Top 10 Best Bars in Nashville

The rooftop component of Blake Shelton's Ole Red complex offers a more elevated experience—literally and figuratively—than its ground-floor counterpart. The open-air setting provides panoramic views of Broadway's neon chaos below while maintaining enough separation to feel special. Their signature Lookout Lemonade combines vodka, fresh lemon, and a splash of cranberry in a dangerously drinkable concoction that tastes like summer. The DJ-driven atmosphere shifts the vibe away from live country bands toward a more club-like energy on weekends, making it ideal for groups who want to dance rather than just watch performances.

Hidden in the East Nashville neighborhood, Up-Down brings arcade bar culture to Music City with over 60 vintage games and skee-ball tournaments that tap into everyone's inner child. The craft beer selection is surprisingly solid for a place with Pac-Man machines, and the prices are refreshingly reasonable compared to downtown tourist traps. Their Purple Rain cocktail pays homage to the arcade aesthetic while delivering a fruity vodka punch that pairs perfectly with competitive gaming. This is where Nashville's younger, hipper crowd goes when they're tired of Broadway—casual, fun, and genuinely entertaining whether you're on a first date or with a group of friends.

Miranda Lambert's three-story bar brings a Texas-meets-Tennessee aesthetic to Broadway, with a decidedly female-friendly vibe that stands out in the bro-heavy honky-tonk landscape. The pink neon and Western-chic decor make it one of the most photogenic spots on the strip, while the rooftop offers solid views and slightly less chaotic energy than the lower floors. Order the Casa Rosa Margarita, which arrives with a proper salt rim and fresh lime, not the sugary mix you'll find at lesser establishments. Perfect for bachelorette parties and groups of friends who want the Broadway experience with a slightly more polished edge.

This three-story honky-tonk delivers exactly what its name promises: wall-to-wall country music across multiple levels, each with its own band and energy. The rooftop bar offers a rare combination of live music and open-air drinking on Broadway, making it a prime spot during pleasant weather. Stick with classic beer and whiskey here—this isn't a craft cocktail destination, and that's perfectly fine. The crowd skews heavily tourist, especially on weekends, but the musicians are legitimate Nashville talent working their way up, and the infectious party atmosphere makes it easy to forget you're in the heart of the tourist district.

Blake Shelton's massive entertainment complex anchors Lower Broadway with five floors of bars, restaurants, and performance spaces that somehow manage to feel both massive and inviting. The main bar area features a stage that hosts both emerging artists and surprise appearances from major Nashville stars—you never know who might show up. Ole Fashioned, their twist on the Old Fashioned made with Tennessee whiskey, has become the signature drink locals order to prove they know the spot. Best for groups who want the full Broadway experience without bar-hopping, as you can easily spend an entire evening exploring different floors and vibes within one venue.

Located in the trendy Midtown neighborhood, The Local Nashville attracts a crowd that actually lives here—young professionals, music industry folks, and neighborhood regulars who prefer good vibes over Broadway chaos. The sprawling patio is one of the city's best outdoor drinking spaces, strung with lights and perfect for warm Tennessee evenings. Their Moscow Mule comes in a proper copper mug and packs the right ginger punch, while the food menu offers solid bar fare that's a step above typical wings and fries. It's the kind of place where you can actually hear your friends talk while still enjoying live acoustic music.

The purple-painted institution has been slinging drinks and showcasing talent on Broadway since 1960, making it older than many of the country stars who got their start on its stage. Tootsies is raw Nashville history—Willie Nelson tended bar here, and the walls are plastered with photos of legends who passed through. The crowd is pure tourist energy, especially during peak hours, but that's part of the charm. Grab a domestic beer (they keep it simple and cheap) and claim a spot near the stage to catch aspiring musicians who might just be the next big thing.

Tucked away on the fifth floor of a nondescript building, The Patterson House is Nashville's answer to a proper craft cocktail bar, where bartenders take their time muddling, stirring, and smoking ingredients with precision. The dimly lit space feels like a 1920s speakeasy reimagined for the modern era—intimate, sophisticated, and perfect for couples or small groups who appreciate conversation over chaos. Their Penicillin cocktail has achieved near-mythical status, balancing smoky scotch with honey and ginger in a way that converts even whiskey skeptics. Service is impeccable, and the lack of TVs means you actually have to talk to your companions.

Garth Brooks' four-story tribute to classic country culture dominates Lower Broadway with its massive footprint and even bigger energy. The ground floor buzzes with tourists and locals alike, all bonding over cold beer and live bands that play everything from classic Willie Nelson to modern Luke Combs covers. Order a Honky-Tonk Lemonade—their signature vodka-spiked refresher that goes down dangerously easy. This is quintessential Nashville: loud, friendly, and unapologetically country, best experienced with a group ready to dance and sing along.

Perched on the 19th floor, Harriet's Rooftop offers sweeping views of the Nashville skyline that rival any coastal city's vistas. The vibe skews upscale without being stuffy—think date nights and special occasions where you want to impress without breaking the bank. Their Frosé has become legendary among locals, perfectly blended and Instagram-worthy against the sunset backdrop. The outdoor terrace gets packed on weekends, so arrive early or make a reservation to secure a spot by the railing.