Nashville Notes: Boots, Bites & Beats

A trip to Nashville is not complete without a visit to the Honky Tonk bars on Lower Broadway. Some have been there since before I was born (Tootsie’s), with many new ones opening all the time, headlined by current country stars - Post Malone just opened his in 2025. They all have a different vibe—from dive bars, to country kitch full of star concert memorabilia, to sports bars, to a nightclub atmosphere. Some of the classic favorites are Tootsie’s, Laylas, and the Stage. Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottoms Up and Morgan Wallen’s This Bar are my favorite newer ones. All have live music starting at 10 am every day on multiple distinct stages. You can find everything from country, to rock, to bluegrass and lots in between. The bands work on tips and will gladly accept your money to play your favorite song. Most places are even kid-friendly during the day. Mine brought their ice cream (from the Assembly Food Hall next door) into Legend’s while mom and dad had a beer!

Branch out from downtown and explore some of Nashville’s eclectic neighborhoods. With both Vanderbilt and Belmont Universities close to downtown, the surrounding areas are bustling. Twelve Avenue South and The Gulch are great for shopping local boutiques as well as name-brand stores.

For a classic Nashville experience, catch a performance at Ryman Auditorium or the Grand Ole Opry. These famous concert halls are music’s most iconic stages, where country music legends, rising stars, and today’s biggest stars perform live almost every night.

• Twelve Thirty Club: Supper Club. This is my go-to dinner spot where I make a reservation every time I visit Nashville! The Supper Club is the upstairs/dining level of The Twelve Thirty Club, which is a three-level venue on Broadway in downtown. The vibe is an old-school glamorous jazz club - jewel colors and plush seating around a large stage with live music while you are dining. It’s vintage glamour with a modern flair, signature cocktails, and steakhouse and seafood dining offerings. Don’t miss the lively rooftop bar for a before or after-dinner drink!

• Hampton Social: A perfect spot overlooking the Cumberland River for a girls’ lunch. Plenty of Instagram photo ops, refreshing frosés, and the best lobster rolls.

• Pinewood Social: All-day eatery with a vintage bowling alley, patio and pool, and full bar in the historic Nashville Trolley Barns.

• Harper’s: A globally inspired modern steakhouse also located in the Trolley Barns.

• The Standard: Classic steakhouse, bar, and private club in downtown Nashville’s only surviving grand townhouse.

• Biscuit Love and Milk and Honey. Head over to the Gulch to grab brunch at these can’t-miss spots that are right around the corner from each other. Both have the best (yet completely different) biscuits you have ever had and are definitely worth the wait in line!

• Frothy Monkey: All-day local café with solid food and an eclectic vibe.

• Rooftop bars: Nashville is known for its rooftop bars with views of the city. Two of my favorites are Rare Bird atop the Noelle Hotel with a view of the Cumberland River and Nissan Stadium. And White Limozeen at the Graduate Hotel with a larger-than-life art installation of Dolly Parton.