Across Texas, dance halls and honky-tonks are drawing a new generation of boot-scooters with two-stepping, line dancing, live country music, and nights out that are more Urban Cowboy than nightclub. In Houston alone, the scene is growing: Cowboys Red River opened a massive new location this summer, joining spots like Neon Boots, Stampede Houston, and FireHorse Saloon.
From Dallas to Austin, the Lone Star State is full of dance halls both old and new. Whether you’re looking for a bit of old-fashioned people-watching or a rowdy dance floor to boogie the night away, Texas’ dance halls have something for everyone.
Gruene Hall
New Braunfels
Built in 1878, Gruene Hall is Texas’s oldest continually operating dance hall. A veritable who’s who of Texas and Americana music has taken the stage here, including George Strait, Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Garth Brooks, and many more. With its white wooden façade and old-school saloon feel, stepping inside can feel a little like traveling back in time, but Gruene Hall is still very much part of the present. The venue continues to champion emerging artists, with free live music on many weeknights and weekend afternoons, plus Honky Tonk Thursdays and two-step and line-dancing lessons for newcomers. Whether you come for the music, the dancing, or simply a cold beer and a seat along the sidelines, Gruene Hall offers one of the most quintessential Texas dance hall experiences in the state.
Broken Spoke
Austin…