Rudy's Jazz Room

"If you think that Nashville’s music scene is one-note, this stellar subterranean jazz bar will change your mind. The musicians are basically close enough to touch—but please don’t—as they wail away on funk, soul, salsa, and of course, jazz in its many iterations. In a town that loves dark liquor, we appreciate Rudy’s lighter cocktails, like the Night in Tunisia that blends elderflower and citrus. That said, whiskey lovers shouldn’t miss the bar’s takes on classics like the Sazerac and Vieux Carré. The dinner menu has New Orleans favorites like gumbo and a crawfish grilled cheese, along with a late-night menu of stuff like crispy fried pickles and cheesy fries smothered in red beans and rice." - bailey freeman, jackie gutierrez jones 2

"Rudy’s Jazz Room, an intimate, jazz-forward venue with a decidedly New Orleans flavor, hosts live music nightly. It’s not on the list for Tin Pan South this year, but it’s worth a visit for live music lovers in town for the week. Pair the entertainment with Creole cuisine like gumbo, red beans and rice, or a crawfish grilled cheese. Try one of the specialty cocktails, like the Noble Oak chocolate old fashioned with bourbon, homemade cocoa nib simple syrup, Peychaud’s, and orange bitters." - Kellie Walton

"If you think that Nashville’s music scene is one-note, this stellar subterranean jazz bar will change your mind. The musicians are basically close enough to touch—but please don’t—as they wail away on funk, soul, salsa, and of course, jazz in its many iterations. In a town that loves dark liquor, we appreciate Rudy’s lighter cocktails, like the Night in Tunisia that blends elderflower and citrus. That said, whiskey lovers shouldn’t miss the bar’s takes on classics like the Sazerac and Vieux Carré. The dinner menu has New Orleans favorites like gumbo and a crawfish grilled cheese, along with a late-night menu of stuff like crispy fried pickles and cheesy fries smothered in red beans and rice." - Bailey Freeman

"Celebrate Fat Tuesday on February 13 at Rudy’s with the Rougarou Band, a six-piece band playing a mix of traditional New Orleans Mardi Gras brass music and funk. You’ll also find authentic New Orleans cuisine at this jazz club in the Gulch — including chicken andouille and shrimp gumbo — along with various drink specials, king cake, beignets, and plenty of beads. Tickets start at $25.25 and can be purchased here." - Bailee Mulder

"In a deviation from downtown’s predominantly country music venues, Rudy’s Jazz Room is all about the spirit and stylings of jazz. The traditional club was carefully designed with acoustics and ambience in mind, and the result is a detail-rich, sultry listening room with a swingin’ atmosphere. In addition to nightly live jazz performances, Rudy’s serves Prohibition-inspired signature and classic cocktails and cuisine with New Orleans flair, like red beans and rice, gumbo, beignets, and even a crawfish grilled cheese. You may need to pay a cover charge at the door." - Kellie Walton