I asked Nashville visitors where guys in their 40s should hang out when they’re not interested in the Broadway club scene. Turns out, there’s a whole other side of Nashville that older crowds enjoy way more than the chaos downtown.
Music Valley Area
Scoreboard Bar
This spot came up again and again. It’s near Opryland, offers great music with a smaller crowd, good food, and the bonus of free parking. One visitor specifically mentioned enjoying it more than Broadway at night, which gets “too wild with younger people.”
Music City Bar and Grill
Right next to Scoreboard, this place got mentioned more than almost anywhere else. Great music, good food, and a more relaxed crowd. It’s part of a cluster that includes Nashville Palace, so you’ve got options within walking distance.
Nashville Palace
Sits right next to Scoreboard and Music City Bar and Grill. The whole Music Valley area offers the Nashville experience without the Broadway madness.
Midtown Favorites
Odies
Multiple people recommended Midtown in general, but Odies got called out specifically as a go-to spot. You’ll find music and TVs for watching games — basically everything you want without the Broadway scene.
Losers
Another Midtown favorite that came up multiple times. It’s on 17th and offers a more laid-back atmosphere than downtown.
The Local
The Local near Vanderbilt got several shout-outs. There’s also a Location in Hendersonville if you’re staying outside the city.
Duck Blind
Mentioned alongside Odies as a solid Midtown option for the 40-something crowd.
Bourbon Street Blues and Bourbon Bar
This historic alley off Broadway offers a different vibe entirely. Someone called it perfect “if you want to venture away from Broadway” — you’re still downtown but not in the thick of the chaos.
Broadway Alternatives (Still Downtown)
Robert’s Western World
Even though it’s on Broadway, Robert’s got mentioned a lot for having an older, more traditional country crowd. One local noted they have a “killer band after 6 on Thursdays and Saturdays.”
AJ’s Good Time Bar
A group of mid-30s to mid-40s visitors said this is their go-to every time they visit Nashville. They explore other spots, but always come back to AJ’s.
Layla’s
Another Broadway bar that skews toward an older crowd and smaller atmosphere.
Second Fiddle
Recommended as one of the “older smaller bars” that aren’t overrun with the younger Broadway crowd.
The Gulch & Green Hills
Tennessee Brew Works
If you’re into breweries, this Gulch spot offers good beer without the Broadway scene.
Station Inn
Someone recommended this Gulch venue “if you actually like to listen to musicians” — implying you can actually hear yourself think here.
Patterson House
Got a mention specifically for cocktails. More upscale, less chaos.
East Nashville & Other Areas
Bringles Smoking Oasis
West Nashville spot that came recommended for avoiding the Broadway crowds.
Ernie’s Boondock
Out in East Nashville, this place offers live music in a more neighborhood setting.
Santa’s Pub
A favorite for people looking for something completely different from Broadway.
Dee’s Lounge
Another off-Broadway option that locals love.
Unique Spots
The Listening Room
Great for actually listening to music without fighting the Broadway crowds.
Sinatra’s
Someone raved about sitting at the bar here with great food, drinks, and a live piano player doing Sinatra tunes.
3rd and Lindsley
Got mentioned multiple times as an alternative venue with quality music.
Fleet Street Pub
One person called this their go-to “when we have to be downtown” — so it’s downtown but not Broadway chaos.
The Reality Check
One longtime Nashville visitor made an interesting point — avoiding Broadway entirely is “like going to Disney just to eat at Waffle House.” They argued the smaller Broadway bars like Robert’s, AJ’s, and Layla’s offer great music and aren’t overrun with kids, especially on Sunday afternoons.
Another local suggested just looking for bars with “$6 beer” signs — those tend to be the smaller, less touristy spots.
What To Actually Avoid
Stay away from the big star-branded venues on Broadway — that’s where all the younger crowds hang out. The older, smaller bars offer a better experience for the 40-something crowd…