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Honky Tonk Highway
Check out the legendary road known as Honky Tonk Highway. Blasting out music all year round and guaranteed to play you a tune.
What is Honky Tonk Highway?
Nashville's Honky Tonk Highway, located on Lower Broadway, is a row of honky tonks pumping live music into the streets from 10am to 3am. One of the best parts: it doesn't cost a thing. Meaning no cover charge. Meaning save your money for more important things like the tip jar! Because in Music City we understand music should be shared to all.
The Bars on Honky Tonk Highway
What is a Honky Tonk? It’s an establishment that contains at least one rockin' stage, cold beverages, and live music that lasts all day, every day.
- Tootsies' World Famous Orchid Lounge
Where the legends play
And you never know who you’ll see in these Lower Broadway clubs. Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Gretchen Wilson, Dierks Bentley and other stars began their careers on this amazing street. MEANING the person you see singing on the stage in Music City might be the next big thing. So travel along with us as we hit each honky tonk on Music City's Honky Tonk Highway.
- Tip Jar
While the Honky Tonks on Lower Broadway might be the most visited, they are not the only ones in Music City. Check out Morgan Wallen's This Bar and Tennessee Kitchen around the corner on 4th Aveneue North, or Lainey Wilson's Bell Bottoms Up is down Third Avenue South. Printers Alley is a local spot within walking distance of Broadway with fun speakeasies, hidden bars, and karaoke. Or mix up your night by crafting your own cocktails at Liquor Lab before the Honky Tonk begins.
The bars stay open until 3am. Remember: it's a marathon not a race.
Many of the Honky Tonks have multiple bars and levels. If the first level or bar is busy, try the next one.
Want to get out of the crowd for a minute? Check out Printers Alley between 3rd and 4th Avenue North and Church Street. Some of the popular bars in this area include Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar and Skull's Rainbow Room.
Did you know? Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, Robert's Western World, The Stage on Broadway, and Legends Corner all have a second entrance? If the front is packed, head around back to the alley entrance.
The crosswalks on Lower Broadway do the Barnes Dance. Vehicular traffic stops so pedestrians can cross the intersection in any direction, including diagonally. Here’s how that works.
If you head to Lower Broadway during the day, the Honky Tonks are not as packed and the music is just as good. That way, you get the full experience without the full crowd.
The bands on Lower Broadway play for tips. And the majority of places do not charge a cover. Please remember to bring cash so you can tip the band if you like the tunes.
Group tip - Have each person in the group buy a round throughout the evening. That saves the hassle of everyone going up to the bar at once. By the end of the night, everyone should be paid back.
Did you purchase your boots in Nashville? Make sure to take it easy as you break them in!
Wear closed-toe shoes to the bars. You don’t want people stepping all over your poor little toes all night long.
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Play in Nashville
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