3 Best Places Off Broadway To Listen to Country Music in Nashville

Broadway, Broadway, Broadway! Whenever anyone visits Nashville the first place they go is Broadway. Don’t be mistaken, it is a great time. Between Tootsies and Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row, if one goes to Broadway they are in for a memorable moment. No doubt about it. However, if one wants to escape the bachelorette parties and cover bands, Nashville has got you covered.

The Nations, Green Hills, and The Gulch are just a few places that come to mind when thinking of the other live music venues located in the city. Given that live music seems to be at every turn in Nashville. Here are three of the best places to go sit down and hear some live tunes.

Videos by American Songwriter

1. The Station Inn, The Gulch

If you’ve ever been to The Gulch, you know it’s a place engulfed in glass buildings and contemporary architecture. Except for one place, a place that was there before all the buildings you see now and it is a time capsule of years gone by—The Station Inn. Founded in 1974, The Station Inn has hosted some of the best talent in country music. Bill Monroe, Dolly Parton, Sturgill Simpson, and countless others have performed there and made it part of their musical foundation.

It is the epitome of a “dive bar” and plays strictly bluegrass, gospel, and original country music. An intimate setting, The Station Inn is one of the last places in Nashville where one can go and imagine what the city used to be like before its population boom. It truly is one of a kind and if you potentially want to see the next up-and-coming star, this is the place to go.

2. The Bluebird Cafe, Green Hills

Much like The Station Inn, Bluebird Cafe is a small environment hosting Nashville’s up-and-coming talent. Established in 1982, the cafe’s intention was never to become the music mecca it is now. Known for its pop-up shows, Bluebird Cafe has seen the likes of Taylor Swift, Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, and most recently, Post Malone.

Nestled in a little strip mall, getting a seat can be quite difficult. The venue’s mass capacity is 90 seats, however, those seats fill up rather fast. All in all, if you’re in Nashville looking for a tranquil setting and good vibes The Bluebird Cafe is one of the best destinations for it.

3. The Listening Room, Downtown

Just a few blocks Southeast of Broadway, The Listening Room is a perfect place for a bit of a break. Even though the venue can hold up to 650 guests, it is still considered a great intimate venue in Nashville. Opening in 2006, the venue has always stayed true to its goal of a great dinner and an even better show.

That being so, the inspiration for the venue came from singer/songwriter, Chris Blair, who “realized he couldn’t find a local venue that he felt had the sound and atmosphere that Nashville artists deserved,” per the Listening Room website. Given its mission, some of the infamous performances include Carly Pearce, Garth Brooks, and Alana Springsteen.

Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images