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Are you looking for a complete list of Nashville honky tonks, PLUS a map of Honky Tonky Highway to help guide you where to go?

If you’re like me, when I was planning my first trip to Nashville, Tennessee, the main things I wanted to know were: what are honky tonks, where are they, and which ones should I go to?

After all, what’s a trip to Music City without time spent enjoying live country music and the world-famous honky tonks that Nashville is so well known for?

Here’s our list (and tons of fun photos!) of the famous Nashville bars founds on Honky Tonk Highway in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee.

Plus, you’re gonna love our printable Honky Tonk Highway map that you can use for reference, or to print off and bring along on your trip!

Honky Tonks in Nashville at night
Honky Tonky Highway at night

Intro to Honky Tonk Highway

You won’t find an actual street named Honky Tonk Highway on a map of Nashville, Tennessee.

Instead, it is Broadway street (located on lower Broadway from 1st Ave to Rep John Lewis Way) that is iconically referred to as Nashville’s Honky Tonky Highway.

Honky Tonk Highway is the city’s main drag and is what most people think of when they think of visiting Nashville.

It is here that you’ll find four city blocks jam-packed with bars and restaurants featuring live country music 365 days per year – a.k.a. honky tonks!

In other words, it’s the answer to the question, “What’s the name of the street in Nashville with all bars?”

It is also here where many famous country artists like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Blake Shelton, Diercks Bentley, and Gretchen Wilson got their start.

Due to its popularity, the Downtown Nashville bars and honky tonks are always busy. Yes, always.

Summer is by far the busiest time to visit, and there is a noticeable spike in crowds (and rowdiness) on Friday and Saturday nights, especially from bachelor and bachelorette parties.

For a more laid-back listening experience, visit the lower Broadway Nashville bars during the weekday, daytime hours (i.e. 10 AM – 3 PM, Monday-Thursday).

Nashville Broadway bars:  Girl band at Honky Tonk Central
Honky Tonk Central (main level stage)

What is a honky tonk?

“What is a honky tonk?” you may wonder.

According to Nashville’s Visitor & Convention Bureau:

A honky tonk is an establishment that contains a least one rockin’ stage, cold beverages, and live music that lasts all day, every day.

Nashville, Music City CVB

Yes, you read that right…live music daily!

From approximately 10 AM – 3 AM, singers and musicians at Nashville’s honky tonks take turns doing sets on the various stages throughout Downtown Nashville.

Though you’ll primarily hear country music, you’ll also hear bluegrass, rock, pop, classical, jazz, and blues.

In terms of size, some honky tonks are smaller, more intimate music venues, while others are huge and offer multiple floors and stages.

Kid Rock’s Big Honky Tonk & Steakhouse, for instance, has five floors, four stages, and 6 bars all within one establishment – whereas Bootlegger’s Inn is much smaller with only one small stage and seating area.

Along with a bar and a stage for live shows, some honk tonks also offer a restaurant, lounge area, and/or rooftop bar.

In summary, all of the Nashville honky tonks are different and appeal to people differently depending on what they’re looking for.

*Need suggestions on what to wear when going to Nashville? Check out our Amazon Storefront which includes shoppable links to the outfits that we wore!

Downtown Nashville Honky Tonks:  A band playing at Casa Rosa!
Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa (main level stage)

Which Honky Tonks should I go to?

One of the best parts about Downtown Nashville’s honky tonks is that there is no cover charge to enter them.

This means that you’re free to go in and then decide if you want to stay.

As a first-timer, you’ll probably end up deciding where to hang out based on the crowd level, if you like the current music being played, and whether or not you vibe with the overall ambiance.

Looking to hear a particular band or musician?

Check each venue’s website to see their daily line-up – otherwise, just stand on the sidewalk and listen in, as each venue features large open windows from which you can hear the music.

Visiting with kids or various ages of people?

Anyone, including kids and families, can enjoy the honky tonks before 8 or 9 PM.

After 8 PM, however, most venues only allow guests 21 and up.

Looking for celebrity-owned bars in Nashville?

Some people choose which honky tonks to go to based on what famous musician they’re named and branded after.

Nashville’s celebrity-owned bars are often cleaner, brighter, and a bit more expensive, as well as showcase the personality of the artist.

Blake Shelton, Mirando Lambert, Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, and Kid Rock all have live music venues on Honky Tonk Highway (as you’ll see below).

Photo of Nashville bars during the daytime
Lower Broadway Nashville bars

Nashville Honky Tonks

Here’s a complete rundown of the Nashville Honky tonks listed in order beginning from the Cumberland River, and heading up Broadway.

The following famous Nashville bars are organized as follows:

  • Those on the North side of Lower Broadway
  • Those on the South side of Lower Broadway
  • Those on the side streets of Lower Broadway
  • Then finally, our free printable map of Downtown Nashville!

Nashville Honky Tonks on the North side of Broadway

Redneck Riviera in Honky Tonk Nashville
Behind the bar at Redneck Riviera

Chief’s on Broadway (200 Broadway) – Opening April 4th, 2024! Imagined by country music artist Eric Church, Chief’s on Broadway is a 6-story restaurant, bar, live music hub, and event space.

This Nashville honky tonk features the second-floor Friendly Shadows dueling pianos and Church Choir, ticketed shows at the Neon Steeple, award-winning food at Whole Hog BBQ, and plenty of daily, live music.

Redneck Riviera (208 Broadway) – Nicknamed “The Heroes Bar”, Redneck Riviera offers military vets, active duty, and all first responders their first round of a 2-for-1 on all domestic beers.

With a “land of the free, home of the brave” proud American ambiance, the fun never stops at this laid-back and lively honky tonk featuring a simple bar and BBQ menu.

Broadway Bars:  Ole Red by Blake Shelton
Ole Red (main level stage)

Ole Red (300 Broadway) – Inspired by Blake Shelton’s chart-topping hit, Ole Red is a spacious venue with a large stage area on the main level, and a smaller stage and restaurant on the 2nd level.

Guests also love visiting The Lookout rooftop area which has a glam-meets-grit lounge and awesome views of Lower Broadway.

Whiskey Bent Saloon (306 Broadway) – A traditional, small honky tonk that features seasoned artists and an older crowd.

With a large whiskey selection, and infamous “Holler n Swaller” t-shirts, Whiskey Bent Saloon is also known for its friendly staff and authentic ambiance.

Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa (308 Broadway) – Casa Rosa is a 4-level entertainment complex featuring multiple performance stages, a large Tex-Mex restaurant, numerous bars, colorful art, lighted murals, and personal memorabilia.

With pink booths and pink-umbrella-covered tables on the rooftop patio, the country-girl vibe here provides the perfect setting for families, girls’ getaways, and bridal and bachelorette parties.

The Valentine (312 Broadway) – The Valentine is a unique lower Broadway Nashville bar in that it has a New Age, eclectic, SoHo themed-vibe that provides for an upscale honky tonk experience!

This 4-story bar and restaurant with performance stages that feature both live music and DJs, as well as TVs, bar games, and a dance party bubble machine!

Tin Roof (316 Broadway) – The original Tin Roof opened to give musicians a place to play and a place to hang out when they weren’t on stage. 

This casual, laid-back honky tonk is now known for its friendly atmosphere, good music, and great food. They have multiple locations across the U.S., including this one on Lower Broadway.

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row (400 Broadway) – Whiskey Row is located in a 3-story building and features Nashville’s tallest rooftop bar and patio.

With live country music, a second-level DJ and dance floor, American gastropub cuisine, and its infamous ice-bar-themed rooftop patio, there is always something exciting going on here!

Get a complete guide to the Nashville Honky Tonks from top US family travel blog, Travel With A Plan!
Lucky Bastard Saloon

Lucky Bastard Saloon (408 Broadway) – Lucky Bastard Saloon features daily live music and a large dance floor area that attracts people to want to join in the dancing.

With its cool, raunchy wall murals, and rooftop restaurant called Nashville Hot Chicken Shack, Whiskey Bent Saloon has a fun, rowdy vibe.

The Stage (412 Broadway) – The Stage is another rowdy country bar with live music and a dive-bar atmosphere.

Famous country music artists are known to stop in or perform at The Stage making it a popular spot for celebrity sightings.

Robert’s Western World (416 Broadway) – Robert’s Western World is known as Nashville’s Home of Traditional Country Music. Western cowboy boots line the walls here – what could be better?

Along with live music 7 days a week, highlights include $2.50 PBR, Busch & MHL beer, and great bar food including their famous Recession Special — a fried bologna sandwich, chips, and a PBR for just $6!

Layla’s Honky Tonk (428 Broadway) – Formerly known as Layla’s Bluegrass Inn, Layla’s Honk Tonk features traditional Country, Hillbilly, Rockabilly, Western, Americana, and Bluegrass.

Layla’s is known for the hundreds of U.S. license plates that hang across its ceiling rafters. If you bring your license plate in they’ll buy you a Budweiser and hang it up!

The Second Fiddle (420 Broadway) – A long, narrow honky tonk with antique radios and country music memorabilia lining the exposed brick walls.

There’s a main floor performing stage and a newly opened rooftop patio, however, The Second Fiddle does not serve food.

Iconic Nashville Tennessee bars:  Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
Tootsies Orchid Lounge (2nd level stage)

Tootsies Orchid Lounge (422 Broadway) – As the most famous honky tonk in Nashville since 1960, Tootsies is also the busiest, and most strict with their entrance requirements (no one under 21-year-old is able to enter after 4 PM, even if they’re with a parent).

A painter mistakenly painted the exterior orchid purple and the color was never changed – thus becoming Tootsie’s signature color.

A popular place for celebrity sightings and popular musicians, Tootsie’s photo and memorabilia-lined walls are called “Tootsie’s Wall of Fame.”

Legends Corner (428 Broadway) – Another classic honky tonk experience, Legends Corner is a smaller venue that draws in big crowds.

Highlights include the walls being covered by dozens of record albums and unusual musical instruments from all over the world.

Nashville Honky Tonks on the South side of Broadway

Acme Feed and Seed (101 Broadway) – Acme Feed and Seed is a historical grocery and feed store that has been turned into 22,000 square feet of cocktail, culinary, and entertainment space.

The first floor at Acme is an updated take on the classic honky tonk, called the Acme “Funky Tonk,”; the second floor provides a lounge, craft cocktails, vintage games, TVs, and a sushi bar.

The third floor and rooftop patio host pre-programmed music series, events, and concerts.

Nashville Underground (105 Broadway) – Nashville Underground is a lively venue featuring four rooftop bars, three stages for live music, bowling, arcade games, and two mechanical bulls!

It is a very popular spot for dancing, girls’ night-out get-togethers, and bachelorette parties!

Bootlegger’s Inn (207 Broadway) – Nashville’s only moonshine bar which also features daily live music in an intimate setting.

Kid Rock's Honky Tonk; one of the best bars in Nashville!
Kid Rock Honky Tonk (main level stage)

Kid Rock’s Big Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse (211 Broadway) – With five floors, four stages (including a 2-story main stage!), six bars, and a 5th-floor rooftop patio, this enormous honky tonk can accommodate almost two thousand people!

This is definitely one of the best bars in Nashville as there is always awesome, lively music with plenty of dancing – and did we mention, it’s also home to a mouth-watering steakhouse?

Broadway Street bars in Nashville:  32 Bridge
Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge

301 Broadway: Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge (301 Broadway) – Luke Bryan’s 32 Bridge honky tonk features 6 levels, 8 bars, 3 stages, and two restaurants, along with fun hunting and fishing decor, and a gigantic pick-up truck suspended from the ceiling!

In addition, Luke Bryan’s ‘Nut House’ is one of downtown’s largest rooftop bars.

Wanna B’s (305 Broadway) – Wanna B’s is a karaoke bar open on Wednesday through Sunday from 4 PM – close.

Upstairs from the karaoke bar, you’ll find Tequila Cowboy, which is a traditional honky tonk featuring live country music and bar food.

Nashville bars on Broadway; Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar
Jason Aldean’s (main level stage)

307 Broadway: Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar – This hoppin’ honky tonk is 4-stories worth of fun! The main stage and restaurant level feature a huge bar with a 1961 John Deer Tractor on display.

There’s also a level dedicated to official memorabilia and a merchandise store, as well as the “My Kinda Party” rooftop bar and patio that features a “Build Your Own Basket” eating area (complete with a Chevy pickup truck suspended above!).

Honky Tonk Central Nashville (309 Broadway) – Honky Tonky Central features 3-full stories of live music in a rockin’ country bar atmosphere!

Though there is a food menu offered here, the highlight is definitely the music and being able to go between floors to see 3 different bands.

Nudies Nashville
Nudie’s Honky Tonk & Nude’s Cadillac convertible!

409 Broadway: Nudie’s Honky Tonk Nashville (409 Broadway) – World-famous since 1947, Nudie’s Honky Tonk is home to millions of dollars of country music memorabilia, 3 stages, multiple bars, and a popular rooftop deck.

Nudie’s (named after Nudie Cohn, who is famous for his rhinestone-covered suits) is also home to the longest bar in Downtown Nashville (it’s over 100 feet long!), which is embedded with 10,000 silver dollars!

In addition, check out Nudie’s own customized Cadillac El Dorado convertible, “Nudie Mobile”, which hangs on the wall and is insured for $400,000.

Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky Tonk (411 Broadway) – One of Broadway’s newest honky tonks, Friends in Low Places (a.k.a. FILP Bar) has three floors, live music stages, and multiple bars.

The first two floors are open to all ages until 8 PM, however, the rooftop Oasis is always 21+ only. Also note that Friends in Low Places is a cashless bar and accepts all major credit cards.

Finally, you can expect to find plenty of official Garth and Tricia merchandise, music, books, and accessories for sale.

Nashville Crossroads (419 Broadway)- Nashville Crossroads has a traditional honky tonk feel and prides itself on showcasing classic country, new country, and a little bit of rock and roll.

Lower Broadway Nashville bars: AJs Good Time Bar
AJ’s Good Time Bar

AJ’s Good Time Bar (421 Broadway)- Founded by country music superstar, Alan Jackson, AJs Good Time Bar has been voted the #1 honky tonk in Nashville by Billboard Magazine.

This bar features 4 levels including AJs Honky Tonky (featuring traditional country only), AJs G.T. Bar, Hullbilly’s Karaoke Bar, and AJs Star Bar (rooftop).

Mellow Mushroom (423 Broadway) – Mellow Mushroom, whose mission is to provide delicious food in a creative environment, has multiple locations across the U.S.

Featuring live music all day at their Downtown Nashville location, they’re best known for their hand-tossed, stone-baked classic southern pizza.

Rippy’s Bar & Grill (429 Broadway) – Rippy’s, a Nashville favorite, is located directly across the street from Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.

Rippy’s has 2 levels, 3 stages, and an awesome menu featuring classic southern BBQ!

Johnny Cash's honky tonk bar Nashville
Johnny Cash’s Bar

More Famous Nashville Bars

Two of the other best country bars in Nashville include FGL House and Johnny Cash’s Bar and BBQ, located only a few steps off Broadway street.

I definitely recommend visiting both of these incredible venues:

FGL House (120 3rd Ave. South, down the street from Kid Rock’s) – Branded after Florida Georgia Line, FGL House is a huge venue of music stages featuring today’s country trends.

There’s also an awesome restaurant onsite as well as a rooftop bar, and a basement-level lounge called Little Red Corvette.

Johnny Cash’s Bar & BBQ (121 3rd Ave. South, found right across the street from FGL House) – Located adjacent to the Johnny Cash Museum, Johnny Cash’s Bar & BBQ recreates the warmth and authenticity of Johnny and June Cash’s home.

The bar features live music all day and many never-before-seen photos and artifacts that provide a glimpse into the day-to-day life of the Cash family. 

Map of Nashville Bars on Broadway

It’s hard to envision exactly how compact Honky Tonk Highway is, as well as to imagine the various honky tonk locations in relation to one another.

For this reason, we’ve put together the following map of Honky Tonky Highway that is incredibly helpful if you’re a Nashville first-timer!

Use our Nashville printable as a reference or print it off to bring along with you on your trip!

Better yet, share it with your friends too!

How to Get Around Downtown Nashville

Downtown Nashville is fairly compact, so most people choose to walk whenever possible.

The best way to get around the city of Nashville when walking isn’t feasible, however, is by ride-share services like Uber or Lyft.

Lime Scooters (that can be found literally everywhere!) are also very popular when traveling within a mile or two of where you’re going.

{I recommend downloading the Lime app before your trip in case you get the urge to scooter!}

Next, having a rental car is also a good option, especially when looking to travel the 12 miles from Downtown to East Nashville – home of Opryland Hotel, Grand Ole Opry, and Opry Mills shopping mall.

If you do have a car, most downtown Nashville hotels provide parking for their guests but it can be quite expensive.

Public garages throughout Nashville cost much less and can be located through the Park it! Downtown website.

Finally, there are dozens of options when it comes to ‘entertainment transportation‘ in Downtown Nashville – which is a popular option for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Whether you’re looking for a private or shared experience, companies offer rides on buses, trucks, tractor-trailers, pedal pubs, and even golf carts and firetrucks.

Most party bus companies allow BYOB, offer a VIP bartender experience, and/or also provide a unique tour of Music City.

Where to Stay When Visiting Nashville

The different areas of Nashville, Tennessee are referred to by neighborhood names such as 12 South, The Gulch, SoBro, Germantown, and Downtown. (See a map of Nashville’s neighborhoods here.)

If you want to be close to the action, I totally recommend that you stay in Downtown Nashville, within an easy walk to Honky Tonk Highway.

Adjacent to Downtown Nashville (and also within walking distance to the honky tonks) is the SoBro neighborhood – another great option of where to stay during your Nashville getaway.

Along with Downtown Nashville’s Airbnbs and boutique hotels, the best places to stay in Nashville include:

I hope you have a great time in Nashville! What Nashville honky tonks are you most excited to visit? I’d love for you to comment below!

-Jen

If you need help planning your trip, don’t forget to check out our travel resources page, where you can take advantage of discounts for hotels, cars, tours, and more!

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Learn all you need to know about Nashville honky tonks as well as get a printable map of Honky Tonk Highway from top U.S. family travel blog, Travel With A Plan!

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