If you’ve spent any time in Nashville lately, specifically around the Midtown area where the tourists start to thin out and the actual songwriters hang, you've probably seen the neon glow of Riley Green's Duck Blind. It’s hard to miss. Located at 1913 Division Street, this place isn't just another celebrity name slapped onto a front door. It’s a replacement for the legendary Winners Bar & Grill, which is a big deal if you know anything about the local dive bar hierarchy.
Riley Green isn’t just a guy who sings about the outdoors. He lives it. People call him "Duckman" for a reason—his Instagram handle @rileyduckman was a thing long before he was selling out arenas. So, when he decided to open a bar, he didn't go for the glitz of Lower Broadway. He went for something that felt like a hunting camp tucked into the middle of Music City.
What is Riley Green's Duck Blind exactly?
Essentially, it’s a full-service bar and kitchen that operates as a partnership between Green and Nashville entrepreneur Steve Ford. Ford is the guy behind Losers (the iconic bar next door), so they already had the "vibe" dialed in.
The bar officially opened in late 2024. Most artists go for the multi-story "entertainment complex" look on Broadway. Think Luke Bryan or Jason Aldean. Riley went the other way. He took Winners, a place where George Strait’s late manager Erv Woolsey used to hang out, and gave it a "refurbished hunting cabin" makeover.
It feels lived-in. You’ve got the original Winners bar top still there, which is a nice nod to the history, but the rest is pure Riley. There are refurbished tables, plenty of big screens for the game, and a stage that hosts live music daily. It basically functions as an extension of Losers, connected and sharing that "no-frills" DNA that people in Nashville actually like.
The menu is surprisingly on-brand
You can tell when a celebrity actually had a say in the food. At Riley Green's Duck Blind, the menu is split into sections like “Open Season” for appetizers and “The Hunt” for main courses.
- Duck Fries: Exactly what they sound like, and arguably the most popular thing on the menu.
- Bison Burgers: A lean, heavy-hitting alternative to the standard bar burger.
- Dead Duck Shot: This is a polarizing one. It’s vodka, pickle juice, and hot sauce. It sounds like something you’d drink on a dare at a hunting camp at 4:00 AM, and honestly, that’s probably the point.
- Steak Biscuits: A staple of Green’s own Alabama upbringing.
They also serve "The Water Moccasin," a mix of Crown Royal, peach schnapps, triple sec, and sour. It’s the kind of place where you don't go for a craft cocktail with a sprig of lavender. You go for a cold beer and something that probably spent time in a fryer.
Why "Duckman" chose Midtown over Broadway
Nashville’s Lower Broadway is a circus. It’s great if you want neon lights and bachelorette parties, but it’s not exactly "country" in the traditional sense anymore. Riley Green’s Duck Blind being in Midtown says a lot about his brand.
Midtown is where the industry people go. It’s where songwriters meet to talk about lyrics and where artists go when they don't want to be mobbed by tourists in plastic cowboy hats. By putting his name on a bar here, Green is sticking to the "staying true to your roots" mantra he preaches in his songs like "I Wish Grandpas Never Died."
He’s mentioned in interviews that he spent many nights at Losers before he was famous. He knows that corner of Division Street. Partnering with Steve Ford wasn't a corporate merger; it was more like doing a project with a friend.
The connection to "Winners"
For the locals, the transition from Winners to the Duck Blind was bittersweet. Winners was a staple for decades. However, Green and Ford were careful to keep the "bones" of the place intact. They kept the original stage on the first floor. They kept the layout. It feels like a renovation rather than a demolition.
It's not just a bar, it's a lifestyle
You can’t talk about Riley Green's Duck Blind without talking about the hunting culture it represents. Riley is an avid outdoorsman who hunts the Alabama Black Belt—a region known for its massive 10 million acres of forest.
He recently told Hook & Barrel Magazine that being in the woods is where he recharges. He’s a bow hunter, which is a solitary, quiet pursuit. The Duck Blind bar is the social version of that. It’s the "after the hunt" part of the experience.
The merchandise factor
Riley has turned the "Duckman" and "Duck Blind" thing into a legitimate brand. You can buy "Duck Hats" on his site for $40, and they sell out constantly. The bar is basically the physical headquarters for this community of fans who would rather be in a tree stand than a board room.
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What to expect when you go
If you're planning a visit, don't expect a quiet experience. It's loud. It’s crowded.
- Hours: They are open from 11:00 AM to 3:00 AM daily.
- Age Limit: It’s usually 21+ after 3:00 PM on weekdays and all day on weekends.
- Live Music: Unlike the Broadway bars that play a lot of pop-country covers, the Duck Blind leans more into the traditional stuff. You’ll hear a lot of Waylon, Merle, and of course, Riley’s own hits.
There’s a certain authenticity to it that’s hard to fake. When Riley is in town, he’s actually there. He’s been known to drop in, grab a beer, and even hop on the stage for an impromptu set.
Actionable insights for your visit
If you want to experience the bar like a local rather than a tourist, follow these steps:
- Skip the Peak: If you want to actually see the memorabilia and the "duck blind" decor, go for lunch on a Tuesday or Wednesday. It gets packed by 8:00 PM most nights.
- Order the Duck Fries: Don't overthink the menu. Stick to the signature items.
- Check the Schedule: Riley often announces special events or album release parties (like he did for Don't Mind If I Do) specifically at the Duck Blind. Follow their social media for "drop-in" alerts.
- Explore the Connection: Walk through to Losers. The two bars are connected, and moving between them is part of the Midtown experience.
- Respect the Vibe: It’s a dive bar at heart. Don’t expect white-glove service; expect a cold drink and a good story.