Bobby's Idle Hour
Bobby's Idle Hour occupies a tiny, historic space on Music Row that's been serving musicians since long before the area became Nashville's music industry headquarters. This unassuming dive bar with no kitchen (just a microwave) and walls covered in photos of country legends has become an essential hangout for songwriters, Americana artists, and anyone seeking "real Nashville."
Type of Establishment: Dive bar and songwriter venue on Music Row
What They Offer Patrons:
- Multiple Writers Nights:
- Monday: Comedy Night (7-9 PM, sign up at door)
- Wednesday: Sam's Jams (Noon-8 PM, hosted by Sam Cooper)
- Thursday: Writers Night (7 PM, hosted by Janet & Charles Cox—longest-running writers night in Nashville)
- Historic Atmosphere: Tiny space (maybe four tables) covered in photos of famous musicians who've played here over decades
- Unique Menu: No kitchen—microwave only—serving pizza, pot pies, Vienna sausages "at market price" with crackers and mustard
- Cold Beer: Semi-cheap beer in true dive bar fashion
- Music Row Location: Heart of Nashville's music industry at 9 Music Square South
- Daily Hours: Open 12 PM-1 AM Monday, 12 PM-2 AM Tuesday-Saturday, 12 PM-10 PM Sunday
- Authentic Nashville: Described repeatedly as "real Nashville" by locals and industry professionals
- Tour Bus Stop: Occasionally included in Nashville tours, but maintains local character
What They Offer Musicians:
- Three Weekly Performance Opportunities: Comedy (Monday), Sam's Jams (Wednesday), Writers Night (Thursday)
- Industry Central: Music Row location means publishers, producers, and label executives are literally next door
- Sam's Jams Booking: Call/text Sam Cooper (256-335-3790) the Sunday before to secure 3-4 song slot; day-of walk-ins considered if space available
- Longest-Running Writers Night: Thursday night hosted by Janet & Charles Cox for years—legendary status
- Intimate Performance: No separation between performers and audience—everyone sits together
- Songwriting Community Hub: Real networking happens here—co-writes, publishing deals, friendships
- Old-School Vibe: No corporate polish, no industry calculation—just songs and the people who write them
- Originals Focused: Writers nights emphasize original material
- No Cover Charge: Free entry for performers and audience
- Legendary History: Playing Bobby's means joining lineage stretching back decades
Booking Information:
- Sam's Jams: Contact Sam Cooper at 256-335-3790 the Sunday before you want to play
- Thursday Writers Night: Inquire through venue
- Monday Comedy: Sign up at door 7-9 PM
Bobby's Idle Hour represents Nashville's unpretentious side—a place where the quality of your songs matters infinitely more than your social media following or industry connections. The venue's tiny size, lack of amenities (seriously, Vienna sausages from the microwave), and complete commitment to songwriting make it feel like stepping into Nashville's past.
For songwriters, this is where you go to be taken seriously. The intimate setting, Music Row location, and reputation for quality programming mean playing Bobby's carries weight. Industry professionals know that if you're on the schedule here, you're probably worth hearing.
The venue also demonstrates that authenticity doesn't require budget. Bobby's succeeds not despite its limitations but because of its complete honesty—no pretense, no marketing gimmicks, just great songs in a room that's heard them all and somehow still cares.