Surviving The Strip.
Broadway is a marathon, not a sprint. To make it romantic instead of overwhelming, you need a strategy.
Wear Boots
It’s a cliché for a reason. You will be walking, dancing, and standing on sticky floors. Leave the heels at home; embrace the leather.
Go High
The street level is for tourists. The rooftops are for views. Almost every bar has a roof deck where the air is cooler and the sunset is visible.
Bring Cash
The bands play for tips. Walking up to the stage together to drop a $20 in the bucket after requesting "your song" is a power move.
Recession Special
The Legendary Meal
"Fried bologna sandwich, a bag of chips, a Moon Pie, and a PBR. It costs $6. It is greasy, salty, and exactly what you need to keep dancing until 2 AM."
Robert's Western World.
In a sea of modern, shiny bars, Robert's remains untouched by time. It smells like boots and bacon. The band plays traditional country (no pop covers here). It is the most authentic spot on the strip.
The Brazilbilly
If the house band (Brazilbilly) is playing, you stay. It’s Latin-infused classic country that makes it impossible not to grab your date and spin them around.
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge.
It is the most famous honky-tonk in the world. Willie Nelson got his first songwriting gig after singing here. It is crowded, sticky, and legendary.
The Back Door
Pro Tip: Don't wait in the line on Broadway. Go around to the back alley (near the Ryman) and enter through the back door. It feels like sneaking backstage.
Wall of Fame
"Take a minute to look at the photos lining the walls. Everyone from Kris Kristofferson to Taylor Swift has stood in this room. You are drinking inside a history book."
Acme Feed & Seed. 🚜
Located at the very end of Broadway, right on the river. It’s a massive, multi-level venue that feels less like a dive bar and more like a cultural hub.
The Rooftop
Head all the way up. The view overlooks the Cumberland River and the Titan's stadium. It’s spacious, breezy, and usually features a DJ spinning funk or soul instead of country.
Sushi & Soul
"The second floor is a dedicated sushi bar and lounge. It’s a surreal but welcome break from the fried food downstairs. Sharing a roll while watching the neon lights reflect on the water is a vibe."
Upstairs vs Downstairs
Choose Your Mood
"Downstairs is a bustling, black-and-white tiled bistro perfect for a loud, fun dinner. Upstairs is refined, quiet, and full of velvet booths. For a romantic date, book the second floor."
Merchants. 🍽️
Housed in a former hotel from 1892, this is the classy anchor of Broadway. It’s where you go when you want to feel like a Southern gentleman or belle amidst the madness outside.
The Move
Get a window table upstairs. You can look down at the bachelorette parties on party tractors while sipping a perfectly made Manhattan in pure comfort.
Assembly Food Hall.
This isn't a mall food court. It’s a culinary collection of Nashville’s best local restaurants (Prince’s Hot Chicken, Steam Boys, The Pharmacy) all in one place.
Dessert Date
It’s the perfect low-pressure dinner date. You grab tacos, they grab hot chicken, and you meet in the middle. Finish with Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream.
Skydeck
"Take your food to the Skydeck on the top level. It’s the largest rooftop in downtown, offering a direct view into the Ryman Auditorium’s stained glass windows."
The Supper Club
Dressed to Kill
"This is where you go to feel like a celebrity. Red velvet booths, dim lighting, and a live jazz band. It brings the swagger of the Sinatra era to modern Nashville."
The Twelve Thirty Club.
Backed by Justin Timberlake, this is the most polished experience on the strip. It is the perfect excuse to wear that cocktail dress or tailored suit.
The Honky Tonk Balcony
You don't have to do the full dinner. Go to the Rooftop Level for a cocktail. You can look down on the chaos of Broadway from a safe, luxurious distance.