The Best of Texas Honky Tonks

HONKY TONKS

THE BEST OF TEXAS

When in Texas, it’s a staple to pull your boots on and head down to some authentic honky-tonks for a boot-scootin’ good time! Texas is home to some of the world’s most famous and longest-operating honky-tonks that are an absolute must-visit. Once you take a step inside you’ll experience the rich history these honky-tonks represent. Here are five of the best Texas honky-tonks that are more than just a dance hall and will leave you with the most memorable experience of your life!

BY MEGAN DEFABRY

Gruene Hall

1281 GRUENE RD, NEW BRAUNFELS, TX 78130

THIS IS ONE OF TEXAS’ OLDEST AND MOST FAMOUS DANCE HALLS LOCATED IN NEW Braunfels, Texas which was built in 1878. It’s still in operation ever since its inception, and not much has changed about Gruene Hall in terms of design and appearance. The original layout of the hall is still quite intact, with a high-pitched tin roof and side flaps for open-air dancing. It has become an internationally recognized tourist destination over the years and is also often utilized as a music venue for both budding and established artists. Numerous popular country artists have performed at this honky-tonk in Texas, such as George Strait, Garth Brooks, The Dixie Chicks, Midland, Willie Nelson, Lee Ann Womack, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, and Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, to name a few.

Broken Spoke

3201 S LAMAR BLVD, AUSTIN, TX 78704

INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN AS one of the most authentic honky-tonks, Broken Spoke in Austin, Texas, is your go-to place for the Texas two-steppin’. Many amazing stars from the music industry have performed at this famous dance hall, including Willie Nelson, George Strait, and Dolly Parton. It has been operating since 1964, and its incredible owners James and Annetta have made great efforts to boost its reputation as the ultimate place for the best country live music. From two-step lessons, private parties, to exclusive dinners followed by performances and shows, Broken Spoke has a lot to offer!

Schroeder Hall

12516 FM622, GOLIAD, TX 77963

THIS IS THE SECOND-OLDEST dance hall located in Goliad, Texas, and has hosted generations of Texans ever since 1890. With delicious food, excellent music, and the area’s most spectacular dance floor, Schroeder Hall has done great justice to its reputation. Ever since it was built, this honky-tonk has attracted and hosted some of the most legendary figures from country music such as Merle Haggard, Tracy Byrd, Willie Nelson, George Jones, Kyle Park, Charley Pride, and so many others!

Billy Bob’s of Texas

2520 RODEO PLAZA, FORT WORTH, TX 76164

BUILT IN 1910, BILLY BOB’S IN FORT WORTH, TEXAS, ORIGINALLY FUNCTIONED AS an open-air barn where the Fort Worth Stock Show was held to house prize cattle for the Fort Worth Stock Show. Later in 1936, the structure was renewed with an auction ring and livestock stalls that is now the Billy Bob’s Bull Riding arena. During World War II, it was utilized as an airplane factory, and then later in the 1950s, the building was transformed into a huge department store. Finally, on April 1, 1981, Billy Bob’s Texas came into existence featuring a massive 100,000 square feet entertainment center, a Texas-size dance floor, and had more than 30 bar stations. This generated national attention, after which this honky-tonk also hosted some of the biggest music stars from the industry, such as George Strait, Willie Nelson, Alabama, and ZZ Top. This grand ole honky-tonk has even been featured on several movie and tv screens such as “Walker Texas Ranger”, “Dallas”, “Pure Country” in 1992, starring George Strait, “Baja Oklahoma”, with Lesley Ann Warren, Peter Coyote & Willie Nelson in 1988, and many others. Eventually, Billy Bob’s became to be known as “The World’s Largest Honky Tonk” and can accommodate up to 6,000 people! Billy Bob’s is open daily with entertainment nightly. Every Friday and Saturday night you can come experience Billy Bob’s Live Pro Bull Riding.