This place is definitely much cooler than you'd expect for a hotel bar in a Holiday Inn Select. Why I like this place: 1. This is a GREAT place for up and coming songwriters. If you are new in town they are very welcoming and if you just came to listen to music you might be hearing the next big thing. Its an eclectic bunch that hangs out here so it makes even more fun. They have writer's nights here 7 nights a week from 7-11PM. On rare occasions something else is going on and takes over but you've pretty much have good acoustic live music almost every night. 2. They have pretty good bar food. Sandwiches and salads have been good and they make some delicious sweet potato fries. 3. Its smoke free inside. They have a nice patio area for smokers to enjoy though. My only reason for not giving it 5 stars: Drinks. I've ordered margaritas a few times and had a mystery drink delivered to my table that tasted like watered down orange juice...and with no salt. It all really depends on the bartender that is there that night. If you're in the area and like listening to singer/songwriters singing their original tunes then you should definitely check this place out. read more

Let me start off by saying I love performing regularly at and supporting this venue. I often recommend it because they have been helpful in supplying a place for the music community to call a home, so this stinks that I have to post a negative opinion. Unfortunately, I just can't stand by and be silent at this point. I'm very disappointed that the $40/car parking fee (for the U2 concert) kept so many friends Saturday night from attending a recording of a live performance. Many people who were coming to support the songwriters and or perform, themselves, were turned away at the parking lot entrance. The guys charging for parking spaces claimed they didn't know...to me that's irrelevant...THE HOLIDAY INN SELECT knew (they were charging over $300/night for a room that night) and did not seem to care. Who ever is in charge of the Commodore and the Holiday Inn seems to be out of touch. I was also told that the guys collecting the parking fees did it on their own and got to keep the money...it didn't even go to the people at the hotel (or the other songwriters who played). Sounds like a ripoff to me. On top of all of that, the Commodore Grille did not appear to be prepared to handle the business before and after the U2 concert at Vandy. This was all a repeat of the problem they had handling the business for the trombone player convention that had two shows there the week before. I'll be they didn't realize at least 5 to 7 thousand extra dollars in business between those three nights in total and it won't even show up in their computer printouts--they don't even realize it. I'm personally friendly with all the servers and bartenders there...they got screwed with the early closing and lack of preparation...clearly a management problem. Kudos and thanks to songwriter night hosts Rick & Tammy Stewart, Debi Champion, the staff of servers, bartenders and songwriters who persevered and endured these crazy nights, despite lack of support from the management at the Commodore Grille or the Holiday Inn Select. read more

I went to hear a Facebook friend (and others) sing. Everyone was very talented and/or funny. I ordered the Commodore Grille Steak that came with mashed potatoes. Both were delicious. When the waitress came to take my plate, I slapped her hand (or at least pretended to)... as I was hoping for some bread to sop up the gravy -- ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS! I am going back in a couple of days and will order the same. Just hope I get the same waitress! The very chocolaty dessert was mighty fine, too! I got a glimpse of a potential buffet around a corner - wonder how that thing is.... Update: I have been back twice to see the same and MORE friends perform -- and order the Commodore Grille Steak every time! Always mighty, might fine! And servers are always sweet and friendly and helpful. Updated 01/10/14: Had just headed some soup at home as I planned to stay in and get some work done. Around 5:00, my sister called from Nashville and told me my singer/songwriter friends (and another new friend) were performing at the Commodore again... so I ate my soup and jumped in the car. About two hours later, I only ordered a drink and warned the waitress I'd be ordering a "CGS" to go eventually. A few minutes later, she brought out a chicken quesadilla for someone else at our table - I was suddenly hungry and just had to order one; not the frontrunner on my search for "the world's best chicken quesadilla" but sitll, mighty good. Of course, I now have CGS waiting for me in the fridge for lunch tomorrow! Good food + good friends + good service = a mighty great time (well worth the four-hour drive!) read more

Live music was good service was trash drinks were just as bad. Don't know if it has to do with being the only Spanish and black person in the restaurant but our service looked at us for a good 20min before come over asking us if we were good and walked away before we could answer. Then when she comes back to take our order finally she starts taking the order of the table next to us at the same time pretty much ignoring us. Folks who sat down 20mins after us get their drink while we wait. When drink finally come they taste horrible and she brings the wrong beer. That one star is for the singers they were great. The server was Cindi and we was also extremely rude read more

So I ordered buffalo wings and I got 6 wings, I'm from buffalo and if you got 6 wings in buffalo we would say forget it. They were good but 6 wings for the price of 10, forget about it don't buy wings from here it's a RIP off. read more

We were staying the Holiday Inn and ventured into the Commodore for dinner. The Chef Hero Salad was tasty and filling; the chicken breast cooked perfectly. There was entertainment there as well and the beer was cold! read more

Inside the Holiday Inn, not a bad little spot. Dinner and / or drinks while listening to some singer / songwriters. The menu is actually pretty nice. I went with the spicy chicken Alfredo and it was good! It does have a little kick to it. The chicken was grilled to perfection. My friend had the Mediterranean chicken and she said it was really good. The service is kinda slow. Overall, a pretty good experience! read more

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Hidden Gem (at least to tourists although locals know that this is a great place for singer songwriters!) In the holiday Inn so I was a little reluctant to order salmon but I took a chance. Salmon BLT was excellent! Fresh and large piece of salmon on a soft roll - so good! Cesar was also pretty good. Music was amazing and staff service very friendly read more

A go-to place for one evening when we are in Nashville. Food is good, entertainment is good, staff is good, atmosphere is OK as it's just a hotel dining room but that's easy to ignore. It's the entertainment that your there for and some are great and some are not so and that's what makes it fun. Always on my list of places to go when asked by friends going to Nashville. read more

Commodore Grille - Really enjoyed Dixie Jade tonight - New American Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

I came to The Commodore to play a round (May 7,2015). I was not expecting what happened! This well-trained wait staff was awesome! Our food was not only delicious (everyone agreed, and there must have been 20 of us!) but even plated like a high end restaurant! The prices were reasonable. Staff is excellent and friendly. And the entertainment is great, too! (Nod to Debi Champion!) I will be back! Thank you! read more

The food wasn't bad for a hotel restaurant, but the truly amazing thing was the music! I know it shouldn't be a surprise being in Nashville, but the music was great from a group of writers and great singers! Great ambiance, and getting to see one of the great country music writers Will Rambeaux and Co play was a treat and a pretty spectacular welcome to Nashville for a first time visitor! read more

Came down for a quick bite and a few drinks around dinner time. Food was OK, drinks surprisingly expensive. $10 for a not very generous Malibu and pineapple juice. Manager, Todd, wasn't friendly at all. Do yourself a favor and walk a block for food/drinks. read more

We had nice dinner while watching up and coming singers and song writers, great entertainment. I would recommend. read more

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Hard to believe that this is the Resturant for the Holiday Inn Vanderbilt. Great service- our server recommended the spicy chicken strips with mini waffles. It was awesome. Apparently he thought it took too long and included a yummy brownie dessert on the house. Food and drinks were excellent and if you can head over on a Wednesday night- open mic for songwriters. Some better than others, but the spirit of Nashville was alive! read more

Commodore Grille - Yummy spicy chicken strips with mini waffles. Great balance of heat and sweetness - New American Near Me - Nashville, Tennessee

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Great place for food and music. My husband is a musician so we went to play at the open mic. The songwriters featured are always great. We will be back for him to be featured in Dec! The drinks are great and the spinach and artichoke dip is amazing. Debbie, the MC, is fantastic! read more

Convenient, casual and clean. Plenty of parking. Our team had a casual corporate after hours dinner. Service was slow and not overly attentive. Food was typical Bar n Grill offerings. Live music was a nice touch. read more

I was pretty surprised by this place. It's the bar/grill for the Holiday Inn where we are staying and they have a ton of live music at night starting at like 7pm to about 10/11. The musicians are pretty impressive because, well, NASHVILLE!! Everyone here is super nice and friendly. The drinks are okay... as expected at a hotel like this. The food is pretty good. I like their buffet for breakfast. read more

I've been to the Commodore Grille a bunch of times for writers nights or open mics, but each time I find myself a little disappointed. The quality of the music is usually pretty great but I get distracted and frustrated by the noise coming from the bar at the end of the room. There are TV's on with games playing and people talking which makes listening to the writers a stressed experience. I understand that this is a general bar and dining room for the hotel but the writers night brings in a good amount of business and I think they (the hotel staff) could make more of an effort to build up the music and the musicians who play for free and bring people into the restaurant. read more

You don't go to the Commodore Grill for the food. You go for the music. The menu is okay and the servers are friendly, but there's never enough of them. But it's your standard bar food, and not a very extensive list, so just be prepared for that. But one of the top places to hear songwriters in Nashville. read more

This place has been the go-to songwriter hangout for over a decade, stop in and you'll know why. Easily dismissed as a Holiday Inn restaurant, the Commodore Grille is so much more. Great food reasonably priced, wonderful staff with little turnover so you know they are treated well. Great to get to know them whether you are an out of town guest or a regular like me. Tom is hands down my favorite bartender in Nashville, always remembers my drink. And the music...I play here often and it is one of my favorite rooms. Great sound system masterfully handled by the legendary writers night host, Debi Champion. Whether I am going there to play, to listen, or just to hang and have a couple of drinks, this is the place. read more

I'm a huge fan of Black Bean Burgers...not a vegetarian just love them. This is by far the best one I have ever had!!! Absolutely delicious...so flavorful. A must try even for a meat lover. read more

This place has tons of songwriter nights. Now these aren't usually big names but they could be some day. I think there is always music here. I like sitting out on the patio during a nice summer night. Also, during baseball season this is where visiting minor league baseball teams stay, so you might meet the next Nolan Ryan at the bar. I believe smoking is still allowed, so be aware of that. Not sure how well known they are for their cocktails, so I'd say this is a good beer joint. read more

What can I say..the Commodore is the first place I came to when I first visited Nashville. The friendly, warm people I met convinced me to drop what I was doing and move here. Literally graduated high school and moved here at 18 after a songwriting camp held at Commodore/Holiday Inn. The food is a little pricey, but it is always DELICIOUS. Last time we all went as a big group and I was playing a show that night. Anyone who ordered a cocktail felt it was very weak, so we all decided to just drink wine or straight liquor. Best place to bring someone to experience good local and acoustic musicians/songwriters. Parking can be validated now which is a pain but there's ample space which I love. Always recommend:) read more

We stayed at this Holiday Inn for 5 nights. We spent part of every night listening to the singer song writers and had dinner a couple of those nights. The music was mostly good, sometimes not so much but very little was bad. The food was good the people and service were great and we are already planning a trip back. Definitely worth a trip! read more

The sangria was watery and tasteless, but at least it was only $10 a glass. The waitress first informed me that "we don't have sangria here". When I informed her that it was red wine like merlot, fruit, and usually triple sec and/or brandy, she eventually brought me a water glass full of ice and a thin dark liquid that tasted faintly of fruit. The bill at the end of the night had an "open liquor" charge of $4 and a $6 "upcharge" for the sangria that the Grill refused to alter. The nachos had barbecue sauce! and service was poorer than average. What a joint. read more

The Commodore Grille is a great place to spend some time any night of the week. The music is what draws me there... but the food and service is really good. Rick and Tammy Stewarts Songwriter Showcase on Friday and Saturday Nights is always great! They are kind and helpful to their fellow writers and all hotel guests. Recently they hosted the First Annual Songwriter's Spring Fling and a good time was had by all. Thank you Rick and Tammy Stewart for all you do for "us"... if you haven't checked out The Commodore Grille put it on your to do list and be ready to have a good time! read more

Rick Stewart and Debbie Champion provide the "Best Shows "by well known musical talents,as well as the best of the up and comming singer /song writers.the atmosphere is great. You can be sure their will be many important music industry reps. waiting and listing for that next big hit.It is the best place to net work with other musical artist ,and to co write with top talents in the music biz..Their food is fantastic.Their staff is always on the mark .They treat their guest more like family.The coolest thing is, that you'll never know he might just drop in.This actually seems to be a frequent thing.Talk about suprise talent,and star power walking thru the door.Often seen several times a week.If you want to be part of the best around town,drop in soon. You will be back again and again.This place rocks!!!! :) Every day of the week literally! :) read more

At First I wondered what my wife had dragged me to? A hotel restaurant in the holiday inn. I was pleasantly surprised with the food and when the musicians came out to play their original songs I was blown away! This is what i had come to Nashville to see, original music performed by unknown artists something I couldn't see regularly anywhere else. I went to Broadway on Friday night and went in and out of the crowded bars with lackluster musicians their junk covers of songs. All I'm saying is it's kind of underground and local but it's the place to go for some quality music and a nice night out. read more

Food was good but not outstanding. Was nice to have local entertainment. some trying for the first time. Some good some not so good but at least they tried. Hard to get up in front of a bunch of strangers and sing. The announcers voice was irritating to me . read more

I spent several days in Nashville and a writers round happened to be taking place on my birthday, and one of the artists performing that I wanted to meet was there, so I ended up coming here for a birthday drink and dessert (had dinner elsewhere on this night). The dessert was really good, and I like the over all layout of the establishment. I saw other groups get meals and it appeared everything was coming out in good order. Parking, there is a way to get validation but there are meters within a block of the hotel where this restaurant is and they are free after 6 PM. read more

Have been a VERY regular customer UNTIL about 6 months ago. Something (probably management) changed dramatically 6-9 months ago. The quality of the songwriters is still top rate, but they are cutting back on the hours they play-now shuffling people off stage at 11PM on weekend nights? The menu was slashed dramatically and not for the better around this same time. Most items went up in price and some almost 30%! The also took off some of the frequently ordered items. My guess? Corporate has influenced what was sort of a family run business. Put the "old management team" back in place and send the corporate suits back to their ivory towers. Sad really. read more

I am a established songwriter who plays at this venue at least 3 times per month, always bringing a good crowd with me. When I showed up to play tonight I was told I would have to find somewhere else to park because there was no more parking left for the Holiday Inn or Commodore Grill due to the U2 concert. Truth be told they were charging people 40 bucks a pop to park here for U2's concert and they had it filled up. Come to find out nearly everyone in the Commodore had to park elsewhere, including people staying at the hotel all because making a little extra money was more important than those of us who bring them business on a regular business. Complete bullshit if you ask me. When I complained to management I was told "we've had a lot of complaints tonight, maybe they will learn their lesson and it won't happen again" I will seriously have to think twice about coming back and playing here again. What a crock. read more