Tootsies Orchid Lounge – & Wildhorse Saloon

by Barbara Livieri

I visited Tootsies Orchid Lounge one night back in 2015, July, right after the 4th. I was in town for a convention at the Opryland Convention Center and took a shuttle bus in.

We were dropped off in front of …

The Wildhorse Saloon

I wasn’t interested in that. I wanted to see some history! 

I found my way down to Music Row. The guidance of an old friend and newfound lover of Nashville told me I had to go to Tootsies.

As I walked down and took in the sights (among the throngs of people) I was headed towards the sign that pointed to the Ryman Auditorium (old original Opry) and I stopped and thought,

Geez I thought Tootsies was supposed to be here?

I had seen the map. I turned, there was the Bridgestone across the street, turned a little more, back down Broadway and there it was, like a beacon on the side of the building “Tootsies Orchid Lounge” in all its purple glory! (There was no neon sign here).

I walked in and noticed a band setting up and then spotted one seat at the bar – unoccupied! I thought I was the luckiest girl in the world. LOL 

I ordered a beer, took a few photos.

Messaged my friend who suggested the place. I was so excited. I had near front row seats to some unknown band, yay!.

The singer well, she had green hair. I thought that was odd for a country singer, but oh well. They started playing and were really good. At least I thought so. After 3 beers, yeah, it didn’t matter. LOL

I had several more beers! It was dark outside by now. I was feeling the ‘fun’. Then the fiddle player started walking on the bar like in Coyote Ugly – All the girls had short skirts on.

So I’m stuck sitting there, I’d either have to look up her skirt or look stupid pretending there wasn’t a fiddle player standing above me. Haahaa

Needless to say, I wasn’t into all that. I tried not to be obvious, but as soon as she walked by I ordered my last beer. By now I had to… well… did I mention I drank a lot of beer?! ? 

Besides, the place was REALLY crowded. The street was just pouring into the bar. It was time to make my exit.

Soon as I finished I scurried to the ladies room and made my deposit. Time to head next door and see what kind of trouble I could find at Laylas.