Why You’re Here: Nashville’s Bourbon Street (But With More Country)
Nashville isn’t just for country ballads and chicken—though we do take our fried chicken seriously. If you’re here for the live music, you’re in the right place. But if you’re here to find the best bars on Broadway, you’re in the wrong place… unless you read this guide first. Spoiler: Live music *sucks* if you want to actually talk. But hey, free vibes and beer, right?
The Broadway Bar Scene: More Than Just a Country Hater’s Fantasy
Broadway in Nashville isn’t just a street—it’s a *state of mind* (and a very strong hangover). By day, it’s a tourist trap. By night, it’s a neon-lit battlefield for the title of “Most Overpriced Whiskey.” But if you know where to go, you can skip the tourist traps and hit the bars where locals actually hang out. (Hint: They’re not the ones with 300+ bands playing at once.)
The Top 5 Bars You’ll Actually Want to Visit
1. Tootsie’s (500 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203)
The OG. The mother of all Broadway bars. Tootsie’s is the place where every country singer from 1985 to 2025 has played at least once. But let’s get real: You’re not here for the music (the sound is so bad, your dog would howl). You’re here for the *vibe*. The neon lights, the “I Was Here” wall, and the fact that your Uber driver will magically know how to park in the back alley.
2. The Stage on Broadway (424 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203)
This bar is for the people who want to pretend they’re cool. It’s got a speakeasy vibe, a fancy cocktail menu, and a line out the door at 8 PM. But hey, if you’re willing to wait, the bourbon old fashioned here is worth the wait. Pro tip: Skip the bands in the main bar and ask for the *back room*—it’s like the secret club where the real adults hang out.
3. Robert’s Western World (408 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203)
Robert’s is the bar where *everyone* claims they’ve been before. It’s got the “local bar” feel, the kind of place where the bartenders know your name (if you’re a regular). But if you’re not, they’ll still pretend they like you. The best part? The food here is actually edible. Yes, *edible*. Not “I’m drunk, so I’m pretending this is good” edible. Real edible.
4. Honky Tonk Central (414 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203)
If you want to feel like you’re in a John Travolta movie, this is your spot. Honky Tonk Central is all about the *experience*. The neon, the fiddles, the fact that your date just realized they’re not as cool as they thought. But the real win? The drinks here are strong enough to make a sailor cry. And the waitstaff is so good, they’ll remember your order even if you forget your own name.
5. Bluebird Cafe (412 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203)
Okay, this one’s cheating—it’s not a bar. It’s a restaurant. But if you’re going to spend $18 on a burger, you might as well pair it with a $12 beer. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might catch a live performance by someone you’ve never heard of. Just don’t expect to hear anything over the clinking of wine glasses and the sound of your date’s phone camera.
Pro Tips for Surviving (and Enjoying) Your Broadway Bar Crawl
- Start early: The best bars fill up faster than a line at a Taylor Swift concert. Arrive before 7 PM if you want a seat that doesn’t require a standing ovation.
- Use cash: Some of these bars still run on the honor system for drinks (yes, really). Don’t be surprised if you’re asked to pay upfront.
- Bring a friend: Or three. The more people, the more you can split the costs. And honestly, the more likely you’ll find someone to blame when you start crying over a sad country song.
- Download a bar map: Apps like Make Your Own Beer can help you plan your route. Because yes, this is a strategy. You’re not just winging it.
FAQs: The Questions You’re Too Embarrassed to Ask
1. Is it worth going to Broadway if I hate country music?
Absolutely. The music is just the background noise. The real draw is the atmosphere—the neon, the crowds, the fact that you’ll feel like part of something bigger (even if you’re just there for the free peanuts).
2. Do I need a reservation?
Only if you want to guarantee a table at Robert’s or The Stage. Otherwise, it’s first come, first served. And honestly, the line is part of the experience.
3. Can I buy beer to-go?
Nope. Broadway bars are all about the in-house experience. But if you want to take your beer home, check out Custom Beer for your own custom label.
Final Thoughts: Drink Responsibly, But Also Drink a Lot
Broadway in Nashville is a place where you’ll find more than just drinks—you’ll find stories, strangers, and maybe even a new appreciation for country music (or not). Just remember: The goal is to have fun, not to get lost in the neon. And if you do get lost, don’t worry. Everyone in Nashville is lost. It’s the whole point.
Need more tips on how to make your own beer or grow your bar business? Check out Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer. And if you’re selling beer online, don’t forget to list your bar on Dropt.beer—the best beer distribution marketplace around.
