13 Best Country Bars in Nashville & Broadway Honky Tonks

If you are planning a Nashville vacation, you must make time to visit these 13 best country bars in Nashville. Some of the bars are the classic honky tonks, some are celebrity owned and some are even on wheels!

Nashville bars are notorious for all-day live country music, a laid-back atmosphere and a guaranteed good time. They appeal to all ages and occasions from an adult family vacation to a bachelorette party.

I recently spent a weekend in Nashville with my mom, celebrating my college graduation. We went to the Grand Ole Opry, took a golf cart tour of the city, ate all the food, and of course spent some time exploring bars on Broadway.

What makes Nashville bars different from the rest of the world is their dedication to being “music city” and the unpretentious atmosphere. The bars all showcase up-and-coming local talent.

The artists are consistently great singers, songwriters, and performers. I enjoyed discovering new artists, and now follow many of their careers on social media.

Unlike other party cities like Las Vegas or Miami, Nashville is very laid back and inclusive. Bars do not have long lines, dress codes, or guest lists. You can wear what you want and do what you want for the most part. This culture made me feel comfortable and welcome throughout my trip.

For a list of the best country bars in Nashville, keep reading below. I dare you to try to hit them all!

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Classic Nashville Honky Tonks

The original Nashville honky tonk bars are what give the city so much charm. Some of the favorites, listed below, are what put Nashville on the map.

Nashville Honky Tonks are no-frills, lively bars that showcase the best up and coming talent. You will find line dancing, loud music, cheap food and drinks and a rowdy crowd.

The below Nashville country bars are some of the best places you need to visit during your Nashville trip.

Tootsies Orchid Lounge

Tootsies is the most famous bar on Broadway. The purple building is sure to catch your eye.

Inside, there are two levels with bars and bands. At the top of the building, there is a fun rooftop patio. Visit Tootsies late at night to line dance and sing along with the bands.

Bluebird Café

The Bluebird Café is the ultimate home to new country talent in Nashville. This historic venue is the best bar in Nashville to listen to live music.

Winners and Losers

Featured in Toby Keith song, “I love this bar,” these two neighboring bars are a favorite spot for locals. Since these bars are a bit off Broadway, they are less touristy, and you are less likely to be surrounded by bachelorette parties.

Robert’s Western World

Western World is the self-reported “home to Honk Tonk Heaven”. It is one of the best western bars in downtown Nashville for classic country music.

This is where you will find 90’s style country, highlighting songs by classic country artists. Here you will not find the more modern pop-country genre.

Wildhorse Saloon

This famous country bar in Nashville is best known for line dancing. Come here if you are a line dancing lover or want to learn!

Even if line dancing isn’t your style, it’s super fun to watch others while enjoying the music.

Best Celebrity-Owned Bars in Nashville

In addition to the above historic bars, some of the best Country bars in Nashville are the newer, celebrity owned joints on Broadway. The bars are owned by some of the biggest names in country music and each showcase the personality of that artist.

Unlike the honky tonks, Nashville celeb owned bars are often cleaner, brighter, and a bit more expensive. Since there are so many to choose from, I recommend visiting the bars owned by your favorite artists from the list below.

Casa Rosa Tex Mex Cantina – Miranda Lambert

Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa is the only female-owned celebrity bar on this list. Opening in spring of 2021, it is also the newest.

The first floor features a great Mexican restaurant and small stage. Upstairs, find a larger stage and dance floor with an outdoor deck. The entire bar is pink, floral, and very feminine.

When I visited Casa Rosa, Miranda was actually visiting. She enjoyed the live music from a private balcony area, and came to wave to all the fans every so often.

Ole Red – Blake Shelton

The Nashville location of Ole Red is a great spot to hangout during your Nashville trip. The main floor and balcony surround a large stage and screen where new talent performs.

The kitchen makes great small bites and burgers, making this a good bar to grab lunch.  

Luke’s 32 Bridge – Luke Bryan

If you want a break from Southern food, hit up the sushi bar at Luke’s 32 bridge. Luke’s bar also has a small stage for live music with a large truck suspended above it.

If you are seeking a rooftop bar in Nashville, Luke’s is a great option for a more relaxed vibe.  

Whiskey Row – Dierks Bentley

In my opinion, Whiskey row is one of my favorite country bars in Nashville. The bar is three levels. The first two levels have bars, food, and live music.

The rooftop has great views of downtown and decent seating options. This bar is one of my personal favorites and I’ve been to the Scottsdale and Gilbert locations as well.

Jason Aldean’s Kitchen and Rooftop Bar – Jason Aldean

This bar is great for two reasons: the photo friendly tractor bar and the fantastic rooftop.

Additionally, this bar has some of the best food for a nice dinner. They go beyond traditional bar food for an elevated dining experience.

Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk – Kid Rock

This honky tonk is consistently the loudest bar on Broadway. This multi-level giant features country-rock stars and is always a rambunctious time.

Mobile Bars on Broadway

While not a bar in a traditional sense, there are many options for mobile bars in Nashville. These can be great for bachelorette parties or other special occasions.

All the below options can be reserved for a group or shared with others. They are a party with music and dancing and a bit of sightseeing.

• Pedal Tavern– If you like drinking while you get a (very light) workout, this one is for you. The pedal tavern is powered by bike pedals that surround a table for guests to enjoy.
• Monster truck– Nashville is one of the only places you can dance in a cage behind a monster truck all night long. This is my recommendation if you are on a girl’s trip!
• Tractor– Nothing is more Nashville than country music behind a tractor. Like the monster truck, you can stand and dance in a cage that will tour around town.

My favorite party tour in Nashville is the “Biggest and Wildest Tractor Tour” because where else can you drink in the back of a tractor in the middle of the city?! Also you cannot beat the photo ops. Check out the prices here.

What to Wear to Nashville Bars

As I mentioned at the beginning of this guide, one of the best things about Nashville nightlife is that the bars are not pretentious, there is rarely a dress code, and you can wear what you like.

If you’re looking for some outfit inspiration, the above collage shows some outfit ideas for a night out.

These outfits area great mix of dressy, country-themed, and comfortable. A simple dress or jumpsuit is super easy to throw on and accessorize. Alternatively, you cannot go wrong with a body suit and pants or denim shorts.

For shoes, I recommend something flat like a sandal or cowboy boot. Since you will be on your feet all night, there is no reason to wear a pair of heels.

If you are looking for more Nashville fashion inspo, check out my outfit guide.

Summary of the Best Country Bars in Nashville

Overall, you cannot visit without spending time at some of the best country bars in Nashville on this list. For the best trip, visit a combination of honky tonks, celebrity bars and unique bars on wheels.

Enjoy your time in Music City!

Be sure to check out my complete guide to Nashville for other a weekend itinerary and travel tips.

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