Get a great meal and a show at these must-visit restaurants in Nashville.
Nashville’s music and food scene hits all the right notes. Experience the best of both by exploring honky-tonks, songwriter listening rooms, jazz clubs and restaurants with live music in Nashville. Spring and summer bring rooftop performances, outdoor stages and a full calendar across the Nashville music scene, giving travelers plenty of ways to enjoy live music and food nearby.
Organized by neighborhood, this guide highlights beloved and famous places to eat in Nashville while helping you decide where to go and what to expect before your visit.
Nashville’s Live Music Restaurant Scene
Nashville Restaurants With Live Music Highlights Include
Nashville is one of the country’s premier destinations for pairing live music with memorable dining experiences. Travelers looking for live music venues nearby can choose from casual restaurants with free performances, ticketed songwriter showcases, intimate jazz clubs and energetic Nashville bars with live music.
- Music genres: Country, blues, jazz, rock, Latin music and songwriter rounds can be heard throughout Nashville.
- Admission: Some bars with live music offer free entry, while listening rooms, jazz clubs and special events may require tickets or a cover charge.
- Performance times: Music may begin during brunch, happy hour or dinner, while late-night performances are common on Lower Broadway. Travelers searching for live music Saturday night nearby should review individual venue calendars in advance.
- Reservations: Advance reservations are recommended for seated dining experiences, songwriter showcases and popular weekend performances.
- Neighborhood experiences: Lower Broadway delivers high-energy honky-tonks and rooftops, while Downtown Nashville, The Gulch, South Nashville and Green Hills offer everything from blues and jazz to intimate songwriter performances.
- Seasonal experiences: Spring and summer bring rooftop dining, open-air stages, patio seating and Nashville events tied to festivals and warm-weather entertainment.
- Age policies: Some venues welcome all ages during the day but become 18+ or 21+ at night. Confirm the policy for the performance and area of the venue you plan to visit.
What to Know Before You Visit Nashville’s Live Music Dining Scene
Schedules, ticketing policies, cover charges and age restrictions can vary by performance. Review the venue’s official website before arriving, especially when planning to visit popular Nashville live music venues during a spring or summer weekend
Parking also varies by neighborhood. Lower Broadway and Downtown Nashville are walkable from many hotels, but visitors should plan for paid garages, limited street parking and increased demand during concerts, festivals and major sporting events.
Live Music Restaurants on Lower Broadway in Nashville
Acme Feed & Seed
Located at the corner of First Avenue and Broadway, Acme Feed & Seed combines Southern-inspired food, cocktails, live performances and rooftop views in a historic building. The first-floor stage regularly features musicians, while the rooftop overlooks Broadway, the Cumberland River, Nissan Stadium and Riverfront Park.
Acme Feed & Seed Highlights Include
Acme offers several experiences under one roof, making it a convenient stop for groups that want food, music and views without traveling between multiple venues.
- Seasonal highlights: The open-air rooftop is partially covered and features retractable doors, making it a popular stop during spring and summer.
- Hours and music: Live music is featured on the first floor seven days a week. Performance times vary, so review the current calendar.
- Parking: Paid lots are available nearby, including a lot behind the building on First Avenue.
- Accessibility: The venue is wheelchair accessible with ADA-compliant bathrooms.
- Tickets and reservations: Many first-floor performances are free. Special events may require tickets, and reservations or group inquiries are primarily available for the upper floors.
- Age requirements: Acme is generally open to all ages, but select late-night events may be restricted to guests 21 and older.
AJ’s Good Time Bar
Photo Credit: Devin Williams
It’s all in the name, y’all. Alan Jackson? Check. Good times? Absolutely. AJ’s Good Time Bar delivers a classic Lower Broadway experience with traditional country music, rooftop views and three floors of entertainment.
Located in the heart of the city, AJ’s Good Time Bar is steps from the historic Ryman Auditorium and within walking distance of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
What AJ’s Good Time Bar Is Famous For
AJ’s is known for its connection to Alan Jackson and its focus on country music, making it a natural choice for visitors exploring the best Nashville bars for live music.
- Seasonal highlights: The rooftop offers downtown views during warm-weather visits.
- Hours and music: AJ’s is open daily from 11 a.m. to 2:30 a.m. Live music is offered seven days a week, and karaoke begins at 6 p.m. nightly on the third floor.
- Parking: Paid Lower Broadway garages are available within walking distance.
- Age requirements: Guests must be 21 or older after 6 p.m. Visitors younger than 21 may enter before 6 p.m. if capacity allows.
Assembly Food Hall
Photo Credit: @_metz_kaptured_
Can’t decide what to eat? Assembly Food Hall is an ideal destination for groups with different tastes. Burgers, Thai food, ice cream, waffles, hot chicken and Indian cuisine are among the many options available from the hall’s collection of eateries.
After everyone has chosen a meal, gather for music at one of the venue’s stages. Located steps from Bridgestone Arena and the Ryman Auditorium, Assembly Food Hall can serve as either the main destination for the evening or the starting point for a night downtown.
What to Expect Going to Assembly Food Hall
The large dining hall allows guests to order from different restaurants while still eating and enjoying entertainment together.
- Seasonal highlights: Outdoor terraces are available in the North and South halls, while Skydeck hosts open-air concerts and seasonal events.
- Hours and music: Assembly Food Hall is open daily, though individual eatery hours vary. Review its calendar for daily music sessions and ticketed events.
- Parking: Two parking structures are attached to Assembly Food Hall. Discounted Skydeck parking validation is limited to paid, ticketed events and requires parking in the above-ground garage at 501 Commerce Street.
- Accessibility: A central elevator serves all three floors. Service animals are accommodated.
- Tickets and reservations: General food hall seating is casual and does not require a host. Special-event tickets should be purchased through the official event listing.
- Age requirements: Regular food hall access is generally open to all ages. Concert policies vary, with individual events designated as all ages, 18+ or 21+.
- Nearby stays: The Renaissance Nashville Hotel is directly connected to the Fifth + Broadway development.
Skydeck Nashville
Located above Assembly Food Hall, Skydeck Nashville combines rooftop entertainment with sweeping views of Broadway and the Nashville skyline. Visitors can bring food upstairs from the restaurants inside Assembly Food Hall, creating a dining experience that works for a variety of tastes.
Programming ranges from free seasonal gatherings to ticketed concerts, tribute shows and special events. The rooftop is especially appealing during spring and summer evenings, though outdoor events may be delayed or canceled because of severe weather.
Important Information for Skydeck Nashville
Skydeck Nashville is a rooftop entertainment venue rather than a separate restaurant. Guests can purchase food from Assembly Food Hall and take it to the rooftop.
- Seasonal highlights: Rooftop performances, skyline views and open-air events make Skydeck especially popular during spring and summer. Umbrellas are not permitted during concerts.
- Hours and music: Access depends on the Assembly Food Hall schedule and individual event times.
- Parking: Discounted validation is available only for paid, ticketed Skydeck events. Guests must park in the above-ground garage at 501 Commerce Street, and the discount covers up to five hours.
- Accessibility: Skydeck is ADA compliant. It is primarily a standing-room venue but provides limited seating for guests with accessibility needs. Contact the venue before the show to request accommodations.
- Tickets: Purchase tickets through the official Skydeck event page. Box-office purchases may be available beginning one hour before doors if the event has not sold out.
- Age requirements: Events are individually designated as all ages, 18+ or 21+. Minors attending an all-ages show must be accompanied by an adult who is at least 21.
- Food: Skydeck does not operate a separate kitchen. Food may be brought upstairs from Assembly Food Hall.
Twelve Thirty Club
Photo Credit: @reyleesfood
The Twelve Thirty Club is a dapper combination of honky-tonk, supper club and rooftop bar dreamed up by Justin Timberlake and restaurateur Sam Fox. Inspired by the Prohibition era, the multilevel dining experience draws from the private supper clubs of the 19th century, when closing time for pubs and restaurants was 12:30 a.m.
Think Gatsby meets the Grand Ole Opry. Guests can enjoy a night shaped by music, design, food and cocktails across the venue’s distinctive spaces.
Things to Know Before Going to The Twelve Thirty Club
The experience differs depending on whether you visit the Honky Tonk, Supper Club or Rooftop, so review the dining and reservation options before arriving.
- Seasonal highlights: The Rooftop Terrace offers an open-air setting for drinks, food and downtown views.
- Hours and music: Hours vary by level. The Honky Tonk features live country music, the Supper Club features a house band and the Rooftop generally features a DJ. Check the current schedule before visiting.
- Parking: The venue recommends the Fifth + Broadway parking structure. Parking is not validated.
- Accessibility: The Twelve Thirty Club is wheelchair accessible and ADA compliant with its restrooms and main entrance.
- Tickets and reservations: Reservations are strongly recommended, though walk-ins are accepted when space permits. Reservations open up to 60 days in advance.
- Age requirements: The Honky Tonk is kid-friendly and offers a children’s menu. Children younger than 12 are discouraged in the Supper Club. The entire venue becomes 21+ Thursday through Saturday after 10 p.m.
Live Music Dining in Downtown Nashville, Tennessee
The Listening Room Café
Downtown Nashville extends beyond Lower Broadway, with intimate songwriter venues, historic nightlife districts and restaurants that showcase local performers. Visitors exploring Nashville bars can hear everything from acoustic originals to energetic blues and boogie music.
The Listening Room Café offers an intimate setting where songwriters perform their work and share the stories behind the music. The venue pairs its songwriter showcases with a full-service restaurant and bar serving Southern-inspired food, cocktails, beer and wine.
Located on Fourth Avenue South, the venue hosts ticketed performances throughout the week, including two-show evenings and select Saturday brunch performances.
What The Listening Room Café Is Famous For
The Listening Room is best known for songwriter performances that place the focus on the artists, their lyrics and the stories behind familiar and emerging songs.
- Seasonal highlights: The indoor listening-room format provides a comfortable option during hot or rainy spring and summer days.
- Hours and music: Performance and dining times vary by show. Review the current event listings before your visit.
- Parking: The Listening Room Cafe has a $12 valet service. Additionally, paid parking lots are within walking distance of the venue.
- Accessibility: The venue is ADA-compliant, but contact them directly for specific needs.
- Tickets and reservations: Performances are ticketed, and advance booking is recommended. Ticket sales are final and cannot be refunded or transferred.
- Age requirements: The Listening Room is a family-friendly music venue and restaurant. Those under the age of 21 are not permitted at the bar, but can sit anywhere else to enjoy the show and dining.
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar
Photo Credit: @earlhollywood
Located in Printer’s Alley in Downtown Nashville, Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar is a lively destination for blues, boogie and Southern food. Follow the neon sign to this longtime hangout, which has hosted thousands of musicians for more than 25 years.
Dig into Cajun and Creole cuisine while tapping your feet to the music. Order a signature cocktail and stay for an evening of dancing in one of the city’s most recognizable nightlife districts.
Make Sure to Check Out Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar
Among the best bars to see live music in Nashville, Bourbon Street stands apart for its blues-focused calendar and Printer’s Alley atmosphere.
- Seasonal highlights: The indoor venue offers live entertainment during hot summer afternoons, rainy days and warm evenings.
- Hours and music: The venue opens at 4 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 11:30 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Hours may change for special events.
- Parking: Nearby paid options include the Printer’s Alley Garage and other downtown lots.
- Accessibility: The first floor is accessible. There is no elevator to the upstairs balcony.
- Tickets and reservations: Reservations are not required but are recommended for guaranteed seating. Reservations are unavailable Monday and Tuesday and cannot be made on the same day. A reservation charge does not include the cover charge.
- Cover charges: The venue currently lists a $5 cover Wednesday and Thursday and a $10 cover Friday and Saturday, generally beginning around 7–7:30 p.m. Confirm current pricing before visiting.
- Age requirements: The venue becomes 21+ after 6 p.m.
Puckett's
Photo Credit: TN Tourism
Puckett’s began as a grocery store in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee, in the 1950s and has grown into a Tennessee staple serving Southern favorites and live, local music. Meat-and-three specials and slow-cooked barbecue keep guests coming back for more.
The Downtown Nashville location regularly welcomes performers to its stage. Save room for the cobbler, made fresh and served with ice cream.
What to Know Before You Go to Puckett’s
Puckett’s combines a casual Southern meal with local music nearby, creating an approachable experience for visitors who want to hear performers without the atmosphere of a late-night honky-tonk.
- Seasonal highlights: Review the music calendar for performers scheduled during spring and summer.
- Hours and music: Puckett’s Nashville is open Sunday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Performance times vary.
- Parking: Paid downtown garages are available near the Church Street restaurant.
- Accessibility: The restaurant is wheelchair accessible and has an ADA-compliant main entrance and restaurant.
- Tickets and reservations: Many current Nashville performances have no cover, with tips appreciated. Make a dining reservation for the correct performance date.
- Age requirements: The restaurant and live events are family-friendly.
Sinatra Bar & Lounge
A tribute to music icon Frank Sinatra, Sinatra Bar & Lounge brings the elevated tastes of Manhattan and the ease of Palm Springs to Downtown Nashville. Located near Printer’s Alley, the restaurant offers classic Italian dishes, craft cocktails and daily live music inspired by Sinatra and the Rat Pack.
The restaurant has also been the only restaurant in the world to serve Jack Daniel’s Sinatra Century by the drink. The 100-proof whiskey was created in 2015 in recognition of Sinatra’s 100th birthday and his longstanding connection to the Tennessee brand.
What Sinatra Bar & Lounge Is Famous For
The restaurant combines classic Italian dining, refined cocktails, vintage design and music associated with Sinatra’s career.
- Seasonal highlights: The refined indoor setting provides an evening dining option during hot or rainy spring and summer days.
- Hours and music: Live music is featured daily. The restaurant is open 4–10 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday, 4–11 p.m. Thursday and 4 p.m.–midnight Friday and Saturday. Happy hour is offered at the bar from 4–6 p.m. Sunday through Thursday.
- Parking: Paid parking garages are located near the restaurant.
- Tickets and reservations: Regular live music does not require separate admission. Dining reservations open two weeks in advance, and table-time limits apply based on party size.
- Age requirements: Children younger than 5 are not permitted. The restaurant becomes 21+ after 8:30 p.m.
Live Music Bars and Restaurants in The Gulch, Nashville
Rudy’s Jazz Room
Photo Credit: @ablockphotos
A love of jazz and a desire for an authentic club experience inspired the owners of Rudy’s Jazz Room to bring an intimate jazz listening room to Nashville. Attention to detail is reflected in the cozy club’s acoustics, performance calendar and New Orleans-inspired cuisine.
Rudy’s Jazz Room Highlights Include
Rudy’s focuses on seated listening experiences and a varied jazz calendar featuring local, regional and visiting performers.
- Seasonal highlights: The intimate indoor club is a comfortable destination for a summer evening, with performances scheduled throughout the season.
- Hours and music: Showtimes vary by performance and include early-evening, evening and late-night sets. Review the current calendar before visiting.
- Parking: Limited free parking is available in the lot behind the building off Ninth Avenue. Paid lots and metered street parking are also available nearby.
- Accessibility: The venue lists that it is wheelchair-accessible and has an ADA-compliant main entrance.
- Tickets and reservations: Tickets are sold through the event links on the venue’s calendar and may also be available at the door. Arrive early for preferred seating.
- Age requirements: Rudy’s is 21+ every day except Sundays, with the exception of specific shows noted on the calendar.
Live Music Restaurants in South Nashville, Tennessee
Plaza Mariachi
Photo Credit: Plaza Mariachi
A lively mix of food, shopping and performances, Plaza Mariachi celebrates Nashville’s cultural diversity. It is a gathering place where guests of all ages and backgrounds can experience international music, dance, food and art.
Enjoy dinner shows, Latin orchestras and mariachi bands. Choose from an array of restaurants serving coffee, juices, hamburgers, tacos, Peruvian cuisine, Indian dishes and more.
What to Expect Going to Plaza Mariachi
Plaza Mariachi offers an experience that extends beyond a traditional restaurant or concert venue. Guests can dine, shop and watch cultural performances in the same destination.
- Seasonal highlights: The event calendar includes indoor programming, outdoor entertainment, family activities and cultural festivals throughout spring and summer.
- Hours and music: Hours vary by day and by food, retail, bar and entertainment operations. Review the current calendar before arriving.
- Parking: The venue offers free parking and is accessible from three major interstates.
- Accessibility: Service animals are allowed. Handicap accessible tables are available.
- Tickets and reservations: Reservations are not required, though table reservations may be available during popular events. Daytime entertainment is usually free. Thursday and Saturday evening programs may have cover charges, while special concerts may require tickets. See the Events Calendar for more information.
- Age requirements: Plaza Mariachi welcomes all ages, but some late-night concerts and special events may be restricted to adults. Review the individual event listing before visiting.
Live Music Dining in Green Hills, Nashville
The Bluebird Cafe
Photo Credit: Journal Communications Inc.
Away from the bright lights of Broadway is a sacred place for songwriters and music fans. The Bluebird Cafe has gained worldwide recognition as a performance space where a show may feature an up-and-coming songwriter alongside writers whose songs regularly appear on the charts.
Located in a small Green Hills shopping center, the 90-seat venue is unassuming from the outside. Inside, its signature listening-room format keeps guests captivated as songs are performed by the people who created them.
Things to Know Before Going to The Bluebird Cafe
The Bluebird Cafe is designed as a listening room, so guests are expected to remain quiet and attentive during performances.
- Seasonal highlights: Spring and summer performances can fill quickly, so plan well in advance.
- Hours and music: Showtimes vary. The current calendar commonly includes 6 and 9 p.m. performances, along with select open mics and special events.
- Parking: Parking at the surrounding shopping center is limited. Carpooling or group transportation may be helpful.
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible seating is extremely limited. The venue can accommodate one wheelchair seat and one companion seat per show when given at least two weeks’ notice.
- Tickets and reservations: Reservations must be made through the official Bluebird Cafe website and cannot be made by phone. Guests may reserve up to six seats. Reservations are nontransferable, and identification may be checked.
- Food and drinks: Order from a limited menu of food and beverages during the performance. Ticketed guests should plan for a $15 per-person food or drink minimum in addition to the cover charge and fees.
- Age requirements: Bar seats are restricted to guests 21 and older. Guests under the age of 18 must be seated with a parent or guardian.
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