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Local picks

Performing arts bars in Downtown Nashville

Somewhere to catch a performance that feels like a genuine night out, not just a distraction from the bar tab.

Based on 764 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Robert's Western World image 1
Robert's Western World image 2
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Honky-tonk bar with authentic character and traditional country music creates a lively, nostalgic vibe. Walls display memorabilia under iconic neon lights, inviting a crowd that enjoys top-quality live bands and affordable drinks. Seating is ample but reflects the venue's historic, older style.

Offers great live music and friendly bartenders with table service. Drinks cost less here and the atmosphere feels authentic compared to other bars on Broadway.

Musicians deliver old-fashioned musical skill with sets that last around three hours. Performances spark dancing and cheering rather than just basic covers.

People are saying

"You have to try the fried bologna sandwich; it's delicious."

"This bar has amazing live country music."

"The performing arts here are talented old-fashioned country music."

Good to know

1

Robert's Western World serves a recession special: a beer and a full meal for $6.

2

Live music starts at 6:30 PM, featuring traditional country acts.

3

The venue hosts a band every hour, with a tip bucket for donations.

02
Redneck Riviera Bar & BBQ image 1

Rooftop bar offers live music with great views and a unique theme celebrating military and first responders. Atmosphere carries an awesome Nashville vibe with outstanding bands and an interactive crowd. Pets are welcome, adding to the inclusive and lively energy.

A rooftop bar offers live music and great views with a fun atmosphere. Service upstairs treats guests like gold, creating a true blue American bar vibe that celebrates military and first responders.

A band sets up in the corner, creating a more intimate feel than other bars. Performances include artists like Megan Golden, who is a musical treasure.

People are saying

"The bar's live music was so entertaining and energetic."

"It's cool how they display all the first responder patches."

"Megan Golden was absolutely fabulous, a true musical treasure."

Good to know

1

Redneck Riviera Bar & BBQ is one of the few places on Broadway that accepts pets.

2

Prices for drinks can be high; two beers cost around $20.

3

Veterans receive discounts, and first drinks are buy one get one free.

03
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar image 1

Intimate blues club with multi-level seating offers a laid-back vibe and outstanding live music from blues and jazz artists. The historic setting features a good sound system that fills the space evenly. Crowds enjoy close-up views of energetic performances in a chill atmosphere.

Live music fills the bar with outstanding acoustics and a great atmosphere. Drinks cost less than on Broadway, making it a lively spot for a night out with awesome music.

Musical atmosphere feels incredible with live jam sessions featuring a Hammond B3. Performers sing and play acoustic, while one excels on electric guitar.

People are saying

"I heard some of the best live music here."

"This bar has the best live music I've ever heard."

"The performing arts here feature some of the most outstanding musicians anywhere."

Good to know

1

Bring cash for the cover charge at the door.

2

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

3

Happy hour features a lively crowd and great music.

04
Legends Corner image 1
Live music bar

Split-level honky tonk bar offers classic country music with live bands playing through open windows. Atmosphere is loud and energetic, with a small dance area and walls decorated with memorabilia and record albums. Crowd leans toward fans of traditional country sounds and lively music scenes.

A fantastic bar with great music sets a high standard for others. The aesthetics and decor match perfectly with the live music playing.

Bands perform a wide range of songs, avoiding the usual setlists common in other venues. Lefty stands out for his ability to play almost anything, making the performances versatile and engaging.

People are saying

"I loved the authentic honky tonk atmosphere with live music."

"This bar has great live music and awesome bands."

"The live music here is amazing, playing all sorts of songs."

Good to know

1

Legends Corner doesn't serve food but offers snacks and a variety of great drinks.

2

Expect no cover charge on Friday nights with quick bar service.

3

The bar's bathrooms are the cleanest in the downtown area.

05
Pete's Dueling Piano Bar image 1

Two baby grand pianos face off in a musical showdown fueled by audience requests, creating an electric vibe and intimate atmosphere. Talented musicians engage the lively crowd with a wide variety of songs and playful interaction. The space features impeccable lighting and a design that enhances nonstop fun and energy.

Dueling pianos provide nonstop music and laughs with top-tier talent. The welcoming crowd and lively bar make it a popular spot for celebrations like birthdays and bachelorette parties.

Musicians show incredible talent and can play almost any song by request. Performances cover a wide range of music, keeping the energy high and engaging.

People are saying

"The piano bar performers had phenomenal voices and interacted with the crowd."

"The performers at this bar are amazing piano players and singers."

"The live performing arts here are fantastic, playing anything you request."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended to secure a table before visiting.

2

The venue hosts live performances that are entirely based on audience requests.

3

Drink prices are reasonable for Nashville, especially given the live entertainment.

06
The Station Inn image 1
Live music venue

Small, historic venue with intimate stage proximity and excellent sound quality creates a warm, divey atmosphere. Passionate local musicians perform authentic bluegrass music in a close, personal setting. Cold beer and good pizza complement the experience, with no wine or liquor served.

Service at the bar is great and the atmosphere feels intimate with no-frills surroundings.

Musical events feel close and personal with raw energy and impeccable chemistry among artists. Performances blend spiritual and musical talent that creates a transforming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The music here is authentic bluegrass, just incredible."

"I found this bar had great live bluegrass music."

"The live music here is raw, real, and top-notch."

Good to know

1

Arrive early to secure a good seat, especially for popular performances.

2

Entrance fee varies by performance; check ahead for pricing.

3

Children under 12 can enter for free with an adult.

07
Hank Williams Jr Boogie Bar image 1

Live music bar with a dive bar aesthetic and Hank Williams Jr memorabilia creates a genuine country vibe. Atmosphere stays inviting and pleasant, often quieter than other spots, with phenomenal live country bands. Rooftop offers a nice view over the festivities below.

Live music features musicians playing their own songs creating a genuine vibe. The bar offers personal service even when busy, with affordable prices matching its dive bar feel.

People are saying

"The bartenders here make great drinks and provide personal service."

"It's cool seeing all the Hank Williams memorabilia everywhere."

"I loved hearing real musicians play their own country music here."

Good to know

1

The bar stops serving food at 7 PM.

2

Prices on beer and cocktails are decent for Broadway.

3

Seating is more limited downstairs.

08
Chief's on Broadway image 1
Live music bar

Six floors offer distinct personalities with curated memorabilia and furniture. Live music energizes the space, featuring dueling pianos and a DJ spinning hits. Rooftop provides a busy seating area with views of Broadway.

Known for its vibrant atmosphere and consistent quality, this bar stands out on Broadway. It offers a memorable experience that many consider unmatched in the area.

Live music features original songs by local musicians. Performances include piano pieces by artists like Michael Leatherman. The venue highlights Nashville's musical traditions.

People are saying

"This bar's atmosphere is calm and relaxing, a great escape."

"The live music here is top-notch with great sound and high energy."

"I experienced live music and felt Nashville's musical heritage."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for special events to ensure seating.

2

Expect a cover charge for live performances, typically around $10.

3

The venue hosts live music every weekend, starting at 8pm.

09
AJ's Good Time Bar image 1

Multi-level bar offers live music on every floor with a rooftop view and comfy couches upstairs. Small and cozy space buzzes with happy energy and interactive acoustic performances. Large screen TVs and diverse entertainment create a lively, fun atmosphere.

A bar with a charmingly rustic and timelessly honky tonk elegant atmosphere plays only country music to keep the tradition alive. Attentive service on the second floor adds to the personalized customer experience.

Live music happens regularly with bands playing at the bar and on the rooftop. AJ's Good Time Bar keeps a focus on country music, though bands may not always play requested songs.

People are saying

"The live music and atmosphere at this bar are great."

"The karaoke DJ Rizzi really got the crowd going and made everyone dance."

"I heard live country music from talented bands."

Good to know

1

Entry fee is $20 per person for access to the bar.

2

Karaoke is available on the second and third floors.

3

Live bands perform on each floor except the third floor.

10
JBJ's Nashville image 1
Live music bar

Live music fills a multilevel venue with loud rock and grunge bands and a rooftop bar offering stunning views. Energy peaks during events, with a vibrant atmosphere and quieter spaces beyond the main stage. Access includes an elevator and a unique path through a gift shop to the rooftop.

Rooftop areas offer great views and a clean, organized setting. The main stage opens to three bars, creating a lively but balanced vibe with perfect noise levels.

An open atrium sets a unique stage for performances, creating a lively atmosphere. The band involves the crowd by letting them vote on songs, but playing a requested song costs $100.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing and delightful."

"The live music at this bar is amazing."

"The performing arts here are on multiple levels, which is cool."

Good to know

1

The next band performs at 7:00 p.m. on Fridays.

2

Bikini bull riding competition happens weekly at JBJ's Nashville.

3

It costs $10 to ride the mechanical bull.

11
Lucky Bastard Saloon image 1

Multilevel bar with two long bars and a large dance floor offers live music downstairs and a DJ upstairs. The open layout creates a lively and welcoming vibe with a chill atmosphere despite loud sound. Frequented by music lovers, it hosts multiple bands in one night and features a cool mural for photos.

A lively bar with a rowdy vibe and excellent music creates a fun atmosphere. The layout is immaculately clean and well thought out, offering drinks, food, and live music all done well.

Live musical performances offer great entertainment with musicians taking tips and playing requests.

People are saying

"The live music here is amazing and really sets the mood."

"The live music at this bar was awesome and energetic."

"The live musical performances here are great entertainment."

Good to know

1

Lucky Bastard Saloon offers free jello shots with the purchase of a drink on certain nights.

2

Music events start at 10am and continue late into the night.

3

No cover charge is required to enter Lucky Bastard Saloon.

12
Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row - Nashville image 1

Live music fills a classic Broadway bar with buzzing crowd energy and bands covering multiple decades and genres. A fun rooftop area offers a fantastic city view despite its small size and many steps. The atmosphere stays lively and vibrant, with music spilling into the street and people dancing.

Rooftop bar offers a lively atmosphere with great views. Known for its energetic vibe and popular drinks, it stands out as a favorite spot in the city.

Noah Garner plays every Monday early evening, offering a consistent live music presence. Some solo artists perform during breaks, sometimes playing better than the booked acts, though musical tastes vary among the bands.

People are saying

"The live bands at this bar are awesome and entertaining."

"It's a really fun place to have a great time."

"You have to see Noah Garner's performing arts; he's there every Monday."

Good to know

1

Whiskey Jam occurs every Thursday night with live performances.

2

Expect a $4 charge for ice with your drinks.

3

A 4% venue charge is added to all bills.

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