Best Live Music Bars in Nashville

Honky-tonk heritage meets craft cocktails in a legendary venue that captures the soul of Nashville. Five floors of music, theatrics, and carefully curated whiskey selections for serious drinkers. $$$

Broadway's most iconic live music dive. Three floors of honky-tonk tradition, packed with tourists and locals alike. The purple awning is famous worldwide. Cheap beer, loud country, non-stop energy. $$

Pure honky-tonk with world-class musicians. No frills, no tourists traps. Robert's draws serious players and real country music lovers. Shuffleboard tables, strong drinks, authentic Nashville every night. $

Indie and alt-country in a cozy neighbourhood venue that helped define East Nashville's music scene. Knowledgeable bartenders, rotating roster of local acts, no cover most nights. Real music, real people. $$

Rooftop live music with river views. Multi-level venue with the energy of Broadway but a more upscale atmosphere. Craft cocktails meet country covers. Best sunset in Nashville with a drink in hand. $$$

Bluegrass institution since 1974. Small, intimate room with the best acoustics in Nashville. Musicians gather here after their own gigs. Expect traditional bluegrass and serious pickers every single night. $$

Party atmosphere with top-tier cover bands. Loud, young, energetic crowd. The kind of place where tourists and locals mix naturally. Multiple stages, strong drinks, non-stop honky-tonk energy until 3am. $$

Bowling and live indie music. Neighbourhood dive that never takes itself too seriously. Wood-paneled lanes, cheap cocktails, rotating indie acts Thursday through Sunday. Casual, fun, authentically East Nashville. $$

Underground indie venue with legendary sound. The room itself is a character. Literally in a basement with exposed brick and perfect acoustics. Serious artists play here. Limited capacity, doors only Friday and Saturday. $$

Intimate jazz club with dinner service. Candlelit room with a serious wine and cocktail program. Nashville's best jazz musicians perform here. Food is excellent. Book a table and settle in for a real evening. $$$

Rock and alt-country bookings since 1971. Iconic venue that launched hundreds of careers. The stage is everything here. Serious sound system, attentive crowd. If a band is on stage, you want to be here. $$

Cash-only dive with rotating live acts and cheap beers. No pretense, no credit cards, no tourists. Pool tables, wood paneling, and a jukebox. Local musicians still discover each other here on random Tuesday nights. $