
Best Bars in Nashville: Where to Drink Like a Local
Nashville is more than just the home of country music—it’s also home to some of the most iconic, diverse, and energetic bars in the country. Whether you’re looking for boot-stomping honky-tonks, sleek rooftop views, or tucked-away cocktail havens, Music City delivers an unforgettable bar-hopping experience.
Below are the top spots where locals, tourists, and even celebrities go to raise a glass.
15 Best Bars in Nashville
With neighborhoods like Broadway, East Nashville, The Gulch, and Printer’s Alley each offering their own flavor, the city’s bar scene caters to every type of visitor. In this guide, we’ve organized Nashville’s best bars into three categories: honky-tonks for live music and dancing, celebrity-owned hotspots for star power, and rooftops and hidden gems where cocktail artistry takes center stage.
Broadway Honky-Tonks: Where the Party Starts
If it’s your first time in Nashville, there’s no skipping Broadway. This neon-lit strip in downtown Nashville is lined with world-famous honky-tonks, where live music pours out every day of the week, often from 10 a.m. until late into the night.
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Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge
A Nashville institution since the ’60s, Tootsie’s is hard to miss with its vibrant purple exterior. Inside, the walls are covered in photos of country music royalty who played here before they were stars. The vibe is laid-back, the music is nonstop, and the rooftop bar offers a stunning view of the Broadway action below.
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Robert’s Western World
Known for its authentic honky-tonk spirit, Robert’s is the place to grab a cold PBR and a fried bologna sandwich while listening to traditional country played by Nashville’s most seasoned musicians. It’s a favorite among locals and visiting artists alike.
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Honky Tonk Central & The Stage
These multi-level venues boast different live bands on each floor and are ideal for groups looking for a high-energy scene. With no cover and music from open to close, these bars are perfect for anyone who wants to dive straight into the Nashville nightlife.
Read Also: 50+ Best Things to Do in Nashville in 2025
Celebrity-Owned Bars: Where Country Stars Pour the Drinks
Over the last decade, Nashville’s biggest names in country music have turned their fame into unforgettable drinking spots. These bars often combine Southern charm with impressive stage productions and stylish rooftop decks.
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AJ’s Good Time Bar (Alan Jackson)
From live bands to karaoke and a rooftop that overlooks Lower Broadway, AJ’s is all about having a “good time.” The vibe is casual, and the music leans toward traditional country, just how Alan Jackson likes it.
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Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa
Miranda brings the flair of Texas and Mexico together at Casa Rosa. Think pink decor, Tex-Mex bites, and multiple floors of music, including a rooftop patio that gets crowded as soon as the sun starts setting.
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Jason Aldean’s + Luke Bryan’s + Luke Combs’ Bars
Each of these artists has their own signature venues nearby, with spacious rooftop lounges, multiple stages, and VIP sections. Luke Combs’ new bar even features plush recliners and a more relaxed environment, perfect if you want a little less chaos on a busy Broadway night.
Speakeasies and Craft Cocktails: Nashville’s Hidden Gems
For those who want a break from the loud crowds and prefer a handcrafted cocktail over a light beer, Nashville’s speakeasies and upscale bars offer a more refined experience. These are often tucked into neighborhoods like East Nashville or hidden behind unmarked doors in Midtown.
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The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club
Located in East Nashville, The Fox is elegant, intimate, and full of surprises. From their seasonal cocktail menu to expertly mixed classics, every drink here is a conversation starter. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.
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Attaboy
A New York transplant, Attaboy doesn’t even have a menu. Instead, bartenders craft cocktails based on your preferences. It’s an interactive and personal experience, ideal for date nights or serious cocktail lovers.
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Tiger Bar
With its vintage circus theme and moody lighting, Tiger Bar blends immersive ambiance with elevated mixology. The gin-based cocktails are a house specialty, but their seasonal creations are just as intriguing.
Local Favorites & Dive Bars: Where the Locals Go
Want to skip the tourists and drink like a local? Nashville’s dive bar scene is alive and well, with quirky watering holes full of character, history, and strong pours.
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Santa’s Pub
A double-wide trailer decked out in Christmas lights year-round, Santa’s is a cash-only dive bar with cheap beer and rowdy karaoke. Don’t let the simplicity fool you—this place is a cult favorite among locals and visiting musicians.
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No Quarter
Part pinball arcade, part bar, No Quarter is a blast from the past. It’s especially popular among gamers and craft beer lovers. A unique change of pace from Nashville’s honky-tonk scene.
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Patterson House
A classy speakeasy in Midtown with an old-world vibe. It’s known for high-end cocktails, velvet seating, and bartenders who take their craft seriously. If you’re looking for a quiet nightcap after a long Broadway crawl, this is the place.
Read Also: Top 10 Nashville Concert Venues
Rooftop Bars with a View: Nashville from Above
As Nashville’s skyline continues to grow, so does its rooftop bar culture. These spots combine great drinks with breathtaking views and often feature live DJs or acoustic sets.
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White Limozeen
Perched atop the Graduate Hotel, this Dolly Parton–inspired rooftop features pink accents, poolside seating, and a rotating cocktail list. It’s an Instagram hotspot, but the drinks hold their own.
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Bobby Hotel Rooftop Lounge
Complete with a vintage airstream camper and panoramic city views, this rooftop bar blends sophistication with fun. During the winter, igloos pop up for cozy cocktails under the stars.
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Moxy Rooftop & Nashville Underground
Perfect for groups, these rooftops have everything from giant games to dance floors. They’re upbeat, young, and built for party energy.
Make Your Bar Crawl Unforgettable with Nashville Limo Service
Nashville’s nightlife is legendary, but navigating the city after a few drinks, finding parking, or coordinating with rideshare apps can be a hassle. That’s where Nashville Limo Service comes in.
Whether you’re celebrating a bachelorette party, planning a group night out, or just want to experience the city in luxury, our limousine service turns your night into a true VIP event. We’ll take you from Broadway to East Nashville and everywhere in between—no waiting, no stress, and plenty of time to enjoy every moment.
With professional chauffeurs, tailored routes, and an unforgettable onboard experience, we make bar-hopping easy, fun, and safe. Want champagne on arrival? A custom playlist? You got it.
Book your Nashville bar tour today and let the good times roll—worry-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
What part of Nashville has the best bars?
Broadway is the heart of Nashville’s nightlife, known for iconic honky-tonks and celebrity-owned bars. East Nashville and Midtown offer great cocktail lounges and dive bars.
Are Nashville bars expensive?
Many bars on Broadway have no cover charge. Drinks range from $5 beers at dive bars to $15+ cocktails at upscale lounges and rooftops.
What is the drinking age in Nashville?
The legal drinking age in Nashville—and all of Tennessee—is 21. Most bars require ID and may scan it upon entry.
What time do bars close in Nashville?
Bars typically close at 2:30 a.m., though some may shut earlier on weekdays. Rooftop bars and lounges often start clearing out around 1:00 a.m.
Can I visit multiple bars in one night in Nashville?
Absolutely. Many top bars are within walking distance of each other, especially on Broadway. Booking a limo service makes it even easier and safer to bar-hop.
Is a limo bar crawl worth it in Nashville?
Yes—especially for groups. A limo allows you to skip parking hassles, travel between neighborhoods, and enjoy the night worry-free in comfort and style.