Nashville is a different beast than it was even five years ago. You walk down Lower Broadway and the air smells like a mix of expensive cedar-scented beard oil and cheap domestic beer. It's loud. It’s chaotic. And if you're looking for Jelly Roll's bar in Nashville, you might actually be a little confused by what you find—or don't find—because the story of his "bar" isn't just about a sign on a door.
Most celebrities in this town, from Jason Aldean to Miranda Lambert, have these massive, multi-story "neon shrines" that feel like corporate playgrounds. Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, took a different path. He didn't build a six-story glass tower. Instead, he partnered with his wife, Bunnie Xo, to create something that feels a bit more like the Nashville he actually grew up in.
It’s called Losers Bar & Grill, specifically the "Backside" area, and it is tucked away in Midtown.
Why Jelly Roll Chose Midtown Over Broadway
Broadway is for the tourists. Midtown is for the people who actually live here. When Jelly Roll decided to put his stamp on a physical location, he chose the corner of Division Street. This isn't just a business move; it’s a loyalty play.
For years, Jelly was the underdog. He spent time in the Davidson County Jail, he sold CDs out of his trunk, and he hung out at the dives where the songwriters actually drink. You won't find him at a velvet-rope lounge. You’ll find him at Losers.
The "Jelly Roll bar" experience is technically part of the Losers Bar & Grill ecosystem. He partnered with the owners to create a space that feels like a backyard party. It's rough around the edges. There’s wood everywhere. It’s dark. It smells like a good time and maybe a little bit of bad decisions. Honestly, that’s the brand. It’s authentic.
The Bunnie Xo Influence: "Bunnie’s Backyard"
You can't talk about Jelly's presence in the Nashville bar scene without mentioning Bunnie. She’s the engine. While Jelly is out winning CMAs and touring the country, Bunnie is the one who really curated the vibe of their collaborative spaces.
Inside the Losers complex, there is a dedicated area often referred to as Bunnie’s Backyard. It’s an extension of the bar that feels like a VIP area without the snobbery. Think turf, outdoor seating, and a stage that feels like it’s three feet away from your face.
- The drinks are stiff.
- The music is loud, ranging from 90s country to hardcore rap.
- You might actually see them there.
That last part is the kicker. Most country stars never set foot in their own bars unless it’s for a private media event. Jelly and Bunnie are different. They show up. They buy rounds. They treat the staff like family because, in a lot of ways, they were part of that family long before the platinum records started rolling in.
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The "Losers" Philosophy
Why call a bar "Losers"? It’s a badge of honor in this town. Nashville is built on the backs of people who were told "no." Songwriters who lost their publishing deals. Singers who got laughed out of auditions.
Jelly Roll is the patron saint of the "losers."
When you walk into Jelly Roll's bar in Nashville (as the locals call the Losers/Backside hybrid), you aren't met with a dress code. You’re met with a mural of the man himself. There is a sense of belonging there that you just don't get at the polished, corporate bars on 2nd Avenue.
It’s about the "Waylon and Willie" spirit. It’s about being a little bit of an outlaw.
What to Expect When You Visit
If you’re planning a trip, don't expect a quiet night.
First off, parking in Midtown is a nightmare. Don't even try. Take a rideshare. You’ll pull up to a building that looks like a converted warehouse. There’s a patio out front where people are usually smoking and arguing about which songwriter has the best bridge on their new demo.
Inside, the lighting is dim. The walls are covered in memorabilia that doesn't feel curated by a marketing firm; it feels like stuff people just nailed to the wall over the last decade.
The stage is the heart of the place. On any given Tuesday, you might see a guy who looks like he just crawled out of a van, but he’ll play the best set of music you’ve ever heard in your life. That’s the Nashville magic. Jelly Roll knows that magic better than anyone.
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The Food and Drink Situation
Don't go looking for artisanal kale salads here.
This is a beer-and-shot kind of joint. They serve "stadium-style" food that hits the spot when you're four drinks deep. We're talking burgers, fries, and things that are deep-fried.
- The Beer: Ice cold. Mostly domestics.
- The Signature Vibe: The "Whisk-E-Smash" or just a straight pour of whatever whiskey is on the top shelf.
- The Prices: Surprisingly reasonable for Nashville. You aren't paying the "Broadway Tax" here.
Comparing Jelly Roll’s Bar to the "Big" Names
If you go to Eric Church’s Chief’s or Morgan Wallen’s This Bar, you’re getting a curated, high-end experience. It’s beautiful. It’s expensive. It’s a production.
Jelly Roll’s spot is the opposite. It’s the "after-party." It’s where the artists go when they want to get away from the cameras. It’s gritty.
There’s a common misconception that Jelly owns a massive skyscraper. He doesn't. He has a home base. He has a partnership that reflects his personality. He’s a guy who values community over a corporate logo.
The Cultural Impact of Jelly Roll in Nashville
You have to understand where this man came from to understand why his bar matters. He grew up in Antioch, a suburb of Nashville. He didn't grow up in the "music city" you see on TV. He grew up in the struggle.
His presence at Losers has transformed Midtown. It’s brought a younger, more diverse crowd to a part of town that was traditionally just for college kids and old-school industry types. He’s bridged the gap between hip-hop, rock, and country.
When he’s in town, the energy in that bar shifts. It’s electric. People don't just want a drink; they want to feel a part of the "Redemption" story.
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Misconceptions About Jelly Roll’s Bar
A lot of people Google "Jelly Roll's bar" and expect to see his name in 50-foot neon letters.
You won't.
He isn't trying to be the center of attention in the skyline. He’s trying to be the center of the culture. If you’re looking for a "themed" bar where you can take a million selfies for Instagram, go to Broadway. If you want to hear a songwriter pour their heart out while you drink a PBR, go to Midtown.
- Is it family-friendly? Not really. It’s a bar. Leave the kids at the hotel.
- Do they have a cover charge? Sometimes, especially if there’s a big event or a specific band playing, but often you can just walk in.
- Is Bunnie Xo always there? She’s a busy woman. She has her own empire. But she’s known to drop in, and when she does, the party levels up.
The Future of the Partnership
There are always rumors about Jelly opening a massive standalone spot. Given his trajectory, it wouldn't be surprising. He’s currently one of the biggest stars in the world.
But for now, the Losers partnership is his anchor. It keeps him grounded. It’s a place where he can be Jason, not just Jelly Roll.
Tips for the Best Experience
Don't go on a Saturday night if you hate crowds. It will be packed to the rafters.
Go on a Sunday afternoon or a Monday night. That’s when the "real" Nashville comes out. You’ll see the session musicians, the roadies, and the locals who just want a cold drink.
Talk to the bartenders. They’ve seen it all. They have stories about the nights when Jelly first started coming in, long before he was selling out arenas. They’re the keepers of the history.
Actionable Steps for Your Visit
To get the most out of your visit to Jelly Roll's bar in Nashville, follow these steps to ensure you aren't just another tourist lost in the shuffle:
- Location: Head to 1913 Division St, Nashville, TN. This is the heart of the Midtown "bar row."
- The "Backside": Ask for the Backside entrance if you want the specific area where Jelly and Bunnie's influence is strongest.
- Rideshare is Non-Negotiable: The parking enforcement in Midtown is aggressive. Don't risk a boot on your car. Use Uber or Lyft.
- Check the Calendar: Look at the Losers Bar & Grill social media pages before you go. They often announce surprise sets or special events only a few hours in advance.
- Dress Down: Wear your jeans and your boots. Save the sequins and the cowboy hats for Broadway.
- Be Respectful: If you do happen to see Jelly or Bunnie, remember they are at their home base. They are usually incredibly kind to fans, but let them enjoy their drink. A polite nod goes a long way.
Nashville is changing fast, but places like this keep the soul of the city alive. It’s not about the glitz. It’s about the grit. And that’s exactly why Jelly Roll fits in so well.