From two-stepping to line dancing, Texans love to dance to the best country-western music. Therefore there are many dance halls and honky-tonks in the Lone Star State that are perfect for a boot-scootin’ boogie. Old historic honky-tonks and new-age country clubs both fill this list. Put on your Stetson hat and your cowboy boots and get ready to dance the night away at these best dance halls in Texas.
Gruene Hall - New Braunfels
One of the best places to visit in the Texas Hill Country, Gruene Hall is the most iconic dance hall in the Lone Star State. Pronounced like “green,” Gruene Hall is known as one of the oldest dance halls in Texas, operating since 1878. Top artists have played here, such as Lyle Lovett, George Strait, Bob Dylan and many more. Located in New Braunfels, Gruene Hall is a great place to visit to dance and listen to both local and nationally-known music artists. Live music can be found here almost every day of the week.
Billy Bob’s - Fort Worth
Located in Fort Worth, Billy Bob’s is the ideal honky-tonk. The floor is typically always packed with line dancers and two-steppers. Since this dance hall is located in the Fort Worth Stockyards, expect real country music and big country acts at Billy Bob’s. Billy Bob’s is even referred to as the “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk,” therefore you’re sure to find a dancing partner in this 100,000-square-foot space.
Cowboys Red River - Dallas
Live bands grace the stage of Cowboys Red River every Wednesday through Saturday night. This Dallas honky-tonk not only is a great place for two-steppin’ but also don’t miss out on the mechanical bull or the Texas Hold ‘Em games. For those who aren’t proficient in the ways of line dancing or two-stepping, Cowboys Red River offers free dance lessons too. You’ll find beginners to some of the best country dancers on the dance floor at Cowboys Red River.
Pearl’s Dance Hall & Saloon - Fort Worth
Pearl’s Dance Hall & Saloon is another honky-tonk located in the Fort Worth Stockyards. No frills or fancy trends are found here; this is a true honky-tonk that plays nothing but traditional country music and where two-stepping and Western swing are the dances of choice. Find live music here on Wednesday through Saturday nights. Pearl’s also has street cred, as it’s a historic building that was once a brothel built by Buffalo Bill. For a history lesson, a cold beer and a dazzling dance floor, hit up Pearl’s Dance Hall next time you’re in the mood to two-step.
John T. Floore’s Country Store - Helotes
Don’t let the name fool you; John T. Floore’s Country Store isn’t a store at all. This honky-tonk, located twenty miles from San Antonio in Helotes, opened in 1942 and has had plenty of top-notch acts grace its stage since then. Country icons like Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, and even artists like Elvis Presley and Bob Dylan have all played at John T. Floore’s Country Store. Nowadays, you’ll find popular Texas and Americana bands playing for crowds of dancing cowboys and cowgirls.
Whiskey River - Houston
After a couple of shots of whiskey at Whiskey River, you’ll definitely have no problem getting out on the dance floor. This high-energy dance hall is known for its drinks just as much as it’s known for its dancing. Whiskey River draws serious country crowds every weekend. Therefore it comes as no surprise why it’s been named as one of the best honky tonks in Houston.
Broken Spoke - Austin
For over 50 years, Broken Spoke has been a haven for cowboys and cowgirls in the Austin area. Head to the Broken Spoke on select evenings for dance lessons before the honky-tonk party starts that night. Since this dance hall is located in Austin, plenty of different people hit the dance floor here from hippies to college students to your typical cowboy. Take a break from two-stepping to check out the pictures lining the walls of famous musicians who’ve played at the Broken Spoke, like Willie Nelson and George Strait.
Adair’s - Dallas
This little honky-tonk located in the Dallas neighborhood of Deep Ellum has lots of country flair in an unpretentious setting. The best things about Adair’s are the free live music, cheap beers, and iconic burgers. Adair’s has been a two-stepping go-to in Dallas since opening in 1983. Some of the top country music artists have played the stage at Adair’s way before they became famous, such as Miranda Lambert, the Dixie Chicks and Jack Ingram.
