← Back to honky-tonks guide

Best Honky-Tonks on Broadway

Nashville's Lower Broadway is honky-tonk heaven—but which ones are worth your time? Ranked by locals who've spent countless nights on the strip.

All Free, All Day

Every honky-tonk on this list has free admission and free live music from about 11am until 3am. No cover charges, ever. Tips for the bands are appreciated—these are working musicians earning a living.

Country music events More free shows General honky-tonks guide
Honky-Tonks Overview Best Venues Overall Neighborhoods Tonight's Shows
1

Robert's Western World

Est. 1999

416 Broadway

Authentic traditional country Moderate - gets busy but rarely overwhelming

Ask any local their favorite honky-tonk and Robert's tops most lists. This former western wear store turned bar is the real deal—traditional country music, no backing tracks, no pretense. The house band Brazilbilly plays classic country the way it's meant to be heard.

Why it ranks here: Robert's is the antidote to Broadway's party atmosphere. Musicians here are serious about their craft, playing real country music on real instruments. The crowd skews more local than tourist, and the energy is about the music, not the spectacle.

Local tip: Order the Recession Special—a fried bologna sandwich, PBR, and Moon Pie for $6. It's been the same price for years and tastes like Nashville.
Must try: Catch Brazilbilly during their residency. They play Tuesday through Saturday and are the best traditional country band on Broadway.
Music: Traditional country, honky-tonk, Western swing Best time: Tuesday-Saturday evenings for Brazilbilly, or early afternoon for a relaxed vibe
2

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge

Est. 1960

422 Broadway

Historic and legendary Very crowded, especially nights and weekends

The most famous honky-tonk in the world and the birthplace of countless country careers. Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Patsy Cline, and Waylon Jennings all played here before they were famous. The back door opens directly to the Ryman's backstage—that's not a coincidence.

Why it ranks here: You can't understand Nashville without understanding Tootsie's. The walls are covered with photos and memorabilia from 60+ years of country music history. Three floors of music, but the original downstairs bar is where the magic lives.

Local tip: The back alley between Tootsie's and the Ryman is called Tootsie's Alley. Walk through and imagine all the legends who snuck between shows.
Must try: Sit at the original downstairs bar if you can snag a seat. Ignore the upper floors and soak in the history at ground level.
Music: Classic country, outlaw country, some modern country Best time: Weekday afternoons for fewer crowds and more intimate music
3

Layla's Honky Tonk

Est. 1996

418 Broadway

Laid-back and danceable Moderate - easier to find space than neighbors

The hidden gem sandwiched between louder neighbors. Layla's consistently books talented bands, has one of the best dance floors on Broadway, and maintains a chill vibe even on busy nights. It's where people who actually want to dance end up.

Why it ranks here: Less chaotic than its neighbors with better sightlines to the stage. The dance floor actually has room to two-step, and the bands know how to keep people moving. It feels more like a real bar and less like a tourist attraction.

Local tip: This is the best spot on Broadway if you actually want to dance. The floor space in front of the stage is perfect for two-stepping.
Must try: Get there early enough to grab a spot near the stage, then stay for the dancing as the night picks up.
Music: Traditional country, Western swing, danceable honky-tonk Best time: Friday and Saturday nights for dancing, weekday afternoons for low-key hangs
4

Legend's Corner

Est. 1991

428 Broadway

Corner views and classic vibes Moderate to busy

The prime corner location means windows that open to Broadway from two sides. The walls are covered with photos of country legends, and the music leans traditional. Great people-watching spot with solid live music.

Why it ranks here: The corner location gives you the best view of Broadway's chaos while you're comfortably inside. Musicians here tend to play more traditional country than some of the larger venues.

Local tip: Grab a spot by the corner windows. You get air flow, prime people-watching, and can still hear the band perfectly.
Must try: Come during a weekday afternoon when you can actually snag a window seat and enjoy the music without fighting crowds.
Music: Classic country, traditional honky-tonk Best time: Weekday afternoons for window seats, evenings for full energy
5

AJ's Good Time Bar

Est. 2016

421 Broadway

Traditional country done right Moderate to crowded

Alan Jackson's honky-tonk keeps the focus on traditional country music—no surprise from the man who wrote "Gone Country." Three floors, but the ground level maintains that classic honky-tonk feel. Quality bands and a commitment to real country.

Why it ranks here: For a celebrity-owned bar, AJ's stays remarkably true to traditional country. The booking leans classic, the memorabilia is authentic, and you won't hear much pop-country here.

Local tip: Check out the Alan Jackson memorabilia, but don't miss the music. The ground floor is where the real honky-tonk action happens.
Must try: Stay on the main floor where the original honky-tonk vibe is strongest. The upper floors feel more like a standard bar.
Music: Traditional country, neo-traditional, classic country covers Best time: Early evenings before the party crowds arrive
6

The Stage on Broadway

Est. 1990s

412 Broadway

Party central Very crowded, peak party atmosphere

Three floors of non-stop entertainment for people who came to Nashville to party. It's louder, more crowded, and more chaotic than its neighbors—and that's exactly what some people want. Multiple bars per floor keep drinks flowing.

Why it ranks here: If you want the full Broadway party experience, The Stage delivers. Each floor has different music, the crowd is energetic, and there's never a dull moment.

Local tip: Explore all three floors—the vibe changes dramatically from level to level. The rooftop is worth the climb.
Must try: Go with a group ready to party. This isn't the spot for quiet conversation—it's for dancing, drinking, and living your best Nashville life.
Music: Mix of country, rock, and party hits Best time: Weekend nights when you want to let loose
7

Honky Tonk Central

Est. 2012

329 Broadway

Modern honky-tonk with rooftop views Crowded, especially the rooftop

The newer arrival that's earned its spot on the strip. Three floors plus a rooftop with some of the best skyline views on Broadway. Clean, well-run, and embraces honky-tonk tradition while feeling more modern.

Why it ranks here: The rooftop bar offers views you won't get anywhere else on Lower Broadway. Three floors of music mean you can find your vibe, and the overall operation feels more polished.

Local tip: Head straight to the rooftop for the views, then work your way down. The ground floor gets packed, but upper levels offer more breathing room.
Must try: Sunset from the rooftop. Time it right and you'll understand why this place earned its spot.
Music: Country covers, modern country, crowd pleasers Best time: Early evening for rooftop sunset, later for dancing
8

Nudie's Honky Tonk

Est. 2016

409 Broadway

Rhinestone history meets BBQ Moderate

Named after Nudie Cohn, the legendary tailor who created rhinestone suits for Elvis, Gram Parsons, and Hank Williams Sr. The venue displays actual Nudie suits and his famous cars. Plus, surprisingly good BBQ.

Why it ranks here: It's part honky-tonk, part museum. The Nudie suits and cars on display are the real deal—museum-quality pieces of country music history. The food is actually good, unlike most Broadway fare.

Local tip: Take time to really look at the Nudie suits and cars—they're genuine artifacts. Then try the brisket.
Must try: The BBQ is legit. Get the brisket and check out Nudie's personal El Dorado covered in silver dollars.
Music: Country covers, classic country, some rock crossover Best time: Dinner time when you can eat while taking in the history
9

Luke Bryan's 32 Bridge

Est. 2018

301 Broadway

Modern country megaclub Very crowded, huge venue

Luke Bryan's massive six-story entertainment complex anchors the corner of Broadway. It's the biggest and most modern of the celebrity bars with multiple stages, a silo bar on the roof, and all the production value you'd expect from a modern country star.

Why it ranks here: If you love modern country and want a premium party experience, 32 Bridge delivers. State-of-the-art sound, multiple themed floors, and that silo rooftop bar is genuinely unique.

Local tip: The silo bar on the roof is worth seeing once—it's bizarre and fun. Each floor has a different personality.
Must try: Work your way through all six floors to see how different each one is. End at the silo.
Music: Modern country, contemporary hits, party music Best time: Weekend nights when you want the full production experience
10

Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar

Est. 2018

307 Broadway

Country-rock party Crowded, especially rooftops

Four floors of entertainment including a rooftop with panoramic views. Leans more rock than some neighbors, matching Jason Aldean's country-rock style. Full restaurant with solid food.

Why it ranks here: The rooftop views rival any on Broadway, and the rock-influenced music offers something different from pure country neighbors. Good food makes it work as a dinner destination.

Local tip: The rooftop is the move here. Some of the best views on Broadway with good drinks to match.
Must try: Skip to the rooftop, especially at sunset. The food is actually good if you need fuel.
Music: Country-rock, rock covers, modern country Best time: Early evening for food, sunset for rooftop drinks

Bar Hopping Strategy

Make the most of your Broadway night:

Honky-Tonk FAQ

What is the best honky-tonk in Nashville?

Robert's Western World is considered the best by most locals. It has the most authentic traditional country music, the legendary house band Brazilbilly, and maintains that real honky-tonk feel despite Broadway's evolution.

Which honky-tonk has the most history?

Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, open since 1960, is the most historic. Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Patsy Cline, and countless legends performed here. The back door connects directly to the Ryman Auditorium's backstage.

Do I have to pay to get in?

No! All Broadway honky-tonks have free admission with free live music all day. No cover charges, ever. Tips for bands are appreciated and expected.

Which honky-tonk is best for dancing?

Layla's Honky Tonk has the best dance floor with room to actually two-step. The bands play danceable country, and the vibe is more relaxed than neighbors.

Which has the best rooftop?

Honky Tonk Central has excellent skyline views, while Jason Aldean's has panoramic Broadway views. Luke Bryan's 32 Bridge has a unique silo bar on top.

When are honky-tonks open?

Most open between 10-11am and stay open until 3am. Live music starts around 11am and continues all day with different bands rotating.

Beyond Broadway

Once you've done the honky-tonk tour, Nashville has so much more:

Top 10 Venues

The best concert venues beyond Broadway

Neighborhoods Guide

Explore East Nashville, The Gulch, and more

Country Venues

Best spots for country beyond honky-tonks

Free Shows

All the free live music in Nashville

Find More Live Music

Broadway's just the beginning. Browse what's happening all over Nashville tonight.

Tonight's Shows This Weekend Country Events