Tourism is thriving in the city of Nashville, Tennessee. The city recently welcomed more than 16 million visitors in a single year, who spent a collective $7.52 billion.
Nashville is the home of music, and bars in Nashville are some of the best places in the world to listen to live artists. So which bars are the cream of the crop? We have a few to get you started!
Below are some of the best bars to try out when you’re visiting Nashville.
Table of Contents
Tootsies Orchid Lounge
If you’re looking for some of the best drinks in Nashville, Tootsies Orchid Lounge has you covered. It’s been a mainstay in the country music scene since 1960 when Hattie Louise Bess took over ownership of a longtime bar called Mom’s.
Bess painted the building orchid and changed the name, naming it after her nickname. You’ll get to experience plenty of live music here, and will find all kinds of iconic photos and memorabilia all along the walls. It’s close to the Ryman Auditorium, where plenty of big country acts perform year-round.
It became popular because plenty of these acts would use Tootsies as their hangout spot between sets. If you stop by today, you’ll get to take in the history, along with plenty of drink specials and top-tier entertainment.
Gertie’s Whiskey Bar
Gertie’s is a new nightlife spot in Nashville that welcomes whiskey lovers from all over. The bar was named after Gertrude Cleo Lythgoe, a famous bootlegger from the prohibition era.
Today, you can stop by to sip some of the finest dark spirits. This bar has more than 600 different bottles of rare whiskey, and there’s something for everyone’s palate. In addition to cocktails, beer, and wine, Gertie’s also features a full dinner menu guests can enjoy. The whiskey selection, decor, and customer service make this one of the essential bars in Nashville, to check out.
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
Bourbon Steet Blues and Boogie Bar is one of the best pubs in Nashville and is open 7 nights a week until 3 a.m. It’s a Mardi Gras-themed establishment that has a full bar and kitchen.
This bar is patterned after Bourbon Street in New Orleans, which is why you can’t miss it when you stop by. It’s decorated with a Mardi Gras-style metal rail balcony with beads draped all over it, along with a bright neon sign. Musical acts from all over stop by throughout the week to perform at this bar.
The Stage on Broadway
The Stage on Broadway is another popular spot, known for its live music and cold drinks. It has a dive bar vibe but offers some of the best musical acts and service that you’ll find in all of Nashville.
The Stage regularly offers a performance venue for new artists and has been home to legends like Toby Keith and Hank Williams Jr.
Be Safe in Your Travels
It’s important to mention that you should take care of your safety while you’re checking out the Nashville bar scene. When at all possible, book a hotel or Airbnb within walking distance. The bar scene is very walkable, and you can also take an Uber to the populated areas.
Drinking and driving in Nashville comes with some significant penalties and isn’t worth the risk or heartache. If you need the help of an attorney, make sure to find the best pro service that Nashville has to offer.
Visit Nashville’s Best Bars
When you check out these selections, you’re choosing the best bars that Nashville has to offer. You’ll be proud to take in the sights and sounds as you enjoy this iconic little slice of nightlife.
In the meantime, check out our other articles to help you make the most of your travel experiences.