At a glance
Tootsies Orchid Lounge is a bar at 422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USA. Google reviewers rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 7,269 reviews. It's open every day, 9:30 AM – 3:00 AM. To book or check ahead, see tootsies.net.
About Tootsie's Orchid Lounge
Tootsie's Orchid Lounge is the purple honky-tonk at 422 Broadway, across the alley from the Ryman Auditorium. Hattie Louise "Tootsie" Bess bought a bar called Mom's in 1960 and ran it until 1978. The orchid exterior came from a painter who got the color wrong, and she kept it.
In the Opry's Ryman years, performers slipped out between sets for a drink here, and Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Faron Young were early regulars. Tootsie was known for feeding and lending money to struggling songwriters. The walls are still covered in photos and memorabilia, known as the Wall of Fame, and a part of the Loretta Lynn film "Coal Miner's Daughter" was shot inside.
Today it's a loud, crowded, standing-room kind of place with live bands on three stages, including the rooftop patio. It's a good first stop on a Lower Broadway crawl. It's also a short walk from Robert's Western World, which is about 70 feet away. If you're planning a group night, see our Nashville bachelorette guide or the weekend plan for groups of 10.
Tips
- There are no reservations on our plan's notes, so arrive before the 9:30 PM rush to find space.
- Bring a physical government ID; our plan notes say phone photos are refused at the door.
- Plan to tip the band and your server, and carry small bills for it.
- Look for the photo-covered walls on each floor, and head up to the rooftop patio.
Good to know
- Address: 422 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203. Phone: (615) 726-0463.
- It sits about 153 feet from the Ryman Auditorium; Willie Nelson's line was "17 steps to Tootsie's and 34 steps back."
- Live music runs on three stages, including the rooftop patio.
- Tootsie's Apple Pie Shine and chili are the signature order. Check tootsies.net for current hours.
- Nearby parking includes the Gruhn Lot at 400 Broadway and the 333 Garage on 4th Ave N.
Getting there
Tootsie's is at 422 Broadway in the Historic Core of downtown, just behind the Ryman. Rideshare is easiest on busy nights. If you drive, the Gruhn Lot (400 Broadway) is about 221 feet away, and the 333 Garage on 4th Ave N is close too.
Best time to go
Go earlier in the day, before the crowds, for easier seating, then stay as the bands fill in. Evenings tend to be the busiest, so check tootsies.net for current hours. Check tootsies.net for current hours..
Plan about 1.5 hours here, and check the hours before you go.
