Robert's Western World on Broadway in Nashville is the honky-tonk in a former Sho-Bud guitar shop, with classic country bands and the Recession Special at the bar.
Tip: Recession Special is a fried bologna sandwich, chips, Moon Pie and a PBR for $6. All-ages until 18:00, then 21+ only.
Address: 416 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Legends Corner on Lower Broadway in Nashville lines its walls with country album covers and runs live honky-tonk bands from 10:00 to 03:00 every day with no cover.
Tip: Open 10:00 to 03:00 daily, all-ages until 18:00 then 21+. The corner location at 5th and Broadway puts you closest to the Ryman.
Legends Corner on Lower Broadway in Nashville lines its walls with country album covers and runs live honky-tonk bands from 10:00 to 03:00 every day with no cover.
Tip: Open 10:00 to 03:00 daily, all-ages until 18:00 then 21+. The corner location at 5th and Broadway puts you closest to the Ryman.
The Bluebird Cafe on Hillsboro Pike in Nashville is the 90-seat songwriters' listening room that has launched Garth, Taylor Swift and Kathy Mattea since 1982.
Tip: Two shows nightly, In The Round Tue to Sat, Mondays open mic, Sundays writers' nights. Reservations open one week ahead and fill fast.
Exit/In on Elliston Place in Nashville has booked the rock and Americana touring circuit since 1971, the 500-capacity floor that broke Buffett and Ronstadt.
Tip: Doors typically 19:00 and headliner around 21:00. Tickets via Ticketmaster or AXS, 18+ for most shows, the floor is general admission.
Cannery Hall on Cannery Row in Nashville reopened in the historic 1883 mill that housed Mercy Lounge, with four stages spanning 325 to 1300 capacity under one roof.
Tip: Tickets via the box office on cannerynashville.com. The Mil holds 625, Mainstage 1300, Row One 325, and Amaranth is the rooftop events floor.
Marathon Music Works on Clinton Street in Nashville is the 1,500-capacity room in Marathon Village, booking indie, rock and electronic touring acts most nights.
Tip: Box office runs Fridays 10:00 to 16:00 or buy online. Venue is cashless. Doors typically 19:00, show at 20:00, floor is general admission.
L.A. Jackson is the indoor-outdoor rooftop on the Thompson Nashville in the Gulch, a wraparound terrace voted Nashville Scene's Best Rooftop seven years running.
Tip: Walk-ins welcome, first come first served. Weekends bring resident DJs from 21:00; the south terrace is the better skyline seat.