Nashville
Home    |    Neighborhood   |   
Best Country Music Bars In Nashville

Local Guides

Best Country Music Bars In Nashville
Lorem Ipsum Dolar Est
April 12, 2023
 / 1 min read
Written by  
Wesley Mortgage

Nashville is known for its country music. For several decades, the city has been the southern capital for all things music, beer, and culture. Due to its rich history, country music bars are held to the highest standard. Nashville’s music scene is legendary because of the many superstars who started by playing in various bars and dives around the city. Below are the must-visit honky tonks for all Nashville travelers.

Best bars for live music

Nashville's best country music stops are the Bluebird Cafe, Station Inn, and Robert's Western World. These bars are known for their friendly atmosphere and great food. These stops are located a short distance from each other downtown.

Best bars with a view of the stage

The Bluebird Cafe is a legendary performance venue that has been featured in multiple movies and TV shows. The club's atmosphere makes country music lovers return time and time again. Compared to most of the big-name venues, The Bluebird is tiny. Their petite size allows for a sense of community. It feels more akin to listening to a friend play a song beside a campfire than it does at a popular downtown venue. Tickets sell out fast, so make reservations or choose to wait in line outside the cafe in case of last-minute cancellations.

Who are the most popular country music artists to play at these bars?

The cafe is known for its intimate setting, where patrons can be up close and personal, brought artists like Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, and Taylor Swift. Bluebird Cafe is the place to see the rising stars of country music.

Do they offer a diversity of country music or stick to one genre?

Bluebird offers an eclectic range of characters and styles. However, most of the music is focused on songwriting and storytelling. Because of the venue, they cannot accommodate big bands/pop country.

Best bars for honky-tonking

Robert's Western World is known for its live music and dancing. This honky tonk sits in the shadow of the most historic music venue, the Ryman. Robert’s Western World has everything a Nashville traveler could want in terms of honky tonks; loud music, a lively crowd, and wild nights. The inside is full of bright lights, the smell of beer, and the bar's patrons. This venue attracts all types, from hippies to cowboys. Robert’s is one of the last true honky-tonks of downtown because the beer is still cheap, the food is hot, and the rowdy crowd is encouraged instead of kicked out. 

Best bars with a dance floor

Roberts Western World has a dance floor that is known to get wild. While modest in size, Roberts is perfect for those who love the energy of a packed crowd getting down to live country tunes.

What is the dress code?

Some patrons can be seen in cowboy hats, blue jeans, boots, and a fancy belt buckle, albeit there is no formal dress code. 

Who frequents these bars?

In the Honky Tonks of Nashville, the guest list will constitute tourists, locals, and songwriters  who love the lifestyle. Roberts gets rambunctious, so be prepared for a wild time.

What makes these bars the best for country music?

The Station Inn is a world-renowned bluegrass music location that has hosted some of the most prominent names in the genre. The stage is at eye level, surrounded by a circle of chairs for the best acoustics. This venue is more relaxed than the previous two on this list. The crowd stays seated through the performances, and applause, etc., during the artist’s set is discouraged. This venue is perfect for those who love the craft of music and prefer an intimate listening experience. 

What is the atmosphere like?

Bluebird offers a smaller venue for local talent and songwriting alongside food and friendly staff. Roberts Western World is perfect for those who love to party the night away. Station Inn is ideal for fans of bluegrass who prefer to focus on the artist's music.

When is the best time to visit?

The Bluebird Cafe is open all week, while The Station Inn and Robert's Western World are open Wednesday-Saturday.

Do they have a cover charge?

Each of these bars has a cover charge of $10-15.

What are the drink specials?

Nashville is renowned for its whiskey, local brews, and crafted cocktails. Whether it is for the weekend crowd, beer lovers, or those in search of a cocktail unlike any other, here is how much you can expect to spend.

How to narrow down my options for the best country music bars in Nashville?

Alas, it comes down to preference. Each of these bars highlights a different country experience, whether it is the music, the food, or the crowds. No matter what is being sought, Nashville will have the ideal bar.

Best Country Music Bars In Nashville

Written by
Wesley Mortgage
April 12, 2023
3 Minute Read

Nashville is known for its country music. For several decades, the city has been the southern capital for all things music, beer, and culture. Due to its rich history, country music bars are held to the highest standard. Nashville’s music scene is legendary because of the many superstars who started by playing in various bars and dives around the city. Below are the must-visit honky tonks for all Nashville travelers.

Best bars for live music

Nashville's best country music stops are the Bluebird Cafe, Station Inn, and Robert's Western World. These bars are known for their friendly atmosphere and great food. These stops are located a short distance from each other downtown.

Best bars with a view of the stage

The Bluebird Cafe is a legendary performance venue that has been featured in multiple movies and TV shows. The club's atmosphere makes country music lovers return time and time again. Compared to most of the big-name venues, The Bluebird is tiny. Their petite size allows for a sense of community. It feels more akin to listening to a friend play a song beside a campfire than it does at a popular downtown venue. Tickets sell out fast, so make reservations or choose to wait in line outside the cafe in case of last-minute cancellations.

Who are the most popular country music artists to play at these bars?

The cafe is known for its intimate setting, where patrons can be up close and personal, brought artists like Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, and Taylor Swift. Bluebird Cafe is the place to see the rising stars of country music.

Do they offer a diversity of country music or stick to one genre?

Bluebird offers an eclectic range of characters and styles. However, most of the music is focused on songwriting and storytelling. Because of the venue, they cannot accommodate big bands/pop country.

Best bars for honky-tonking

Robert's Western World is known for its live music and dancing. This honky tonk sits in the shadow of the most historic music venue, the Ryman. Robert’s Western World has everything a Nashville traveler could want in terms of honky tonks; loud music, a lively crowd, and wild nights. The inside is full of bright lights, the smell of beer, and the bar's patrons. This venue attracts all types, from hippies to cowboys. Robert’s is one of the last true honky-tonks of downtown because the beer is still cheap, the food is hot, and the rowdy crowd is encouraged instead of kicked out. 

Best bars with a dance floor

Roberts Western World has a dance floor that is known to get wild. While modest in size, Roberts is perfect for those who love the energy of a packed crowd getting down to live country tunes.

What is the dress code?

Some patrons can be seen in cowboy hats, blue jeans, boots, and a fancy belt buckle, albeit there is no formal dress code. 

Who frequents these bars?

In the Honky Tonks of Nashville, the guest list will constitute tourists, locals, and songwriters  who love the lifestyle. Roberts gets rambunctious, so be prepared for a wild time.

What makes these bars the best for country music?

The Station Inn is a world-renowned bluegrass music location that has hosted some of the most prominent names in the genre. The stage is at eye level, surrounded by a circle of chairs for the best acoustics. This venue is more relaxed than the previous two on this list. The crowd stays seated through the performances, and applause, etc., during the artist’s set is discouraged. This venue is perfect for those who love the craft of music and prefer an intimate listening experience. 

What is the atmosphere like?

Bluebird offers a smaller venue for local talent and songwriting alongside food and friendly staff. Roberts Western World is perfect for those who love to party the night away. Station Inn is ideal for fans of bluegrass who prefer to focus on the artist's music.

When is the best time to visit?

The Bluebird Cafe is open all week, while The Station Inn and Robert's Western World are open Wednesday-Saturday.

Do they have a cover charge?

Each of these bars has a cover charge of $10-15.

What are the drink specials?

Nashville is renowned for its whiskey, local brews, and crafted cocktails. Whether it is for the weekend crowd, beer lovers, or those in search of a cocktail unlike any other, here is how much you can expect to spend.

  • Average Drink: $7.50
  • Average Beer: $5.00
  • Average Shot: $3.50
  • Average Mixed Drink: $9.00
  • Average Beer Pitcher: $15.00
  • Average Wine Bottle: $20.00
  • Average Appetizer: $5.00
  • Average Entree: $10.00
  • Average Dessert: $5.00

How to narrow down my options for the best country music bars in Nashville?

Alas, it comes down to preference. Each of these bars highlights a different country experience, whether it is the music, the food, or the crowds. No matter what is being sought, Nashville will have the ideal bar.

Heading

Heading
Open In Google Maps
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Visit Website

Nashville Palace

This famous venue has a dance floor in the front bar and a parlor room for special events. Most patrons choose to snack on wings or fries and enjoy a cold beer in between songs. The Palace is great for dancing the night away. The floor is open to all styles, along with line dancing events. Give them a call or check their website to find out when these activities occur.

Open In Google Maps
2611 McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37214
615-889-1541

Ms. Kelli's Karaoke Bar

This brick-walled building is a must-see. The space is always packed with locals and tourists ready to belt out their favorite country music hits. Ms. Kelli's is the only karaoke spot on Printers Alley.

Open In Google Maps
207 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37201
615-255-4423
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.

Nashville Palace

This famous venue has a dance floor in the front bar and a parlor room for special events. Most patrons choose to snack on wings or fries and enjoy a cold beer in between songs. The Palace is great for dancing the night away. The floor is open to all styles, along with line dancing events. Give them a call or check their website to find out when these activities occur.

Open In Google Maps
2611 McGavock Pk, Nashville, TN 37214
615-889-1541

Ms. Kelli's Karaoke Bar

This brick-walled building is a must-see. The space is always packed with locals and tourists ready to belt out their favorite country music hits. Ms. Kelli's is the only karaoke spot on Printers Alley.

Open In Google Maps
207 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37201
615-255-4423

Hurry Back

This venue is known to many locals for its affordable food, laid-back atmosphere, and eccentric trivia. The bar was built to improve the neighborhood by adding an excellent spot for a bite and a beer. Check out their calendar to discover when the next trivia night will take place or the live shows.

Open In Google Maps
2212 Elliston Pl, Nashville, TN 37203
615-915-0764

Wild Beaver Saloon

This mountain bar is known for karaoke, scantily clad waitresses, and the mechanical bull. It is not the place to bring the kids, but it will make for a legendary night out on Broadway. Wild Beaver has "The Best Dam Karaoke in Nashville." Almost any artist is fair game; expect to hear an assortment of musicians.

Open In Google Maps
212 Commerce St, Nashville, TN 37201
615-255-0030

Nudies

This multi-level Broadway Honky Tonk features a rooftop bar, a dance floor, and the best snack food in Music City. With a menu featuring fried Oreos, burgers, tacos, and salads, this is the perfect stop. The signature menu item is the Nashville hot chicken sandwich; classic hot chicken served with pickles and slaw.

Open In Google Maps
409 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
615 942-6307
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.

Heading

HeadingLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Visit Website

Heading

HeadingLorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. Duis cursus, mi quis viverra ornare, eros dolor interdum nulla, ut commodo diam libero vitae erat. Aenean faucibus nibh et justo cursus id rutrum lorem imperdiet. Nunc ut sem vitae risus tristique posuere.
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
This is some text inside of a div block.
Visit Website
Featured Articles