You’re sprinting toward Gate C2 at Nashville International Airport (BNA), breathless, clutching a lukewarm latte, and suddenly, you hear it. A steel guitar crying over a driving backbeat. It’s not a recording. It’s not some tinny overhead speaker. It’s a full-blown, soul-shaking honky-tonk performance happening right next to a Hudson News.
Welcome to Tootsies Orchid Lounge Nashville Airport.
If you’ve spent any time in Music City, you know the name. The original purple building on Broadway is legendary—a place where Willie Nelson got his first songwriting gig and where the walls are plastered with enough memorabilia to fill a museum. But the airport version? That’s a different beast entirely. Some travelers swear by it as the best layover spot in America, while others are just confused that a bar this loud exists past security.
Honestly, it’s one of the few places in the world where you can get a BBQ sandwich, a stiff drink, and a concert from a future superstar while waiting for a Southwest flight to Kansas City.
Why the Airport Tootsies Actually Matters
Most airport "themed" bars are soulless. They have a few guitars on the wall, a playlist of Garth Brooks hits, and overpriced frozen pizzas. They feel like a corporate board room’s idea of a "vibe."
Tootsies is different. Why? Because it’s operated by Delaware North but managed with the same chaotic energy that made the downtown spot famous. It’s located in Concourse C, near Gate C2. If you’re flying out of the newer Concourse D or the renovated Concourse A (which, as of 2026, is looking incredibly slick after the New Horizon project updates), you might have to hike a bit. But it's worth it.
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The music isn't a "special event." It’s all day, every day. I’ve seen people miss their boarding calls because they were too deep into a cover of "Jolene."
The Legend of Hattie Louise "Tootsie" Bess
To understand why this purple bar exists in an airport, you have to know about Tootsie herself. In 1960, Hattie Louise Bess bought a bar called Mom’s. As the story goes, she hired a painter who—either by mistake or divine intervention—painted the exterior a bright shade of orchid. Instead of getting mad, she leaned in.
Tootsie was the patron saint of "luckless writers." She famously kept a cigar box behind the counter full of IOUs from hungry musicians who couldn't pay for their drinks. At the end of every year, Opry stars like Faron Young or Charlie Daniels would reportedly come in and pay off the debt so Tootsie didn't lose the farm.
That spirit is what they try to bottle up at BNA. Does it feel exactly like the 1960s? No. It’s an airport. There are TSA agents and rolling suitcases. But the musicians playing here are real pros. They aren't "airport performers"; they are Nashville pickers who often play the downtown stages at night.
The Menu: More Than Just "Airport Food"
Look, nobody expects a Michelin star at 30,000 feet. But the food at the airport Tootsies is surprisingly legit.
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- The BBQ Sandwich: This is the flagship. It’s messy, it’s vinegary, and it’s served on a bun that actually holds up.
- The "Violet Orchid" Cocktail: If you want to lean into the brand, this is the drink. It’s purple, it’s sweet, and it looks great on a "Leaving Nashville" Instagram story.
- Fried Cheese Sticks: I’ve seen these save lives during a three-hour weather delay. They’re crispy, salty, and exactly what you need when the airline agent tells you the plane is "waiting on a crew."
People often complain about the prices, but let’s be real—it’s an airport. You’re going to pay $16 for a burger anywhere. At least here, you get a free show with your fries. In 2022, this location was named the most popular food and beverage spot at BNA, pulling in nearly $680,000 in monthly sales. That’s a lot of pulled pork.
The "New Horizon" and BNA in 2026
Nashville is exploding. If you haven't been through BNA lately, the place is unrecognizable. The $3-billion "New Horizon" expansion is currently tearing up and rebuilding half the airport. Concourse A was completely demolished and reconstructed to handle the massive influx of international travelers coming in from London and Frankfurt.
Despite all the shiny new glass and the geothermal cooling systems, Tootsies remains the "Record Node" of the airport. It’s the anchor. Even as BNA builds massive second terminals and adds 300 acres of infrastructure, the heart of the airport is still that purple bar in Concourse C.
What You Need to Know Before You Go
- Hours: They usually open about 90 minutes before the first flight of the day and close right after the last departure. If you’re on a 6:00 AM flight, yes, you can probably get a breakfast sandwich and hear some acoustic guitar.
- Seating: It gets packed. Quickly. If you see a spot at the bar, take it. Don't "think about it." It’ll be gone by the time you turn around.
- The Musicians: Most of these folks play for tips. They are incredibly talented. If you enjoyed the set, throw a few bucks in the jar. It’s the Nashville way.
Surprising Truths About the Airport Outpost
A common misconception is that the airport Tootsies is just a "gift shop with beer." It's actually a full-service restaurant. People think they can just walk in, take a photo of the purple walls, and leave. You can, but you're missing out.
Another weird detail? The "Wall of Fame." Just like the downtown location, the airport walls are covered in photos. It’s not just random country stars; it’s a history of the venue. You’ll see pictures of Kris Kristofferson (who used to sweep the floors at the original Tootsies to pay his tab) and Willie Nelson.
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Is it loud? Yes. If you’re trying to take a sensitive business call on your AirPods, don’t sit here. Go to the quiet lounge area in Concourse D. But if you want to feel like your vacation hasn't ended yet, this is the spot.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Trip
If you're planning to stop by Tootsies Orchid Lounge Nashville Airport, here is how to do it right:
- Check the Gate: Tootsies is in Concourse C (Gate C2). If you’re flying out of A or B, give yourself an extra 10-15 minutes to walk back to your gate after you’re done.
- Order the Pulled Pork: It’s the most consistent item on the menu.
- Have Cash Ready: Even in our digital world, the tip jar for the musicians is a big part of the culture.
- Timing: The "sweet spot" is between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The music is usually in full swing, and the lunch rush hasn't completely gridlocked the seating area yet.
Nashville is a city of rhythm and growth. As BNA continues its massive $4.5-billion transformation into a global hub, places like Tootsies serve as a reminder of what the city actually is. It's not just a transit point; it's a stage.
Next time you’re stuck in BNA, don't just sit at the gate staring at your phone. Walk over to C2. Grab a local New Heights beer, listen to a songwriter pour their heart out, and remember that even in an airport, Music City doesn't sleep.