The Bluebird Cafe — Restaurant in Nashville-Davidson

While working in this area a few years ago, I heard of this place, but never got around to checking it out. What a mistake I made! In addition to the amazing staff, the entire vibe and concept of the place is fantastic! The reviews and photos are great, but nothing beats the in-person experience! Thank you, The Bluebird Cafe, BMI, and everyone involved for giving Ivan Cornejo a chance as the first Regional Mexican singer/songwriter to play here! We didn't have tickets, we waited outside since 9am..crazy I know..what parents do for their kids. While we waited outside, we got to see in real time how random people would stop by and take photos in front of the venue and share stories, very cool. As soon as someone from the cafe arrived, he immediately provided water outside, and checked on us throughout our wait (fyi the doors open at 5pm.) I have to give a special thank you to the security officer for pulling out the seat and extra water! At one point, I thought I was going to feel claustrophobic since this was a sold out show and looking at it from the outside it looked really small. Yet, Bluebird Cafe left us amazed by how every seat, table, bar, stage, and etc had been creatively crafted to make you feel comfortable even the waiters glided through effortlessly. Once seated, we were quickly attended by our waitress. We got to see amazing singers up close and personal: Steve Ray(upbeat, feel good, country singer), Presley Tennant (insane vocals reminded me of Carrie Underwood mixed with Womack, and drop of Christina Aguilera), and Sara Jean Kelley (her voice and song “Whiskey” is still playing in my head). Ivan Cornejo did not disappoint, I went for my daughter, but once I heard his authentic wholesome voice, it made me remember why music is therapy for the soul. Extra special thank you Ivan and Presley for taking time for pics!! The BlueBird Cafe is definitely a well known hidden gem in Nashville! It's Family friendly, clean, no smoking, great pricing, and most importantly live raw music (no autotune) up close with the artist! Surpassed my expectations! GRACIAS Bluebird Cafe for a great evening! Anyone reading this review go and you won’t be...

We came here on a Monday night, which is the night Mike Henderson and his band plays. I'd never heard of him, but the bio sounded good, so we decided to check it out. You can't buy tickets on advance for this band. If you arrive too late, they might fill up. We arrived around 7:50 (for a show that starts at 9, doors open at 8:30). There are a few stores side by side; Bluebird, a barber, cleaners, and a bridal shop. The line was to the end of the bridal shop when we arrived. It was petty cold that night, and I wonder if people line up earlier when the weather is nice... Anyway, we just barely got a seat. All the tables were gone by the time we got inside. They have a few benches in the back, which was the last open seats. There were people behind us in line and I'm honestly not sure if everyone made it inside. Long story short, arriving at 7:50 was almost too late to arrive for the 9:00 show.

The band was good. They played the blues. Mike came out and played in the crowd. They had some friends in the audience who came up and played with the band. Everyone was really talented. The staff were nice. There was a really nice security guard who did a great job at managing everyone's expectations. He told everyone about the admission price and the required minimum for food/drinks. He told us that they prefer cash admission so the line moves fast (this was great; once the line started moving, it didn't stop or slow because everyone had their cash ready!!).

Overall, it was a good experience. I don't like waiting outside in the cold so if I do it again, I'll go on a night where I can buy tickets in advance. If you buy in advance, buy them a week in advance, because they sell out fast. Don't...

My review is based on the Staff and Procedures used for those who visit this well known landmark, without a reservation...

Those with Reservations lineup to the Left of the front door... Those without, lineup to the Right of the front door... Usually 20-30 without reservations are allowed seats, based on availability.

Typical wait times are and hour to two, in order to be allowed unreserved seating... Undoubtedly there will be many who do not get in and the Staff should have consistent procedures in place...

One of the Staff came out and announced that they would allow us in to hear one song, any picture taking during that song and souvenir purchase at the register... That Staff Member took folks inside in the order that they were in Line... Not long after that, another Staff Member came out and asked those wanting to go in, to move to the Left of the door, which gave many at the end of the Line, the chance to go inside first...

We moved over to that other Line, now at the back of the Line, and then waited longer to get inside for the Song & Photo Opp... That same Staff Member was the one who took us inside and after buying a souvenir, were told to move on and leave, without hearing one... If I were alone, I would have also missed the opportunity to take Photos...

Other than showing a little more kindness, the Staff should think about coming outside and offering or selling cold water or perhaps an umbrella to those waiting outside for two hours in the heat...

Lesson learned, make a...