Headed in Nashville in May. Looking for recommendations for real country music venues/bars - not the pop country/tourist attractions. I have no desire to pack into a name-brand club with a zillion other people.

Where can I find the best real country music in Nashville?

Thanks and gigem.

I'm also interested in this. Going late September early October.

Station Inn if you like bluegrass.

It is in the Gulch neighborhood so there are plenty of bars/restaurants/etc.

We were staying at a little 4 room hotel next door a few years ago and decided walk 20 feet a buy tix at the door. It was a blast.

Music City Bar is about the only classic, real country bar left if you are looking for steel guitars, fiddle, honky tonk old school type of country. Kevin Denney plays a set there every saturday I believe when he's in town. Most of his band are member of the Time Jumpers as well.

The Station Inn and Music City Bar are both good recommendations. 3rd and Lindsley and Bluebird Cafe are both very well known, but you'll need to get tickets way in advance. Dee's Country Cocktail Lounge is a little bit of a drive, but a cool spot. American Legion Post 82 does "Honky Tonk Tuesdays." And while it's not what you asked about...I'd still highly recommend taking the tour of The Ryman.

If you can get in to see the Time Jumpers at 3rd and Lindsley, I highly recommend it.

I've never seen them at their home club but I've seen them twice on tour. Great musicians; great show.

We really liked Tootsie's and Loser's. Tootsie's is more on the touristy side but not like Miranda Lambert's or anything. The best tip I got was from a couple we ran into at Loser's. We had just stepped in because it was pouring outside. They told us that if you go into a bar and there is any sort of stairwell, take it. There are 4 levels to some of these bars.

I really enjoyed Robert's. Kelly's Heroes usually play and they are fabulous. You can sit upstairs and order a fried bologna sandwich, chips, PBR, and a moon pie for $6.

That's a good tip.

Also, Loser's is great. Get a bushwacker at Winner's next door too.

Bobby's Idle Hour in midtown is a music dive that is way off the beaten path, but you may check out some acts there that are more your speed it sounds.