I first visited Bobby's back in the 90s, in its original location. It moved from there down the street and then again around the corner, where it now sits. It is a true dive bar, although, unlike some in the city, it now accepts cards and cash. To be honest, I miss the way it used to be in the original location. The bartenders name slips my mind, but I remember her serving at the second location, so she is a long time fixture. I am fairly certain the three older musicians playing that day are fixtures too, although I have never seen them before. As you enter, you will find the walls covered by ones that locals and tourists sign and affix there. Menu is limited and the drinks are much cheaper than Lower Broad, although more expensive than some of the other dive bars around the city (Santa's comes to mind). If you are around Music Row and searching out a dive bar, this is definitely your place. read more

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Loved the divey atmosphere and great location on Music row. We came early in the evening and no one in bar. We were 5- well dressed couples and the bartender begrudgingly served us from his stool where he was just on his phone. Then they only serve beer and wine. Prices were decent but a very inconvenienced bartender ruined the experience. Will try again next time in Nashville, as a single experience may not be the real experience. read more

True Score: 3.5 Stars Quintessential Nashville We spent a week in Nashville and went to this place on our first and last night. We stayed not too far away (17th Ave) and the owner of our place recommended it when we first arrived. After a big day of driving, we wanted somewhere within walking distance so we could have a few drinks. They only sell beer. Bar staff were so friendly. Great live music and the place has so much character. We loved it so much we went back on our last night. If I ever ge back to Nashville (and I sure hope I do), I would go back. Thanks read more

Fun small bar with real original country music, not like the huge crowded places downtown playing rock covers. THIS is Nashville. And beers don't cost $11 read more

Elite! This is the perfect local dive bar. The staff rocks, the music rocks, and the prices rock! We will come back again and again! read more

Bobby's Idle Hour Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

A nice reminder of why we move to Nashville. Came in on a Wednesday afternoon and got to listen to songwriters playing their beautiful new material and got beer cheap. Bartender was nice and on top of things. Amidst all the mid cover bands and crowded venues, this is a great spot that makes you love Nashville read more

Bobby's Idle Hour Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Only real bar left in Nashville. Last neon lights on music rowe, filled with the nicest and most talented in the city

LOVED this place. Found this joint on yelp and decided to go here for a couple drinks before heading out elsewhere. It's rough looking from the outside and is a legit dive bar inside. We ended up sitting next to a local on one side, and a music promoter on the other. Both were hell of a good time to drink with. At one point the bartender started playing music for the folks sitting at the bar before the live music started . The live music was great and service excellent. Beers were only 5 bucks which I didn't think was possible in Nashville. Will def be back. read more

Bobby's Idle Hour Tavern - Stage with the All Nighters Playing - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Great little dive bar. No TV's anywhere in site which added to the dive experience in my opinion. The bartender was fun and added to the experience. Would definitely go back! read more

In Nashville and wanted to search out the local joints. Went to Yelp to look and came across this place. What a disappointment. We ventured out to Bobby's and when we arrived at 8:30 on a Saturday night, it was dead! Make sure you double check the year of reviews and do not just look at the star rating! read more

Bobby's Idle Hour Tavern - the outside of the restaurant - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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True Nashville dive bar. Pictures on the wall from those who have visited along the way. A few tables and seats at the bar. Cash only unless you spend $10 to run a card. No frills, just a hole in the wall place for a can or bottle beer. They have 2 or 3 food items if you're in the mood. read more

Bobby's Idle Hour Tavern - Menu - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Excellent Off The beaten path bar. The owner is great to talk to about the history and how they moved the bar.

Great dive bar in Nashville. Very chill and laid back which is nice in a very busy city. Beer is cheap and cold, what could be better?

Great live music in a classic small bar setting. Cheap beer. Friendly servers. Awesome music. Definitely worth a visit.

If there's any truth to the rumors --- an iconic live music is on the verge of shutdown by corporate monsters. If so, I am glad I had the chance to experience Bobby's! Live music, beers, friendly regulars, and best yet, no problem finding free parking ! A must see for Nashville visitors and residents alike ! read more

My girlfriend (22) showed up with her very much real ID (a drivers license received prior to the onset of compliant id's) and was told it was fake. The bartender proceeded to talk down to her, be rude to her, condescend, and eventually forced her to leave. This was after he tried to say "real id's have stars". Right. Okay. She went, got her passport which confirmed her, once again, as 22 years old, and the bartender proceed to be even ruder to her, refuse to even acknowledge the passport, and force her to leave despite her causing little to no disturbance in spite of being wrongfully denied. Both classic and classy. Keep it up "guy who was bartending on 8/27". You're doing the Lord's work. If it weren't for you we would have 22 year olds buying alcohol from your bar and making it money! read more

We visited in the afternoon and listened to live music and enjoyed reasonably priced beers. Great atmosphere with a glimpse of what it used to be like in Nasville years ago. Entertainment and service was very good in a very intimate and friendly setting. read more

Quirky little corner bar in the heart of Music Row. New, up-and-coming musicians play their hearts out for the audience. Buy a beer or soda, bring friends and experience the other, non-flashy side of Nashville sound. read more

Our kind of place! A hole in the wall joint with friendly locals, a nice bartender and local singer/song writers. Off the beaten path (not walkable), in a neighborhood, but well worth the Uber ride. read more

Bobby's Idle Hour Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

My review of this bar from last night was suspiciously removed. I am not sure why I spent the earnest time writing the review if the business can just request to have it removed, no matter how legit my review is. This is NOT a fake review. I feel inclined to repost a similar review because I feel it was a legitimate serious customer service issue. I asked for a white wine last night around 9pm (not even late) and the "proclaimed owner" (not sure if this was fact or fiction) literally threw a menu at me and said "we only serve what's on the menu." I don't think a white wine is a fancy, complicated or extreme request, but to be admonished so badly when I had just ordered a common drink (for someone who doesn't do gluten & so can't drink beer), I was shocked. I went back to my outside table feeling scolded like a child. My niece said she received a very similar response from this same bartender when she asked earlier in the night for a Moscow mule (granted this could be a little more of a complex request). When I revisited the issue with this bartender (& he told me he was the manager and the owner) I was told I could "leave if I don't like it". Which we did. We are here on vacation from up north and this individual isn't doing any favors to the "southern charm moniker". I will leave out the treatment my husband received as I believe that's maybe possibly why my review of this bar from last night was removed.... read more

This is a real country bar nestled right in between the music studios. Very cold beer, nice people locals not the bachelorette parties lol. I wouldn't call this a dive it's pure country more like "authentic". read more

Owner is great & the live music is top notch! If you're looking for a friendly beer joint with local artists playing classic country music- this is the place to be! read more

If you are looking for the quintessential dive bar with a history to boot, then this is the place.

With mixed emotions, we have to give this place five stars, and would have given six if that was an option. Our dilemma is that we really do not want everyone else to know about this place. We selfishly want to keep it to ourselves. You see, what makes this place so perfect is that it already has the best clientele, best staff, and best vibe. If you are looking for a touristy "honky-tonk" experience, there are plenty of downtown options for you. If your idea of bar food includes things like a $25 bowl of squid ink infused gluten free ramen, there are plenty of options for you in the Gulch. If you want to swill $6 drafts while your senses are assaulted by a shockingly loud and untalented house band, Soulshine Pizza is just the spot for you. All kidding aside (mostly),if you want to grab a few beers in a low-key, safe, friendly little bar where a guitar is routinely passed around so that the patrons can sing a tune, this is your spot. The crowd here is eclectic and warm. Just don't tell anyone else, OK? read more

Showed up mid week at 2pm. If you look up "dive bar" in Websters, there might be a picture of this place. Cold beer, smart ass bartender. Perfect. Music was great. All writers on stage when we were there. Playing their own stuff. If you love music, you gotta go here. read more

Bobby's is a local bar that reminds me of that show "Cheers" by the time you leave, everybody knows your name. It's the only bar I have ever felt comfortable going into, sitting at the bar and drinking a Beer by myself. The locals that hang out there are super friendly and make you feel right at home. It's mostly a older group during the day and during the evening, but the weekends when they have open mic,live bands etc etc it's a totally mixed group. If your just a down to esrth, nothing fancy kind of person..you will love Bobbys. Don't forget to bring your guitar, you will always be welcome to play, sing, dance....whatever is entertaining, is welcome at Bobbys! Rebecca Marks from Cali.... read more

Bobby's Idle Hour Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

Authenticity; cold beer, good tunes, better company. This joint has cheap, cold beer. Late night live music from patrons is not uncommon. Often there is live music from local musicians. read more

If you like dive bars and quality live music then Bobby's is the place. Day drinking can't be beaten, and if you do it at Bobby's on a Wednesday then you'll get to experience Sam's Jams....... and afternoon of all original music. A side note, if you're in town doing the "Vacation Thing" Bobby's is the only bar on Music Row...... so get off the tour bus and have a drink. read more

Bobby's Idle Hour Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

So great!!! Original, live, intimate music, not too loud. Great prices. Everyone was so friendly. Perfect night in Nashville.

I have never had someone be so rude to me. I went in and ordered a beer and showed my ID and the bartender barely looked before he said it was fake and kicked me out. I showed him my passport and he still refused. I understand I can look young, but there was no need for him to be so damn mean. I live down the street and was excited to have a place right around the corner to frequent. Guess not....I would give 0 stars if i could read more

The Good: 1) Great Dive bar for music. The Bad 1) A/C I found inadequate when I visited. 2l There is only beer available nothing else, no wine no liquor. I would go for the music, otherwise I would head elsewhere. read more

This place was the best dive bar- met so many people from all over the world. Music was great classic Nashville-- what Broadway is missing and strayed away from. Beers were most $5 and they had a few local selections. I enjoyed myself and posted a commemorative $1 bill to the wall- def check this place out if you want to "old" Nashville true country live music. read more

Bobby's Idle Hour Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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There isn't really a whole lot to say about this little spot, but you can expect some serious Nashville charm, live music and a cold beer. You get to make your mark by placing your "stamp" on a dollar bill and adding it to their collection. Thirsty? Like beer? Stop on by! read more

Bobby's Idle Hour Tavern - Dive Bars Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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A great Nashville "institution", Bobby's is a dive bar by all standards. Go there for a beer after work, and expect to sit around in a dense fog of smoke and hear great stories from the locals that inhabit the place. Hear some of the best unknown songwriters in Nashville perform there as well. The clientele is grubby but some of the coolest people you'll ever meet, and there are no judgments of any kind at Bobby's. The new location is a shadow of what the original was, but they still serve up cold beer, great music, and good times. Bring your cash though--no credit cards accepted here! Look for the giant statue of the boy holding a guitar, and you know you're there. read more

Best pizza rolls in town baby! I cannot stress this any further, it's the best pizza rolls ever..... seriously. Godly.

Love Bobbys. It's a great dive bar off the beaten path. I love how they have song writers night and also have other nightly activities (comedian night etc) Highly recommend for a good local time!! read more

Certainly in my top 3 bars of all time. Great live music. Fun/authentic/local feel. Dirt cheap beer with dollar bills on the wall and a friendly bartender who is cracking me up. So glad I happened on this place! read more

There is perhaps no other bar in Nashville where you can walk in, order a beer, and next thing you know someone's passing you a guitar and nudging you to play something you've written. This has happened to me at the Idle Hour on a number of occasions. They keep an old Washburn guitar behind the bar for such a thing. This is why I love the place. Bobby's is also the only bar on Music Row. Sure, there are several places to get a drink on Demonbreun or along Division, but Bobby's is right on 16th Avenue. It's the type of tavern I imagine Kris Kristofferson singing about in "To Beat The Devil." For sure, several patrons have arrived with "a stomach full of empty and a pocket full of dreams." Nashvillians who remember the old Idle Hour down the street from the present location remember it fondly. In 2004 it was bulldozed to make way for condos. But even in its relatively new digs, the Idle Hour remains a Nashville institution. Like I said, where else do they pass you a guitar when you order a beer? Some items off the bar menu: Regular Beer $2.50 Wine Coolers $3.00 Vienna Sausage $1.25 Rolaids $1.25 Pizza $8 Pot pie $3.50 Slim Jim .50 Cash only read more

Nice place to catch a live performance from some local and not-so-local singer/songwriters. If you can't get to The Bluebird or The Listening Room, go to Bobby's. read more

Prior to my first trip to Nashville I, of course, checked here for the best off-the-beaten-path dive bars that the city had to offer. I found Bobby's and was not disappointed. The four or five guys there, bartender Jonathan included, spent the night passing the acoustic guitar back and forth, crooning out their original (no covers allowed!) lyrics and sharing life stories amid the tunes. If ever you find yourself in Nashville, and non-touristy watering holes are your idea of fun; if you love impromptu music and rolicking sing-a-longs, then do NOT skip over Bobby's! If you happen to make it on a night that John (tall, silvery haired guy with a loud laugh and an amazing skill for songwriting) is there, ask him to sing "The Mule Song" and tell him Jenna from Boston recommended it. read more