Jenny's Top Picks

Here in Nashville, sure we have gourmet restaurants and fine dining, but you can get that any day in any city. Since you're in Music City, my advice is don't worry about the food. Make music your top priority!

Here are my favorite places where I actually go. Hey, I might see you there!

ROBERT'S WESTERN WORLD

Most authentic honky tonk, classic country, cheap beer, recession special, they even sell drip coffee, moon pies, and cigarettes :) BEST band on Broadway is Kelley's Heroes playing at Robert's from Wednesday to Saturday nights from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM.

RUDY'S JAZZ ROOM

My favorite is Thursday Hot Club Gypsy Jazz night, or any show with a Wooten Brother in it. Cozy venue with different seating options. Full bar, small menu with Cajun and Creole food. I like to sit up front and watch the musicians play up close. They're always crazy good!

THE STATION INN

Traditional Bluegrass and Americana, vintage 1970's venue and hasn't changed (in a good way). Snack like pizza and popcorn, sodas and beer (by the bottle or by the pitcher lol) no wine or liquor. Set up beer garden style, old tour bus seat in the back are the VIP spots. :)

BOURBON STREET BLUES & BOOGIE BAR

Stacey Mitchhart Band is crazy good, Corey Mac show open jam is unusual and fun. Full bar and Cajun style food like popcorn shrimp and Po Boys.

3RD AND LINDSLEY

My favorite shows are Time Jumpers on Monday nights (live Western Swing, think Bob Wills / Okie Jazz style) and Backstage Nashville Hit Songwriter Show on Saturdays at lunchtime. Full bar and simple menu with salads, burgers, a few entrees like prime rib.

BOBBY'S IDLE HOUR

Classic beer joint in Music Row. Mostly informal songwriting shows at night, young and old talent. No cover. Beer and sodas, no wine or liquor. Snacks only.

ACME FEED & SEED

Best food on Lower Broadway, live shows scheduling a variety of genres. see the calendar. Full bar and great menu. Same family that owns Loveless Cafe.

THE BLUE ROOM (at Jack White's Third Man Records)

Live shows with indie artists, some shows are recorded and released as records. Full bar, no food.

THE BASEMENT EAST

Live shows, all genres, some new and some iconic artists, standing room only. Full bar, no food.

EXIT/IN

Historic 1970's venue, hosted everyone from REM to Allman Brothers to The Police

Check the calendar for shows during the week. Full bar, no food.

WHISKEY JAM

Monday and Thursday nights at Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row, second floor. Like the Grand Ole Opry, but free and all up-and-comers. Three songs each, can only perform what they wrote or recorded, no cover songs. Can use a full band, unlike singer/songwriter. Full bar, no food.

THE LOCAL

Small restaurant/bar, no cover, talented writers and artists doing originals. Full bar, basic bar menu.

THE COMMODORE GRILL

Nightly songwriter rounds for decades at this Holiday Inn lounge. Three to four writers per round changing every 30 minutes to 1 hour. Huge variety of local up-and-coming and some pro songwriters. No reservations needed, no cover. Full bar, basic full menu.

NASHVILLE PALACE

Alright, so it's not live music but come for the LINE DANCING! Go to the far back room, not the front. You'll feel like you're visiting the set of Urban Cowboy. Full bar, basic food like burgers, ribs, chicken strips.

Okay, so now if you want fine dining but STILL wanna see live music, here you go...

GANNON'S

Beautiful atmosphere, great menu, awesome live jazz combo

SKULL'S RAINBOW ROOM

Speakeasy, fine dining, live jazz standards with vocals

SINATRA'S

Restored saloon, fine dining, Rat Pack music

TWELVE-THIRTY SUPPER CLUB

Fine dining, live bands playing covers across genres

CITY WINERY

Main Stage or The Lounge, everything from Americana to Alternative, Comedy to Singer-Songwriter, full bar, nice menu, table service