Nestled right by the Ryman, this iconic honky-tonk boasts three lively floors, rooftop views, and a constant buzz of live music and good times.
"Tootsies is a Nashville institution and a Broadway honky-tonk that’s been shining a light on country artists since the ‘60s. It’s about as old-school as they come, with photos on the walls of all the famous acts that have played there throughout the years. When you’re here, grab a few beers, take in the live music, and make your way to the rooftop bar when you need to get some air or just want to observe the Broadway circus below. The place is small, and it can get really packed, but that’s a fair exchange to drink at the same place where Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline used to hang out. " - Jackie Gutierrez Jones 2, Carlo Mantuano
"When people visualize Broadway, they typically picture the iconic purple building that houses Tootsies Orchid Lounge. The Nashville institution opened in 1960 and was once the go-to place for performers — it’s credited with launching the careers of Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, and Patsy Cline, so visitors flock here all day and night hoping to catch a glimpse of a certified (or soon-to-be minted) country music star. Grab a chilled shot and a cold beer at the bar and enjoy the show — or, if the line is too long, head across the street to Rippy’s, another gem under the same ownership." - Kellie Walton
"After the show, party on Broadway long past midnight. Get a dose of lavender haze at Nashville’s famed purple honky-tonk, Tootsies Orchid Lounge. For decades, this downtown icon has welcomed both budding and legendary country music stars to its stage, including Swift herself once upon a time." - Kellie Walton
"Tootsies is a Nashville institution and a Broadway honky-tonk that’s been shining a light on country artists since the ‘60s. It’s about as old-school as they come, with photos on the walls of all the famous acts that have played there throughout the years. When you’re here, grab a few beers, take in the live music, and make your way to the rooftop bar when you need to get some air or just want to observe the Broadway circus below. The place is small, and it can get really packed, but that’s a fair exchange to drink at the same place where Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline used to hang out." - Jackie Gutierrez-Jones
"The lovely Reese Witherspoon, a born and bred Nashville girl, gave us a list of some of the places she likes: At the top, the orchid-hued Tootsies, which is apparently the #1 honky-tonk bar in the world! (A fun historical fact: Artists performing at the Grand Ole Opry used to sneak to Tootsie’s through the alley connecting it to the Ryman Auditorium during the show.)"