Tootsie's Wild Orchid Lounge

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Lonely Planet review

With a bright purple exterior and dusty walls plastered with layers of old photographs, tiny Tootsies is truly a downtown must-see. The venerated dive has appeared in several films, been written about in Esquire and Playboy , and been featured in its own TV documentary. In the 1960s, club owner and den mother 'Tootsie' Bess nurtured the careers of the likes of Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings.

Now, up-and-coming country musicians play the tiny stage and it's not unusual for big stars to stop by for an impromptu jam session. Pluck your heart out at open auditions Friday and Saturday mornings.