The Best Honky Tonks on Broadway in Nashville
The best honky tonks on Broadway in Nashville are Robert's Western World, ACME Feed & Seed, Honky Tonk Central, Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, and The Stage on Broadway. Each one offers free live music, cold drinks, and that classic Music City energy, all within a few blocks of each other on Lower Broadway.
We're Music City Weekend Co., a Nashville fridge stocking and grocery delivery service, and we set up drinks and snacks for Airbnb, VRBO, and hotel guests all over downtown. We're on and around Broadway constantly, so these picks come from knowing the strip firsthand.
What are the best honky tonks on Broadway in Nashville?
Broadway is packed with honky tonks, but these five are the ones we send visitors to first. They're all free to walk into, all have live music going for most of the day, and they're all within easy walking distance downtown.
Robert's Western World
Robert's Western World sits at 416 Broadway and is the pick for traditional country done right. It started as a boot shop, and you can still see the boots lining the walls. Come for the classic country and rockabilly, cheap cold beer, and the legendary fried bologna sandwich. The house band Brazilbilly keeps the dance floor moving, and it stays one of the most authentic rooms on the strip.
ACME Feed & Seed
ACME Feed & Seed is at 101 Broadway, right where Broadway meets the river. This multi-level spot pairs live music with a full kitchen and one of the best rooftops downtown, with skyline and river views. It's a great choice if you want honky tonk energy plus room to breathe, food, and a view.
Honky Tonk Central
Honky Tonk Central at 329 Broadway packs three floors of live bands playing all day and into the night. Each level has its own stage and its own crowd, so you can bar-hop without ever leaving the building. It's loud, high-energy, and right in the middle of the action.
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge is the world-famous purple honky tonk at 422 Broadway, open since 1960 and tucked right behind the Ryman Auditorium. Legends like Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline passed through its doors, and today three stages keep live country going nonstop. If you visit one honky tonk on Broadway, this is the icon.
The Stage on Broadway
The Stage on Broadway at 412 Broadway is known for one of the biggest dance floors on the strip. It draws strong house bands and a lively crowd, making it a favorite for anyone who wants to two-step and sing along all night.
How do I make the most of a night on Broadway?
Start early to beat the crowds, plan to walk since the honky tonks are all close together, and carry cash for the band tip jars. Most spots have no cover, so you can pop in and out until you find the band you love.
Frequently asked questions
Which honky tonk on Broadway is the most famous?
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, the purple building at 422 Broadway behind the Ryman, is the most iconic honky tonk in Nashville, open since 1960.
Are Nashville honky tonks free to get into?
Most honky tonks on Broadway, including all five here, have no cover charge. The bands play for tips, so bring cash.
Which Broadway honky tonk has a rooftop?
ACME Feed & Seed at 101 Broadway has a rooftop bar with skyline and river views, along with live music and a full food menu.
Can I have drinks waiting at my rental or hotel after a night out?
Yes. Music City Weekend Co. stocks your Airbnb, VRBO, vacation rental, or hotel fridge, bar, and pantry before you arrive, so cold drinks are waiting when you get back from Broadway, for about what Instacart costs.
Plan your Nashville trip
A night on Broadway hits different when you don't have to make a store run first. Before you arrive, we'll stock your fridge, bar, and pantry with everything you need, so your trip starts the moment you walk in. Explore our Nashville fridge stocking service and browse the full amenity rental catalog to set it up.