Nashville: Downtown Bars & Live Music

Welcome to the third post in the Nashville, Like a Local, Y’all series. Lindsey of Handmade Healthy and I are having lots of fun giving the inside scoop on our favorite restaurants, Nashville-made goods, and more.

Have you been wondering when we’d get around to covering music venues in Nashville? A visit to Music City without a live music experience is almost impossible–there’s even live music at the airport! While there are amazing music spots all around the city, this post is focused on venues downtown since most visitors end up on Broadway, the main thoroughfare and entertainment area. There’s no shortage of music happening in this part of town and most bars do not charge a cover.

Not a fan of country music? No worries! The music culture is rich in Nashville so whatever genre of music you fancy, it’s being played somewhere in town. I’ve listed the types of music most often played at each venue as well as the “Yee-Haw” factor. I don’t think that needs an explanation, so let’s get to it!

Ryman Auditorium | 116 5th Avenue North
Cover/Tickets Needed: Yes
Music Genre: Anything and everything
Yee-Haw Factor: Depends on the show
It wouldn’t be a post about Nashville music venues if the Ryman wasn’t included. The “Mother Church of Country Music” is rich with history and offers an intimate concert setting with outstanding sound.

Robert’s Western World | 416 Broadway
Cover/Tickets Needed: No
Music Genre: Traditional Country
Yee-Haw Factor: ★★★★★
This local favorite pays homage to country music of yesteryear, before country music became fused with pop.

The Stage | 412 Broadway
Cover/Tickets Needed: No
Music Genre: Country
Yee-Haw Factor: ★★★★★
If you’re ready for some boot-scootin’, The Stage is the place to do it with a large dance floor and live country bands daily.

ACME Feed & Seed | 101 Broadway
Cover/Tickets Needed: No
Music Genre: Anything and everything
Yee-Haw Factor: Depends on the show
This three-story restaurant-bar-live music venue resides in an old feed mill and hosts bands daily. A must-see spot!

The Big Bang | 411 Broadway #201
Cover/Tickets Needed: Yes (Fri & Sat); No (Tues-Thurs)
Music Genre:
Yee-Haw Factor: ★★★☆☆
For something a little different on Broadway, enjoy being entertained and engaged by the masters of the dueling pianos!

Listening Room Cafe | 217 2nd Avenue South
Cover/Tickets Needed:
Music Genre:
Yee-Haw Factor: ★★☆☆☆
The Listening Room offers an intimate setting to enjoy performances by singer-songwriters.

Planning a trip to #Nashville? Don't miss out on these downtown music venues & bars http://t.co/0MyxvprDRp

— Karman Meyer, RD LDN (@karmanmeyer) September 15, 2015

I hope a couple of these spots will make your “Nashville Trip” list! Don’t forget to read this week’s post from Handmade Healthy (psst…it’s about the best happy hours!). Enjoy 🙂