The Most Delectable Music Venues in Nashville

Whiskey Bent Saloon

★★★★☆ 4.1 (205) • $$

"Fun laid back bar with good drinks, good bartenders and great music. When we were here, the band had a fiddler with them and she rocked the place! That's something you see at most places on Broadway. Wasn't too crowded and the crowd was fun without being obnoxious. Worth checking out on Broadway."

Ole Red

★★★★☆ 3.5 (952) • $$

"My favorite place everrr for the food ! Specifically the corn bread ! I could eat one all myself , it's with honey and just the classic delicious taste of southern food. The vibes are great with music and an amazing place to hang out with friends and get some drinks ! When in Nashville I make sure I come here to grab a drink and some appetizers! Service it's good, but if it's the weekend expect to wait in line for a little !"

Alley Taps

★★★★☆ 4.1 (101)

"Visited here twice, once on Friday night when we started with a fiddle-guitar duo and also heard a classic country band.The next night we also heard a singer-songwriter duo and then ended the night with a most excellent cover band.Really loved the atmosphere and I would highly recommend you seek out this bar-venue in Printer's Alley when you're in Nashville."

The Pond

★★★★☆ 4.4 (54) • $

"We had some time to kill before our reservations for dinner & found this local pub via a Reddit post. We were thrilled to find Buffalo Trace, a cool/casual space, and a board game that had been revamped by the team. We were super early so no live music yet, but we will def be coming back to check it out in the future. Had such a good time hanging out here! We didn't order any food, but looked like some solid options!"

The East Room

★★★★☆ 3.6 (13) • $

"Grungy is the right word for this dark space, very plain, dark, with a stage, a small bar with a wide selection of beers, and 1970's style pleather stools. We went for a stand up comedy show featuring local comedians. The show was about 2 hours long with a $10 cover. They did tell us over the phone the cover was $5 but oh well, still pretty cheap. Those dudes have to make a living some how. Comedians were funny, crowd was laid back. Pretty cool music too. Very unpretentious."

Gary's Place

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (53) • $

"Fun local bar, amazing happy hour. Just moved to TN from CA and was shocked to see $2.00 beers. The crowd seemed like a lot of fun and the food looked good. Prices from 1999 , pool tables looked good and super inexpensive too! I'll be back."

Lucky Bastard Saloon

★★★★☆ 3.5 (145) • $$

"we were in here for a very short period of time so I'm going to give this location a good review they were jampacked had live music on two different floors and everyone seem to be having a really good time. We weren't able to grab any drinks, but I did like how the security line was moving pretty quickly and it wasn't too obnoxious inside. The decor was fitting for Nashville and I really do like the name of the location. It's on the main strip so I highly recommend stopping by if anyone is in the area."

Rippy's Bar & Grill

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (1105) • $$

"11/16/23: My first state of Nashville and what a delight. I'm not normally a meat eater by choice but I have to say the rib wrap was delicious. So much flavor, my tongue was in BBQ heaven.Another spot on the strip with live music. Our wait staff was great, knowledgeable, friendly and constantly checked on us.Various folks got up to dance when they did Tennessee Whiskey.Drink was strong. Definitely good time had by all!"

The Station Inn

★★★★★ 4.5 (247) • $

"We came for the Sunday night blue grass jam. Doors open at 7pm and there is a bit of a line. The Station Inn had some good ambiance and we all really enjoyed the show. The MC was great and really knew how to work the crowd. Sit up front by the bar for the best view!"

Nashville Palace

★★★★☆ 3.7 (235) • $$

"I don't know this place today!!!!! Ok... yeah what!? I'm so confused like I have been in Nashville for about 22 years and since I was allowed to go to bars I've been coming here!!!! Like for the low key, authentic country penetrating south feel. Sling (I know my English is not very good looking and saying it wrong but, sorry :). He was kind of nice in his own way I guess... I was seating at the height too tables by the entrance and I thought those were part of the bar area in the past and he brought the food for the people I was with so when I asked if he was also the person taking care of drinks he said "I guess I can..." and took my order. My friend loved him because well he was a bit on happy adult drinks got to meet Kylie Morgan and her husband Jay Allen! They are as beautiful as they are on Instagram... very sweet and humble couple. The place a back to old "old times" around midnight according to Sling the bartender. He was ok. I got to dance with Mr. Michael (amazing!!!!!) ok moving on... It has been about 19 months since I've been here last and wow!!! I can't believe this place now. They have a big dance floor room open but that has a cover $7. I waited till they were closing to just check it out. I'm confused. I didn't even know that was a room!!! It cut off at the bathroom hall or so I thought. Then there is this huge dance floor!!??? If you like to dance please come check it out!They also have food."

3rd And Lindsley

★★★★☆ 3.9 (260) • $$

"Came here to listen to Sam Burchfield & The Scoundrels, Nicholas Jamerson & The Morning Jays, TopHouse on a Thursday evening, got GA tickets online prior. Was asked for name at the door, and then we found a tables. Sat upstairs, nice venue, acoustics were pretty good. Had a good time!"

The End.

★★★★☆ 3.5 (39)

"5 stars for The Best Music at one of the best dive bars I ever been to in my life. Saw the Upsahl and King Mala concert here. Both musicians were beyond epic. The place was overcrowded yet we were able to enjoy the music 100%. So I am giving this place 5 stars despite the hard to deny flaws of such a place. Weighing the pros and cons of such a place is very easy. Epic music & wonderful service trump the not so hard to ignore flaws of this place. Parking was easy to find and free. We had to walk a little, yet it was a pleasant small stroll.The CoNS:Limitations in restrooms. The lines for the one bathroom were stretched out yet the bathroom was not so bad. Drinks were pricey. The bartenders took care of me efficiently and instantly. No Diet Coke or diet soda. I opted for an ultra michelob- $7 for a can. I should have selected water instead."

The Local

★★★★★ 4.5 (134) • $$

"What is not t like? We enjoyed local music and the beer was cold. I even enjoyed the furious appetizers we had while enjoying the music. The service was spot on."

WannaB's Karaoke Bar

★★★★☆ 3.5 (105) • $$

"My husband and I stopped in to watch this trainwreck of karaoke people. It was not super busy each day which was nice and alcohol prices were decent for the Broadway area.Overall it was fun to watch people sing and the staff was friendly."

Live Oak

★★★★☆ 3.8 (57) • $$

"After living in Nashville for a couple of years now, I am just now starting to become a patron of Live Oak thanks to my Florida State Seminoles! Located in Midtown just off of Music Row, Live Oak is a true sports bar with a plethora of TV's, long bars and even a stage for live music, because Nashville. Live Oak served as the local FSU spot on Saturdays this fall and I was in house as many times as possible, and for the most part, loved it. We normally came for drinks and football, but on occasion would grab some food. The food offerings are your basic bar foods such as burgers, chips and dips, wings, quesadillas, etc...along with a few items like tacos, pastas and even a pita. We always go wings, pretzels or queso. All hit the spot each time! Service is always solid here. It can be a bit disjointed when the place gets super busy, so be prepared to wait for a bit. But this is not something new for Nashville bars. Seating is first come first serve, so if you are headed in for a game, make sure to give yourself plenty of time. If not, then standing room only and becoming a table vulture is in your future! Live Oak does not have dedicated parking, but there are a few pay lots nearby. Overall, Live Oak is a solid spot that I happy to support and visit! Go Noles!"

Tin Roof Broadway

★★★★☆ 3.7 (317) • $$

"Winding down our post Thanksgiving trip to Nashville, this was one of our last stops in Music City. We didn't hit this spot on our last visit, so I was interested to check it out. Great decor. Great staff in the early afternoon. I only had a couple of lighter beers. All was well. What I loved about Tin Roof on this visit is that we got to see a band change during our visit. I always love a band change in Nashville. Two bands for the price of one..lol. Every band that plays bars in Nashville is very good. Some are just about to make it big, so we got to see a great band for about 20 minutes followed by another great band after a short wait. Always fun when that happens. No complaints here at Tin Shed. The food looked pretty good, too. Folks were ordering sandwiches and burgers. Will definitely look into ordering food next time."

EXIT/IN

★★★★☆ 4 (107) • $$

"A magnificent piece of music history. I miss it already and it's not gone yet. Long live the Exit/In!"

Fox & Locke

★★★★☆ 4.1 (81) • $$

"Fun bar and bbq restaurant with live music, as found along Broadway, downtown Nashville. Loud fun and good food is what F&L is all about. It's a great stop following an afternoon of browsing the cute shops of lovely Franklin, Tennessee."

Tin Roof 2

★★★★☆ 3.7 (137) • $$

"A decent place to get a drink with friends. Enjoyed the atmosphere and received good service. Food isn't anything to write about but the beer and entertainment is."

Second Fiddle

★★★★☆ 4 (158)

"Quite honestly, this might be my new favorite downtown Broadway music and drinking spot. The rooftop bar was all that and a bag of chips for service and liquor selection. Actually, I found real top shelf bourbon (Blanton's) and great bar service from the sweet server upstairs. I had been looking for a rooftop bar with great music midday and midweek, and this was the perfect spot. The crowd seemed to come and go, but the ambiance was perfect, and I had a view of the band and up and down Broadway. Fun times that I will be back again, not to mention... they are 420 Broadway!!!"

The Basement East

★★★★☆ 4 (80) • $

"Came on a Friday evening, there's free street parking if you can manage to snag that somewhere around the neighborhood, otherwise there's paid parking right next to the venue. Bought tickets at the door for $25 (there's almost $8 fees for buying online!). Venue is small and cozy, standing only. Stage has lights, audience can get pretty much up to the stage, one of the singers came to the floor to interact with the audience which was pretty cool. Listened to Mills, Calico, Paul McDonald, and BabyJake. Second and fourth musicians weren't my style, too loud and flashy and the sound was just not pleasant, walked out of those two. Good venue though with lots of artists all the time!"

The Back Corner

★★★★☆ 4.2 (31) • $$$

Losers Bar & Grill - Downtown

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (192) • $$

"The perfect place to take a quick break from the craziness of downtown. This bar is just off Broadway, about two blocks, and basically offers everything that most bars in DT offer. Live music, chilly AC, lively crowds, but cheaper beers. It's a little divey, but I kind of like my bars like that. Not just booze, they also serve food here!"

The Bunganut Pig Bar & Restaurant

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (189) • $$

"I have been coming to Bunganut for several years now...they have a great outdoor patio that is the only place I sit when I come. There's a gazebo for live music to play and a park setting for kids to play, while here. Pets are welcome outside, too. I always have to get the ribeye toast points as an app and it's so delicious. The burgers are really good, but the shepherds pie is for real.If it wasn't for the bathrooms, I'd give them a 5...just because the food and the divey atmosphere are that good."

The Boondox

★★★★★ 5 (6)

"Cleanest bar around. The tables, floors, bar, bathrooms, and what I can see of the kitchen areas are spotless. Sounds weird, but I really don't like eating at places with gross bathrooms. I figure if an establishment doesn't care enough to clean their bathrooms then the kitchen must be equally gross. Not a problem here... it's clean! They only serve bottle/can beers (and a few seltzer type drinks). No beers on tap. No hard alcohol. Plenty of fried foods (pickles, mushrooms, fries, peppers, etc), burgers, sandwiches, and pizza. We had fried mushrooms, fried green beans, potato kegs (it's a thing), sliders, and French fries. All were pretty dang good. Get the potato kegs. The sliders were delicious and had fresh/snappy produce. Yum. Katie - The bartender was very friendly and helpful. We will be back.Almost forgot... cash only."

Robert's Western World

★★★★☆ 4.4 (1014) • $

"Robert's is the place to visit! This is according to pretty much everyone I talked to in Nashville. It's one of the many honky-tonks on Broadway, and judging from the wall-to-wall crowd inside, it's definitely one of the most popular. It was a crush of people from one end to the other. If you don't tolerate brushing up against people or screaming your order at a crowded bar, this place isn't for you.Like all of the honky-tonks on Broadway in Nashville, there's no cover to enter. But, if you like what you're hearing and experiencing, tips for the bands/performers are welcome.I don't have a loud voice at all, so when I screamed my order at the busy yet unflappable bartender, I didn't expect her to hear my beer request on the first go. But she did! And she delivered it to me right away like a pro. There's a second floor inside Robert's, and if you're willing to elbow your way up there, it's worth it. The second story seemed a little less crowded, and I got a good view of the band. But no matter where you are inside Robert's, it's going to be loud, so don't expect to come here and be able to catch up with your friends. I was sitting right next to a friend and had to yell in order for him to hear me. But that's just as well at a place like this. You don't come to Robert's for the peace and quiet -- you come for the music and booze."

Assembly Food Hall

★★★★☆ 4.4 (398) • $$

"This is my favorite type of establishment: a big space dedicated to different types of food. Assembly Food Hall was one of the first places I visited during my last trip to Nashville, after getting off the plane and dropping off my things at my hotel. I needed a place to get food and a lil' drink, and I found both here.I'm pretty decisive when it comes to food, but I had to take two laps around the food hall in order to figure out what I wanted. You can find Thai, Mexican, Vietnamese, Japanese and Mediterranean, as well as barbecue, crepes, charcuterie, burgers and sandwiches, salads, and, of course, Nashville hot chicken. For dessert, you'll find ice cream, an edible cookie dough joint, shaved ice and cotton candy. Then there are bars where you can get a beer, wine or any kind of cocktail your little heart desires.I landed at Chilangos Tacos, because you can't go wrong with Mexican food. (Read my review about them for more details.) I got a single taco, then bopped over to a bar in a different area of the food hall for a crisp glass of Riesling. Then I found a table and I ate my taco and drank my wine while people-watching. Food halls are good places to people-watch, especially food halls on Broadway in Nashville. Assembly Food Hall is located in Fifth + Broadway, an area of downtown that has lots of shops and restaurants in an outdoor setting. It's basically an outdoor shopping mall."

Layla's Honky Tonk

★★★★☆ 4.2 (251) • $$

"This is one of the places we stayed for the shortest amount of time, part was bc we were trying to hit a bunch of places and another part was the band playing the night we stopped in wasn't as good as some of the others we had already heard so we wanted to either keep going, or go back to one of those places. It's smaller inside and a bit older than some of the newest spots - but was cute and comfy with a nice bar area."

Rebel Bar And Grill

★★★★☆ 4.4 (22)

"My friend Claude was getting married to a lovely young lady he'd met at Déjà Vu in Nashville. Déjà Vu is owned by Larry Flynt of Hustler fame I'm told, and caters primarily to the few remaining men of the heterosexual persuasion. I flew in from Tampa and rented a nifty Cadillac-Buick for the occasion. To me a Cadillac-Buick was something big enough to climb in and out of without getting a clubfoot or a withered arm. I was going to meet Claude's best man JD Tripley, a football coach at a local academy and former Vol. JD and I had crossed paths a few times before during a variety of adolescent male bonding rituals.The Rebel Bar was one of those establishments where you weren't likely to find too many polo players. A few tables from the oilcloth family, dark booths along two walls adorned with a filling station clock and some faded posters from when UT actually had a football team. I saw two cigarette machines, a stage for the band and wood floor for the Fred and Gingers, and a long bar with swivel stools and naugahyde padding for the elbows of customers who needed to think it over awhile longer before they went home to the cuss fight. A friendly note: I wouldn't ride your Kawasaki motorbike down here if you know what I am saying to you?The tunes on the jukebox indicated that music began with Hank Williams Jr. and ended with Patsy Cline, but today's anthem was Gary P. Nunn singing, "If You Don't Believe I Love You Honey, Just Ask My Wife." Much of what you needed to know about the ambiance of the Rebel Bar could be found in the black lettering on the white sweatshirt worn by the convivial lady behind the bar. I didn't normally take the time to contemplate such things, but this one asked to be studied more closely. In black lettering, the message smartly said:GO %&*# YOURSELF, IN CASE I FORGOT TO MENTION IT EARLIERI asked the bartender her name. She said she'd like for it to be Drew Barrymore, but she'd had to settle for Kelly Sue Stinett. She had creamy skin, a sharp little nose, shrewd eyes of swimming-pool blue, and American hair...amber waves of grain. A lady somewhere in her early forties who'd seen two husbands run off with go-go dancers, a mobile home burn down, and a Ford Ranger wash away in a flood. But all that was purely a guess on my part, it had to do with the constant 'so-what' expression on her face.Kelly Sue came around to see if we needed more whiskey, JD ordered another vodka and cranberry, his health drink, and then he took the scenic route to the men's room by way of Too Tight and Too Cheap, who had just come from a hard day of separating hens from roosters at the chicken plant in Culleoka. You couldn't help but look at Too Cheap like you would a wild animal on the Discovery Channel. With a margarita in one hand, Marlboro in the other, and a look in her eyes that just said she was there to ruin your life. She was laughing heartily now at JD's jokes, thought it was hilarious when my friend asked her what kind of sexual harassment she liked best. Too Tight lit up when JD asked her what color car she wanted.I don't remember much more about that evening. Claude and the rest of the wedding party showed up pretty soon thereafter and ordered 6 rounds of shots in succession. They didn't really agree with the 3 Irish whiskeys I'd already gotten on the outside of but I guess I was in no worse condition than everybody else when the sheriff came around with a couple of deputies to load us into the back of a squad car to take us back to JD's house. They take pretty good care of their football coaches around here, made me glad JD didn't coach some sissy sport like soccer."

The Bluebird Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.1 (476) • $$

"This sing-songwriter cafe has history. Not only featured in the show Nashville but also the place where some famous musicians were discovered. To get it out of the way...the food is pretty terrible. Absolutely nothing exciting to look forward but you need to spend at least $10 as part of your ticket to help support the restaurant and singers. I'd recommend eating beforehand and then spending your money on drinks or dessert here. We were fortunate to get tickets during the TinPan singer-songwriter festival. Had 4 artists play in the round in the most intimate setting with everyone gathered around and listening to those artist and their guitars. An amazing experience that was one of the Nashville highlights! If you're looking to get tickets, know that they go within the first minutes of going online so best set an alarm and get ready to stress click your way through the website!"

Springwater

★★★★☆ 4 (89) • $

"Good Music Cool PatronsMy wife and I visited in mid-September and had a great time.The bartender (apologies for not remembering your name) is a cool cat who knows his Nashville (and national) music scene well. He's a great guy to chat with over a few or 10 beers.The bar itself has the classic dive bar look and feel. We enjoyed a free round of pool and threw some darts. This is a cash only/beer only establishment so don't come in here looking for fancy cocktails or shots of liquor!The entertainment is eclectic but spot on with the talent. In the early part of the evening we heard some heartfelt country and finished the night with some folk-rock. All-in-all we listened to 4 bands.The neighborhood felt pretty safe as we were leaving for the night, very convenient having a McDonald's next door! Be sure to swing by this famous bar when you're in town.Thanks"

The Electric Jane

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (83)

"We had the best time coming here for the Taylor Swift drag brunch! Not only were the performers so entertaining, our bartender Kat was fantastic!! So professional and attentive but also so nice and friendly! Had a great time talking to her and the drinks were made were great. We all had food and I personally recommend the biscuits! We would come here all the time if we lived closer but as it was, we had a blast!"

Legends Corner

★★★★☆ 4 (270)

Wynot Saloon

★★★★☆ 4.2 (5)

"Cute place if you want to play pool and listen to live music! I did not get to try any food this time but I will definitely go back to try it."

Music City Bar and Grill

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (71) • $$

"Wow, it's a little jarring how country this place is... once I was over the initial shock of Jacob basically calling me a city girl in a honky tonk bar, I was in love. Definitely one of my favorite discoveries during a recent Nashville trip. My friend and I sat in the back room until the main crowd died down. We could still clearly enjoy the live country music. It was incredible.I had a few Gin & Tonics. Got Hot Wings and Mozzarella Sticks for dinner. Superb and honestly way better quality than I expected for how divey everything felt. Proved me wrong! Eventually we made our way to the other side of the bar and made friends closing it down with us. We wanted to come back but didn't have a chance during our convention week. Next time for sure!"