A good time in Music City
Flashing neon lights. Thunderous country music. Hot chicken (hot!). The epicenter of Tennessee whiskey… That’s Nashville in a nutshell. Easily the best place to listen to live country music in the United States – hence its nickname “Music City” – the burgeoning metropolis has no shortage of live music venues, honky tonks and country music bars. But even if you’re not a country fan, just try not to be moved by the music emanating from each eclectic location as you stroll down Music Row, aka Broadway (or people-watching, the spirits that flow and the general revelry that will remember another famous Broadway…just Southern style).
Of course, there’s more to Music City than Music Row (however, that’s where you’ll find us…). Think creative energy, culture (museums galore!), award-winning restaurants and chic bars. NTM the city is located on a river making it a dream destination alongside CC and Chicagoto name a few.
Truly, the Everly Brothers said it best: “I gotta get back to Nashville…because that’s where the good times are.” Here we focus on our Music Row selections – plus dine, drink and make selections – for a well-rounded, high-energy getaway. Now all we need are cowboy boots.
EAT DRINK
meat sweats
When it comes to barbecue in Nashville, it’s all about the smoked meats (brisket, ribs, sausage—oh, my!). And there’s a melting pot of barbecue styles for you to go wild with. For a classic pulled pork sandwich with whole pork that all Carolinians can enjoy, you’re going to want to head to Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint; for brisket, look no further than Shotgun Willie’s BBQ; and if you’re curious about what dry ribs are, head to Peg Leg Porker. Yes, that’s the problem! martinsbbqjoint.com; sgwbbq.com;
peglegporker.com
Hattie B’s
You can’t – we repeat, can’t– go to Nashville without stumbling upon that uberpopular hot chicken joint that blows all chicken sandos out of the water (we said it). If you’re feeling frisky, go for the Shut the Cluck Up Chicken Sandwich, Hattie B’s hottest heat level offering; or play it safe with the Southern (no heat). … But as Southerners, it’s time to show Nashville that we can handle the heat. hattieb.com
Yee-Haw Brewing Co.
Can we have a yeehaw? ! Yee-Haw Brewing calls for an all-day affair, thanks to its shared campus with Ole Smoky Moonshine and White Duck Taco Shop, two big-screen TVs, two stages, a beer garden, and an on-site brewery and distillery (!) —NTM live music, watch parties and other fun events. Clear your schedule and stay awhile… yeehawbrewing.com
Five Point Pizza
Dave Portnoy from Barstool pizza review said Five Points Pizza was “really good” – and that’s an opinion you can crust. You’re going to want to grab a slice (or a whole pie) of New York-style pizzas made from scratch and hand-mixed with dough aged in place. Popular creations include Vodka Sauce Pie, T-Rex (topped with pepperoni, Italian sausage, sliced meatballs and spicy capicola) and Dave’s Pie (prosciutto di parma, fresh basil, extra pecorino romano). fivepointspizza.com
Butcher & Bee
When the bright lights and even louder sounds of NashVegas start to wear you down, head to this quaint hidden gem just outside downtown that serves up seasonal fare for brunch and dinner. (Pro tip: Arrive early to secure a spot on the terrace.) boucherandbee.com
Love Cookie
Son of cookie! This little “love” will surely steal your heart and stomach. The beloved breakfast and lunch spot believes in bringing the community together around a shared love of cookies, whether you’re more of a DRY person (sausage, scrambled egg, cheddar) or an East Nasty ( fried chicken, cheddar, sausage sauce) a – and that, well, just butters our cookies. cookielove.com
attaboy
Don’t ask this James Beard 2022 Finalist for Outstanding Bar Program for a menu, because you won’t get one. East Nashville’s famous drinks haunt is a speakeasy-style iteration of the original New York City location, credited with the entire modern craft cocktail movement. So yes, no menu is necessary because you know whatever one of the bartenders throws at you will be good. attaboy.us
OUT AND ABOUT
Grand Ole Opry
“The true home of country music” has a myriad of artists on stage in May, including The Gatlin Brothers, Filmore and Maggie Rose. PS Olivia Rodrigo stops by the Opry House at the Grand Ole Opry on her SOUR tour on May 10 (!). Hmm, so much the better for… us! opry.com
Nashville Predator Game
Watch the Preds put the to break in Smashville at the Bridgestone Arena, which is conveniently located downtown. (So catching a game is about as easy as ordering a drink at one of the many surrounding bars.) bridgestonearena.com
Lounge pontoon
“I’m on a boat!” – uh pontoon! Mingle, dance, and drink as you cruise down the Cumberland River through Nashville’s only “honky tonk on the water.” Public and private cruises are offered, and each includes a licensed captain and deckhand, a sound system, and coolers for drinks. Yeah, buoy!
pontonsaloontn.com
Ms. Kelli’s Karaoke Bar
Sing (or just dance!) the way you want at this family-friendly karaoke bar tucked away in Printers Alley. Jello shooters and specialty cocktails are sure to provide you with all the liquid courage you need to hit the stage.
facebook.com/mskelliskaraoke
Johnny Cash Museum
They don’t call it Cashville for nothing. “Browse the Line” to discover the largest and most comprehensive collection of Johnny Cash artifacts and memorabilia worldwide, from the legend’s guitars and music gear to his iconic looks and more. johnnycashmuseum.com
Bluebird Cafe
For the past 40 years, this iconic live music venue (dubbed “an accidental landmark that changed music history”) has served as a magnet for Nashville visitors from all walks of life – more than 70,000 people visit the venue every year, and countless country stars have graced its stage (think Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks and Faith Hill). Be sure to get your tickets in advance as they tend to sell out! bluebirdcafe.com
BROADWAY CHOICE
Honky Tonk Center
It’s a party on all three floors, with live music, bar food and good times. honkytonkcentral.com
Tootsie Orchid Show
A must-see (literally – it’s hot pink) and honky tonk world-renowned Nashville institution, born in 1960. tootsies.net
Country Legend Bars
“My kind of party” found at Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar, AJ’s Good Time Bar and Blake Shelton’s Ole Red, to name a few. jasonaldeansnashville.com; ajsgoodtimebar.com; olered.com
Layla’s Honky Tonk
Vintage license plates from all over the country cover the ceiling of this funky live music bar that always throws a hell of a good time. laylasnashville.com
