Tennessee is the Volunteer State, a land where Appalachian mountain mist meets Mississippi Delta soul. From the neon honky-tonks of Nashville and the legendary blues clubs of Beale Street to the ancient hollows of the Great Smoky Mountains and the white-water rivers of the Cherokee National Forest, Tennessee delivers an extraordinary range of experiences. Home to more live music per capita than almost any state, birthplace of country, blues, and rock-and-roll, and blessed with stunning natural landscapes, Tennessee is a destination that rewards every type of traveler.
At a glance
Bars & pubs
Where locals drink.
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
Known for: Legendary Nashville honky-tonk since 1960; famous for launching Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, and Waylon Jennings — three floors of live country music
422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
Robert's Western World
Known for: Authentic country honky-tonk selling both drinks and Western boots; legendary for traditional country acts; the $5 'recession special' burger and beer is a Broadway institution
416 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
BB King's Blues Club (Beale Street)
Known for: Premier Beale Street blues club named for the legend himself; live blues nightly; best sound system on Beale Street
143 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103
Skull's Rainbow Room
Known for: Underground Nashville jazz club in historic Printer's Alley; burlesque shows Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday; cocktail program emphasizing Tennessee whiskey
222 Printer's Alley, Nashville, TN 37201
Americana Taproom
Known for: 50+ craft beers on tap focused on Tennessee and southeastern US breweries; relaxed atmosphere; strong local community
105 W Main St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
Ole Smoky Distillery (Gatlinburg)
Known for: Tennessee's first legal moonshine distillery; live Appalachian bluegrass music nightly; free moonshine tastings in 20+ flavors including apple pie and blackberry
903 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
The Bar (Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row)
Known for: 5-story mega-bar by country star Dierks Bentley; rooftop bar with Broadway views; each floor has a different bar concept; loud and tourist-friendly
400 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203
The 5 Spot (East Nashville)
Known for: Beloved East Nashville dive bar with eclectic music programming (soul, funk, indie, country); alternative to Broadway tourist scene; neighborhood feel
1006 Forrest Ave, Nashville, TN 37206
Clubs
For dancing into the early hours.
Cain's Nashville
Cover: $15–40 USD (event-dependent)
Hours: Varies by event; check cainsnashville.com
Tin Roof Nashville
Cover: No cover before 9 PM; $5–10 USD after
Hours: Monday–Friday 4 PM–3 AM; Saturday–Sunday 11 AM–3 AM
Nightlife tips
Stay safe and have fun.
Most venues warm up after midnight — earlier arrivals get easier entry and shorter queues.
Carry ID, even if you look older — bouncers check at most venues.
Plan your ride home before you go out — last transport runs earlier than the clubs close.