music city series: Downtown Nashville

Welcome to the First Edition of the Music City Series! Anytime I have family or friends visit Nashville, I’m always asked the question, ”What should we do?” As Nashville continues to reopen, I want to share some of Nashville’s hottest restaurants, tourist attractions, shopping areas, etc. Be aware if you come to town soon, some of these places may not be opened yet.

Over the past few years, Downtown Nashville has boomed due to tourism and restaurant-bars owned by famous Country musicians. Throughout the year, Downtown is host to CMA Fest, CMT Music Video Awards, CMA Music Awards, Nashville Predators games, Tennessee Titans games, concerts, etc.

Below are some places I’d recommend to check out while you’re in town. I’ve even provided some food recommendations for a few places as well.

Restaurants & Bars

Acme Feed & Seed (101 Broadway)

Acme features two floors with separate menus, plus a rooftop bar. On the first floor, you will experience the classic honkytonk with southern food, while on the second floor, you’ll find a lounge with a sushi bar.

Bakersfield (201 3rd Ave S)

It’s been forever since I went to Bakersfield, but I recommend their Al Pastor or Fish Tacos. 

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row (400 Broadway)

I’ve never had the chance to full enjoy Whiskey Row, but maybe one day I’ll get to attend an event there or spend a night out on their rooftop bar.

The Diner (200 3rd Ave S)

The Diner features six unique floors. While their classic diner is cool, I enjoy the sushi bar. There is nothing better than sushi, a cocktail, and a view. 

Gino’s East- Nashville (311 3rd Ave S)

The Hampton Social (201 1st Ave S)

Where can you drink your cocktail out of a large shell or take the cutest pictures with your girlfriends against a floral wall? The Hampton Social, of course! This place is on my bucket list!

Jack’s Bar-B-Que (416 Broadway)

It’s rare that I come across a barbecue joint that I don’t like, but it’s all in the sauce. This place is the absolute best and my family would agree. They never disappoint!

Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar (307 Broadway)

Unfortunately, I haven’t enjoyed the food at Jason Aldean’s Kitchen & Rooftop Bar, but I attended the “ERNEST Saves Christmas” show there in December and it was definitely a good time.

Legendairy Milkshake Bar (171 3rd Ave N)

The name says it all!

Legends Corner (428 Broadway)

This is truly the place where legends have played. After the CMA Awards, Carl Black Chevy hosts an After Party at Legends Corner and you can always see the top country singers playing through the front window. On the side of the building, you can see a mural of the famous faces in country music.

Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint (410 4th Ave S)

Martin’s is another hot barbecue joint in Nashville.

Ole Red (300 Broadway)

Ole Red is one of my favorite spots on Broadway. The most unique parts of Ole Red are the mugshot wall and the upside down Red Tractor over the main stage.

Recommendations:

  • Appetizer: Honey-Drizzled Skillet Cornbread
  • Entree: Double-Decker Grilled Ham ’N’ Cheese
  • Side: House-Made Tator Tots
  • Cocktail: Cherry Limeade with Ole Smoky Hunch Punch Moonshine, Fresh Lime, Cherry Juice, Club Soda

The Southern Steak & Oyster (150 3rd Ave S)

The Southern is a place to dress up or dress down. The food is amazing and definitely grab a reservation before you head downtown.

The Standard (167 Rosa L Parks Blvd)

This is another bucket list place! I only learned of the Standard after seeing a TikTok about it and it’s cool history with prohibition. If your looking for high class dining, don’t look any further.

Wildhorse Saloon (120 2nd Ave N)

If you’re looking to line dance, this is the place to do it! The Wildhorse is a fun place to enjoy friends, drinks, and dancing.

Venues

Ascend Amphitheater (301 1st Ave S)

Bridgestone Arena (501 Broadway)

Nissan Stadium (1 Titans Way)

Ryman Auditorium (116 5th Ave N)

Museums & Attractions

Country Music Hall of Fame (222 5th Ave S)

The George Jones Museum (128 2nd Ave N)

Hatch Show Print (224 4th Ave S)

Johnny Cash Museum (119 3rd Ave S)

Music City Walk of Fame (121 4th Ave S)

Patsy Cline Museum (119 3rd Ave S)

Murals

Stores

Ernest Tubb Record Shop (417 Broadway)

Ernest Tubb Record Shop is my favorite record store in Nashville. Along with New Country, you can find your favorite Classic Country albums on vinyl. 

Parks

Riverfront Park (100 1st Ave N)

One thought on “music city series: Downtown Nashville

Leave a comment