Battle of the Celebrity Bars: Ranking Nashville’s Star-Owned Honky Tonks

Overview

Broadway is lined with honky tonks carrying the names of country music royalty — and a few rock stars who’ve embraced Nashville’s party scene. While they all promise big music, big drinks, and big personality, each one delivers a different kind of experience. From rooftop views and high-energy dance floors to intimate acoustic sets and comfort food that hits like a Sunday supper, these star-backed venues aren’t just for show. We’ve rounded up 10 of the most notable celebrity-owned honky tonks in downtown Nashville, each with its own claim to fame. This isn’t a countdown, but read between the lines and you’ll see which ones consistently draw the biggest crowds — and keep them there.

What To Know

Celebrity-owned bars are more than just marketing plays. Many artists have a genuine hand in the design, menu, and music lineup, shaping each spot to reflect their personal style. That said, they’re still Broadway venues, so expect a mix of locals, tourists, and bachelorette parties in the crowd. Cover charges are rare, but drink prices can be a notch higher than the average honky tonk. The payoff: prime entertainment, polished production, and the occasional surprise appearance from the names on the sign.

The Short List

Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk & Rock ’n’ Roll Steakhouse • 221 Broadway

Kid Rock’s venue lives up to its name — massive, loud, and unapologetically over the top. Spanning multiple levels with a rooftop bar overlooking Broadway, it’s one of the biggest party hubs downtown. The main stage pumps out high-energy country, Southern rock, and covers that keep the dance floor full. The sound is big but surprisingly clean, so you can still catch every guitar lick over the crowd. The food menu leans hearty, with burgers, steaks, and fried everything, making it a solid choice if you need fuel to keep going. The décor matches Kid Rock’s brand — part honky tonk, part rock club, part unapologetic dive — and the crowd reflects that mix. Expect rowdy singalongs, big groups, and a lot of energy from open to close. For sheer size and volume of entertainment, this is one of Broadway’s heavyweight contenders.

Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar • 311 Broadway

Jason Aldean’s four-story honky tonk strikes a balance between modern polish and country grit. The rooftop is one of the best in Nashville, with skyline views that make it a prime sunset hangout. Inside, multiple stages keep music going across genres, though the country lean is strong. The “Kitchen” part of the name isn’t an afterthought — Aldean’s menu features Southern comfort staples like hot chicken, fried pickles, and mac and cheese alongside more elevated plates. The interior design nods to Aldean’s Georgia roots, blending rustic wood with sleek finishes. It’s lively without being chaotic, making it a good choice if you want the full Broadway vibe without being swallowed by the crowd. On busy nights, the rooftop transforms into a party in its own right, and weekend afternoons here have a laid-back charm.

Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink • 301 Broadway

Luke Bryan’s multi-level spot blends Southern hospitality with a beach bar spirit, reflecting his coastal Georgia upbringing. There’s a seafood-heavy section on the menu alongside Nashville staples, and the drink list includes everything from craft cocktails to tall boys. Live music is front and center, with multiple stages and a rotating lineup of high-energy acts. The rooftop — one of the largest in downtown — is a big draw, especially during warm months. Décor is bright and inviting, with just enough neon to remind you you’re still in the heart of Broadway. The crowd here tends to skew a little younger and more dance-happy, so if you’re looking to keep the party going late into the night, Luke’s delivers.

Blake Shelton’s Ole Red • 300 Broadway

Ole Red brings a touch of Oklahoma to Nashville, courtesy of Blake Shelton. The venue is built for music lovers, with a large main stage and a high-end sound system that ensures even the back tables get a great mix. The menu is approachable but thoughtful, with burgers, hot chicken, and bar snacks done well. Live performances lean toward contemporary country with the occasional pop-country crossover, and the production quality is high — it’s not unusual to catch an up-and-coming artist here on the brink of a breakout. The rooftop offers great views and a slightly calmer atmosphere than some other celebrity bars, making it a good spot to take a breather without leaving the action entirely.

Morgan Wallen’s This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen • 107 4th Ave N

One of the newer entries in the Broadway celebrity scene, Morgan Wallen’s bar already draws huge lines on weekends. The space is designed to feel both modern and rustic, with nods to Wallen’s East Tennessee roots throughout. Multiple bars, a spacious rooftop, and live music that leans heavily on modern country hits keep the energy high. The kitchen offers a mix of Southern staples and Wallen-inspired favorites, and the drink list is stacked with Tennessee whiskey options. It’s already proving to be one of the most in-demand spots downtown, so expect to wait during peak hours.

Jon Bon Jovi’s JBJ’s Nashville • 405 Broadway

JBJ’s brings a rock edge to Broadway, mixing Bon Jovi nostalgia with a clean, modern honky tonk feel. The interior is polished but welcoming, with multiple bars and a solid stage setup. While the music lineup includes country acts, there’s a noticeable classic rock presence, especially on weekends. The menu has a few Jersey nods alongside Nashville favorites, making it a little different from the standard bar fare. It’s a versatile space — good for a casual afternoon drink or a louder, more energetic night out. And yes, you’ll hear “Livin’ on a Prayer” at least once.

Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row • 400 Broadway

Whiskey Row is built for high-energy nights. The main floor packs in a stage with full lighting rigs, while the upper levels and rooftop give you room to breathe. The drink list is whiskey-heavy but balanced with approachable cocktails and beer. Live music leans modern country with rock influences, and the crowd is a mix of locals and tourists looking for a lively scene. Food is a notch above standard bar fare, with shareable plates and hearty mains. The vibe is polished without feeling exclusive — it’s a solid all-rounder that works for both day drinking and late-night dancing.

Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa • 308 Broadway

Casa Rosa stands out as the first female artist-owned bar on Broadway, and Miranda Lambert’s Tex-Mex flair is evident throughout. Pink neon, Southwestern patterns, and a rooftop cantina set the tone. The menu goes all-in on Tex-Mex classics — tacos, queso, fajitas — alongside strong margaritas and tequila flights. The live music lineup blends country with a few rock and Americana acts, and the atmosphere is vibrant without being overwhelming. It’s a particularly fun spot for groups and a nice change of pace from the standard honky tonk vibe.

Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville • 209 Broadway

Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville has quickly become one of the busiest celebrity-backed venues on Broadway, embodying the artist’s eclectic, genre-bending style. Located at 209 Broadway, this four-story, tattoo-themed bar features what’s known as the highest rooftop in Music City, offering panoramic skyline views that are as memorable as the performances. The music lineup spans country, rock, hip-hop, and everything in between — a true reflection of Jelly Roll’s own journey through musical styles. Décor leans industrial and bold, with brick walls, neon signs, and plenty of angles for photos. The menu hits all the comfort-food marks: hot chicken sliders, BBQ plates, loaded fries, and hearty Southern favorites. Drinks range from craft beers and whiskey flights to vibrant cocktails that match the high-energy environment. Popular nights here are packed, and even then, the staff keeps the vibe fun and flowing. Put simply, it’s a place where you can arrive early and stay late without wanting to leave — all without ever losing that Broadway buzz.

Hank Williams Jr.’s Boogie Bar • 419 Broadway

Hank Jr.’s spot stays true to his outlaw country roots, with a rugged interior, hearty comfort food, and a music lineup that leans traditional. It’s not the flashiest celebrity bar, but it’s authentic — a place where you can actually hear a fiddle and steel guitar on a Friday night. The crowd skews more country-purist than some of the flashier venues, making it a great choice for those who prefer substance over spectacle.

Locals Say

“Every celebrity bar has its fans, but the best ones keep the focus on great music and a good time — not just the name on the door.”