Nashville’s iconic Lower Broadway has welcomed a new titan, and it’s a venue as raw and genuine as the artist behind it: Jelly Roll. As of late 2025, the buzz around "Goodnight Nashville," the multi-level bar and restaurant owned by the chart-topping singer, is louder than the live music spilling out onto the street. This isn't just another celebrity-owned honky-tonk; it’s a soulful, tattoo-themed love letter from Jason DeFord to his hometown, offering a truly unique experience that breaks the mold of Music City's famous strip.
The highly-anticipated venue, which officially opened its doors in early 2025, immediately established itself as a must-visit destination. From its rustic, yet refined, decor to a menu deeply inspired by the artist’s Tennessee roots, Goodnight Nashville offers fans and tourists alike a deep dive into the world of the man who gave us hits like "Son of a Sinner" and "Need a Favor." It’s a massive undertaking, spanning multiple stories and promising an unforgettable atmosphere with live music on every floor.
Jelly Roll: A Quick Biography of Jason DeFord
Before diving into the details of his massive Broadway venture, understanding the man behind the music—and the bar—adds crucial context to the venue's authentic vibe. Jason DeFord’s journey is one of transformation, resilience, and a deep connection to the Nashville area.
- Full Name: Jason Bradley DeFord
- Stage Name: Jelly Roll (originally stylized as JellyRoll)
- Date of Birth: December 4, 1984
- Hometown: Antioch, Tennessee (just south of Nashville)
- Career Start: Began as a rapper, gaining initial recognition for collaborations and mixtapes.
- Genre Transition: Successfully transitioned from hip-hop to a blend of country, rock, and rap, earning mainstream success.
- Key Accolades: Chart-topping albums and singles, multiple Grammy Award nominations, and numerous other professional accolades.
- Personal Life: Married to podcast host Bunnie Xo, who is often involved in his projects.
- Thematic Focus: His music and public persona are known for their honesty, discussions of mental health, and stories of redemption.
The Goodnight Nashville Experience: 7 Unforgettable Secrets
Goodnight Nashville is more than just a place to grab a beer; it’s a multi-sensory entertainment complex designed to reflect Jelly Roll's unique aesthetic and love for his city. Here are the seven must-know secrets that set this venue apart from its Broadway neighbors.
1. Broadway's Highest Rooftop Bar
The most talked-about feature of Goodnight Nashville is its spectacular rooftop. The venue boasts the highest rooftop bar on all of Broadway, offering unparalleled, sweeping skyline views of Music City. This four-story (or sometimes cited as five- or six-story) venue provides an elevated experience, literally and figuratively, making it the perfect spot for cocktails at sunset or a late-night view of the neon-lit street below.
2. The Tattoo-Themed, Rustic Interior
In a nod to Jelly Roll’s heavily-tattooed persona, the bar's interior design is a rustic, tattoo-themed masterpiece. The decor is far from sterile, incorporating elements that evoke a genuine, down-to-earth vibe that aligns perfectly with the artist's brand. Visitors can expect rich textures, exposed wood, and artistic elements that feel personal and authentic, moving away from the polished, often generic, look of other celebrity bars.
3. A Menu Inspired by Tennessee Comfort Food
The food menu at Goodnight Nashville is a direct reflection of Jelly Roll’s Southern roots and personal favorites. It’s a Tennessee Kitchen concept that elevates classic comfort food. The initial limited menu, famously taste-tested and approved by Jelly Roll's wife, Bunnie Xo, features unique and intriguing dishes that are a far cry from standard bar fare.
- Must-Try Entrees & Appetizers:
- FAMILY RECIPE MEATBALLS
- PORK & TOBACCO STACK (a curious and unique name)
- CRAB HUSH PUPS
- “TWISTED” TRUFFLE FRIES
- SWEET POTATO POUTINE
4. The Signature "Jelly Roll Dessert"
No visit is complete without trying the establishment's namesake sweet treat. The bar sells a special "Jelly Roll Dessert," a playful and likely delicious nod to the artist's stage name. This dessert, along with other creatively named items like the "PEPPY ROLL" and the "HOMETOWN PRETZEL BOARD," ensures that the bar's identity is woven into every aspect of the dining experience, from the first drink to the final bite.
5. A Multi-Floor Music Mecca
True to Broadway tradition, live music is the heartbeat of Goodnight Nashville. The massive structure is designed to be a "music mecca," featuring multiple stages across its various floors. This setup ensures that whether you're on the main floor, enjoying a meal, or sipping a cocktail on the rooftop, you are always immersed in the vibrant sounds of Nashville's thriving music scene. The first floor stage is a central feature, hosting local and up-and-coming talent.
6. The VIP Lounge and Private Experience
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the venue includes a private VIP lounge. This feature caters to special events, parties, and guests looking for a more intimate setting away from the main crowds. The inclusion of a dedicated VIP area speaks to the venue's ambition to be a full-service entertainment destination, not just a casual bar. It offers a premium space for fans to connect with the Goodnight Nashville brand in style.
7. A Partnership with Industry Experts
Jelly Roll partnered with Creation Equity and Alpha Development for this project, ensuring that the ambitious vision was executed with professional precision. This collaboration is why the bar, located at the prime spot of 209 Broadway, is a high-quality, multi-faceted venue incorporating a restaurant, live music, and a high-end rooftop. The entire concept is Jelly Roll’s "love letter to his hometown," making it a deeply personal project that is built to last.
Goodnight Nashville: A New Era on Broadway
Jelly Roll’s "Goodnight Nashville" is more than just another celebrity bar; it’s a genuine extension of his persona—raw, layered, and deeply connected to the heart of Tennessee. The bar’s opening in early 2025 marked a significant moment for Broadway, introducing a fresh concept that combines the grit of a tattoo-themed aesthetic with the high-end appeal of a multi-story live music venue. Whether you're drawn by the promise of the highest rooftop view in Music City, the unique Tennessee-inspired menu featuring the famous Jelly Roll Dessert, or the chance to immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere created by Jason DeFord, Goodnight Nashville is a must-add to your Nashville itinerary. It’s a place where the music is loud, the food is soulful, and every corner tells a story of redemption and hometown pride.
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