Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and Robert's Western World

Tootsie Bess, the original owner, acquired the building in the early 1960s and didn’t order the painter to paint it purple—he just had some purple paint. Tootsie decided she liked it and it’s been purple ever since. For those who are not color blind, the actual color is orchid. Tootsie was known for having a soft spot for country singers and songwriters and was known to take an I.O.U. for food and various drinks. It was the hangout for a lot of songwriters, including Willie Nelson. Inside is a Wall of Fame with pictures and memorabilia from the well-known to the almost known—from Hank Williams, Sr. to Patsy Cline and beyond. Tootsie’s served as a film set for “Coal Miner’s Daughter,” a movie about Loretta Lynn.

When the Grand Ole Opry moved away from the Ryman, Tootsie’s lost a lot of business, but now it’s doing quite well, thank you, and remains an important part of Honky Tonk Row. What’s a “honky tonk” you ask? Well, it’s a bar that serves beer and music—and in Nashville that means country music. How do you go “honky tonkin”? Well, you go into bars, listen to country music, tip the musicians, and quench your thirst with adult beverages.

Close to Tootsie’s, you’ll also see Robert’s Western World. Walk a little further down Broadway to get a closer look. Press pause and then press play again once you’ve reached a good spot.

Robert’s Western World is three storefronts down from Toostie’s, toward the Cumberland River. The well-known building was home to other popular businesses before it became one of Nashville’s most iconic honky tonks. From the 1950s to the 1980s, this building housed the Sho-Bud Steel Guitar Company, owned by Shot Jackson and Buddy Emmons, two great steel guitar players. They sold custom steel guitars to country as well as rock and roll musicians. Members of bands like Yes and Poco and The Monkees bought steel guitars from Sho-Bud.

It was a liquor store when Robert Moore purchased it in the 1980s. He converted it into a western boot and apparel store called Robert's Rhinestone Western Wear. Robert had once owned Tootsie's Orchid Lounge, so for a while—it was known as Robert's 3 Doors Down. After a few years, the store shifted to entertainment, food, and libations—making Robert’s Western World one of the best places to see and hear classic country music.

In real estate, it’s location, location, location and Tootsie’s and Robert’s are great examples. Right behind Tootsie’s is the Ryman Auditorium, and those attending shows there have only a short walk across an alley to quench their thirst. The Ryman is on our Music in Music City North Tour, as well as many others. See our full tour list to learn more about the Ryman’s place in our city’s history. It’s also open for daytime tours and well worth the visit.

Walk a few feet down Broadway, staying on the same side of the street until you reach 421 Broadway. Bullet Records is our next stop, and it will be on your right. The business is no longer there, but today it serves as the home of Alan Jackson’s “AJ’s Good Time Bar.”