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🤠 Nashville's Downtown, The Gulch, Germantown & East Nashville: Hot Chicken, Honky-Tonks & Music City Classics

30 items

Mikey Stark

My Music City game plan — honky-tonks and legendary venues on Broadway, hot chicken and biscuits, family-style Southern supper in Germantown, then tacos, records, and Motown Monday in East Nashville. These are the spots I actually send friends to on ...

Map

I start every Broadway night at this old-school honky-tonk with a fried bologna sandwich, a cold PBR, and a real country band playing for tips.

Robert's Western World

I squeeze into the purple-painted legend where Willie and Kris got their start — three floors of live music from late morning until close.

Tootsies Orchid Lounge

Mikey Stark

Ryman Auditorium

I give myself a few hours here for Elvis's gold Cadillac, the plaques in the rotunda, and the costumes that tell the whole story of country music.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

I pick up a letterpress concert poster at this shop that's been printing show bills since 1879 — the tour of the press is worth it too.

Hatch Show Print

I always tell first-timers to make time for this compact museum packed with the Man in Black's guitars, stage clothes, and handwritten lyrics.

Johnny Cash Museum

I love the interactive galleries here — you can try producing a track and singing in a gospel choir while learning how Black music shaped every genre.

National Museum of African American Music

I head up to the rooftop at the river end of Broadway for a drink with a view of the Cumberland and the stadium.

Acme Feed & Seed

I wander through this free reconstructed 1780s fort on the riverfront for a quick history fix between lunch and the honky-tonks.

Fort Nashborough

I walk across this old truss bridge around sunset for the best skyline photo in town.

John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge

I duck into this neon-lit alley off Church Street for blues bars and late-night music away from the Broadway crowds.

Printers Alley

I check what's showing in this gorgeous Art Deco former post office — the rotating exhibitions are always top tier.Mar

Frist Art Museum

I order the whole-hog pulled pork and a cold beer in the big backyard beer garden — it's counter service, so no reservations needed.

Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint

I come for brunch and stay for a round on the vintage bowling lanes — it's coffee shop, cocktail bar, and hangout all in one.

Pinewood

I order my hot chicken at ‘Hot’ (not ‘Shut the Cluck Up’) with pimento mac and cheese — the line moves faster than it looks.

Hattie B's Hot Chicken - Nashville - Midtown

I get here early for the East Nasty biscuit and a side of bonuts — the line forms fast on weekends.

Biscuit Love

I grab a seat at this no-frills listening room for world-class bluegrass — the Sunday night bluegrass jam is my favorite.

The Station Inn

I bring a big appetite to this 1905 Victorian house where you pass bowls of skillet-fried chicken and cheese grits family-style with strangers.

Monell's

I book a table here for house-made pasta and natural wine in an old brick factory building — it's my special-occasion pick in Germantown.

Rolf and Daughters

I stop in for a stiff, no-nonsense cocktail at this friendly neighborhood bar right next to Monell's — it's open until 2 a.m.

Mother's Ruin

I graze through the market house food stalls and browse the farm sheds on weekend mornings.

Nashville Farmers' Market

I walk this free state park for the giant granite map of Tennessee, the WWII memorial, and the carillon bells with the Capitol up on the hill.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

I take the free guided tour of this 1859 Greek Revival capitol and wander the grounds for the view down to the Bicentennial Mall.

Tennessee State Capitol

I come here for the hot fish sandwich and dry-rub hot chicken — it's the real-deal East Nashville heat.

Bolton's Spicy Chicken & Fish

I always order the whipped feta with fermented honey and share a bunch of Middle Eastern-inspired small plates here.

Butcher & Bee

I order the fried avocado taco and a bowl of chicken tortilla soup at this cheap, always-busy East Nashville favorite — it's closed Mondays.

Mas Tacos Por Favor

I grab a burger and a house-made soda out in the big beer garden right across from Mas Tacos.

The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden

I grab a giant New York-style slice and a local beer here after a show at The 5 Spot.

Five Points Pizza East

I come for Motown Monday, the dance party that packs this little East Nashville bar every week.

The 5 Spot

I dig through the vinyl bins at Nashville's best record store and check the calendar for in-store performances.

Grimey's New & Preloved Music