Met
Night We Met is a sleek, forward-thinking nightclub in The Gulch that’s all about house and dance music. With two distinct rooms — the intimate Vera Lounge and the high-energy Club Room — you get world-class sound from Void Acoustics speakers and an elevated party environment. Eater Nashville +2 Nashville Scene +2
Whiskey Bent Saloon
A gritty, classic honky‑tonk right on Broadway, Whiskey Bent Saloon is whiskey lovers’ central — think wall-to-wall bottles, live country music, and good ol’ Tennessee spirit. With a rugged rustic bar, friendly bartenders, and a seriously solid whiskey flight lineup, this is the kind of place that feels authentically Nashville.
Winners
Lively restaurant & bar serving American comfort food & featuring live bands performing weekly.
Losers
Intimate, no-frills venue for live music and also serves classic bar eats & a variety of beers on tap.
