Music Row is an iconic Nashville neighborhood known as the heart of the country music industry. Located on 16th and 17th Avenues, it’s home to legendary recording studios, publishing houses, and record labels where countless hits were born. But beyond the music history, Music Row is also a vibrant community where locals eat, drink, and relax.
This guide shares our favorite local spots on Nashville’s Music Row, from beloved dive bars with unique character to must-see artistic landmarks. We’ll show you the best places on Music Row Nashville for a full experience.
- Notable Music Studios and Record Labels
- Things to Do on Music Row (That Locals Even Love)
- Best Places to Eat on Music Row
- Local Watering Holes Near Music Row
- Best Midtown Coffee Shops
- How to Experience Music Row, the Midtown of Nashville
Experience Nashville’s Music Row History
Walking along 16th and 17th Avenues offers a glimpse into music history. You’ll pass by unassuming buildings where some of the greatest songs of all time were recorded.
- RCA Studio B: While many studios are still active businesses, RCA Studio B is a historic landmark open for public tours. It’s where Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and The Everly Brothers recorded some of their most famous tracks. Tickets can be booked here and should be reserved in advance.
- Columbia Studio A/Quonset Hut: This is where legends like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, and Patsy Cline recorded.
- Ocean Way Nashville Recording Studios: Known for recording The Spice Girls and scores for video games like Madden NFL.
Must-See Sights on Music Row (THAT LOCALS EVEN LOVE)
- Owen Bradley Park: A small, peaceful park featuring a bronze statue of Owen Bradley, who helped create the “Nashville Sound.” There’s an empty spot on his piano bench, perfect for a photo op! Admission: Free.
- Musica Sculpture: Located across from Owen Bradley Park, this stunning 38-foot bronze sculpture features nine nude figures dancing. It’s a powerful symbol of Music Row’s cultural and economic significance. Admission: Free.
- Art at Upper Room Chapel: The chapel features rare art, including a life-sized wood carving patterned after Da Vinci’s Last Supper and beautiful stained glass. Admission: $5 suggested donation.
Photo Courtesy of The Row
The Best Bars and Places to Drink on Music Row Nashville
From classic Southern comfort food to speakeasies and breweries, Music Row has a spot for every craving.
Best Places to Eat on Music Row
- THE ROW KITCHEN & PUB
- Vibe: With the motto “True Taste of Nashville”, you’ll experience both music and good Nashville eats. Live music every night at 6pm!
- Order Recommendation: Traditional southern fare; Nashville Hot Chicken, Southern Burger or Shrimp & Grits
- Price: Moderate
- HATTIE B’S HOT CHICKEN
- Vibe: A must-visit for those looking to experience this spicy, local specialty
- Order Recommendation: Fried hot chicken sandwich with pimento cheese
- Price: Reasonable
- THE PATTERSON HOUSE
- Vibe: This speakeasy-style bar is known for its craft cocktails and small plates
- Order Recommendation: Yeast Donuts or TPH Burger
- Price: Pricey
- CHAUHAN ALE & MASALA HOUSE
- Vibe: Traditional Indian flavors with Southern influences
- Order Recommendation: Hot Chicken Pakoras and Masala Fries
- Price: Moderate
Local Watering Holes & Music Row Bars near Midtown
- LOSERS
- Bar Type: Classic Dive Bar
- Serves: Classic bar eats and variety of beers on tap
- *Nashville Pedal Tavern Partner: Drink discounts with Pedal Tavern wristband
- RILEY GREEN’S DUCK BLIND
- Bar Type: Sports Bar and Full Service Restaurant
- Serves: Full service bar with specialty draft selection, signature frozen cocktails, and vodka infused juice pouches
- *Nashville Pedal Tavern Partner: Drink discounts with Pedal Tavern wristband
- TAILGATE BREWERY
- Bar Type: Brewery and Pizzeria
- Serves: Craft Beer. Craft Cider. Craft Pizza.
- Drink Types: Lager, Hazy IPA, Southeast IPA, Cider, Peanut Butter Milk Stout
- Fun Stuff: Trivia every Thursday at 7pm
- Drink Recommendation: Passionfruit Yuzu, which is a collab between TailGate Brewery and The Nashville Pedal Tavern!
- RED DOOR SALOON
- Bar Type: Dive bar with cheap drinks and low-key atmosphere
- Drink Types: Saloon shooters, railroad libations, Midtown mules and a variety of beers on tap
- Fun Stuff: Home of Red’s Irish Frozen Coffee Whacker
BEST MIDTOWN COFFEE SHOPS
- JUST LOVE
- Our Order: Coco Loco latte with the avocado toast on waffled sourdough bread
- Why We Love It: Community focused with a passion toward supporting families in the adoption process
- THE WELL COFFEEHOUSE
- Our Order: Bourbon vanilla frozen latte with Athena breakfast burrito (hellooooo, tzatziki!)
- Why We Love It: This nonprofit is committed to turning coffee into water; since 2012, they’ve completed 74 water projects in 24 countries, donated $386,000 and directly impacted over 145,000 with clean water, dignity and health.
- POINTDEXTER COFFEE
- Our Order: Matcha with a side of smashbrowns
- We We Love It: Located in the Graduate hotel, this coffee hot spot not only serves great bean juice, its decor is IG-worthy
How to Explore Music Row: Tours & Experiences
- NASHVILLE PEDAL TAVERN
- There’s no better way to see the city than sitting atop the #1 party bike in Nashville with a cold drink in hand. In addition to a route downtown on Broadway, Nashville Pedal Tavern offers a ride through Midtown to see all the best sights with stops at one or two bars (where you’ll score an exclusive drink specials!). Our drivers are locals, so they know not only the history of famed Music Row, they have the best recommendations and insight into what you should see, what you should hear and what you should eat while in Nashville.
- If you have a group of fewer than six, the public pedal tour is the tour for you. What better way to meet new people than on a bar bike in Nashville? Hop on Nashville Pedal Tavern to meet new friends, and really get a taste of Music City and the Honky Tonks.
- Got a group of more than 6 people? Make it a private party on the Nashville Pedal Tavern as you cruise down Broadway! Perfect for a Nashville bachelorette party, family get-together, birthday party or pregame activity, Nashville Pedal Tavern will make sure your night (or day) on the town will be one for the books.
- OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS NASHVILLE MIDTOWN
- The trolley runs all through Nashville with “Hop-On, Hop-Off “ticket options. Learn the history of the area and discover the heart and soul of the Music City through engaging tour drives/trolley drivers.
- NASHVILLE’S HISTORIC ELECTRIC BIKE TOUR
- Explore the neighborhood that put Nashville on the musical map while pedaling atop an electronic bike. This tour will point out recording studios, record labels and delve into the history behind some of Nashville’s best selling hits. ico
- With the recommendations and guidance above, you’ll see Nashville’s Music Row through the eyes of a local. While talented musical artists put Music Row on the map, Midtown boasts so many incredible restaurants, eclectic bars and must-see coffee shops. There is no shortage of things to do on Music Row, as this neighborhood is the perfect ballad of where history meets innovation. You’ll leave Midtown feeling inspired and rejuvenated!
With these recommendations, you’ll see Music Row through the eyes of a local. It’s a perfect blend of historic charm and modern innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Music Row the same as Broadway in Nashville?
- No. Broadway is famous for its honky-tonk bars and neon lights. Music Row (16th and 17th Avenues) is the historic heart of the music business, home to record labels and studios. They offer very different experiences, but are close to each other!
- How long does it take to walk Music Row?
- Music Row is about a mile long (roughly from Demonbreun to Grand Avenue). You can walk the main area in 30-45 minutes, but allow at least 2-3 hours if you plan to stop for tours (like RCA Studio B) or drinks at the nearby bars.
- Are there any actual bars or restaurants on Music Row (16th/17th Avenues)?
- While the historic studio buildings are on 16th and 17th, most of the best Music Row bars and restaurants are located one block over in the surrounding Midtown neighborhood (where we mention spots like Losers and Red Door Saloon).
- What is the best time of day or year to visit Music Row?
- The best time is during a weekday morning (9 AM – 12 PM) to see the studio buildings and monuments when they are active. However, if you are looking for Music Row bars or the best nightlife, Midtown comes alive in the evening.
