Tootsie's is probably the most famous honky tonk on Lower Broadway, a stretch of downtown Nashville that is packed with bars and clubs.
Tootsie's backs onto an alley shared by the Ryman Auditorium, the longtime permanent home of the Grand Ole Opry (and where the Opry still plays on occasion). Country musicians used to spill out 
of the Ryman and into Tootsie's, which is now full of memorabilia of those famous performers.
Go to Tootsie's and you'll found yourself surrounded by raucous, live country music as well as dancing and beer-drinking.
Tootsie's, originally named Mom's, received its name in 1960 when Tootsie Bess bought the place. The Orchid Lounge part of the name was sparked by a painter who painted the place orchid.
Tootsie was a performer herself, having worked as a singer/comedienne with “Big Jeff & The Radio Playboys.” Jeff Bess, Tootsie's husband, was the bandleader.
Among the famous customers of the bar were Roger Miller, Kris Kristofferson, Faron Young, Willie Nelson, Tom T. Hall, Hank Cochran, Mel Tillis, Roger Miller, Webb Pierce, Waylon Jennings and Patsy Cline, according to the club's Web site.
The bar was filmed for several movies, including “W.W. & the Dixie Dance Kings” starring Bert Reynolds, “Coal Miner’s Daughter” about Loretta Lynn and starring Sissy Spacek, and “The Nashville Rebel” starring Tex Ritter, Porter Wagoner, Faron Young, Loretta Lynn, The Wilburn Brothers, and Waylon Jennings, according to the Web site.
Tootsie's is located at 422 Broadway in downtown Nashville, near the corner of 4th Avenue.
Tootsie's is open seven days a week. Live music starts at 10 a.m. and on many days lasts until 2:30 a.m.
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