The Lookout at Ole Red

We were lucky to go to many places on Broadway during our short stay in Nashville. They were all great, but none were quite as great as The Lookout at Ole Red.

It was July 5th. And it was hot as hell. We had been walking around and were quite desperate for some good old fashioned air conditioning. We had mentioned wanting to visit Ole Red because we’re loose fans on Blake Shelton, but I really didn’t know what to expect of a big country star’s honky tonk.

Hot and exhausted from the sun, we stepped into Ole Red we were greeted with a waft of cool air... and a line twenty people deep waiting for a table. The immediate consensus was NOPE.

But when we walked around the block we found a secondary entrance that was less crowded and held the elevator and main stair for the building. On a whim (and enticed by the cool conditioned air...) we took the elevator to the top where we found The Lookout.

Ole Red was a nice place. It had the look of most honky tonks in the area with wooden details, sturdy but worn, stage front and center... but The Lookout was cool. The place was busy, but we easily found a lounge area to sit and were served immediately- cold, frozen drinks. Yes, please.

The Lookout was my kind of place. I could have stayed all afternoon. The entire space was cool and comfortable and thoughtfully curated. It didn’t feel like something Mr. Shelton designed himself, but I was happy he put his name on it and got it done. Because it was definitely a place that a designer like me can appreciate and enjoy.

It may be too soon to head back to Nashville yet, but I look forward to visiting The Lookout again when the time comes ‘round. -C