Nashville Spotlight: Tootsies Orchid Lounge

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is a world-famous honky-tonk located on Lower Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee, and is considered a cornerstone of country music history.¹

Here is a breakdown of its uniqueness, history, offerings, and contact information:

What Makes it Unique

• The Iconic Orchid Color: Tootsie’s is immediately recognizable by its distinctive bright orchid (purple) exterior.² The name and color were an accident; in 1960, owner Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess hired a painter who mistakenly painted the place that bright shade of purple, and the name “Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge” stuck.³

   

• The Ryman Connection: It’s located directly behind the historic Ryman Auditorium (the original home of the Grand Ole Opry).⁴ The proximity meant Opry performers like Willie Nelson and Patsy Cline would often “sneak out” the side door for a drink at Tootsie’s between sets.⁵ Willie Nelson famously said, “It’s 17 steps to Tootsies and 34 steps back.”⁶

   

• The Wall of Fame: The interior walls on every floor are covered in thousands of framed photos, posters, and memorabilia from artists—both famous legends and aspiring newcomers—who have performed there, forming what is affectionately known as the “Wall of Fame.”⁷

   

• Three Stages of Live Music: The venue offers continuous live music across three floors, including a main stage, a second-floor stage, and a lively rooftop bar with views of Broadway.⁸ The music typically features a mix of country, rock, and blues from talented local artists.⁹

   

History and Significant Events

• The Beginning: The lounge was originally called “Mom’s” until Hattie Louise “Tootsie” Bess purchased it in 1960.¹⁰

   

• Tootsie’s Generosity: Tootsie Bess was known for her kindness and generosity to struggling musicians.¹¹ She was known to slip $5s and $10s into the pockets of luckless writers and pickers and kept a cigar box full of IOUs from artists she had fed and given drinks to.¹² Country Music luminary Tom T. Hall once described her as “a small finance company, a booking agent, and counselor” for young artists. Kris Kristofferson was known to sweep floors to settle his bar tab.¹³

   

• Launchpad for Legends: Many future stars frequented Tootsie’s, including Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Kris Kristofferson, Dolly Parton, Faron Young, Waylon Jennings, and Mel Tillis.¹⁴ Willie Nelson reportedly got his first songwriting job after singing there.¹⁵

   

• Featured in Film and TV: A segment of the Dean Martin Summer Show was filmed at the lounge, and a portion of the Loretta Lynn biopic, Coal Miner’s Daughter, was filmed inside.¹⁶

   

• Modern Day Events: The venue hosts an annual Birthday Bash which turns into a large block party on Broadway.¹⁷ It continues to be a destination for celebrity drop-ins and impromptu performances from stars like Keith Urban, Luke Bryan, Vince Gill, Steven Tyler, Kid Rock, and Post Malone.¹⁸

   

Customer Feedback Highlights

• Tootsie’s is consistently described as a “must-see” or “staple” for visitors to Nashville.¹⁹

   

• The atmosphere is noted as vibrant, high-energy, and offering a genuine honky-tonk experience.²⁰

   

• Pro-Tip: The venue is family-friendly until 6:00 PM, after which entry is restricted to those 21 and older.²¹

   

Highlight Menu Items

The menu offers a variety of classic bar food and comfort items.²²

Contact Information