When people visualize Broadway, they typically picture the iconic purple building that houses Tootsies Orchid Lounge. The Nashville institution opened in 1960 and was once the go-to place for performers — it’s credited with launching the careers of Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, and Patsy Cline, so visitors flock here all day and night hoping to catch a glimpse of a certified (or soon-to-be minted) country music star. Grab a chilled shot and a cold beer at the bar and enjoy the show — or, if the line is too long, head across the street to Rippy’s, another gem under the same ownership.

This historic building has rolled with the punches throughout the centuries, serving as everything from a Civil War-era warehouse to the home of famous guitar maker Sho-Bud Steel Guitar Company from the 1950s to the ’80s. In the ’90s, Robert Moore opened western apparel retailer Rhinestone Western Wear here, leading the business through several name changes as he added amenities like music and beer. Moore took a chance on Brazilian musician JesseLee Jones, who would form the house band Brazilbilly — still going strong today — before buying Robert’s Western World in 1999. The petite, rustic venue hosts daily live music and a concise menu of playful combos like the Recession Special: a fried bologna sandwich, Moon Pie, chips, and a PBR for just $6. If you’re looking for a local on Broadway, you’ll probably find them upstairs at Robert’s.

The Stage hangs its cowboy hat on its rowdy reputation, with boisterous action across two interior floors and a rooftop. While the venue doesn’t serve food, arrive ready to drink cold beer and dance along to country music favorites on each floor. You may have seen glimpses of the Stage on screen, as it appears in the Tim McGraw and Gwyneth Paltrow film Country Strong, Hank Williams, Jr.’s music video for “Why Don’t We All Just Get a Long Neck,” and even in an episode of the TV show What Not to Wear.

With a prime corner location on Lower Broadway, Honky Tonk Central — another landmark under the same ownership as Tootsies and Rippy’s — stands out thanks to its eye-catching orange facade and three floors of windows open wide to the street, evoking the signature balconies of Bourbon Street. Bands take the stage daily on each floor, bartenders keep the cocktails and beer flowing, and the kitchen serves shareable apps like fried pickles and mozzarella wedges and mains like burgers and baskets of fried catfish.

Nashville vies with cities like Las Vegas for the dubious title of Bachelorette Capital of the World, and three-time Grammy-winning country artist Miranda Lambert’s Casa Rosa is a sparkly pink-and-purple haven for pre-wedding festivities. The first- and second-floor cantinas offer Tex-Mex favorites like tacos, burritos, and fajitas as well as a robust assortment of tequilas and frozen margaritas, while the upper level features a large space that extends onto a rooftop patio with plenty of space for dancing along to live bands and flashy photo opportunities sprinkled throughout.

A newcomer to Broadway from Blake Shelton, the country music superstar and host of NBC’s The Voice, Ole Red places an even greater emphasis on music and food than most of its honky-tonk neighbors. As its focal point, the main level has a giant, concert-quality stage welcoming up-and-coming artists nightly, and the chic VIP rooftop patio called the Lookout hosts exclusive acoustic performances. You can sip cocktails and dine on brisket, shrimp and grits, and smoked pork chops throughout the venue. The growing chain also has a location at the Nashville International Airport (BNA).

Located just off Broadway on Second Avenue, the Wildhorse Saloon serves a mix of regional favorites, from a Nashville hot chicken sandwich to a full section of dishes — ribs, burgers, even bananas Foster — glazed with Jack Daniel’s whiskey. More importantly, this massive honky-tonk regularly hosts line dancing (including free lessons) on the city’s largest dance floor in addition to live country music performances, and the second- and third-floor balconies are prime people-watching real estate since they overlook all of the action.