The latest trend to pop up on Lower Broadway isn't just bachelorette parties riding pedal taverns. “Star Bars, x93 or the multi-million-dollar properties owned by celebrities, are opening up all over downtown Nashville, and some big names are getting in on the action. Here's a rundown of some of Nashville's recently opened or soon-to-come celebrity-owned venues.
AJ’s Good Time Bar
Alan Jackson wanted a bar that was "his kind of place," meaning a spot that's fit for locals and tourists alike. That's why he opened AJ's Good Time Bar in 2016. The 6,000-square-foot property has three levels, each with a unique look and vibe: honky tonk on the lowest level, man cave on the second floor, and a fishing theme on the third floor, complete with a replica of the Hullbilly boat from his "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere" video.
421 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203;ajsgoodtimebar.com Courtesy AJ’s Good Time Bar
Situated in a sprawling space on 3rd Avenue South, the FGL house is the brainchild of Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard, also known as Florida Georgia Line. The FGL House, a multi-floored property with music, dining, and a full bar, boasts the largest rooftop patio in Nashville with a memorable view of the downtown skyline. If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, check out the Little Red Corvette, which is the FGL House's basement lounge that features a baby grand piano and a '90s-themed cocktail menu.
Don't let the name fool you: The George Jones Museum on 2nd Avenue is far more than a museum. It features a smokehouse, music venue, and (you guessed it) a rooftop bar. After dinner and a beer, though, be sure to check out said museum, which highlights The Possum's musical legacy through his awards, glamorous suits, friendships, and much more.
128 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203; georgejones.com Courtesy Andy Schmidbauer
In 2016, musician brothers Joey and Gavin DeGraw began a $13 million renovation on the Nashville Underground property at 105 Broadway. With "the highest, largest, and only double deck rooftop" in Music City, Nashville Underground is located right at the heart of Broadway. The renovation included expanding the property from 1,600 square feet to 40,000. Like its celebrity counterparts, Nashville Underground features an expansive menu, including Nashville hot chicken and barbecue smoked in-house daily, as well as live music, a DJ booth, and a video dance floor.
Partnering with Ryman Hospitality, Blake Shelton will open Ole Red, a nod to his hit song by the same name, some time in 2018. The $20 million, multi-entertainment venue will also be located on Lower Broadway and feature a performance space, retail area, two-story bar, restaurant, and a 6,000-square-foot rooftop patio with views of downtown Nashville. The original Ole Red concept opened in September 2017 in Shelton's hometown, Tishomingo, Oklahoma.
After recently opening a location in Las Vegas, John Rich expanded his Redneck Riviera franchise to Nashville in early 2018. Rich plans on booking big-name acts for his venue, which will also feature The Heroes Bar, a separate space built for veterans and active duty military personnel. The first drink for service members is on the house.
Sitting in a prime location at 400 Broadway, this Dierks Bentley-owned property features three levels, including a rooftop bar. The first floor has a full bar, restaurant, and performance space. The second floor includes a full menu, plus a dance floor and DJ booth in the evening. The rooftop patio, open night and day, has a prime view of the Ryman and Lower Broadway. The historic building, constructed in 1878, was once the long-time home of Gruhn's Guitars.
