From the Author: I've lived and worked in Nashville for 12+ years. I'm heavily involved with the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, so when you visit, you might find me giving the odd tour or helping out wherever possible. If you have any questions, I respond quickly to comments. Come in and say hi!
Just arrived in Nashville and looking for the best places to eat and enjoy live music? You're in the right place! Nashville offers live music everywhere, even at the airport, with some of the best talent in the world.
Now, let's talk about the food. At these music joints, the food often doesn't match the quality of the music. But don't worry! We've curated a list of places with great music and even better eats. We're talking steak, seafood, Cajun food, fresh salads, cocktails, craft beers, pecan pie, and more.
Barlines
Barlines Nashville, located on Fifth Avenue in the heart of downtown, is part of the Omni Hotel. This honky-tonk features live music seven days a week and boasts wall-to-wall screens for catching the game from any angle.
Conveniently situated across the street from Bridgestone Arena and close to Nissan Stadium, Barlines is perfect for those in town for a concert or game. Their southern-inspired menu offers comforting favorites like hot dogs, BLTs, and pork sandwiches.
With a long lineup of talented artists, Barlines always delivers great entertainment. Check out their menu and see the upcoming entertainers to plan your visit.
Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row
Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row, located on 4th Ave and Broadway, sits in the heart of the historic lower Broadway strip, making it easily accessible for downtown visitors.
This three-story honky-tonk features a rooftop bar with stunning views of the Nashville skyline. They serve American gourmet cuisine, including delicious hamburgers, chicken and waffles, and fettuccine, among other southern comfort dishes.
Open seven days a week from morning until 3 am, Whiskey Row offers live music on every floor, with visitors raving about the performances. It's a great spot to enjoy a meal while listening to music or hit the dance floor. Learn more here.
Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar offers incredible music in historic Printer's Alley, just a short walk from the bright lights of lower Broadway. Open seven days a week, this iconic venue has featured legendary musicians like James Brown and B.B. King. Check out the upcoming artists here.
They serve authentic Cajun and Creole cuisine and have a full bar with signature cocktails. When in Nashville, it's a great spot to enjoy a show with delicious food close to the stage. We suggest making a reservation to secure your spot.
3rd & Lindsley
3rd and Lindsley is just a short walk from the Country Music Hall of Fame. Their extensive menu includes southern comfort food like quesadilla chili, gumbo, Chicken Baja salad, and more. They also offer a large selection of wines and beers.
With a lively schedule of bands every week, 3rd and Lindsley boasts a big stage and plenty of tables in the restaurant and bar area, making it a great spot to eat and enjoy live music.
Big names like Vince Gill and Steve Wariner have played here, and you'll find everything from country to rock. Learn more here.
Acme Feed & Seed
Acme Feed & Seed is Nashville's most-visited and Instagrammed restaurant. Their excellent Instagram account showcases the vibrant atmosphere. The name reflects the building's original use as a feed and seed farm store.
Each floor offers a unique experience. The first floor features dining and live shows, along with live broadcasts of Acme Radio. The second floor offers craft cocktails and sushi, with fish flown in overnight from Hawaii. The rooftop bar is perfect for enjoying drinks and watching the sunset. Learn more here.
Luke's 32 Bridge Food + Drink
Luke Bryan's honky-tonk on lower Broadway is all about the music. When it opened four years ago, Bryan wanted it to be a great experience for country music fans, allowing tourists to connect with their favorite artists.
This honky-tonk features six levels, eight bars, three stages, and a restaurant. The menu offers southern favorites like pulled pork, BBQ chips, salmon, Nashville Hot Chicken, and Luke's specialty, the Elk Burger.
With great music on all three floors, there's never a shortage of entertainment.
The Hampton Social
The Hampton Social is just steps away from Broadway and features live acoustic music. Open seven days a week, they offer coastal-inspired food across three floors, including a rooftop bar and a “Rosé All Day” lounge. They serve lunch, brunch, and dinner; see the menu here.
A relatively new spot in Nashville, it's often called the “Rosé Capital of Nashville” for its Instagram-worthy aesthetic. Known for their beautiful hand-crafted cocktails and delicious burgers, we recommend starting with these.
The Stage
The Stage on Broadway is a fantastic spot to eat and enjoy live music in Nashville. Located in the heart of downtown, this iconic honky-tonk offers a lively atmosphere with great southern comfort food like BBQ and burgers.
The Stage features live music every night, showcasing some of the best talent in country music. With its spacious dance floor and vibrant decor, it’s the perfect place to experience Nashville’s legendary music scene while enjoying a meal. Whether you're a local or a tourist, The Stage promises an unforgettable night of great food and fantastic music.
Listening Room Cafe
The Listening Room Cafe is a top spot in Nashville for dining and live music. Located just a short walk from downtown, it offers a cozy atmosphere with a focus on singer-songwriters. Enjoy delicious southern-inspired dishes like shrimp and grits or chicken and waffles while listening to talented artists perform. Known for its intimate setting, the Listening Room Cafe provides an up-close experience with musicians, making it a unique and memorable venue. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it's the perfect place to enjoy great food and incredible live music.
The Electric Jane
The Electric Jane is a vibrant spot in Nashville for dining and live music. Located in the Gulch, it offers a trendy atmosphere with eclectic decor. Enjoy a variety of delicious dishes like truffle fries, flatbreads, and seafood while experiencing top-notch live performances. Known for its energetic vibe and stylish setting, The Electric Jane combines great food with a lively music scene. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, it's the perfect place to enjoy a night out with fantastic music and memorable dining.