This legendary honky-tonk is situated across the alley from the the original Grand Ole Opry and Tootsie’s was once the between-sets watering hole of choice in the Opry’s golden age. The name factor keeps the small room packed beyond a level that seems safe, and some feel it’s coasting on its laurels. But the live music starts up in the afternoon and the longnecks keep flowing from then until the wee hours. There are lounges both upstairs and down, so if one band stinks you can try the other. Expect a crowd that’s equally split between country music tourists, conventioneers and odd characters who seem to be a part of the aging fixtures. Avoid the peak weekend nights at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge to keep from feeling like the dirt under a monster truck.