If you’ve ever been to Tennessee, then you’ve probably heard of the wildly famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. It’s touted as one of the preeminent venues in the city, where folks the likes of Garth Brooks and Taylor Swift got their start before the siren’s call of fame and sold out international tours. You can still visit for yourself, if you buy tickets early enough and don’t mind standing in line, to experience Music City’s greatest pride and joy. Since it’s famous as all get out, we decided to dig a little deeper and find some little-known facts about the tiny cafe that could.

The Bluebird Cafe opened in the summer of 1982, so though it has a solid investment in local history, it's not the oldest venue on the block.
The Bluebird Cafe / Facebook
There are only 90 seats in the entire venue, making every performance feel intimate and quaint - no matter an unknown songwriter or a superstar on stage.
The Bluebird Cafe / Facebook
Weekend tickets go on sale the Monday at 8 a.m. and seats are usually filled within minutes. You have to be on the ball if you'd like to visit. There are some seats available first-come, first-served, but you'll want to show up early to get a seat. It's all worth the wait, in my opinion!
Matteo Doni - Flickr

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Because the venue is so teeny-tiny, audience members are expected to be quiet and respectful to the performers while in a "listening room."
The Bluebird Cafe / Facebook
This creates a reverent ambiance that we absolutely love. Trust us, you just have to experience the magic for yourself! When you take a seat, you'll place your order. There is a small minimum fee per customer, and the menu features a handful of food and drink items to choose from.
It wasn't always a venue; the cafe opened originally as an eatery, and it was only after being open for three years that owner Amy Kurland made room for a stage.
The Bluebird Cafe / Facebook
A rumored 70,000 people visit this tiny listening room/cafe every year, making it one of the top attractions in the city.
Brent Moore - Flickr
But I love that when you set foot inside, you immediately feel like a Nashville local.
Television helped rocket the cafe into public consciousness.
The Bluebird Cafe / Facebook
The hit show "Nashville" set the Bluebird Cafe apart from other local venues, creating an uptick in the already burgeoning visitors log. But that's the magic of the cafe: you really never know who will show up! Watch the video below of an incredible surprise guest who got her start in Nashville:

It’s pretty amazing, don’t you think? Have you ever visited the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experiences there! For related content, be sure to check out these secret Tennessee destinations. And don’t forget to check out all these amazing places to stay in Nashville.

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More to Explore

Things To Do In Nashville

Beth C. | September 26, 2023

What are some of the most popular things to do in Nashville?

Nashville is a world-famous tourist destination, and for good reason! Below you'll find a list of popular things to do in Nashville, Tennessee:

  • Purchase a pair of cowboy boots from Nashville Boot Co.
  • See a live show at the Bluebird Cafe
  • Get a poster from Hatch Show Print
  • Check out the Frist Art Museum for an incredible display of art
  • Tour Andrew Jackson's Hermitage
  • Hike the trails at the beautiful Radnor Lake State Park
  • Tour the Country Music Hall of Fame
  • Eat a meal at Prince's Hot Chicken
  • Indulge in a quality meal at the Loveless Cafe
  • Hear some live music at the honky tonks on Broadway
  • Explore the Parthenon at Centennial Park

 

What are some Nashville hidden gems?

After you've hit all the famous sites, be sure to take time to explore Nashville's hidden gems, which include:

  • Slim & Husky's Pizza Beeria
  • East Nashville Farmers Market
  • Five Points Alley Shops
  • Bobbie's Dairy Dip
  • Love Circle
  • Dino's
  • Dozen Bakery
  • Village Pub
  • Jackalope
  • Sky Blue

 

Learn more about these secret spots in Nashville only the locals know about.

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