AJ’s Good Time Bar in Nashville is Now Open—Here’s a Look at All Four Floors

By Food & Wine
Updated July 20, 2017
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Who’s up for some bar hopping and honky-tonk?Alan Jackson has been going full boot scootin’ boogie as of late, from performing on the successful Honky Tonk Highway Tour to being inducted into the 2017 Country Music Hall of Fame. Since October 2016, the 58-year-old Georgia native has also been working steadfastly to get his new honky-tonk watering hole, AJ’s Good Time Bar, up and running. In May 2017, the country music legend saw his dream fully realized, with the grand opening and complete renovation of the third floor and rooftop of AJ’s Good Time Bar in Nashville.While there are plenty of bars and lounges to choose from in the heart of Music City, AJ’s Good Time Bar is the only artist-owned establishment on Broadway to offer four floors of entertainment, each boasting its own distinct décor and vibe to match Jackson’s personality, interests, and hobbies. Not to mention, the new rooftop is an ideal spot for guests to end their night out on the town, particularly when the weather is nice enough to take in the scenic view of downtown Nashville, Ryman Auditorium, and Nissan Stadium—in between throwing back a few of the bar’s signature shots and drinks, of course.If that’s not enough, locals and country music fans alike can wander around the four-story entertainment mecca, feasting their eyes on wall-to-wall memorabilia from the singer’s collection. “I always wanted to own a honky-tonk that plays real country music on Broadway that I could put my name on," said Jackson in a press release. Judging by the following vibrant images, that’s exactly what he's got. — Michelle Darrisaw, Southern Living
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AJ's Honky Tonk

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The first floor is where you can hear all the live country music while ordering a few drinks.

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Hero's Wall

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See if you can spot a few of Jackson's favorite country icons. Adjacent to the photo wall is the actual outfit Jackson wore on the cover of his Good Time album.

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These Boots Were Made for Decorating

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Behind the bar are the red boots featured in the "Chattahoochee" music video.

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Square Grouper Tiki Bar

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The neon sign was given to Jackson by the owner of the famous tiki bar in Jupiter, Florida, where Jackson filmed two of his music videos. Also on the beverage menu on the first floor? Sweet tea on tap!

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Alan Jackson Performs

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Following a pit stop at Nashville's Ascend Amphitheater in May, Jackson and his eight-piece bands surprised guests with a performance on the first floor's "Honky-Tonk" stage. Jackson is known to pop in and out of the bar when he's not on tour.

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"GT" Bar

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As the name implies, the second floor of AJ's Good Time Bar is dedicated to sports- and auto aficionados, where car-themed memorabilia and 12 big screen TVs adorn the walls.

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"GT" Bar Plush Seating

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The second floor is also the perfect setting to hear live, acoustic music or watch a Titans or Predators game, from the comfort of a couch, one that used to take up residence at Jackson's lake house in Georgia. Now it can be your home away from home.

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The Ultimate Man Cave

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Instead of framed pictures, framed jerseys and hubcaps round out the décor of the second floor. The jerseys are from Tennessee teams, and those given to him over the years from different sports venues. All the hubcaps are from American-made cars, with some previously belonging to Jackson.

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License Plates Display

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Nothing like old license plates to spruce up the walls! Many of these are from Jackson and his wife Denise. And the best part? All 50 states are represented here.

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Yee-Hawg!

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After ordering a shot, take a ride on the wild side—or wild hog, that is. This original 1950s coin-operated ride is a great way to end the night.

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Hullbilly Bar

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Grab a drink from the third floor of AJ's Good Time Bar, which is home to some of Jackson's maritime adventures and fishing excursions. The bar is actually a custom-made model of Jackson's Merritt Sports Fishing Boat, "Hullbilly," as seen in his "It's Five O'Clock Somewhere" and "Long Way to Go" music videos. The replicated boat counter gives new meaning to the term, dive bar.

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Framed with Memories

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Next to the stage on the third floor is a wall of photos, including one of Alan and his dad, Andy Griffith (Jackson is a huge fan), and various boat and lake shows. Also, the "Jackson Fish Camp" sign is from Jackson's very own river house, and the "Hoochie Coochie" transom was taken from one of his custom wooden boats.

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Fighting Chair

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You can see that this is the same chair and the deep sea fishing pole in the picture of Alan Jackson on his "Hullbilly" fishing boat.

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Best Catch

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All the fishing poles and grill come from Jackson's Century boat and personal fishing stash.

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Coming to the Stage

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When Alan Jackson can't make an appearance, this life-size standup is a fill-in on the third floor. Guests can also enjoy karaoke and live music.

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AJ's "Star Bar"

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Because who doesn't love a rooftop bar? Particularly when it includes an outdoor space overlooking downtown, while under the watchful guard of "Big Al."

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Rooftop Seating

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Best seats in the house, if you ask us.

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Crowd at AJ's

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As the evening draws near, crowds gather outside the new bar. It reminds us of this line in Jackson's "Good Time" song: "Countin' the days 'til Friday night, that's when all the conditions are right for a good time." And you're sure to have a good time at AJ's.

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