Plenty of families and visitors under 21 want to experience Lower Broadway, and the good news is that they often can. The rule that matters is about time of day, not just age.
The rule that matters: daytime versus evening
Most honky-tonks on Broadway are all-ages during the day and switch to 21 and over in the evening. The common cutoff is around 6pm, though each venue sets its own exact time. Before the cutoff, the bar is generally open to all ages. After it, the night belongs to the 21-and-over crowd.
During the day, minors are usually welcome with a parent
Before a bar flips to 21-and-over for the night, children and teenagers can typically come in when they are with a parent or guardian. Because the live music on Broadway starts in the late morning, a family can walk in at lunchtime and hear a genuine Broadway band with no trouble. Daytime is the window for an all-ages visit.
After the cutoff, it is firm
Once a venue switches to 21 and over for the evening, that line does not move. If you have anyone under 21 in your group, plan the Broadway portion of the day for the afternoon and early evening rather than the late-night hours.
The most family-friendly options
Venues with full restaurants are the easiest with younger kids during the day, because they have proper seating and a real menu. Margaritaville Nashville, Acme Feed & Seed, Jason Aldean’s Kitchen, and Ole Red all run kitchens and have the room for a family meal with live music.
Always check the specific door
The cutoff time is not identical at every bar, and a few venues are stricter than others. If you have anyone under 21 in your group, check the sign at the door or call the venue before you count on getting in. When in doubt, the safe assumption is that the strip is 21 and over once the evening gets going. You can find every venue, with addresses, in the directory.