Tootsie's Orchid Lounge

How can you not stop by this historic spot while visiting Nashville? We did have to stand in line, but it wasn’t for too terribly long and it was definitely worth it. Personally my favorite part was looking around and seeing all the legends on their walls and knowing I was walking where they walked. All that aside, still great entertainment, drinks, and atmosphere!

If you go to one honky tonk on Broadway, make it Tootsie's, simply because it's so historic--many stars came over here from the Ryman after their shows. There are 3 levels, each with a different live band. Someone on the 1st floor explained this to us, encouraged us to explore all 3 levels (and bands), gave us menus, and advised us to order at a bar. The tables are mostly large--you'll be sharing with someone else. Food and service were fine, though our food was slow to arrive and was nothing special. We were surprised that the band on our level really wasn't that good. We keep hearing about how hard it is to make it in Nashville, and we couldn't figure out how this band got a spot at Tootsie's. But still a really fun experience overall.

I had a great time and the food was really good. The chicken quesadillas were delicious as were the Boom Boom shrimp, which had just the right kick. I don't like spicy food, but I handled these easily, and they were reasonably priced at $14 each with generous helpings. Delish. The bartenders were surprisingly friendly and attentive considering how busy the place gets. I've been to other places where sometimes the female bartenders aren't generally as friendly to women, but the two girls working the second floor bar on Fri were super. The band was awesome and engaging, and the patrons were friendly.

Tootsies is one of the most historic bars you can go to in all of Nashville. If you are going to Broadway, you must come here. The iconic purple building sticks out (in a good way) when you are walking up to it. Of course, it is nice to go to some of the newer bars, but Tootsies just has a classic feel that can’t be bought. You feel like you are right on top of the music whatever level you are on. It is a great feeling. I will definitely come back soon so I can experience it again. It is a lot of fun!

The original World Famous Tootsies. The purple palace. Opened in 1960 and still lives today! The anchor of Broadway. Come during the day. See the history on the walls. Stay till the night. Hear great music all day long. 10am till 2:30am. Eat the Phillly cheese steak or the nachos loaded. Full of energy and hospitality. Come in the historic back door from the alley the way all the old country music stars came in. There’s a neon sign over the back door and usually no waiting. Come in the front door and walk all 3 floors to see the original front and back room where Tootsie Bess served the likes of Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and many more. Take in the historic building. Leave a piece of yourself here. Sign our walls. There’s also a huge 3rd floor “rooftop” with an open air patio. When the weather is great the view is too.