When I asked what folks would change about Broadway if they could, the answers came in fast — and let’s just say nobody held back. Between the parking prices, pedal taverns, and price tags that make you double-check your bank app, it’s clear Nashville’s most famous street has room for a tune-up. Here’s what people had to say.
The Prices (and Parking)
If there were a scoreboard for complaints, parking and drink prices would win by a landslide. Dozens of locals said they just want to pay less — or at least pay fairly. Comments poured in about $30 parking fees, confusing pay machines that never seem to work, and the dream of one flat $20 rate.
Drinks got the same treatment. “Cheaper,” “reasonable,” and “not extortion” came up more than a few times. Some folks added a plea for lower prices and elevators — because apparently the stairs hit harder than the whiskey.
Bring Back the Real Country
Another theme that hit a chord: Broadway’s music scene doesn’t sound like Nashville anymore. Many said they’d trade the cover bands and EDM mashups for the real stuff — steel guitars, fiddles, and storytelling lyrics that made this town famous. A few called out for more “real country,” some wanted the “old-school honky tonks” back, and others wished the whole strip would sound like it did 15 years ago.
One person said they’d even swap the current lineup for rock music. Another joked about bringing back the smoke-filled bars of the past — though maybe not the hangovers.
Clean It Up (Literally)
A handful of locals said Broadway just needs a good scrubbing. “Pressure wash everything,” one said. Others mentioned the sidewalks, the buildings, and the general grime that comes with nonstop nightlife. Between the foot traffic, beer spills, and late-night chaos, it’s not hard to imagine why.
Crowd Control and Chaos
If you’ve ever tried driving through Broadway on a weekend, you’ll understand this next one. Locals called out the pedal taverns, party buses, and woohoo wagons clogging up the lanes. A few even nominated the whole concept for retirement.
Several said more police presence could help with safety and traffic. Others offered creative fixes — like making Broadway pedestrian-only with canopies stretching between buildings for shade. That idea actually got a few nods of approval.
Give the Locals a Break
Some answers weren’t about prices or traffic at all — they were about people. A few wished for “locals only nights,” others joked about a 45-and-up Broadway rule. A couple simply said: “Tourists.” No explanation needed.
Still, others took a more generous approach. One comment suggested using an old garage as a hub for musicians and bar staff — complete with lockers, snacks, and a safe space to count tips. That idea got quiet applause in the thread.
And Then There Were the Wild Cards
Not every answer was practical — and that’s part of the fun. Some said Broadway should never close, running 24/7, 365 days a year. Others wanted to “blow it up and start fresh.” Someone called for “Hair World downtown.” Another wanted to bring back a long-gone club just for nostalgia’s sake.
One person even suggested sodding over the street entirely and turning it into a grassy park surrounded by bars. You’d have to admit, that might be the only Broadway where you could lay down and actually relax.
What Nashville’s Still Hoping For
For all the gripes, there’s something kind of sweet underneath it all. People still care about Broadway. They want it to feel like Nashville again — less glitz, more grit.
Whether that means cheaper drinks, cleaner sidewalks, or a little more real country twang, one thing’s clear: locals aren’t ready to give up on Broadway. They just want to love it the way they used to.
