There’s a reason why everyone wants to visit Nashville. There’s an eclectic mix of music, culture, and history that makes the city a vibrant place to visit.
When it comes to Nashville’s usual suspects like live music and honky tonks, there’s an abundance of options in this booming town. However, over the last few years the rooftop bar scene in Nashville has exploded.
If you love the idea of sitting on a deck, drinking and hanging around other people who are drinking, then it’s probably no secret that you’ll love rooftops. Nashville has more than a few of these unique bars (or patios, as some prefer) scattered throughout the city. It makes for a fun time to gather your friends and relatives for an evening of drinks, socializing and a great view.
With an abundance of options to choose from, it may be overwhelming to decide which rooftop bars you want to go to. That’s why we’ve created this list.
Luke’s 32 Bridge
The rooftop space is just one of the many draws of Luke’s 32 Bridge, a 30,000 square foot entertainment facility located in the heart of Broadway Street. The multi-level space features six levels, eight bars and three stages with the best live music.
On top of all this, it’s home to one of downtown’s largest rooftop bars. Located on the sixth floor, it has an indoor/outdoor feel with plenty of seating and a fantastic view of the city.
5 Star Review: “We went there last night for drinks and dancing and had a blast. The bartenders were polite, prompt, and made an awesome cocktail. The vibe is great with outdoor seating on the rooftop and a stage inside. We will definitely be back!!”
Tootsies Orchid Lounge
Tootsies is a bar and restaurant with an active social scene. And it’s hard to miss! It’s known for its lilac exterior, live music, and is often on the list of “must-see” places when people visit the city. The addition of a rooftop patio and bar has only helped to add to this popularity.
The rooftop is the perfect place for a cold cocktail on one of Nashville’s hot days, or a cool glass of rosé at sunset. The rooftop has all of Tootsies’ original charm while also giving you that true Nashville experience—you can see all the city’s iconic landmarks from above.
This honky-tonk has hosted some big names in music, especially in its early days, such as Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline. If you’re looking for a slice of music history on your trip to Nashville, Tootsies would be a great stop!
5 Star Review: “What a place!! My husband and I came here on a Sunday night and spent a decent amount of time on each floor experiencing all the bands and had a great time! The drinks were reasonably priced compared to some other places, the service was great and the bands were a ton of fun and super talented. The rooftop views are solid too – a great place on Broadway and so much history here too!”
Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk & Rock ‘n’ Roll Steakhouse is the perfect spot to take in the city’s vibrant culture. Featuring five floors, six bars and a rooftop with a great view, they can accommodate almost two thousand people, so bring along your entire family or all of your closest friends.
If you’re looking for a bar with a great view, an awesome atmosphere and an eclectic crowd, Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk is a must-see spot.
5 Star Review: “This is a superb bar or Honky Tonk for many reasons. The multiple levels offer something for everyone. Want different music, simply get on the elevator and go to another floor. This Honky Tonk also has the best designed stage on the main floor as well as a superior designed sound system. There is literally not a bad seat to view the stage from the first two floors. Also, I have found the nachos to be really good here and I’m rather fond of their Cowboy drink. And definitely don’t miss the rooftop for some spectacular views of the Cumberland River and Nissan Stadium as well as some amazing views of Broadway.”
Redneck Riviera
Whether you’re in the mood to sip a cold beer, play a friendly game of cornhole, or just kick back and watch friends and strangers enjoy the city views on the rooftop patio, Redneck Riviera is the place to be. Its vibrant bar and live music make it the perfect spot to have a good time.
5 Star Review: “Went here as a company for our manager meeting. Live music on the first floor but 2 other floors to visit too including the rooftop bar. The food was really good, especially the Mac and Cheese!!!! Will definitely return on my own time!”
AJ’s Good Time Bar
In the heart of Broadway, the oldest building on the strip houses one of Nashville’s most historic bars. AJ’s Good Time Bar is famous for its lively atmosphere and karaoke scene. On any given night, you may catch live music or one of the bar’s many DJs. But it’s the karaoke that keeps this place hopping.
The third floor hosts karaoke every single night of the week. Its close proximity to the rooftop and its cozy layout make it conducive for socializing and singing your heart out to your favorite jams.
5 Star Review: “This is a super fun place! Drinks are cheaper than anywhere on the strip. They have great music. Time in-between bands is very short. Small place but don’t need big and fancy to have fun. 3 stories but laid back. The rooftop offers great views of the street. Every floor is a good time getting to the roof. Clean place , friendly staff, bartenders are great and quick. Nice dance floor.I have been to Nashville twice and both times this bar has been the best, not crazy crowded like the others. I will definitely return when I’m in Nashville.”
Famous Nashville
The rooftop at Famous Nashville is unlike any other in the city. It’s a bit of a trek to the edge of Broadway, but you’ll be rewarded with amazing views of the city. Not only does it have an unobstructed view of the skyline, but you can look out over the Cumberland River and see for miles. This is the perfect spot to catch your breath before heading back into the heart of downtown for more fun.
5 Star Review: “Great staff bartender’s were above and beyond in drink’s and hospitality food very well prepared we ate on the rooftop had a great view from our table band was great. Went to 5 or 6 other places when we left and this was the best stop of the night. Go check it out sometime you will have a blast!!!!”
Nashville Underground
Nashville Underground is a great spot for anyone visiting Nashville. You can hang out in the rooftop lounge with friends, enjoy a drink and watch the sun set among a 360 view of the Nashville Skyline. You can also head downstairs for some dancing or grab something from their full bar menu, which includes items like their famous “Nashville Hot” wings.
It is the highest, largest and only double decker rooftop bar on Broadway!
5 Star Review: “One of my favorite bars on broadway. The rooftop is the tallest in Nashville and has some good remix throwback EDM songs. There’s also a mechanical Bull in the front. I’m not a big country guy so this was my spot.”
The Valentine
With its location right off Broadway, The Valentine is right in the heart of downtown Nashville. A four-story building, it’s as much of an experience as it is a place to grab a drink or eat some food—and they have plenty of both!
The rooftop bar overlooks Broadway, giving you an amazing view of the city lights, while inside you can take advantage of their huge selection of beers, cocktails, wines and spirits. With live music every night and DJs throughout the week, there’s always something going on at The Valentine.
5 Star Review: “Quite literally the BEST bar on Broadway. Their first floor windows open to Broadway so you can hear the whole band rock out from outside. Then they have 4 huge floors with different disco-cowboy decor and different music on each floor – Rock on the 1st floor, Acoustic on the 3rd floor for more of a quiet vibe, and then the rooftop has a band and a DJ! The rooftop has one of the best views of Broadway because you get to look AT everything from both sides. We honestly just felt really comfortable and had no problem spending all day there! Will be back SOON!”
In the end, there are plenty of great rooftop bars to choose from in Nashville. Besides those listed above, you can find plenty more just by walking the streets of Broadway. Whatever your likes or dislikes, you can be sure that Nashville has a rooftop bar for you. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to drink some cocktails and enjoy downtown nightlife.
