USA Guide
The South
Nightlife
1 
12 South Taproom 2318 12th Ave South 
615/463-7552 
www.12southtaproom.com Decent pub fare and a multitude of beers on tap, including locally brewed Yazoo in the hip 12 South Arts district.
2 Bluebird Café 4104 Hillsboro Rd 615/383-1461 www.bluebirdcafe.com Having launched the careers of superstars like Garth Brooks and Faith Hill, this intimate café, six miles west of downtown in the Green Hills district, is the place to see the latest country artists. Early evening entertainment by up-and-coming songwriters is free, but a cover of $8–15 is charged for the second show.
3 Douglas Corner Café 2106 Eighth Ave S 615/298-1688 www.douglascorner.com Live music – Americana, rock, and country – six nights a week, often with no cover, and regular open-mike songwriters' nights.
4 Ernest Tubb Record Store Midnight Jamboree Texas Troubadour Theatre, 2414 Music Valley Drive 615/885-0028 A live radio show, recorded every Sat from midnight to 1am, in a theater adjoining the Music Valley branch of the Tubb store (there's another on Broadway). Features promising newcomers as well as major Opry stars. Price: Free
5 Exit/In 2208 Elliston Place 615/321-3340 www.exitin.com Venerable venue for rock, reggae, and country, with the occasional big name – not to mention beer and pizza.
6 Nashville Palace 2611 McGavock Pike 615/889-1540 www.nashvillepalace.net Music all day every day, big name C & W stars, talent nights, and post-Opry shows.
7 Robert's Western World 416 Broadway 615/244-9552 www.robertswesternworld.com Some of the best country music on Broadway, plus rockabilly and Western swing, in a lively honky-tonk that doubles as a cowboy boots store.
8 Station Inn 402 12th Ave S 615/255-3307 www.stationinn.com Very popular bluegrass and acoustic venue near Music Row. Shows 9pm nightly. No smoking.
9 The Sutler 2608 Franklin Pike 615/292-5254 Aspiring singer-songwriters make a beeline for this bar/club, south of downtown, that's hosted everyone from Nanci Griffith and Emmylou Harris to Guy Clark.
10 Tootsie's Orchid Lounge 422 Broadway 615/726-0463 www.tootsies.net Downtown honky-tonk, with a raucous atmosphere and good, gutsy live performers.