Nashville, aka Music City, is known for its live music scene. If you’re a fan of catching live performances while sipping on some great drinks, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re into country, rock, jazz, or blues, Nashville’s got a spot for you. Here are some of the best bars in Nashville to catch live music.
Skull’s Rainbow Room is a legendary spot that’s been around since 1948, located in a cozy basement in Printers Alley. The small stage has seen performances from legends like Etta James, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash. After a long hiatus, it reopened in 2015 and continues its tradition of nightly live jazz performances paired with an elevated steakhouse menu and top-notch cocktails. Reservations are recommended, especially if you want to catch the burlesque performances on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
Friends in Low Places brings the honky-tonk vibe to a whole new level. Situated on Lower Broadway, this lively spot is the perfect place to enjoy some classic country tunes. The bar offers a spacious dance floor where you can show off your best two-step moves. While the stage features local bands playing everything from traditional country to modern hits. The drink menu includes an impressive selection of beers, whiskeys, and specialty cocktails, ensuring you have the perfect drink in hand while you soak up the music.
FGL House, created by the famous country duo Florida Georgia Line, is a multi-level entertainment hub right in the heart of downtown Nashville. Each floor offers a unique experience, but live music is the common thread that ties it all together. From the ground floor to the rooftop, you can enjoy performances from up-and-coming artists and seasoned musicians alike. The Southern-inspired menu features fan favorites like whiskey-glazed salmon, pulled pork sandwiches, and an array of creative cocktails. The venue’s rooftop bar is a highlight! Offering stunning views of the city skyline and an open-air stage where you can catch some incredible live acts.
The Listening Room Cafe is where Nashville’s songwriters take center stage. This downtown venue offers multiple rounds per day, giving you the chance to hear the stories behind some of the biggest hits in music. Most shows have a food and beverage minimum, so plan to enjoy some pimento cheese and bacon jam crostinis, shrimp and grits, or a slice of Tennessee cheesecake.
Acme Feed & Seed sits at the end of Lower Broadway and offers nightly live music, a diverse menu, and a rooftop with amazing city views. The music spans genres and multiple levels of this historic building from the late 1800s. The food and drink options are equally diverse. They feature everything from Nashville hot chicken to sushi, beers on tap, and frozen cocktails.
A collaboration between Justin Timberlake and restaurateur Sam Fox, The Twelve Thirty Club is a must-visit for live music and upscale dining. Located at the top of Lower Broadway, this chic supper club is decked out in Prohibition-era decor and features a central stage with multiple live sets per night. Enjoy a chilled seafood tower and classic cocktails while you listen to the house band’s soulful tunes. Reservations are encouraged if you plan to dine, but you can always find a spot at the bar.
Jane’s Hideaway has moved from its old Printers Alley location to East Nashville, bringing its Americana, roots, and traditional bluegrass music with it. Every night at 8 p.m., you can catch some killer live performances. The new spot has a cool, eclectic vibe that matches its neighborhood, and the menu is just as unique. Think original cocktails. French bubbly on tap. And dishes like beet salad, okra fries, chicken pot pie, osso buco, and beef tenderloin. If you’re around on a Tuesday night, don’t miss the Americana and roots songwriter showcase hosted by Grammy-winner Melody Walker.
Nashville’s live music scene is vibrant and diverse, with something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, all of these bars are the perfect way to catch live music experiences in Nashville. The best way to check out these bars of course is on a Nashville Bar Crawl. So grab your friends, get your tickets, and enjoy a night out in Music City!
BOOK YOUR NASHVILLE BAR CRAWL