How to Get a Seat at the Bluebird Cafe Nashville: Review, Tips and Our Experience for a night You’ll Love (2024)

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Are you looking for how to get a seat at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville Tennessee? We’ve got you covered! Whether you’re looking for tips on how to get Bluebird Cafe Nashville reservations, or for the Bluebird Cafe seating chart, you’ll found them in this post!

If you know us, you know that we love to travel to romantic destinations and going on dates together. One of the best romantic things you can do in Nashville is heading to the Nashville Bluebird Cafe. It’s definitely something to add to your US trip if you’re ever in the south. We’ve been there and after waiting for hours, ended up attending one of the best show ever!

The Bluebird Cafe is one of the iconic cafes in Nashville and known as a sacred place for Nashville singer songwriters. But getting a seat at the Bluebird can be a hassle. Between shows that sell out in seconds and endless waiting lines, it can be challenging to ever stepped foot into the famous cafe that discovered Taylor Swift!

In this post, we share our experience getting into the Bluebird Cafe on a Sunday Night and how we managed to get a seat at the Bluebird Cafe. We share lots of tips and you’ll even find a seating chart so you can prepare in advance of your visit.

For more suited date ideas, use our date ideas generator here.

How to Get a Seat at the Bluebird Cafe

Option 1: Booking Bluebird Cafe tickets 2023 online

To secure a seat at the Bluebird Cafe, your best option is to book a ticket online through the official Bluebird Cafe website. This is something that wasn’t available when we visited and we wished it had been! Here’s what you need to know:

1. Timing is crucial: The Bluebird Cafe tickets tend to sell out quickly. They become available on the same day for the week after. For example, if you want to attend a show on Thursday, tickets go on sale on the preceding Thursday at 8am CST. For weekend shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, tickets become available on Monday at 8am CST.
2. Limited seating: The Nashville Bluebird Cafe has only 20 tables, and people are often seated with others at the same table. This means that the available seats get sold quickly, sometimes in just a few seconds and if you’re lucky in less than 10 minutes!
3. Benefits of booking: By booking a ticket online, you eliminate the need to wait in line. You can be sure to attend the show on the designated day and time without any uncertainties.
4. Reservation fee: When booking online, there is a $4 reservation fee ($3 + tax) per seat. Keep this in mind while planning your visit.
5. Group bookings: You can only book up to six seats at once at the Bluebird in Nashville. If you need more than six seats, you either need two people to book simultaneously or the remaining members of your party will have to wait in line.
6. Minimum spend requirement: On the day of the show, there is a minimum spend requirement of $10 per person on food and drinks.
7. Advance schedule: The Cafe Bluebird typically posts their monthly calendars by the middle of the previous month. By mid-August, you can expect to know what shows will be happening in September.
8. Not always possible: For Monday Bluebird Cafe open mic shows, tickets are not sold online so admission is only on a first come first served basis for both shows at 6pm and 9pm.

Option 2: Walking in at the Bluebird Cafe

Can you walk in at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville? Yes! Though booking Bluebird Cafe Nashville tickets in advance online is safer you can choose to walk in. Walking in is on a first-come, first-served basis. This means arriving at the Bluebird Cafe without a prior reservation and hoping that there will be available seats. However, keep in mind that this option is subject to availability, and there is no guarantee of securing a seat.

“Amazing, intimate experience.  The show was about 2hrs and we got to meet the artists after.  The late show has the more experienced artists, while the early one has newer artists.  Tickets sold out online in ten seconds so we were lucky to get a ticket.  The location is far from downtown, so plan ahead.  You can buy merchandise after the show.  We bought a poster and had it signed by the artists. Definitely recommend the snickerdoodle cookies.” – Claire T., USA

How to get a seat at the Bluebird Cafe: online reservation tips

Practice going through Bluebird Cafe Nashville TN reservations

To increase your chances of securing a seat at the Bluebird Cafe through online Bluebird Cafe Nashville reservations, it’s helpful to practice beforehand. Tickets are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to whoever completes the checkout process first. Familiarize yourself with the online reservation process so that you’re well-prepared and can navigate through it efficiently on the day of ticket sales.

Have Several People Try

Bluebird Cafe reservations Nashville offers can get stressful! To maximize your chances of obtaining tickets, it’s beneficial to have multiple people trying to access the Bluebird Cafe website and get in the queue. With several individuals simultaneously attempting to secure tickets from different devices, you have a higher chance of successfully snagging them. Coordinate with your partner or friends to make sure everyone is ready to try at the designated time.

Pick a Table

When booking your seat, it’s important to keep a few things in mind regarding table selection:

1. Don’t be too picky: The best tables closer to the circle, where the performers are located, might already be taken by the time you book. However, it’s essential not to be too selective about your table choice.
2. All tables are good: Regardless of your table location, every seat at the Bluebird Cafe offers a great experience. The intimate setting ensures that no matter where you’re seated, you’ll have a clear view of the stage and enjoy the show. When we visited, we just picked a table sort of randomly and we had such a great view on the stage! so don’t overthink it!

Bluebird Cafe Nashville walk-ins

When we visited the Bluebird Cafe Nashville TN, it was not an option yet to book tickets online. This method of reservation did not exist so our only option was to wait in line and hope to walk in. That’s what we did. In this section, we’ll go over the rules while in the next section, we’ll tell you more about our experience and our tips for walking in at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville TN.

At the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, walk-ins are an option for getting a seat, for example if all online tickets are sold out (which happens every time and quickly).

The rule is that the Bluebird Cafe TN sets aside 10 to 12 seats specifically for walk-in guests on the day of the show for the early show as the pews are unreserved. For the late shows both the Bluebird bar and the pews are reserved which mean the Bluebird Cafe only has about 5 or so walk-in seats available.The only exception are the Monday shows which are exclusively on a first come first served basis so every one has to walk in.

These seats are available free of charge, offering a chance to experience the renowned music venue without a reservation. It’s important to note that the availability of walk-in seats is subject to capacity and may vary depending on the day and the show.

One crucial rule to remember is that you and your partner must be physically present in line to secure seats. Unlike reservations, the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville Tennessee does not hold seats for people who are not physically present in the line. This means that you can’t drop off a friend to hold spots while you and another friend go shopping or run errands. Each person who wishes to have a seat must be present and waiting in line.

It’s worth mentioning that even today, many people are unaware that it is possible to book a seat online for the Bluebird Cafe. This lack of awareness means that walk-ins are still popular and lines still long!

When you arrive at the Bluebird Cafe as a walk-in guest, you’ll need to locate the line forming on the side of the door outside the venue. Usually, there is already a line in place when you arrive, as this method is quite popular. Simply get behind the last person in line and patiently wait for your turn. Make sure to arrive early, especially for popular shows, as the line can get quite long.

To ensure you follow the proper procedures, take a moment to read and understand the specific rules for walk-ins posted on the door of the Nashville TN Bluebird Cafe. Familiarizing yourself with these rules will help you navigate the process smoothly and increase your chances of securing a seat.

“We were fortunate enough to get in last night for the 6:00 show as walk ins. Not a huge country fan myself but it was an excellent experience. Three performers on stage but all played individually. We sat at the bar and both the view and sound were great. We were treated to some wonderful songwriters who could also sing. This place is a well oiled machine. From the greeters out front to the wait staff, the bartender and the guys restocking stuff, everyone was polite, friendly and efficient. If you are a fan of live music, regardless of the genre, you’ll enjoy the Bluebird Cafe. Thanks for a memorable evening!” – Steve S., USA

How to get a seat at the bluebird cafe: walk-ins tips

Arrive early

Arriving early is the key to securing a seat at the Bluebird Cafe through walk-ins. Based on our own experience, we highly recommend showing up well in advance. When we arrived at 5:30 pm for the 6 pm show, we were already quite far into the queue. If you truly want to beat the crowd and have a higher chance of being among the first ten people, consider arriving as early as 2 pm. It may seem like a long wait, but we promise it’s worth it for the opportunity to experience the magic of the Bluebird Cafe.

Stay in line

Once you’re in line, it’s important to stay there. Even if you don’t manage to get in for the early show, don’t lose hope. The Bluebird Cafe typically offers a second show, and if you stay in line, you are almost guaranteed to make it to the second show. That’s what happened to us, and we were thrilled to still have the chance to enjoy the live music and intimate atmosphere of the venue.

Bring food and drinks at the Bluebird Cafe Tennessee

Considering the weather conditions is also essential when waiting in line. If you’re visiting during the summer, like we did, be prepared for hot temperatures. When we waited to get in it was August in Nashville, so it must have been in the high 30 degree Celsius because it was scorching hot! There is absolutely no shade where you wait in line so the weather can make it ahrd to stay there whether it’s raining, hailing, or scorching hot!

Make sure to bring plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the wait. During our visit, the Bluebird Cafe had set up a large jug of water outside with glasses, allowing everyone in line to stay refreshed.

Bring sunscreen

Additionally, it’s essential to protect yourself from the sun’s rays. Since there is no shade where you wait, bringing sunscreen is highly recommended, especially during the summer months. Apply sunscreen before joining the line and consider reapplying as needed to ensure you don’t get sunburned during the wait. Taking these precautions will help make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Our experience at the Bluebird Cafe

Our experience getting seats at the bluebird cafe

Since we visited the Bluebird Cafe before online bookings were available, our only option was to try our luck as walk-ins. Excited and a quite a bit naive, we arrived at 5:30 pm, hoping to make it in for the 6 pm show. I’m not sure what we were thinking but it’s clear to us now that we wouldn’t have made it in even with a miracle! As we pulled into the front car park, we noticed a long line already formed, indicating that we weren’t the only ones with this plan.

We joined the line to the left of the door, and we quickly realized the scorching heat we were up against. If you’re visiting in August like we did, make sure to come prepared like we recommended above. With temperatures reaching around 40 degrees Celsius and no shade or pergola on that side of the cafe, it was a challenge to stay patient in that heat. But we were excited to see what was coming so we stayed and waited patiently (and sweaty).

Unfortunately, when they opened the doors for the first show, the 6 pm show was already packed, and we didn’t make it in. We were a bit disappointed but we stayed in line as the doors closed after the first show. Since quite a lot of people made it for the first show, we ended up at the front of the line, guaranteeing our entry for the next round of performances. It’s important to remember that leaving the queue is not allowed, as your presence is necessary to maintain your place in line. Seats cannot be held for anyone.

The most challenging part of the wait was enduring the heat and sun. Thankfully, the Nashville Tennessee Bluebird Cafe recognized the discomfort and gave us water outside with glasses, allowing us to stay hydrated and refreshed. We spent a total of three hours waiting outside in the middle of summer! The Bluebird Cafe is definitely something we had to work for!

However, despite the wait, we made the most of our time by chatting with fellow music enthusiasts in line. One memorable encounter was with Sara from Philadelphia, with whom we had a delightful conversation about the television show “Nashville,” which famously featured scenes filmed at the Bluebird Cafe. I watched all episodes and was quite into that show so it was a pleasure chatting about it with fellow fans.

Once 7:30 pm rolled around, the doors finally opened for us. We got to go into the venue and we got to pick a table in the middle, alongside two other ladies. We picked the table a bit randomly but we had an excellent view of the stage and were practically in the front row.

Throughout the evening, we were treated to the performances of eight talented singers, in an intimate and unforgettable musical experience.

In the end, our perseverance paid off, and we had the opportunity to witness the magic of the Bluebird Cafe from up close. Despite the challenges of the wait and the scorching heat, the incredible music and unique atmosphere made it all worthwhile.

Our Experience of the show at the Bluebird Cafe Nashville Tennessee

The show we attended at the Bluebird Nashville was the Sunday Writers’ Night, and it was a fantastic evening of music. The show started around 8:20 pm (official starting time was 8pm), and we were treated to a lineup of talented singer-songwriters who took turns performing a few songs each.

What made the night even more enjoyable was the variety of styles and performers. We got to hear a mix of different genres and both male and female artists. It was really cool because each song had its own unique flavor, and we got to experience a wide range of music instead of hearing the same style all night. So if you’re not really into country music, I think you’ll still really enjoy the show!

The atmosphere inside the Bluebird Café was incredible. The venue was adorned with charming little lights, creating a cozy and intimate ambiance. The sound quality was top-notch, and the host, Steve, added a touch of humor and kept the show engaging.

Before the show started, we decided to order some food. We tried the artichoke dip and samosas, and they were delicious. We also enjoyed some drinks while we waited for the music to begin. Inside, there was a merchandise stand where we could buy souvenirs like t-shirts and cups to commemorate our visit. I bought a blue shirt with the logo of the Bluebird Cafe as a souvenir.

The show lasted for about two hours, and we were so happy we waited around in the heat. Even if you’re not a die-hard country music fan, you can still appreciate the incredible talent and the emotional depth of the songs in such an intimate setting. The interaction between the artists and the audience was great, creating a special connection and making the evening even more memorable.

Attending the show at the Bluebird Cafe was truly one of our favorite things we did in Nashville. We had the privilege of seeing some amazing artists, including guest Steven Dale Jones, who has written and performed with Garth Brooks. The other artists we enjoyed were Mark Lyle, Anne Buckle, Kimiko, and Dave Hawkins. You can see a photo of our program below. We kept it as a souvenir!

How long will you have to wait in line at the Bluebird Cafe?

Unless you’re an early bird and show up around 12 pm, you can expect to wait in line for at least 2 hours, if not more. If you arrive when it’s already packed, chances are you won’t make it in time for the first show. So, be prepared for a wait if you choose to go without reservations.

If you get reservations online, do you still need to wait in line?

No, if you have reservations made online, you won’t need to wait in line. Reserving a seat online guarantees you a spot, so you can bypass the line and head straight inside.

Best seats at Bluebird Cafe

The Bluebird Cafe is a tiny venue that can accommodate under 90 people. Due to the small Bluebird Cafe capacity, every seat in the house is great! Whether you’re near the stage or closer to the circle, you’ll have a fantastic view of the performers. The small setting creates an up-close and personal experience, allowing you to fully enjoy the music regardless of where you’re seated. So, there’s no need to worry about getting the “best” seat because all seats at the Bluebird Cafe offer an excellent vantage point.

“Amazing intimate setting in which to listen to country music played by singers and songwriters who are trying to make it big. Great atmosphere and staff are extremely friendly. Would highly recommend paying this place a visit if you are into country music.” – Alison Williams

“You have to book early to get a seat, and I don’t think there is a bad seat in the house. The cafe is small and feels more like you’re in someone’s living room.  The staff was very attentive and unlike some other musical venues in Nashville, the admission costs and food and beverages are reasonable. You won’t be dissappointed.” – Josh B., USA

Types of shows at the Bluebird Cafe

When it comes to the Bluebird Cafe, you’ll have the opportunity to experience two distinct types of shows: “In the Row” and “In the Round.” Each offers a unique perspective and atmosphere, allowing you to enjoy the music in different ways.

In The Row shows at the Bluebird Cafe

For the “In the Row” shows, the setup resembles that of a traditional restaurant or cafe. Tables are arranged throughout the venue, with a stage located in the front. This setup provides a cozy and intimate setting, where you can sit comfortably at your table while enjoying the performances. The stage itself is not particularly large or high, but due to the small size of the cafe, you can have a clear view of the artists and their performances, no matter where you’re seated. This setup allows for a more traditional concert experience, where you can sit back, relax, and soak in the captivating music.

This is the type of show that we saw.

In The Round shows at the Bluebird Cafe

On the other hand, the “In the Round” shows offer a unique and intimate experience. During these performances, singer-songwriters take their places in the middle of the venue, forming a circle. The audience then surrounds them, creating an up-close and personal setting. This setup fosters a sense of connection and intimacy between the artists and the audience, as you’re in close proximity to the performers. It’s a truly special experience to witness the artists share their stories and music in such an intimate setting.

Bluebird cafe seating chart for in the row shows 

Bluebird cafe seating chart for in the round shows

Bluebird Cafe tickets resale policy

When it comes to purchasing tickets for the Bluebird Cafe, it’s important to note that tickets can only be purchased from the official Bluebird Cafe website. They do not allow ticket resale, and tickets are not transferable either. This means that the name on the ticket must match the ID of the person attending the show. If the ticket is under a different name from someone not in your group, you won’t be able to gain entry.

In case your plans change and you can no longer attend the show, there is an option to cancel your reservation. However, it’s crucial to do so at least 24 hours in advance. While you can cancel, please keep in mind that the tickets are non-refundable. For the Sunday show, you will need to cancel before 2 pm on Friday to avoid any charges.

It’s also worth noting that if you don’t cancel your reservation and fail to show up for the scheduled show, the Bluebird Cafe will charge you a fee of $10 per ticket. This fee is the minimum spending requirement per person, and it ensures that the seats are utilized effectively.

Bluebird Cafe schedule

The schedule at the Bluebird Cafe remains fairly consistent throughout the year, providing you with opportunities to enjoy live music. Here’s what you can expect:

From Tuesday to Saturday, there are two shows each day. The first show starts at 6pm, with the doors opening at 5:30pm. The second show begins at 9pm, and the doors open at 8:30pm.

On Mondays, you have the chance to experience Open Mic Night at 6pm, where aspiring musicians can showcase their talent. Later in the evening at 9pm, there is the Late Show with the Mike Henderson Band. Both are on a first come first served basis only so no reservations can be made for the Monday shows.

Sundays offer two distinct shows. The first is the Sunday Spotlight at 6pm, followed by the Sunday Writer’s Night at 8pm. These shows provide a unique and intimate atmosphere for enjoying live music.

Doors generally open between 30 minutes and one hour before show time. This allows you to arrive early and secure a good spot inside the venue.

It’s important to note that the Bluebird Cafe does not operate as a cafe outside of these show hours. However, they are available to answer calls and respond to emails between 12pm and 4pm during the weekdays.

It’s worth mentioning that the Bluebird Cafe does not offer lunch service, as its primary focus is on hosting live music performances. However, they occasionally hold special events like open houses, providing additional opportunities for music enthusiasts to engage with the venue and its artists.

Is there a minimum age to go to the Bluebird Cafe? 

No, there is no specific minimum age requirement to enter the Bluebird Cafe. However, it is worth considering whether it is suitable to bring small children to the venue.

The Bluebird Cafe has a “shhh” policy, which means they expect the audience to maintain a quiet and respectful atmosphere during performances. This can be challenging for young children who may find it difficult to sit still and remain quiet for extended periods. Therefore, while there is no official age restriction, we don’t recommend to bring small children to the Bluebird Cafe.

How much does it cost to come to the Bluebird Cafe?

The cost of attending the Bluebird Cafe depends on how you secure your seat. If you choose to book your tickets online, there is a booking fee of $3 plus tax. In addition to the booking fee, there is a minimum spend requirement of $10 per person for food and drinks on the day of the show. This ensures that you have an enjoyable experience while supporting the venue.

On the other hand, if you opt for a walk-in visit, the cost is simply $10 per person for food and drinks. This allows you to enjoy the show without the need for advanced reservations.

It’s important to note that these prices are subject to change, so it’s always a good idea to check the Bluebird Cafe’s official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on ticket prices and policies.

The Bluebird Cafe menu and our experience

When it comes to the Bluebird Cafe, the menu is known to change over the years, offering a variety of options to cater to different tastes. This means that if you visit again, you can expect a different menu compared to your previous experience, adding an element of surprise to your visit.

During our own visit, we had the pleasure of indulging in some delightful dishes. We decided to try the artichoke dip with chips and fried samosas, and we were pleasantly surprised by the homemade and delicious flavors. It’s worth noting that the Bluebird Cafe Nashville menu items may vary during your visit, so you might encounter different appetizers, main courses, or desserts to choose from.

At the Bluebird Cafe, you have the opportunity to order food both before the show starts and during the breaks between performances. This allows you to enjoy a meal while immersing yourself in the captivating live music experience.

It’s important to mention that the food at the Bluebird Cafe sometimes receives mixed reviews:

“Went tonight to the 6pm show & it was so good!! We were on will call but thankfully they had a few extra seats. Grabbed a couple beers & a pineapple cider. They have a pretty good selection for food options too. Tried the pretzel, it was alright. Hoped for a more original pretzel. We didn’t love the cheesy sauce but we liked the mustard sauce, despite its green look. Has the feel of an older environment VS the young hip club. As a 30 year old, I’m all for that! Cool to see while in Nashville. Staff was attentive. Check it out!” – Christelle Pearson, USA

Bluebird Cafe directions and address of Bluebird Cafe Nashville

Where is the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville? Finding your way to the Bluebird Cafe is fairly straightforward, especially if you have a GPS to guide you. The Bluebird Cafe address you’ll want to input is 4104 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville, TN 37215. Once you arrive in the area, you might find that the street where the cafe is located is a bit unexpected.

Contrary to how it may appear in movies, the Bluebird Cafe is not situated on a bustling music street. Instead, it’s nestled within a shopping avenue with some ongoing construction. So, it may not match your initial expectations, but don’t worry, it’s still the iconic Bluebird Cafe you’re looking for. We were a bit surprised when we arrived. Actually it took us a minute to spot the cafe!

When you approach the area, you’ll notice that the Bluebird Cafe is located next to a McDonald’s and across from a Whole Foods store. It’s hard to miss, and these recognizable landmarks can help you identify the correct location.

As for parking, there are a few options available. In front of the cafe, you’ll find a small parking area where you can park your car. That’s where we parked. If that area happens to be full, there is a larger gravel parking lot at the back. To access the rear parking lot, you’ll need to turn onto the alley entrance on Hillsboro Pike, right next to the AT&T building.

The Bluebird Cafe and Nashville TV Show

The Bluebird Cafe holds a special place in the hearts of Nashville and Tennessee locals. It has gained fame not only for being a well-known venue among country music enthusiasts but also for its association with some notable artists. One of the most famous stories is how Taylor Swift was discovered there, which further solidified its reputation.

However, the Bluebird Cafe skyrocketed to even greater fame with the television show Nashville. The show, which premiered in 2012 and ran for six seasons, featured a talented cast that included Charles Esten, Connie Britton, and the Stella sisters. In fact, the very first episode of the series was filmed at the Bluebird Cafe. It was a pivotal scene where characters Gunnar and Scarlett performed together, setting the stage for the show’s country music-centric storyline.

After the success of Nashville, a replica of the Nashville tv show Bluebird Cafe was created for future episodes, and the show primarily used that set. However, the real Bluebird Cafe still holds a special significance and is occasionally featured in special events or episodes.

In the series, the Bluebird Cafe serves as the heart of the show, bringing together the country soul that defines Nashville’s music scene. It represents the intimate and authentic atmosphere where aspiring artists and established performers alike showcase their talent and connect with their audience.

Bluebird Cafe merchandise

If you’re looking to bring home some Bluebird Cafe merchandise as a souvenir, you’re in luck! The cafe offers a variety of items for purchase, allowing you to commemorate your visit and show your love for this iconic Nashville venue.

When you step into the Bluebird Cafe, you’ll find a merchandise section where you can browse through different items. They have a range of options available, including t-shirts, cups, and more. These items are not only stylish but also serve as a tangible reminder of your experience at the Bluebird.

During our visit, I picked up a Bluebird Cafe t-shirt myself. It’s a cool way to showcase your connection to this renowned music venue. The t-shirts come in various sizes and designs, so you can find one that suits your style. I recommend buying your souvenir as soon as you’ve found a seat because that allows you to enjoy the show fully afterwards not worrying about the merchandise being sold out.

Final thoughts: How to find seats at the Bluebird Cafe Nashville

As a conclusion, we highly recommend visiting the Bluebird Cafe when you’re in Nashville. To secure a seat at the Bluebird Cafe in Nashville, there are a few key steps to follow. If you already know your schedule, we recommend making a Bluebird reservation online through the official Bluebird Cafe website. Reservations guarantee you a seat, and you can choose your preferred showtime. So you won’t have to wait outside for hours like we did!

If you prefer a walk-in option, we recommend arriving early as seating is limited. Keep in mind that arriving later may result in a wait time or not getting into the first show.

Bluebird Cafe Nashville FAQs

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