Craving great food and live tunes without the crowds? Music City is packed with amazing Nashville restaurants with live music near downtown and beyond – where you can dig into smoky ribs while listening to blues guitar, or sip craft cocktails as rising songwriters perform. These local-approved spots blend Southern flavors with authentic Nashville sounds, from honky-tonk joints to intimate listening rooms where every bite comes with a side of music.
Best Restaurants in Downtown Nashville with Live Music?
The best restaurants for any foodie music lover in downtown Nashville include The Twelve Thirty Club, Skull’s Rainbow Room, Puckett’s Restaurant, Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar, Acme Feed & Seed, and Assembly Food Hall. These popular options offer exceptional dining experience with live music, live performances, and vibrant atmospheres throughout the area.
Top Nashville Restaurants with Live Music
I’ve lived in Nashville long enough to know that you can’t judge this city just by its famous Broadway scene—there’s a whole world of beloved restaurants with live music waiting to be discovered. If you’re wanting great food and really good tunes, avoid the usual tourist hits and dive into my organized suggestions—some hidden gems downtown and those quick bites with a fun vibe. Trust me, I took the time browsing, eating, and hearing my way through the best spots, so you don’t have to work hard finding them. Here are some of my top picks because missing out on Nashville’s music scene while you eat is a spring travel mistake you don’t want to make!
AJ’s Good Time Bar – Where Classic Country Comes Alive
If you’re looking for good music in the heart of Nashville, head to AJ’s Good Time Bar on lower Broadway – just steps away from the Ryman Auditorium. I absolutely love this historic place, with its multifaceted floors featuring live performances from friendly performers (they’ve even hosted legends like Garth and Toby!). The rooftop offers amazing views of the city, and trust me, sipping a cold drink up there while country tunes play is an experience you won’t forget. Whether it’s a birthday celebration, a memorable night out, or just being caught up in that vibrant Nashville atmosphere, AJ’s never disappoints on every visit. The ground floor has that honky-tonk energy, while the top levels (yes, there are three!) give you space to breathe without losing the music. Pro tip: Check out their classic country singing nights – they’re real good, y’all. Alan Jackson made this bar his own, and after one visit, you’ll see why it’s a favourite for locals and visitors alike.
The Twelve Thirty Club: A Symphony of Supper Club Elegance
Craving a great meal in Nashville paired with live music and cocktails? This is your spot. The Twelve Thirty Club delivers the best anniversary dinner Nashville with its divine steaks, Prohibition-era craft cocktails, and a multi-level venue designed for memorable evenings. I still get chills remembering how the live band transitioned from jazz to honky-tonk as our dessert arrived—pure magic. Beyond consistent 5-star service, what captivates me is their mastery of details: private dining nooks for whispered conversations, a rooftop terrace that captures the golden hour perfectly, and that rare conversation-friendly live music spot alchemy where every note complements the evening. Pro tip: Their Saturday night “Speakeasy Sessions” (reservations essential) transport you to the 19th20s with rare bourbon flights and swing bands—an experience worthy of Fitzgerald himself.
Bourbon Street Blues and Boogie Bar — Printer’s Alley’s Most Iconic Live Music Bar
For an authentic Nashville experience, this Printer’s Alley institution delivers unforgettable nights. Their food menu shines with signature gumbo and Cajun specialties, perfectly paired with live music from bands channeling the energy of James Brown and B.B. King. I always start at their intimate bar – a Crystal cocktail in hand while scouting the ideal seat with balcony views of the electric alley below. The magic lies in their perfected vibe: evenings begin with dinner conversations among friendly staff and strangers-turned-friends, then crescendo into high-energy shows that get the whole crowd dancing. The volume builds gradually – by 10pm, the space thrums with Boogie-worthy tunes while still offering pockets for chat. Pro tip: Their $5 late-night drinks specials make this the undisputed best live music bar in Printer’s Alley Nashville.
Puckett’s – Where Every Bite Feels Like Coming Home
 If you want the real Nashville, TN experience, head straight to Puckett’s. What started as a humble grocery store in Leiper’s Fork back in the 1950s has grown into six can’t-miss restaurants across Tennessee, serving up Southern staples that’ll have you licking your plate clean. On my latest visit, I indulged in their slow-cooked pulled pork barbecue plate – fall-off-the-bone tender and served hot – plus their famous meatloaf that’s been a local favorite for decades. Every single bite was absolutely delicious, from the classic biscuits and gravy at breakfast to the perfectly cooked omelet that’s reasonably priced with a generous serving size. The vibe? Pure festival energy, especially on a busy night when bachelor parties and girls’ nights pack the house. The live music is fantastic, and our server was fabulous – attentive and helpful even when the place was hopping. Don’t leave without trying their famous cobbler, served fresh daily and best enjoyed with a scoop of Hattie Jane’s ice cream. It’s the complete stop to any trip and a cherished tradition that keeps guests coming back for more. Puckett’s doesn’t just deliver good food quickly – it sets the bar for what meat-and-three specials should be, reaffirming why it’s been a staple every day of the week for generations. Trims? Maybe not. But the cinnamon roll alone is worth the visit – trust me.
Rudy’s Jazz Room – My Favorite Cozy Slice of New Orleans in Nashville
Got a hankering for an authentic experience that’ll transport you straight to the French Quarter? Rudy’s Jazz Club became my go-to spot the moment I discovered it. Tucked away in Nashville, this intimate hideaway serves up live music with fabulous acoustics in a space I find equally cool and cozy – perfect for a date night or catching the Jody Nardone Trio spin original tunes. Their mind-blowing versions of classics (that take on Black Hole Sun still gives me chills) prove why this place is special. The vibe here wraps me in pure New Orleans spirit every time, from the delicious beignets to the house team who make me feel like family. I always grab prime seats near the band and lose myself in cuisine that’ll make you swear you’re on Bourbon Street – their crawfish grill cheese and shrimp po’boy never disappoint. My personal ritual? Pairing it all with a Pink Panther cocktail while soaking up the mind-blowing musical effort happening just feet away. Trust me, your first time here will leave you energized and already planning your return – because Rudy’s isn’t just a club to me, it’s pure magic.
Sinatra Bar & Lounge – Nashville’s Classiest Escape
I stumbled upon this peaceful oasis last year when craving quieter entertainment than Broadway’s chaos, and now it’s my secret weapon for couple’s dinners or impressing out-of-town friends. The piano music (think rat pack classics with Nashville soul) floats through the soft lighting as you sip craft cocktails like their Sinatra Century bourbon – strong enough to make Ol’ Blue Eyes proud. Last visit, server Avi guided me through Italian dishes so prepared to perfection, I nearly wept into my elevated Manhattan. What makes it a must-visit? General Manager Rodney Mitchell’s team delivers five-star hospitality without stuffiness. You’ll find me at the bar every Sunday when singer Ryan J. Driscoll’s smooth vocals turn live music into pure magic – just cool enough to join the singing, but never too loud to drown out the delightful clink of glasses. It’s the rare spot where refined meets relaxed, and where my happy hour always ends with plans to return.
Jane’s Hideaway – Where Locals and Tourists Collide Over Incredible Music
I’ll never forget my first Monday night at Jane’s Hideaway – that perfect TN neighborhood spot where friendly staff serve phenomenal bourbons (try the sample flight) while virtuoso players reinvent bluegrass with a modern twist. The kitchen delivers Southern classics with seasonal flair – think crispy fried chicken so moist it puts chain restaurants to shame, or their personal pot pie that’s become my sweet tea-drenched obsession. At 8 p.m., the house band (led by local legend Tim Bolo) takes the stage, transforming this unassuming restaurant into a crazy upbeat experience worthy of that NY Times article. What makes it worth the venture off Broadway? That rare eclectic vibe where tourists and locals bond over Jell-O shots (yes, really) under strings of patio lights. The diverse crowd – from couples on date night to groups sharing sandwiches – all get swept up in the nightly show. Pro tip: While walk-ups are welcome, reservations are recommended for their guest artist nights. Trust me, whether you’re here for the incredible food (don’t skip the pork chop) or the attentive, kind hospitality, Jane’s delivers that nod to tradition while keeping things fresh – just like their reinvented sharing plates prove.
Plaza Mariachi – Nashville’s Most Lively Cultural Celebration
When I want to celebrate real cultural diversity, I head straight to this gem in a strip mall – where Latin orchestras play beside aerialists soaring overhead, and the scent of Peruvian cuisine mixes with Paletas Tocumbo’s dozens of tasty flavors. It’s Nashville’s most entertaining culinary spot: grab $3 paletas while browsing jewelry stalls, watch Mariachi bands between bites of tacos, or let kids loose in the arcade as FREE LIVE performances turn an ordinary Saturday into a fiesta. Every corner thrums with international expressions – from the produce market’s vibrant colors to the foodcourt’s array of Indian dishes and hamburgers with a Latin twist. What makes it Nashville’s best gathering place? The way people of all ages become part of the beauty: grandparents sway to live music near Tres Gauchos’ popsycles, couples share dinner shows under strings of lights, and kids chase each other past shops selling dresses and souvenirs. Don’t miss Sunday’s outdoor market – where the fun never stops, and every visit feels like a mini-trip to Mexico and Latin America rolled into one lovely afternoon.
The Bluebird Cafe – Where Songs Come to Life
I’ll never forget my first visit to this unassuming venue tucked in a Nashville strip mall – from the outside, you’d never guess it’s a sacred place where songs that topped the number one charts were born. The small, intimate space (just 10-15 people perched on pews and at the bar) puts you face-to-face with up-and-coming creators and established songwriters alike. I’ve listened here for years, always captivated by how the stories behind hits like [16th Avenue] give me chills – it’s no wonder this listening room has gained worldwide recognition despite its compact size. Come at 4pm when doors open (the line starts early, especially for Monday open mic nights) and prepare for a unique live music experience. Yes, the facilities are basic (the single bathroom for both sexes reminds me of my college days), but that’s part of the charm. While there’s a food requirement, the seasonal menu offers decent entrĂ©es and desserts – I always get the [100-layer donut] with a reasonable drink. Pro tip: Dress warm – whether it’s freezing or drizzling, you might be in the standby line awhile (I learned this after parking too far away!). But once inside that warm seat, hearing performers pour their heart into every note, you’ll understand why this beats Broadway’s bright lights any night.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nashville Restaurants With Live Music
How to see Music Row in Nashville?
The best way to check out Music Row is just by taking a walk along 16th and 17th Avenue—those are the two main streets that run through it. As you go up and down, you’ll see some of the places where music history was made, including historic recording studios, old record label offices, and publishing houses that helped launch some of the biggest names in the business.
What bar in Nashville has the best live music?
If you’re chasing that true Music City energy, The Stage on Broadway is a top pick. This lively country music bar at 412 Broadway sits right in the heart of the honky-tonk scene and is known for throwing a nonstop party. It’s always rockin’ with talented performers, making it one of the most happening live music bars in Nashville—and all of Tennessee.
What is the historical significance of the Grand Ole Opry?
First opened in the late 1800’s, this hallowed hall became home to the Grand Ole Opry – “the show that made country music famous.” Its cultural significance led to being designated both a National Historic Landmark and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the US, cementing its status as the birthplace of modern country music. Food & Culture Specialist A passionate food explorer, Priya has spent 9 years uncovering Nashville’s best-kept culinary secrets. Her anonymous reviews and deep local connections ensure every recommendation is authentic and trustworthy.
Priya Patel
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