As a local, I generally try to avoid downtown, especially during the busy seasons, but Sunday was an exception. Since I started working downtown, my coworkers have continuously said, “Michelle, come out with us,” and I finally did it. Sunday, I got off work around 3 pm and headed to Broadway for an afternoon of food, drinks, laughter, and dancing.
The first stop of our Broadway tour was the newest Honkytonk in town, Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa Tex-Mex + Cantina. I didn’t have a chance to explore all three floors, but I did get to eat and drink. To drink, I got the Automatic ($14), which is Reposado, Grand Marnier, simple syrup, lime juice, orange slice, and a salted rim. While I got this drink in a regular margarita glass, you can go all out and get it in their globe or pitcher option. To eat, I had the Carnitas Tacos ($15). These three tacos come with braised pork shoulder, salsa verde, Spanish onion, and cilantro. When I say these tacos were delicious, I’m not lying! They did not go light on the meat and it was super juicy. Casa Rosa has country music playing, great food and drinks, and Miranda Lambert memorabilia along every wall. It is worthwhile to check out!
Our next stop was Luke’s 32 Bridge. When we first got there and went to the main floor, it was very uncomfortable. Not a single person was talking. I get there is a musician singing, but you’re also having dinner with friends/family. We then checked out the 2nd floor and rooftop. While I didn’t eat or drink here, I did sing and dance to music being performed by Kaylin Roberson, who also attended UNC High School Music Camp. Though I didn’t get to say, “Hello,” it was nice to see her performing in Nashville. On the rooftop, the two guys performing were a joy to watch. They sang everything from “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi and Daddy Yankee, “All Star” by Smash Mouth, and “One Headlight” by The Wallflowers. It was not my favorite bar of the day, but the music was good!
After leaving Luke’s, we headed to Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar. In case you didn’t know, these two are connected on the rooftop; unfortunately, they are currently not letting people access either one that way. At Aldean’s, we headed straight for the rooftop and it was packed. Two guys were playing some great covers of Jason Aldean, Morgan Wallen, etc. Aldean’s is where I got another drink – Casamigos and Pineapple Juice ($13)! My coworkers and I hung out here for quite a while and tried to see if we could catch a glimpse of Miranda Lambert going into her bar across the street. We also met some new friends, who are also locals, on the dance floor. The vibes were great and we had a great time there!
The last stop on our Broadway tour was Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row. We lost some people along the way, so at this point, it was four of us from the original seven. I believe Whiskey Row has the highest rooftop of the honkytonks on Broadway, so the stairs are not for the faint of heart. While I was here, I got another Casamigos and Pineapple Juice ($10). The rooftop DJ played mostly Rap, Hip-Hop, and Pop music. Like most people, we were enjoying dancing and people watching. You’ll find something to laugh at while at this bar. It was a 10 out of 10.
Overall, I enjoyed my Sunday afternoon. Out of all the Honkytonks we went to, Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row was my favorite. It had the cheapest drinks, a change of music, and it’s where I had the most fun. Including my time at work in the morning, I walked 8.3 miles and climbed 17 flights of stairs on Sunday. The one thing I learned is that next time I should not wear jeans.
Below is a Honkyonk playlist I created for you!
All of the Honkytonks, Restaurants, and Bars currently owned by artists are:
- AJ’s Good Time Bar
- Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row
- FGL House
- Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar
- Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse
- Luke’s 32 Bridge
- Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa Tex-Mex + Cantina
- Ole Red
- Redneck Riviera
music city girl 