Daytime crowd enjoying drinks on Broadway

Best Broadway Bars for Day Drinking

Overview

Nashville may be famous for its late nights, but Broadway is a different kind of magic when the sun’s still up. The energy is looser, the lines are shorter, and the bands are still sharp—often playing to a smaller, more attentive crowd. Day drinking here isn’t just about getting an early start. It’s about soaking up the vibe when the strip isn’t packed shoulder-to-shoulder, finding rooftop views in full daylight, and getting those perfect mid-afternoon pours while live music keeps rolling.

What To Know

Day drinking on Broadway comes with its perks: cheaper specials, easier bar access, and a different kind of crowd. You’re more likely to meet locals, fellow travelers, and even the musicians themselves when they’re off-shift. The sun changes the pace—you can grab a table without a wait, hold a conversation without yelling, and enjoy the rare luxury of not having to elbow your way to the bar. For photographers, the light is unbeatable; for casual drinkers, it’s the most comfortable way to do Broadway.

Map It Out

Some bars don’t even hit their stride until evening, so this list focuses on places that lean into the daytime energy. Think open rooftops, big windows, and a steady rotation of music starting before lunch. If you want to make a full afternoon of it, start at one end of Broadway and work your way down—no ride share required.

Pro Tips

The Short List

Acme Feed & Seed • 101 Broadway

With its wide river views and early live music schedule, Acme is practically built for day drinking. The first-floor stage is active by lunchtime, and the rooftop offers some of the best mid-afternoon vantage points in the city. The beer list is deep, the cocktails are fresh, and the energy feels like a local hang rather than a tourist mob—at least until the dinner rush.

Luke’s 32 Bridge • 301 Broadway

Luke Bryan’s multi-floor palace opens early and keeps the music rolling across multiple stages. The rooftop is a prime day spot, especially on sunny afternoons when you want a breeze with your drink. Service is quick during daylight hours, and you can wander between levels without the nighttime bottlenecks.

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

This is one of the few big Broadway bars that’s just as lively at 2 pm as it is at 10 pm. Multiple floors, massive bars, and all-day music mean you can settle in without worrying about losing your spot. It’s a great place to catch high-energy bands while still pacing yourself for whatever the evening brings.

AJ’s Good Time Bar • 421 Broadway

AJ’s has a more classic country vibe, with earlier sets that lean into honky-tonk tradition. The smaller size keeps the feel intimate, and the bartenders don’t rush you. Perfect for a relaxed first stop or a midday reset before jumping back into the bigger venues.

Ole Red • 300 Broadway

Blake Shelton’s Broadway outpost makes a strong case for daytime hangs, with its open floor plan and full lunch menu. The main stage is active well before dinner, and the mezzanine gives you a comfortable vantage point without losing the live music connection. The daylight streaming through those big windows sets the mood.

Frequently Asked

Do all bars open early?

Most on Broadway open by 11 am, but music schedules vary. Check before you go if you’re aiming for a specific band.

What’s the crowd like during the day?

More mixed—locals, tourists taking a break from sightseeing, and night-shift workers grabbing their “after hours” early.

Is it cheaper than drinking at night?

Often, yes. Many spots run drink specials before 6 pm, and there’s less pressure to tip just to get noticed at the bar.

Locals Say

“Broadway’s a whole different animal in daylight—you see the street, the skyline, and the people without the chaos.”