If you think Nashville is just about Broadway…think again. Head down Broadway toward the Cumberland River and hang a left, and you’ll find 2nd Avenue, one of the oldest and most historic streets in downtown Nashville.
Once home to bustling marketplaces where early Nashvillians (we’re talking early 1800s) bought their fabric and produce, today, the street is lined with some of the city’s most iconic shops, restaurants, bars, and music venues. It’s also where you’ll find the home of Luke Combs—Category 10—sittin’ pretty between riverfront views and Broadway’s glowing neon lights.
In 2020, an early-morning tragedy left parts of the street damaged and residents displaced. Today, after more than five years of restoration, 2nd Avenue is officially reopened to the public—back and better than ever.
So if you’re planning a trip to Nashville and thinking about taking your boots down to Broadway, consider this your sign to turn the corner and see what’s waiting on 2nd Ave.
(We’ll even show you how to get there!)
1. Category 10
Glowing bright neon blue, one of the first signs you’ll see on 2nd Avenue is Luke Combs’ Category 10—a massive bar, restaurant, and music venue that takes honky-tonkin’ to the next level. Once a warehouse storing corn and grain, and later, home to the famous Wildhorse Saloon, the 60,000+ square foot space now houses Nashville’s largest dance floor, a third-floor sports bar, and a second-floor bourbon lounge featuring selections handpicked by Luke himself. It’s the best of Broadway under one roof… with a better view.
2. OPRY SHOP
Right next door to Category 10, you’ll find the Opry Shop—the perfect place to grab a Nashville souvenir. It’s a one-stop-shop for country music merch, with collections from the Grand Ole Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Ole Red, Category 10, and more. Upstairs, two floors of event space showcase the building’s historic charm, with exposed brick, hardwood floors, arched riverfront windows, and a massive skylight. It’s a stunning spot for weddings, meetings, or celebrations.
3. MIKE’S ICE CREAM
Summers in Nashville are blistering hot, and there’s no better place to cool off than Mike’s Ice Cream, just across the street from Category 10. A Nashville staple, they’re known for their handmade ice cream and classic soda fountain. With fresh-made waffle cones, old-school malts, and unique ice cream flavors (try their famous Blackberry & Cornbread—just trust us), this beloved dessert stop frequently stays open past midnight to cater to Nashville’s late-night crowd.
4. TACO BELL CANTINA
The phrases “live music” and “Crunchwrap Supreme” probably don’t often appear in the same sentence…unless you’re in Nashville. Check out the 2-story Taco Bell Cantina, serving up classic Taco Bell menu items, alcoholic beverages, and yes, live music. Sip on a boozy Baja Blast and be sure to tip the band—this is where Nashville comes to live más.
5. COMING SOON: DOLLY PARTON’S SONGTELLER HOTEL
We can’t wait for the next thread in 2nd Avenue’s coat of many colors—Dolly Parton’s SongTeller Hotel. Dedicated, in Dolly’s words, as a “love letter to Music City,” this boutique experience offers intricately themed rooms and suites, a live music venue, elevated eats and drinks, and even a full-fledged Dolly Parton museum. Set to open in June 2026, you can find us sipping a cocktail in Jolene’s lounge, or writing a hit song during the creative writing hour in the Listening Lobby.
EXPLORE 2ND AVENUE
Next time you’re in Nashville, make your way to the newly restored 2nd Avenue. Come explore the shops, the music, and the history—and grab a seat at Luke’s place while you’re at it.
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