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My Wife Wouldn’t Let Me Have 1 Shot At The Bar Just Because I Was The Designated Driver

Author Jim Clerkin

Frank and his wife went out to a bar and he was the designated driver. But he ran into an old football buddy who wanted to buy him a shot. He said yes, but his wife refused to let him drink it. Frank was embarrassed by this and annoyed because he wouldn’t be drunk after just one shut. But his wife insisted he is the designated driver and that means absolutely not one drink.

Check Out Frank’s Call And See If You Agree With His Definition of Designated Driver

Jonathan: We’re  doing panic button. And today, Danielle, for the panic button we have Frank. Hey Frank.

Frank: Hey, how are you guys?

Jonathan: Doing great. So you ran into a bit of a a situation involving some of my favorite arguments. The arguments of definitions. What is the definition of a designated driver, Frank, tell us your story.

Frank: Well, here’s the thing. My wife and I, we went out to a bar with a couple of friends and we have decided that, you know, our little game we play. I was going to be the designated driver for the evening. And as the evening goes on, I see another friend at the bar.

Danielle: MHM.

Jonathan: OK.

Frank: He wanted me to have a shot. Just one shot. You hear me? One shot.

Jonathan: One. Yeah. One shot. Was it a shot of vodka? Tequila. Everclear. I mean, I guess.

Danielle: This one.

Jonathan: It does depend on the shot.

Frank: It was my drink of choice, vodka.

Jonathan: OK, OK, OK. So vodka. So, 80 proof. Alright. Yeah.

Tito's vodka
(Photo by Mark Sagliocco/Getty Images for Gabrielle's Angel Foundation )
Tito’s is a great choice if you want to be healthy to your gut!

Frank: Just a shot. And he was like I haven’t seen you in a while. You know, we used to play football together in college. And he wants to buy me a shot. No big deal.

Jonathan: OK.

Frank: First of all, it was embarrassing. When I go to drink the shot, my wife comes over and she put her hand over the drink like I’m a little child and she tells me I couldn’t drink it.

Danielle: Right.

Jonathan: You’re a grown man, I think is what you’re gonna say. Go ahead.

Frank: I’m a grown man. Exactly. And she’s telling me that I can’t drink the shot. You’re the designated driver. And I’m like, we’re gonna be here for a few hours. I haven’t seen this guy in a while. We just have one shot.

Jonathan: Yeah.

Frank: One shot does not make me a drunk and that I cannot drive. But she would not let up. Embarrassing me in front of my old teammate and it was just a mess. A mess. Like I’m a child.

Danielle: Uh.

Jonathan: So you do know the rules of being a designated driver, though, is you’re supposed to be sober.

tequila

Frank: One shot is not gonna….. Listen. I’m a big man. It’s not gonna get me drunk.

Danielle:  He will be sober by the time they leave.

Jonathan: Yeah.

Frank: Exactly. And we still had a couple hours, so one shot with an old friend was not going to make me crazy drunk that I couldn’t drive her home that night. And listen, I know they see I’m a grown man and I’m a smart man.

Jonathan: Yeah.

Frank:  But you know, she treated me like I was a child. She wouldn’t let up. Yadda yadda yadda yadda yadda yadda yadda yadda.

Jonathan: Danielle, you’ve worked in bars.

Danielle: Yeah.

Jonathan: What do you think the rules on designated drivers are? Is it you can’t have any?

Danielle: See this is a fishy thing to me because, I understand that I think the idea of the designated driver is you’re not going to drink at all. But I also see his point where, you know, it takes the average adult about an hour to metabolize 1 drink, whether it’s a shot, a mixed drink or a glass of wine. Or beer.

Jonathan: How?

Danielle: Has your wife ever gone out to dinner with her friends and had one glass of wine and then driven home? I mean, yes, you know that you want to keep everybody safe and you want to air on the side of caution always. But you’re gonna have one shot at the beginning of the night.

Massachusetts bars movies
Stock Photo/Getty

Jonathan: Yeah

Danielle:  And then you’re gonna be there for a few hours. You’re perfectly fine by the time you leave.

Jonathan: Frank’s problem is he and his wife went out for drinks with some friends. He was appointed the designated driver. And a friend tried to buy him a shot. His wife put her hand over it and said absolutely not. You’re the designated driver. You cannot drink. And he’s like, but we’re gonna be here for a couple of hours. Why shouldn’t I be allowed to drink one shot? What difference does it make? It’s one shot. I’m not going to be drunk.

Danielle: Right.

Jonathan: Frank, thank you so much.

Frank: Thank you, guys. I appreciate it.

Tequila Shots with Salt and Limes
Shutterstock
Favorite Tequila with Salt and a Lime.

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Jonathan Wier Jonathan Wier grew up in St. Louis where he was obsessed with the voices that came out of the radio. He would listen for hours wondering what that person on the other side would say next.

Jim Clerkin has been the producer for the morning show on Country 102.5 for the past five years. He has been on the radio in Boston for 25 years. He is also an accomplished club DJ, a referee for several local sports leagues and terminally single. Jim writes about the Country 102.5 audience, relationships and parenting.

All The Country Star Bars In Nashville: Now Counting 13

Have you ever been to Music City? Or maybe it’s been a while. Either way, let’s get caught up on all the country star bars in Nashville.

The first time I went to Nashville it was a different city. That was maybe 25 years ago and downtown was a little depressing. Sure, there were some fun bars where live music seeped into the streets. Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge was THE place. But many businesses were boarded up or left empty.

The last time I went was probably 5 years ago. And at that time the country star bars in Nashville were really starting to pop. We checked out hot new spots (at that time) from Blake Shelton to Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan.

Country Star Bars In Nashville Reign Over Lower Broadway

Today, you can’t walk a block without bumping into a famous name…on a venue sign. With the recent news that Lainey Wilson will soon be opening her own place, I thought it would be a good time to play catch-up. How many country star bars in Nashville are there, exactly? According to my research, there are currently 13 bars, if you count 2 opening this weekend.

But hang on to your hats, because there are even more coming. Luke Combs and Old Dominion will open their own eating, drinking and live music establishments soon!

Garth Brooks and Eric Church are the most recent additions to the Lower Broadway star bar scene. Garth opened his “bar and honky-tonk,” along side his wife Trisha Yearwood. Honestly, I’m surprised he did do it a while ago, considering she is a renowned cook, with her own TV and books. But then again, I’m also surprised anyone wants to get into the restaurant/bar business. It’s not an easy one. Of course, it’s different when you have enough money to hire someone to run the show.

And to think the whole country star bar trend started way back in 2005 when Toby Keith opened “I Love This Bar and Grill” in his home state of Oklahoma. He never did open in Nashville, but that’s so Toby. He always seem to play by his own rules. There were 14 locations, including one right here in Massachusetts at Patriot Place that opened in 2011.

Let’s take a walk down Broadway now and visit the 13 country stars bars in Nashville everyone is talking about. See if your favorite artist has a place you can visit on your next trip, or your first. Just beware, any of these places could be swarming with bachelorettes at any time of the year.

FYI: Bars are listed alphabetically by first name

  • 1. Alan Jackson

    Address: 421 Broadway

    AJ’s Good Time Bar opened it’s doors on lower Broadway in 2016. Founder Alan Jackson had the intentions of “Keepin’ It Country,” and provide fans with a downtown honky tonk that had a more traditional live music scene, the kind of music that made Nashville famous. AJ’s was voted by Billboard as the #1 honky tonk in Nashville. According to the website you’ll find this bar and music venue “just steps away from the historic Ryman Auditorium and within walking distance from the Country Music Hall of Fame> There are 3 floors and a rooftop bar with awesome views of the city. And there is karaoke 7 days a week!

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CscFhWfgTgg/

  • 2. Blake Shelton

    Address: 300 Broadway (Also at Nashville Airport) 

    Blake Shelton partnered with Ryman Hospitality Properties Inc. in 2018 top open their $20 million entertainment complex, Ole Red Nashville. Since then he’s also opened a much much smaller version at Nashville’s BNA Airport. The first location was opened in 2017 his home state of Oklahoma. But, he also has locations in Gatlinburg, TN, Orlando, FL and Las Vegas, NV. As stated on the website, “We’re more than a venue and, hell, we’re more than a restaurant. Ole Red is THE full country experience that will get your ass and your taste buds boot-scootin’ with what we like to call 100-proof live music, scratch-made dishes, and signature drinks…all inspired by the boss man himself: Blake Shelton.” The rooftop bar in Nashville is legendary and was voted by fans as the best rooftop in Nashville.   

    Homepage - Ole Red Nashville

    Ole Red Nashville, open at 11 a.m. daily, is a Music City must for dining, drinks, and Blake Shelton-level live music on Broadway Ave.

  • 3. Dierks Bentley

    Address: 400 Broadway

    Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row opened his Nashville bar in January of 2018. It was his 2nd location, the first is in his home state of Arizona (now has 2 locations there). Since then, Bentley has also opened a location in Denver, his home away from home. That was back in 2013. Pretty smart move to open and let it run for a few years before embarking on multiple locations. Whiskey Row is described as “a modern, American, gastropub that delivers amazing food, live music, and an elevated nightlife experience.”  There are 3 floors and here you’ll find downtown’s highest rooftop patio. Live music, DJs, dancing and VIP area make Dierks’ award winning spot a must-visit. 

     

    Best Country Bar - VIP Bottle Service, Private Event, Line Dancing & Live Music Venue Gilbert, Scottsdale, Nashville & Denver

    Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row is a modern, American, gastropub that delivers amazing food, live music, and an elevated nightlife experience. Boasting a from-scratch kitchen, over 30 draft beers, and weekly promotions.

     

  • 4. Eric Church

    Address: 200 Broadway 

    Chief’s on Broadway is downtown Nashville’s hot new bar. Eric Church’s bar, restaurant and live music venue recently experienced more attention. They say there’s no such thing as bad publicity. But this is the place that Morgan Wallen famously threw a chair off the roof. How is it different than the rest, well for one thing, Church has done a residency there already and will be back for more dates soon. In addition, the website claims; “This is not another Broadway bar. This is where the best come to play and the best community comes together. Wanna hit your pride, put your fist up high, feel the rush and feel alive? Chief’s is that place. Just like every Chief show is different, every night at Chief’s is different.” Chief’s the first place on Broadway to feature a James Beard Award-winning chef, as Erich partnered with Rodney Scott’s Whole Hog BBQ. As you would expect, there’s a “Hell of a View” on the rooftop too! 

     

    Chief's on Broadway | Opening 4.5.2024

    Chief's is not another Broadway bar. This is where the best come to play and the best community comes together. Wanna hit your pride, put your fist up high, feel the rush and feel alive? Chief's is that place.

  • 5. Garth Brooks

    Address: 411 Broadway

    Friends in Low Places in not just an iconic country smash hit from Garth Brooks, it’s now a new bar and honkytonk in downtown Nashville. Garth and his wife Trisha Yearwood’s place opened in March this year. Describe in a Billboard article as a “four-story, 54,715-square-foot venue” it “features a honky-tonk on the first two floors, including a retractable stage (the center of said stage features the “G” logo from the stage at NYC’s Central Park, where Brooks played to an estimated audience of more than 1 million people on Aug. 7, 1997).” The 4th floor is an open-air rooftop with a tropical theme, called The Oasis.  The menu features some of Trisha Yearwood’s signature dishes from her books and TV show. She plans to record some episodes at their new place, too.  

    Friends in Low Places Bar & Honky Tonk

    The goal is a classic honky-tonk that welcomes all and encourages love and kindness while playing the greatest music in the world in the home of Country Music!

     

  • 6. Hank Williams Jr.

    Address: 419 Broadway

    The Hank Williams Jr Boogie Bar opened last year on Lower Broadway. You’ll find it sandwiched between AJ’s Good Time Bar and Ernest Tubb Record Shop. There’s plenty of boogie room with 3 levels and a rooftop bar. Hank Jr took over an historic building, constructed during the Civil War. The “All My Rowdy Friends” singer invites you and your rowdy friends to check out live music, good food and dancing every day of the week. 

     

    @hanksnash

    Friday nights on Broadway are unmatched, y’all! Come on down and see us for a weekend kick-off! #honkytonk #broadway #nashvilletonight #weekendtrip #countrymusic #celebritybar #countrybar

    ♬ You In A Honky Tonk - Randall King

  • 7. Jason Aldean

    Address: 307 Broadway 

    Jason Aldean’s Kitchen and Rooftop Bar is always a party. The “My Kinda Party” superstar first opened his place in the summer of 2018, with TC Restaurant Group,. He has since opened 2 other locations in Gatlinburg, TN and Pittsburg, PA. Like most of the celebrity venues, his features 4 levels of fun. and southern food with a flare. Aldean’s place boasts he largest rooftop patio on Broadway. You’ll find 2 floors featuring the live music from local and national artists. 

     

    Music - Jason Aldean's Kitchen + Rooftop Bar

    LIVE MUSIC Jason Aldean's features live music on two floors every day focusing specifically on the latest country trends with local and national artists. Check below for this week's lineup! FEATURED ARTIST DJ LEEZUS Lee grew up in Flint, MI, and went to college at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI.

     

     

  • 8. John Rich

    Address: 208 Broadway 

    Big and Rich’s John Rich’s Redneck Riviera has been a Nashville staple since opening in the summer of 2018. He said, “I’ve always dreamed of building the kind of place where my friends and family could get together and turn it up after a hard day’s work. Redneck Riviera is that place. We are going to build as many of them as it takes to offer a place for every hard-working American to cut loose and celebrate a job well done!” The original buildings were constructed in the 1850s. There is 6,000 square-feet in this entertainment complex. Redneck Riviera features 3 stories and of course a rooftop with “sweeping views” of Music City. You’ll find 2 live music stages, a DJ on the roof and a bar on every floor. 2 of those bars are “Heroes” bars that offer special BOGO deals for veterans, first responders, veterans and active duty military personnel. It’s a comfy space.

     

    Redneck Riviera | Nashville, TN | Live Music : Cold Beer : Good Times

    Redneck Riviera Nashville is a unique, 8,000 square foot live-music venue in the heart of lower Broadway created by John Rich built to celebrate a state of mind. It serves as a nostalgic destination bringing people together while paying tribute to the men and women that work hard so that we can celebrate freely.

  • 9. Kid Rock

    Address: 221 Broadway 

    Kid Rock’s Big Ass Honky Tonk and Rock ‘n Roll Steakhouse is a mouthful of a name for a bar, but it’s working for him. Located on the corner of 3rd Avenue and Broadway, the “All Summer Long” singer opened in 2018, as so many did. “With five floors, four stages, and six bars, this gorgeous honky tonk can accommodate almost two thousand people,” as stated on the website. The 1st floor and mezzanine overlook a large 2 story main stage featuring live music every day. Yup, there’s a rooftop bar with views for days and a kitchen that’s ready to feed the carnivore in you with a signature 36 oz. Tomahawk ribeye.  

     

    https://www.instagram.com/p/C4ROSnVPwLR/

  • 10. Lainey Wilson

    Address: 120 3rd Ave. S

    Lainey Wilson’s Bell Bottom’s Up Bar, Cookin’ and Drinkin’ establish is about to open it’s doors for business. May 31 is the grand opening. It’s the only place on this list without a “Broadway” address. But it’s there in the heart of everything. The Grammy has taken over the old FGL House in the South Broadway district of Nashville. No website is up yet but we do know that it’ll be a three-story entertainment destination with plenty of Lainey flair throughout. The 27,000-square-foot venue will offer 2 stages for live music, 4 bars, , and a mezzanine floor with a lounge bar looking over the first floor stage and dining.  You can’t NOT have a rooftop in Nashville, so Lainey’s will be a 70s western vibe with a dance floor. You’ll even get a “glimpse of the Bayou through a fun basement-level space that is slated to open later this summer, and will include craft cocktails, immersive décor, and a live music experience to remember,” as stated in Visit Music City. 

     

    Lainey Wilson Reveals New Details About Her Bar Bell Bottoms Up

    The doors are opening sooner than we thought! We just learned a little more about Lainey Wilson's new Nashville bar Bell Bottoms Up via Instagram.

     

     

  • 11. Luke Bryan

    Address: 301 Broadway

    Luke’s 32 Bridge Food + Drink was part of the 2018 country star bar boom in Nashville. His place boasts 6 levels,  and 30,000 square feet of space featuring 8 bars, 4 stages and 2 restaurants. Plus, his Crash My Party Rooftop bar is one of downtown Nashville’s largest rooftop bars. So, why the name? According to Taste of Country, 32 Bridge” refers to the Route 32 bridge crossing the Flint River in Bryan’s native Georgia. This is also the name of his clothing line, for which he partnered with retailer Cabela’s in 2014.” This place is massive! Oh, and of course they serve Luke’s very own beer, Two Lane. 

    Home - LUKE'S 32 BRIDGE Food + Drink

    Nashville's home for the best food, drinks, music and rooftop view! With live music on three floors, a menu that has something for everyone, and an unforgettable rooftop, Luke's is special.

  • 12. Miranda Lambert

    Address: 308 Broadway

    Casa Rosa, Miranda Lambert’s Tex Mex and Cantina opened it’s doors in 2021. In true Miranda “break the glass ceiling” fashion, she became the first woman to open a restaurant/bar/music venue on Lower Broadway. And even more refreshingly, she decided not to serve southern food like everyone else, opting for the taste of her home state of Texas. Come for the Tex Mex, be wowed by the colorful atmosphere and stay for the live music. This “4-level entertainment complex has a restaurant, multiple performance stages, numerous bars, and plenty of eye-grabbing art and personal memorabilia. From the Yellow Rose photograph wall to the pink umbrella-topped outdoor tables on the third level and the “Bluebird” cage from the #1 hit song and CMA award-winning video on the fourth floor,” according to the TC Restaurant Group. In case you were wondering, there is a rooftop bar! 

     

    TEX-MEX + CANTINA - Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa Nashville

    Miranda Lambert's Casa Rosa brings the tastes of Texas to Nashville on Broadway. Enjoy the Fiesta on 4 floors of great food, drink and entertainment.

  • 13. Morgan Wallen

    Address: 107 4th Ave. N

     

    Morgan Wallen’s This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen is set to open this weekend, despite Morgan’s recent issues getting a large neon sign approved. Named after the mega star’s “This Bar” song, according Wallen’s website, it promises to be a one-of-a-kind 6 story experience. He helped design the menu around some family favorites. There will be a gift shop selling his merch and he’s working in partnership with the TC Restaurant Group. The venue is about  30,000 square feet and features three live music stages, six bars and an open-air rooftop. 

     

    Morgan Wallen's This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen | Nashville, TN

    Find Yourself In This Bar NOW OPEN IN NASHVILLE Stay Updated Morgan Wallen's This Bar is a homage to his love of all things Tennessee and the fans that

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