( CNN ) -- Gavin DeGraw is a New York state native who now calls Nashville home . That is , when the singer/songwriter 's not on the road -- which is rare these days . DeGraw is currently out on tour to promote his new album , `` Sweeter . '' When he does get a break from touring , he heads back down South to Nashville . He took a little time out to share a few suggestions on what to do if you find yourself in Music City . Robert 's Western World . On downtown Nashville 's main drag , this live music venue -- where there 's never a cover charge -- bills itself as `` Nashville 's undisputed home of traditional country music . '' `` ( It 's ) my favorite honky tonk on Broadway . Music and atmosphere is hard to beat . Just show up at any random time . ... Some of the best musicians on the strip play on that stage , '' says DeGraw . Robert 's Western World is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 3 a.m. Loveless Cafe . `` This place is a must , '' DeGraw says . `` You feel like you are eating at your grandma 's house when you walk into this place . Anything you order is going to feel like your grandma made it . The biscuits are a must ! '' The Loveless Cafe was originally a motel and cafe owned by Lon and Annie Loveless . While it has grown significantly since 1951 and given up the motel end of the business , the cafe still serves its famous fried chicken and Annie Loveless ' secret recipe biscuits that DeGraw loves so much . The Pancake Pantry . Just like the Loveless Cafe , The Pancake Pantry has long been a Nashville staple . The popular family-owned eatery opened in 1961 . In addition to its famous pancakes -- from orange-walnut to pigs in a blanket and chocolate sin -- the pantry boasts about its secret recipe syrups . DeGraw has a tip for visiting this popular Nashville landmark : `` The key here is to go in the middle of the week or you 're going to be waiting for hours . Another great place to catch up with friends and family and even though they are always busy , they never rush you out . '' Tootsies Orchid Lounge . This Broadway honky tonk is also a DeGraw favorite . `` This place has so much history . So many of the legendary country artists have performed and hung out at Tootsies ... Willie Nelson , Waylon Jennings , Mel Tillis , Kris Kristofferson , Roger Miller , Patsy Cline , '' says DeGraw . Tootsies , like Robert 's Western World , holds a place in Nashville honky-tonk history . Legend has it that original owner Tootsie Bess used to slip $ 5 and $ 10 bills to struggling songwriters and that she kept a box of IOU 's behind the counter to make sure that they could drink and eat as well . At the end of each year a group of Grand Ole Opry performers would come and pay the IOU tab so Tootsie was n't out the money . Losers . The dive bar Losers will draw a much more local and diverse crowd than Tootsies and Robert 's Western World . It 's also very close to Vanderbilt University , so it 's popular with the college crowd . `` I like this place because this is a local musician joint that is not necessarily country , '' DeGraw says , explaining why it 's on his list of favorites . `` My musician friends who are n't on the road stop into this place from time to time , as do I . ''
Singer/songwriter Gavin DeGraw is a Nashville resident . He offers visitors five ideas for a classic Music City experience . 1.