Music and cuisine are Nashville’s two main claims to fame. Although though you may absolutely enjoy them independently, why not combine the two experiences instead? For instance, why not have dinner at one of the city’s must-visit eateries followed by a performance at a renowned theater like the Grand Ole Opry or the Ryman Auditorium?
Live performances that would compete with a sold-out stadium show are offered at bars and restaurants all across Music City. Not only that but you can pair it with incredible food and drink.. Here are the greatest venues in Nashville for live music, delicious food, and amazing drinks. Some require tickets, some demand a cover fee and some are free.. They cater to fans of jazz, bluegrass, rock, country, burlesque, and more.
Acme Feed & Seed
With nightly live music, a sizable menu, and a rooftop with stunning city views over Nashville, Acme Feed & Seed is a great choice in a prime location at the top of Lower Broadway. The food and drink options range from Nashville hot chicken and sushi to draught beers and frozen cocktails. The music covers many genres and there is a dedicated open-floor concert hall. You don’t need tickets here, which is a benefit.
Skull’s Rainbow Room
Skull’s Rainbow Room, located in a small basement nestled inside Printers Alley, has been a popular venue since 1948. The modest stage here has seen performances by some of the most well-known musicians in the world. Etta James, Paul McCartney, Elvis Presley, and Johnny Cash have all performed here. The iconic restaurant remained shuttered for more than a decade before reopening in 2015 Expect nightly live jazz concerts, a refined steakhouse menu, and possibly the greatest cocktails in town. It’s always a good idea to make a reservation here to avoid disappointment. Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night there are burlesque shows that you may attend for a cover charge, though you cannot make reservations for those.
The Station Inn
This legendary venue in the Gulch has been showcasing bluegrass, roots, and Americana music for more than 40 years. The food is a notable mash-up of Southern cuisine and concession-stand favorites like hot dogs and nachos. The Station Inn’s dedication to providing opportunities for aspiring musicians, however, is what truly distinguishes it. Anyone with a bluegrass instrument is welcome to participate in the free Sunday Bluegrass Jam or take a jam class taught by a professional. The location is even kid-friendly. Most events demand tickets.
Jane’s Hideaway
Upbeat live music performances focused on Americana, roots, or traditional bluegrass start every night at 8 pm at this Printers Alley institution that has since relocated to East Nashville. The cuisine of Jane’s Hideaway is eclectic, with items like beet salad and okra fries to osso buco, chicken pot pie and beef tenderloin. Original cocktails and French sparkling wine are also available on tap. Come on Tuesday nights to see Melody Walker, a Grammy-winning musician, host a showcase of Americana and roots songwriters. No tickets are required for entry.
The Twelve Thirty Club
This collaboration between Justin Timberlake and restaurant owner Sam Fox has become a hotspot for live music and lavish dining at the top of Lower Broadway. The Twelve Thirty Club is a classy supper club with tasteful Prohibition-era decor. It has a stage in the middle that hosts various sets each night. As the soulful house band plays enjoy a seafood stack and a classic cocktail. For the dining service, reservations are advised, but you can easily get a seat at the bar.
The Listening Room Cafe
Nashville not only spawns country music stars but also the lyric songwriters who also perform live music. The Listening Room Cafe in downtown puts songwriters front and center. Rounds take place many times daily, allowing you to hear behind-the-scenes tales and performances from the folks who have written some of music’s biggest hits. O rder the pimento cheese and bacon jam crostinis followed by an entrée like shrimp and grits and then the Tennessee cheesecake for dessert. This venue requires a food and beverage minimum and is also a paid-for location.
The Bluebird Cafe
Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, Garth Brooks, and many more musicians are said to have had their careers launched at the Bluebird Cafe; an intimate venue in a strip mall in Green Hills. The Bluebird, which places a focus on regional songwriters, offers two shows per night. These include open mic sessions and “In the Round” performances. It also serves several local beers on draft and a satisfying cafe menu that includes crudites, a turkey club, and chicken tenders. Each concert has different admission costs and restrictions.
3rd & Lindsley
3rd & Lindsley is the place to go if you want to enjoy live music while eating appealing Southern bar food like gumbo or chili cheese nachos. Plan to get a seat early at the downtown venue because seating is first-come, first-served. Live performances range from songwriters to cover bands. Particularly notable however are the Time Jumpers who have a regular Monday night event that you should definitenly mark your calendar for.
Brooklyn Bowl
Brooklyn Bowl is a bowling alley, concert hall, and café. It attracts many fans to its ticketed performances in the Germantown region. Get some fried chicken and drink a hardshake at one of the lanes or crowd around the stage to watch an up-and-coming performer. The venue, which charges for events, attracts a variety of performers. These include rock stars, folk singers, and country music favorites.
Rudy’s Jazz Room
Rudy’s Jazz Club is all about the spirit and motifs of jazz which is a departure from downtown’s mostly country music venues. The classic club’s acoustics and vibe were meticulously considered during the design process. It has resulted in a detail-rich, seductive listening area with a swinging atmosphere. Rudy’s offers live jazz performances every night, as well as Prohibition-inspired unique and traditional cocktails. The food includes New Orleans-style food such red beans and rice, gumbo, beignets, and even a grilled cheese with crawfish. At the door, there may be a cover charge.
The Electric Jane
The Electric Jane is a chic dining establishment and night club in the Gulch and is a great newcomer to the scene. Choose from creative cocktails, regional beers, and a substantial food menu that includes dishes like raw oysters, shrimp cocktail, roasted chicken, and tableside s’mores. Afterwards sit back while taking in a concert that might be anything from jazz to rock. It is advisable to make reservations.