B. B. King's Restaurant and Blues Bar

If it’s spicy flavors and blues music you’re looking to enjoy, go no further than B.B. King’s Restaurant and Blues Bar on the historic Second Avenue in downtown Nashville.

The Music City has proven to not only be the haven for country music seekers, but also for those who enjoy the heartstrings-pulling, toe-tapping blues. Legendary blues guitarist, B.B. King, whose songs have permeated throughout the years, has few nightclubs in few cities, and Nashville’s Second Avenue has proven to be just the place for a club like B.B. King’s.

The location opened in August 2003, more than 10 years after the flagship location opened in Memphis in May 1991. The spot added another dimension to the old factories-turned-clubs already located on the busy thoroughfare. The venue features live music with a mixture of trumpets, drums and, of course, guitars.

The spot consists of two levels, offering cozy fireplace nooks in the First Avenue Dining Rooms while a more boisterous, raucous atmosphere keeps things interesting in the other areas located inside. In the 25,000 square feet of space, there are two stages for live music, a full-service retail store, four full-service bars, 12 television monitors throughout the restaurant, dining spots that overlook the Cumberland River and art pieces by local artists.

The menu is sure to awaken dormant taste buds with its Creole-inspired food options, all made with a hint of global-infused flavors. There’s the Gumbo Ya Ya Straight from the Bayou made with smoked chicken, andouille sausage, crawfish and a host of veggies served in dark roux and topped with white rice.  The Catfish Poboy will be sure to fill you up with its cornmeal-breaded, crispy catfish filet served on a toasted hoagie roll. A number of side dishes and desserts are ready to accompany any entrée. 

B.B. King’s Restaurant and Blues Bar is located at 152 Second Ave N. The hours are 11 a.m.-12 a.m. Sunday; 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Friday-Saturday.

- by Leah M. Caudle , Nashville Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Leah M. Caudle

Leah Caudle is a professional storyteller with experience in covering local, community and feature stories. While at newspapers such as The Tennessean in Nashville and The Lexington Herald-Leader in Lexington, Ky., Caudle also has experience in shooting and editing videos and photos to accompany stories. The Western Kentucky University graduate received degrees in print journalism and Spanish in 2007 and also has expertise in the areas of public relations, copy editing and proofreading.