15 Under-the-Radar Nashville Music Venues

Nashville is Music City, home to the historic Ryman Auditorium and Bridgestone Arena, but what about the venues you missed, tucked away in places you've never visited? Live like a local the next time you’re in town and check out these underground venues.

For a schedule of shows and events, see the Nashville Scene.

Note: Before you visit any of these venues, confirm opening days and hours, in case there are closings or restrictions due to COVID-19.

You'll find The End on "Rock Block" in Nashville's Elliston Place neighborhood. This dive bar with just 200 seats is great for a small club experience, but it hosts some really raucous bands, too, so it's not always quiet. Its live music lineup is diverse, and you might hear hardcore punk one night and an acoustic singer-songwriter the next.

This cozy, West Nashville dive bar has been around since the '40s. Rack up a game of pool, order some wings, cold beer and burgers, and settle in to listen to the jukebox or live music. Take your smokes to the outdoor patio and bring cash, because that's all Betty's takes. See more details on their Facebook page.

Shown here: The Rangos onstage.

DrkMttr says their venue is "all-ages, all the time," although they offer a small selection of domestic beers as well as non-alcoholic drinks. Shows are general admission and standing room only, so if you want to grab one of the few bar stools, get there when the doors open — or earlier, since there may be a line. Drkmttr is a volunteer-based collective that aims to build an inclusive community in the underground music/arts scene. Their sound is indie, punk and hardcore.