The Bluebird Cafe

World renowned and a Green Hills nightclub mainstay since 1982, The Bluebird Cafe requires planning and patience if you want to hear some of the world’s best singer-songwriters in a gloriously intimate setting. (Prepare to be shushed by the wait staff if you speak much beyond a whisper.) Due in part to its regular storyline on the “Nashville” TV show, the 90-seat club now has an audience with tourists outnumbering townies on many nights. Thus the “How to Make Reservations” section of the website is a must-visit with the exception of Sundays and Mondays, which are first-come, first served. From Tuesday through Saturday a few rows of church pews and bar seats remain first-come, first-served, so there’s always a chance and getting in the door. And the opening set, which features lesser-known but still immensely talented acts, sells out less quickly. Live music nightly, with a cover charge for the late show and food and drink minimums. See website for calendar listings

Full bar. Serving bar snacks and light dinner fare available until 10 nightly.  Reservations highly recommended. Group Capacity: 40.

MUST EATS: Baked Brie, chicken quesadilla, fish and house-made chips.

“At this intimate Music City club, you can see a pro songwriter woodshedding new tunes, or meet a producer who changes your life. (It happened to Taylor Swift.)

— Rolling Stone, “The Best Clubs in America,” March 28, 2013