Broadway (Honky Tonk Highway)

Overview

Broadway—locally called the Honky Tonk Highway—is the neon-drenched spine of Nashville's entertainment district, stretching from the Cumberland River to Music Row. Every bar features live country, rock, or blues from morning to the small hours, with no cover charges and cold beer flowing on multi-storey rooftop patios.

Highlights

• Live music: Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, AJ's Good Time Bar, and Nudie's Honky Tonk are open from 10 AM with free live bands.
• Rooftop bars: Multi-level venues like Luke Bryan's 32 Bridge and Jason Aldean's Kitchen offer skyline views.
• Pedal taverns: Party bikes weave through traffic, adding to the carnival atmosphere.

History

Broadway's honky-tonk tradition dates to the 1940s when Tootsie Bess opened her bar behind the Ryman Auditorium, becoming a hangout for Opry performers. The strip declined in the 1980s but has boomed since the 2010s, with celebrity-owned venues driving a new wave of investment.

Visitor Tips

• Best time: Afternoons for a more relaxed vibe; evenings for shoulder-to-shoulder energy.
• No cover: Almost every bar is free entry—but tips to the musicians are expected.
• Duration: 2–4 hours.