From Honkey Tonks to Speakeasies
When people think of Nashville, they think Broadway. Duh.
The neon-lit stretch of Lower Broadway is iconic for a reason—guitar riffs leaking out of every open window, bachelorette parties two-stepping on pedal taverns, and local musicians playing their hearts out for the price of a beer and a dream. It’s electric, a little chaotic, and completely unforgettable.
But once you’ve clapped your hands raw at Tootsie’s or danced yourself breathless at Honky Tonk Central, you might start wondering: Where do the locals go?
That’s where things get interesting.
Just beyond the bright lights, tucked into the neighborhoods of Nashville and across the rolling hills of Williamson County, is a music and nightlife scene that’s more low-key—but just as soulful. If Broadway is the show, these hidden gems are the afterparty.
In Franklin, you’ll find cozy music lounges like Kimbro’s Pickin’ Parlor, where locals sip whiskey under string lights while listening to songwriters who could easily be the next big thing. No cover, no crowds—just the kind of place where music feels personal.
In Leiper’s Fork, a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it village just southwest of Nashville, Fox & Locke offers live performances from legends and newcomers alike. You might show up for the burgers and bourbon, but you’ll stay for the harmonies and the sense that everyone in the room is part of something special.
And then there are the speakeasies. Some require a password. Some just require curiosity. Try Red Phone Booth in downtown Nashville for an upscale, Prohibition-style experience—complete with craft cocktails, cigar lockers, and live jazz you won’t hear anywhere else.
These aren’t tourist traps—they’re community anchors. Places where the bartender might know your name, and the guy on stage might also be your neighbor (who just happens to have a Grammy).
Together, Broadway and these off-the-radar venues tell the full story of what makes this area so magnetic. It’s not just the music—it’s the access to it. The way the sound follows you, from big stages to quiet corners. From the spotlight to the front porch.
Whether you’re feeling a rowdy night out or a laid-back evening with friends, Nashville and Williamson County serve up whatever suits your mood.