Contrary to what you might see on ABC’s Nashville, there are actual places to go in real-life Nashville where you can sling back a beer and listen to live music that aren’t the Bluebird Cafe (an awesome, legendary listening room—but not the only venue in town).
Springwater
Springwater is an actual dive bar. Deacon and Rayna wouldn’t be caught dead in this place, unless they were pulling some sort of authenticity PR stunt. Springwater claims to be the oldest bar in Tennessee—and, by the looks of things, we’re not arguing. Best known for cheap beer and loud music, Springwater is a great choice for an inexpensive, entertaining night out. Time it right and you can sample the barbecue from neighbor Hog Heaven, known for its’ kickin’ chicken smothered in white bbq sauce.
Grimey’s
Founded in 1999, Grimey’s is the little independent record shop that could. It features a constant stream of in-store performances and special events. In-store shows are free and all-ages (even Daphne and Maddie could get in here), making this the perfect place to catch a glimpse of that band whose show you couldn’t score tickets for. As for the bar, there’s not one, though Grimey’s sometimes hosts food trucks and the occasional beer thirty.
Exit/In
Exit/In is an intimate venue with a full bar and a ton of history. Everybody’s played here—from people you’ve never heard of to bona fide legends such as Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters, The Ramones and Cheech and Chong. Who knows? Maybe Riff and Luke Wheeler played here back in the day. Nah, probably not. Got a late night craving after the show? Neighboring 24-hour coffee house Cafe Coco serves up a full menu and free wifi.
The Basement and The Basement East
Locals love The Basement and The Basement East like Aunt Tandy loves hating on Deacon’s alcohol-fueled past. Both are stellar, go-to clubs for emerging local bands and national acts. They’re also family akin to Grimey’s (and Howlin’ Books for that matter) and host some of the greatest shows booked in Nashville. Head into the adjoining pub (at Basement East) for some eats or grab a drink at the full bar. New to The Pub is a weekly weekend soul brunch featuring food, booze and mood-lifting music.
The End
The End is a no frills place to see bands before they become famous (this is where The White Stripes played their first Nashville show), while guzzling cold beer and sweating your ass off. This is where up-and-coming chanteuse Layla Grant might go—if she morphed into a gritty punk singer. All shows at The End are beer only, 18+ unless otherwise noted. For post-show bites, head to nearby restaurant and bar The Gold Rush to sample the legendary bean roll, a ten-inch tortilla filled with refried beans and topped with red sauce, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, cheese and jalapeno.
The Family Wash
Celebrity chefs have started opening up shop in Nashville. And while we’re thrilled by all the attention, we’re also weary of the influx of overpriced adaptations of working-class staples. But Family Wash gets it right. (It always has.) There’s no fancy food here—just awesome live music and the best shepherd’s pie around. It comes two ways: traditional or vegetarian, topped with a garlic potato mash and tons of cheddar cheese. (This is what Juliette Barnes really craved during her pregnancy.) Stop by on a Tuesday night, and you can get a pie and a pint of delicious, local Yazoo beer for a mere $12.
The Station Inn
Tucked away in a part of town that could have been awesome but sucks royally, The Station Inn can hold its own. The place isn’t an inn at all, but rather a space to hear authentic roots and bluegrass music, worthy of Scarlett’s sultry melodies (and way more). Along with beer, Red Bull and soft drinks, The Station Inn pedals hot dogs, pizza and nachos. Occasionally, the starring act will take over the kitchen mic. We can’t forget the time Dave Rawlings cooed, “Patty, your pizza’s done. Billy, you’re up…” mid-performance.
Bobby’s Idle Hour
If you visit Bobby’s Idle Hour, you’ll also depart with a story to tell—that’s guaranteed. Bobby’s hosts a weekly comedy night, as well as several writers’ nights per week. If there isn’t a Live Band or a songwriter round, you’ll find people passing the guitar at the bar playing originals, just like Will and Avery do. Vienna sausages are sold at market price and moon pies are just a dollar. Beer and cash only.
And yeah, there’s plenty more. This isn’t a comprehensive list. But we’re not gonna tell you everything. Too many people are moving to Nashville as it is—ever since it started being dubbed an “it city” and people began making TV shows about it. Besides, if you don’t already know to go to the Ryman and the Grand Ole Opry, there’s probably not a whole lot we can do for you. You might not be interested in joints like Queen Avenue (park at the Piggly Wiggly!) or Mercy Lounge or care about all of the events that Muddy Roots puts together. Ever heard of that pale-faced dude who owns Third Man Records? Nope. We’re not giving all our tips and tricks away.
Emily Davidson Nemoy is a freelance writer based in Nashville, Tenn. When she’s not at her computer or on her yoga mat, she can be found at live music venues happily spending her excess cash on concert tickets.