The Best Places for Live Music in Nashville (That Aren’t on Broadway)

If you think Broadway when you think of live music in Nashville, you’re missing out on some of the city’s best shows! From cozy listening rooms to lively dive bars and neighborhood venues, there’s no shortage of incredible places to hear live music in Nashville without the downtown crowds. Whether you’re a local looking for a new favorite spot or a visitor wanting a more authentic Music City experience, these are the best places for live music in Nashville (that aren’t on Broadway) – and far from the bachelorette chaos!

The Best Places for Live Music in Nashville (That Aren’t on Broadway)

The 5 Spot – A beloved East Nashville dive, The 5 Spot is known for indie rock, Americana, and its famous Motown Mondays dance party. It’s tucked into the Five Points neighborhood (blink and you miss it!) and draws local and touring acts.

The Bluebird – Nestled in a Green Hills strip mall, The Bluebird Café is legendary for intimate songwriter rounds, often featuring country and Americana artists. It’s where both rising songwriters and Nashville greats share their stories behind the music. Plan ahead for this one, as tickets can be tricky to come by – you’ll want to reserve yours as soon as they become available.

Bobby’s Idle Hour – This cozy dive on Music Row is a songwriter haven, offering mostly country, Americana, and folk sets. It’s one of the few remaining old-school bars in the area, keeping the spirit of Nashville’s creative core alive.

The Bowery Vault – An intimate East Nashville venue, Bowery Vault is known for its cozy stage and eclectic mix of country, blues, and Americana. The laid-back atmosphere makes it a great spot to catch both up-and-coming and seasoned local talent.

The Cobra – An East Nashville dive with a rock-and-roll edge, The Cobra hosts punk, metal, garage rock, and the occasional DJ night (I’ve even heard bluegrass there!). With cheap drinks, a late-night crowd, and an anything-goes vibe, it’s a favorite for Nashville’s underground music scene. There is a cover, but you can pay with a card.

Dee’s – Located in Madison, Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge has a retro honky-tonk vibe with live country, Western swing, and roots music almost every night. It feels like a time capsule of classic Nashville nightlife – complete with a pool table, like any self-respecting honky tonk.

Exit/In – A legendary Elliston Place rock club since 1971, Exit/In has hosted icons from Johnny Cash to The Ramones. Today it remains a cornerstone for rock, indie, and alternative acts, carrying its reputation as one of Nashville’s most storied stages.

Honky Tonk Creamery – Come for the daily live music (curated by the owner, who managed Broadway bars for years), stay for the $4 (!!) happy hour, delicious ice cream, free line dancing lessons, and so much more. Located in Mt. Juliet with easy parking!

The Listening Room – Downtown near SoBro, The Listening Room is one of the premier songwriter venues showcasing country, pop, and Americana rounds. You never know who might stop by, but you’re guaranteed to hear sons you recognize, as the Listening Room features some of the city’s most prolific songwriters.

The Local – Sitting near Vanderbilt, The Local hosts a mix of country, indie, and songwriter showcases. It’s a low-key hangout that supports both rising artists and seasoned Nashville players, and is appropriately named – truly a spot for locals.

Music City Bar & Grill – Right by Opryland, Music City Bar & Grill leans into traditional country, honky-tonk, and bluegrass. It’s a go-to for fans of classic Nashville sounds. And there is a massive parking lot.

The Nashville Palace – Also across from the Opry, The Nashville Palace is famous for its honky-tonk, classic country, and line dancing. Legends like Randy Travis got their start here, and it still feels like a country music time capsule.

Post 82 – The American Legion Post 82 in East Nashville has nightly music events, but the best day to go is definitely Tuesday, when you can join free line dancing lessons and then two step the night away to traditional country, Western swing, and dance-friendly tunes. It’s a favorite gathering spot for locals who love authentic country music – and the drinks are CHEAP!

Rudy’s Jazz Room – In the Gulch, Rudy’s is Nashville’s true jazz club, offering everything from traditional to modern jazz with a New Orleans flair. The intimate space and craft cocktails make it a sophisticated night out.

Scoreboard – Located near Opryland, Scoreboard Bar & Grill mixes live country and Southern rock with a lively sports bar atmosphere. It’s especially known for its hot chicken and often features fun decades tribute shows like the Spazmatics, Nashville Yacht Club Band, and Rubiks Groove.

Skinny Dennis – Don’t let the fact that this honky-tonk bar originated in Brooklyn deter you; the Nashville location definitely maintains that classic honky tonk spirit and dive-bar charm. Expect traditional country and Americana in a laid-back setting.

Skull’s Rainbow Room – A historic Printers Alley lounge, Skull’s blends live jazz, blues, and burlesque shows. It’s one of downtown’s most iconic venues for late-night music and cocktails. And it’s rumored to be haunted!

Station Inn – One of the few truly local spots in the Gulch, Station Inn is world-famous for bluegrass, roots, and Americana, with legends and newcomers sharing the same stage. Its no-frills vibe and incredible acoustics make it a must for music lovers.

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While even the most hardened local will have a soft spot for Broadway in the right conditions, it’s nice to have so many options to just sit, relax, and enjoy the immense talent in this city. Where is your favorite live music spot?

XO,
SB

P.S. If you’d like parking information for some of these places, as well as over 240 of Nashville’s best bars, restaurants, music venues, things to do, and more, check out my Nashville Google Map, sortable by type, zoomable by neighborhood, and the perfect way to explore the city for both locals and guests!