(Picture of the tourist area of Nashville)

While concealed handgun permit holders will be allowed to carry at the convention center for their annual meeting, there are many restaurants and bars around the convention center that don’t allow people to carry. With the NRA convention just weeks away, the CPRC canvassed the restaurants on Broadway and 2nd Avenue in what is the tourist district of Nashville, an area that is right next to the new convention center where the NRA annual convention will be held. Permit holders are not allowed to carry (either concealed or open) in businesses that are posted. In Tennessee, it is also illegal for those carrying to drink any alcohol (think of it as these individuals being analogous to designated drivers). There are technically no bars in the state. Everything is a restaurant because they must sell a certain amount of food in order to have a liquor license. If you have a handgun permit and are carrying, or if you simply want to reward those establishments that serve permit holders, you might find this list of interest. More information will be added as we have a chance.

We interviewed the managers of many establishments because some places do not allow permitted concealed handguns even though they haven’t posted signs (many of the managers appeared unaware of state law). There were a number of places that were not posted but where the managers were adamant that they would not allow permit holders inside. Some went further and indicated that signs were going to be posted by the time of the NRA convention. In these cases, while one could legally enter the restaurant, if you are asked to leave you must do so. It is also possible that the establishment could call the police to get them to ask you to leave.

Some signs are very difficult to see (red circle marks the spot, click on pictures to enlarge).

Legends Corner

Rippy’s

There were more than a few popular places where there were no signs posted, but the managers were adamant that they would be putting up signs and that they would remove an permit holder carrying a gun. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is one of them, but others include Doc Holliday’s Saloon and the Silver Dollar Saloon.

Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge

Restaurants on the South Side of Broadway that serve permit holders (click on pictures to enlarge)

Joe’s Crab Shack — 123 2nd Ave. South, Nashville, TN 37201



Bongo Java Cafe

Merchants Restaurant and Grill — 401 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Paradise Park — 411 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 — not a hundred percent sure that they might end up posting a sign before the NRA convention



The Wheel — 421 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

National Underground — 105 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

Nearby Museum and restaurant

Johnny Cash Museum — 119 Third Avenue SouthNashville, TN 37201

Luigi’s City Pizza — 105 3rd Ave S, Nashville, TN 37201

Restaurants on the North Side of Broadway that serve permit holders

Robert’s — Instead of a sign indicating that permitted concealed handguns are banned, this bar has two NRA decals at the front — 416B Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203.

Hard Rock Cafe — when asked about serving those carrying guns, the manager said they hope that are very happy to get as many customers as possible — 100 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201.



Layla’s Blue Grass Inn — 418 Broadway, Nashville, TN.



Bailey’s Pub & Grille — 408 Broadway, Nashville, TN

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville — 322 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201



Tin Roof — 316 Broadway Avenue, Nashville, TN 37201



Whiskey Bent Saloon — 306 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201



Mike’s Ice Cream & Coffee Bar — 208 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37201

2nd Avenue (West side of street, some places were just checked for whether they were posted, not for whether they would ask a permit holder to leave)

Ichiban (Sushi) — 109 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201

Benchmark Bar and Grill — just checked for posting — 117 2nd Ave, Nashville, TN 37201

Pitta Pit — 121 Second Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37201

Nashville Street Taco — 129 Second Ave N, Nashville TN, 37201

Bebo’s Cafe — 135 2ND Ave. North, Nashville, TN 37201

2nd Avenue (East side of street)

Rodizio Grill

The Melting Pot

The Old Spaghetti Factory

Dick’s Last Resort

BB King’s Blues Club

Nearby

Brugada Bar — 204 Commerce St Nashville, TN 37201, just checked for posting

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

gun free zones

By johnrlott

