The top 5 spots to visit on Broadway in Nashville, according to a local

I've lived outside Nashville for 24 years and watched the city grow and change. However, one thing that remains the same is the electricity of Broadway, a major thoroughfare that runs through the downtown area.

Nashville's Broadway is world-famous for its live music, honky-tonks, and colorful nightlife scene. However, given the area's popularity and abundance of businesses, it can be hard to decipher which places are worth your time and money.

As a local, I've developed a feel for which Nashville spots are blatant tourist traps and which deserve a visit.

Here are my favorite five spots located on Broadway.

If you're looking for a traditional honky-tonk vibe, Robert's Western World is a perfect choice.

Located just three doors down from Tootsies Orchid Lounge, perhaps Nashville's most famous Broadway bar, it's just as good and worth visiting.

The bar is bigger than Tootsies and has the same food, drinks, and live music you look for in a good honky-tonk.

According to their website, before becoming a beloved bar, Robert's Western World was Robert's Rhinestone Western Wear, a store selling cowboy boots and clothing.

It's been open for over 30 years, and Rolling Stone called it "a stubborn symbol of history and traditionalism in a city that's become defined by aggressive development."

Their menu is limited, but the prices are reasonable, with no food item exceeding $10. A $6 menu item called the "Recession Special" comes with a fried bologna sandwich, served with chips and a beer.

Fifth + Broadway opened its doors in 2021 and is a one-stop food and shopping spot on the strip.

Across from Bridgestone Arena, the multi-level complex houses over 20 retail shops and the Assembly Food Hall, a food court-style dining space with live music.

Assembly Food Hall has over 30 food and drink options with different kinds of cuisine. My favorites are Prince's Hot Chicken, home to Nashville's original hot chicken, and Thai Esane.

Speaking of the Cumberland River, Acme Feed and Seed is a cool bar on the river next door to Nashville Underground.

Acme Feed and Seed is housed in a three-story, 133-year-old former grocery store and offers tasty food and drinks as well as panoramic views of Broadway. There's even a sushi bar on the second floor, which are hard to find on Broadway.

It's also not uncommon to see a celeb or two living it up at Acme. Per their website, Tom Cruise, Drake, and Mick Jagger have all visited.

Aside from the sushi menu, Acme's food is traditional southern fare. Think shrimp and grits, fried chicken, and ribs. It is a bit pricier compared to others on this list with entrees ranging from $16 to $28.