The Ultimate Guide To Kid Rock’s Nashville Empire: Two Bars, ICE Raids, And The New 'Detroit Cowboy'

As of December 2025, Kid Rock’s presence in Nashville’s vibrant entertainment scene is not just loud—it's expanding and controversial, making his establishments must-visit destinations for tourists and locals alike. The original, towering venue, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse, remains a dominant force on Lower Broadway, offering a multi-level experience that blends steakhouse dining with non-stop live music. However, the biggest news of 2025 is the launch of a *second* Nashville eatery, a sophisticated collaboration that signals a major shift in the musician's hospitality portfolio.

The latest updates also include a significant controversy that put the flagship Honky Tonk in the national spotlight earlier this year, involving a temporary closure linked to city-wide immigration enforcement. This in-depth guide provides the freshest information, covering both the iconic Honky Tonk and the new venture, offering a complete look at the rock star’s Music City empire and the recent events that have kept it in the headlines.

Robert James Ritchie: The Man Behind the Honky Tonk

The polarizing personality behind one of Nashville's most talked-about venues is Robert James Ritchie, better known by his stage name, Kid Rock. His journey from a Detroit-area musician to a diamond-certified artist and controversial business owner is a story of genre-bending success.

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• Birth Name: Robert James Ritchie
• Born: January 17, 1971
• Birth Place: Romeo, Michigan, United States
• Musical Style: A unique and often provocative blend of hip hop, rap, rock, country, and heavy metal.
• Career Highlights: Rose to mainstream fame in 1998 with the album *Devil Without a Cause*, which featured the hit singles "Bawitdaba" and "Cowboy." He later transitioned into the country-rock genre with the massive success of "All Summer Long."
• Business Ventures: Beyond his Nashville establishments, Ritchie has been involved in various ventures that reflect his unapologetic, rock-and-roll lifestyle.

Kid Rock's Big Ass Honky Tonk: A Broadway Landmark

Opened in 2018, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse is anything but subtle. Located on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Broadway, it immediately became one of the largest and most talked-about venues in the downtown Nashville entertainment district. The venue is designed to be an immersive, high-energy experience that mirrors Kid Rock’s own eclectic musical style.

The Massive Scale and Unique Features

The sheer size of the Honky Tonk is its most defining characteristic. It stands as a multi-story monument to rock and country excess, designed to handle the massive crowds that flock to Lower Broadway every day.

• Five Floors: The venue spans five distinct floors, each offering a slightly different atmosphere.
• Four Stages: With four separate stages, the Honky Tonk guarantees non-stop live music, featuring local and touring acts covering everything from classic rock to contemporary country music.
• Six Bars: Patrons can choose from six different bars, ensuring quick service even on the busiest weekend nights.
• Rooftop Views: The sky-high 5th-story rooftop offers some of the most stunning, panoramic views of the downtown Nashville skyline, a major draw for visitors.

The Menu: Steakhouse Meets Southern Comfort

Despite the "Honky Tonk" name, the establishment is also a full-service steakhouse. The menu is robust, focusing on American cuisine with a touch of Southern flair, all served in a lively, rock-and-roll setting.

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• Steakhouse Specialties: The menu's anchor is the steak selection, including an impressive 8oz Filet.
• Appetizers & Comfort Food: Starters include classics like Chicken Wings, Ultimate Nachos, and Steakhouse Chili.
• Signature Dishes: For those looking for something truly unique, the menu features the aptly named "Big Ass Dog," a giant hot dog loaded with chili, jalapeños, and diced red onions.
• Cocktails: The bar menu features 12 specially curated cocktails, designed to be as bold and memorable as the venue itself.

The 2025 Controversy: ICE Raids and Temporary Closure

In a major news story that dominated Nashville’s entertainment headlines in May 2025, Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk Rock N’ Roll Steakhouse was reportedly among several downtown establishments that temporarily closed its doors on a busy Saturday night. This action was taken amid city-wide rumors of potential ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) raids sweeping the area.

The immediate closure, which occurred around 9:30 PM, was reportedly a precautionary measure. An employee source quoted in the Nashville Scene noted that the establishment was already feeling the strain, stating, “We were already understaffed because of the ICE raids.” Managers at the venue, which is owned by conservative restaurateur Steve Smith, allegedly instructed employees without legal citizenship status to leave the premises to avoid the potential raids.

The incident highlighted the complex labor issues facing Nashville's booming service industry and brought an unexpected political dimension to the already high-profile bar. While the Honky Tonk quickly reopened, the event remains a significant and recent point of discussion regarding the venue’s operations and the broader political climate surrounding its owner.

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The New Venture: Introducing 'The Detroit Cowboy'

In a move that diversifies his Nashville hospitality footprint, Kid Rock launched a second, separate dining establishment in 2025: The Detroit Cowboy. This new venture is a significant departure from the raucous atmosphere of the Broadway Honky Tonk, aiming for a more refined, supper club experience.

A Collaboration with Joe Vicari

The Detroit Cowboy is a collaboration with Detroit restaurateur Joe Vicari and his Joe Vicari Restaurant Group, known for the culinary legacy of Motor City's fine-dining institution, Joe Muer Seafood. This partnership suggests a focus on quality, consistency, and a higher-end dining experience than the casual fare offered on Broadway. The venue is described as walking the line between a supper club and a high-end restaurant.

Location and Concept

Crucially, The Detroit Cowboy is located in the growing Capitol View neighborhood of Nashville, not on the crowded Lower Broadway strip. This strategic location signals an intention to attract a different clientele—one perhaps looking for a more relaxed, upscale meal away from the tourist crush.

• Name: The Detroit Cowboy
• Location: Capitol View neighborhood, Nashville (separate from Broadway)
• Partner: Joe Vicari Restaurant Group (Joe Muer Seafood)
• Concept: Upscale supper club with a focus on American cuisine, including seafood and steak.

The launch of The Detroit Cowboy, celebrated by country star Riley Green at its grand opening in June 2025, confirms Kid Rock's continued investment in the Nashville scene, moving beyond the honky tonk concept to embrace a more diverse culinary and entertainment portfolio.

Why Kid Rock’s Nashville Bars Matter

Kid Rock’s establishments are more than just bars; they are anchors of topical authority in Nashville’s entertainment and political landscape. The Big Ass Honky Tonk remains an essential stop for anyone wanting the full, over-the-top Broadway experience, offering a massive venue with non-stop live music. The opening of The Detroit Cowboy, however, demonstrates an evolution, catering to a different demographic and establishing a presence in a rapidly developing part of the city.

Whether you are drawn by the rock-and-roll energy of the Honky Tonk, the political headlines it generates, or the promise of an upscale meal at the new Detroit Cowboy, Kid Rock’s Nashville empire is a dynamic and ever-changing part of Music City’s identity.