Ever heard of Garth Brooks? That's right, his first performance was at the Bluebird. And it is this mystique that calls young singers and songwriters looking for their chance at stardom. Monday nights are open-mike, so take your chances with the unknown acts. This is a haven for the struggling artist and the established country star, making it a Nashville tradition for both locals and tourists.

Much like F. Scott Fitzgerald himself, this restaurant is elegant and cool. Featuring live jazz nightly and several intimate dining rooms, F. Scott's offers patrons an exciting alternative to the average bar and restaurant. Peppercorn Seared Tuna is a house favorite, and the Roasted Monkfish is served with a wonderful corn chowder. Grilled venison, beef and chicken round out the menu, and don't forget dessert. The Pear Tarte Tatin with caramelized fruit is divine.

Back in 1942 this was Nashville's only billiards parlor. The hall underwent a massive renovation to restore its 40s decor. New Brunswick tables, 12 in all, provide ample playing space for beginners and sharks alike. If running the table makes you hungry, try the best red beans and rice this side of New Orleans. The kitchen also offers typical bar food like burgers and wings. Draft and bottled beer and mixed drinks provide refreshment while you put a little English on the ball.

This is a bar, plain and simple. However, the crowd sets it apart. You'll never have so much fun in a bar as you will here. Some of the regulars, a right friendly bunch, have been coming here for decades, and they tell stories all night long, most of them true. Video games, pool tables and shuffleboard offer a little sporting activity. Order your favorite domestic beer as ordering an import will earn you a strange look from the bartender and sit back to enjoy the storytelling. Yuppies and college students stay east of this place, and it isn't the best place for dates or business meetings, but it's a great place for regular folks to enjoy a tall tale and a tall drink. Please check the website for timings.

Theme restaurants come and go, but few allow you to eat your meal atop a Harley Lowrider. Here in this clever diner, patrons are treated to cheeseburgers and smoked sausage sandwiches as good as any around. You can also purchase Harley Davidson clothing, gift items and motorcycle accessories. The decor is strictly "Hell's Angels" but the service is warm and friendly. One thing you won't find here are the immense crowds normally associated with such theme establishments. Expect to pay a bit more for a good sized burger, and add a couple of dollars to it if you choose the fries, and you really should! They are delicious.

Come hear some of the best unsigned artists in the field of country music. One listen and you'll know you're in the presence of greatness. Each night includes several acts featuring original tunes, as well as a few covers of your favorite artists. Headliners come on at 9 pm. The music is clearly country, although some of the opening acts have been known to toss in some blues and rock-a-billy music.

Chaffin's Barn Dinner Theatre is a unique experience in the Nashville area.  Offering buffet dinners and performances since 1967, Chaffin's Barn is not only a Nashville landmark, but one of only two original Barn Theatres in the country.  It is also the second oldest professional dinner theatre in America.  Seating at Chaffin's Barn is positioned around a theatre in the round, so every seat in the house offers a terrific view.  Performances for the 2011 year season include Annie, Everybody Loves Opal, A Country Christmas Carol and Southern Fried Funeral.  Be sure to check the website for upcoming auditions, special discounts, performance dates and special events. -Lynn-nore Chittom

Performing plays and musicals with Jewish themes is the passion of this theater near downtown. Throughout the year the company produces award-winning original productions as well as previously published material. A valued part of the Nashville arts community, Shalom also considers writings by local playwrights. Companies around the world have performed work originally produced here, and Nashville's theater community has recognized this professional troupe of actors and singers with numerous awards.

There are enough televisions and dartboards to make it a sports bar, enough beer to make it a pub, and food good enough for a restaurant. Whatever you want to call it, you'll love the enormous salads, fresh spicy bread and home-style cooking. Catch a game on television while enjoying a cold beer and some chicken wings. If you're looking for more substantial fare, the menu also offers catfish platters, fried steak and delicious Cajun rice selections.

Sometimes forgotten amidst the mass of other eateries near Lion's Head Cinema, Dalt's classic American diner made a name for itself with simple, elegant food and outstanding service. Malts, shakes and burgers are standard fare here, but they are far from ordinary; they are made with real milk and are thick and creamy; burgers are enormous and come dressed with everything from mushrooms and Swiss cheese to slices of smoked turkey. The best selection on the menu is the chicken salad quesadilla, but the eclectic menu has something for everyone. A visit here is not complete without the chocolate malt.