The 10 Best Honky Tonks in Nashville

Take on Music City in true southern fashion with these staple bars. It’s not hard to find a honky tonk, but when you want the best there is, check out these venues that give a new name to the classic honky tonk.

The Best Honkey Tonks in Nashville

Famous Nashville

Just off Broadway and 2nd Ave, you’ll find this popular multi-level honkey tonk.

Famous Nashville is home to the tallest rooftop bars in town while also enjoying the up-and-coming country bands.

Not only will you have some of the best views of the party down below, but the Music City skyline is all around.

This venue is filled with all the classic honkey tonk decor like stage lights, vinyl records hung on the walls, plush club seating, crafted cocktails, and loud live music.

Enjoy this upscale honkey tonk in the heart of the Nashville party at Famous Nashville.

• Location: 110 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201

Honky Tonk Central

This 3-story bar is found within Lower Broadway and is known as one of the best in Music City.

Honky Tonk Central is a destination stop within Nashville as they have constant live music, great food, and a unique experience.

Live bands jam out in a dimly lit room as neon lights and music memorabilia surround the performance area.

They’re even considered one of the best places to plan a bachelor or bachelorette party with your own VIP balcony.

Honky Tonk Central is the only honky tonk you’ll need to stop at on your next trip through the party side of Nashville.

• Location: 329 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Layla’s Honky Tonk

As a true Nashville Original, you won’t want to miss out on this staple honkey tonk experience.

Layla’s Honky Tonk is bringing you the best in entertainment, food, and drink without having to wander too far down Broadway.

Smack dap, in the middle of the busy street, is one of few Music City honkey tonks that embraces all styles of country and southern music, including rockabilly, country, western, Americana, bluegrass, and more.

They’ve even been graced with a live surprise performance from Garth Brooks, who just happened to be strolling through.

Layla’s Honkey Tonk is a Nashville original that should be first on your list.

• Location: 418 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Lukes 32 Bridge

Country music star Luke Bryan owns his own party bar in Nashville, and it’s a perfect honkey tonk experience you won’t want to miss.

Luke’s 32 Bridge is a restaurant, bar, and event venue that embodies the best of Southern sensibilities with a honkey tonk flair.

This massive venue has 2 rooftop bars, three live bands at all times, and new DJs taking over at night to transform the space into a club-like atmosphere.

This 6-level venue takes up a massive corner in Lower Broadway but offers some of the best views of the portion of the strip and Nissan stadium.

Luke’s 32 Bridge is everything you need for a honkey tonk night.

• Location: 301 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa

To pay homage to the singer’s home state, this honkey tonk takes major inspiration from Texas honkey tonks.

Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa brings all the flavors and fun of her home state to Nashville state to create this four-floor party venue.

This bar is a mix of a Mexican cantina, tex-mex saloon, and classic southern honkey tonk, all topped with some of the best live music along the strip.

They’ve won awards for the good times to be had at this upbeat and unique Nashville bar.

Not only will you dine on flavorful bites and cold drinks, but you’ll also be a part of the party at Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa.

• Location: 308 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Nudie’s Honkey Tonk

You’ll find this popular and long-running multi-level hangout within Honkey Tonk Highway.

Nudie’s Honkey Tonk has been around since 1947 and has since built quite the name as the place to be for live music, cold drinks, and good times.

This century-old historic venue houses three stories of music memorabilia, multiple bars, three stages, live music, and a large rooftop deck.

Owned by a stylist for many major country musicians, there are costumes and pop culture outfits throughout this honkey tonk, paying homage to the celebrities he designed for.

Marvel at the silver dollar-covered 100-ft-long bar while enjoying the live music and bustling environment of Nudie’s Honkey Tonk.

• Location: 409 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Robert’s Western World

This honkey tonk claims to be the undisputed home of traditional country music and has been voted as the favorite honkey tonk in Nashville for 8 years running.

Robert’s Western World features live music, cold drinks, and delicious food 7 days a week to keep the party going.

You’ll find this bar on Lower Broadway in the historic district, not far from the Ryman Auditorium.

The bands and musicians featured here will definitely follow the traditional country music theme, with no newer or bluegrass styles here.

There’s always a good time to be had at the traditional honkey tonk that is Robert’s Western World.

• Location: 416 Broadway #B, Nashville, TN 37203

The Stage on Broadway

Located within Honkey Tonk Highway is this live music paradise along Broadway.

The Stage On Broadway constantly has live local bands plus a dance floor for when the music and drinks take over.

This honkey tonk is a cross between Texas and Tennesee with a little influence from both to create a rowdy party-like atmosphere.

The walls are lined with murals of famous musicians and figures, including one that used to hang in Waylon Jennings’s home.

The party always starts at this honkey tonk staple, The Stage On Broadway.

• Location: 412 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge

You won’t have to search long for this staple along Broadway in Nashville; the bright purple facade stands out among the rest of the street.

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge has been a go-to for many famous and not-so-famous music lovers since its opening in 1960.

There’s always live music blasting, with some of the best up-and-coming bands from across Music City and beyond.

They have craft drinks and one of the best rooftop bars to boot.

Look down at the party in the street or at the skyline views from this upstairs deck while sipping on a crafty cocktail.

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge will be an unforgettable honkey tonk, and not just because it’s purple.

• Location: 422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Whiskey Bent Saloon

Here you’ll find a vibrant and rustic tavern that imitates a traditional saloon.

Whiskey Bent Saloon has everything you need from a honkey tonk, plus a few extras.

Animal heads line the wooden panel walls along with music memorabilia. Sip on beer, cocktails, and a constant lineup of live music.

Just a few minute walk from the famous Ryman Auditorium, this is by far one of Nashville’s best entertainment venues.

This honkey tonk will stand out along the bustling Broadway with its spinning neon sign and the echo of live country music that fills the halls.

Whiskey Bent Saloon is one honkey tonk you won’t want to miss out on.

• Location: 306 T-24, Nashville, TN 37201

Final Thoughts

While these venues are no longer the cheap or run-down honky tonks of the past, they are modern and new takes on what a country bar can be.

Explore this new take on a Nashville night out at these famous honky tonks.