10 Texas Dancehalls You Must Visit
Start writing a post
Entertainment

10 Texas Dancehalls You Must Visit

Guitars, Cadillacs and hillbilly music

162
10 Texas Dancehalls You Must Visit
Sarah Sellstrom

If there is anything that college students in Texas know something about, it's dancing. In particular, the two-step. From the time you enter your freshman year, until you graduate, chances are you will spend plenty of time at the local bar/dancehall learning the ins and outs of that hardwood floor. College towns typically have some great places to cut your teeth, but there are some pretty exciting venues all over Texas, many of which have rich histories and great stories to go along with their fun atmospheres. I personally have a list of places that I want to visit in Texas- a dancehall bucket list if you will. They are renowned for the artists that they host and "warped floors so slick you could water ski on them." If you love live music and dancing, here are ten Texas venues you should include on your list.

1. Gruene Hall; Gruene, TX

Known as "Texas's Oldest Dance Hall," Gruene is family friendly and famous for hosting some of the best artists in country music. Make sure to eat at the Gristmill before the show.

2. Broken Spoke; Austin, TX

"Last of the true Texas dancehalls and damn sure proud of It!" - James M. White, owner

Willie Nelson supposedly spends a lot of time at the Spoke on the weekends. Bonus points if you can get a picture with him while you're here.

3. Luckenbach Texas; Luckenbach, TX

Jerry Jeff Walker recorded his live album Viva Terlingua at the dancehall in 1973, spurring Luckenbach's affiliation with country music. Be sure to buy a shirt with the "Everybody's Somebody In Luckenbach" slogan on it.

4. John T. Floore's Country Store; Helotes, TX

Contrary to the sign, John T. Floore's Country Store is not a store at all. It has always been a dancehall and is said to be the "birthplace" of Willie Nelson's musical career. Order a plate of tamales while you're here.

5. London Dance Hall; London, TX

"A dance every Saturday for a 100 years or more," -Johnny Bush, The Ballad of London Hall

Located in the tiny town of London, Texas (Population 180), it is known as "Texas' oldest ongoing dance hall." The owner, Ms. Ivy, painted a picture of an oak tree that can be found in the men's restroom above the urinal. Do with that what you will.

6. Albert Dance Hall; Albert, TX

After 88 years, the dancehall has been renovated and brought back to its original, lively state. Eat a barbecue sandwich from Riley's under one of the live oaks.

7. Kendalia Halle; Kendalia, TX

The locals built the Halle in 1903 so they would have a place to dance and eat great food together. If someone got too drunk, they were tied to a tree until they got their act together. Be sure to pick up a free taco that they hand out during the dances.

8. Mercer Street Dance Hall; Dripping Springs, TX

"If ya' ain't on the dance floor, you better have somebody check yer pulse."

As one of the newer dancehalls on this list, I included Mercer for its authenticity and impressive ability to rise to the top of popular country music venues since 2013. Visit on the second Sunday of each month just for a change of pace.

9. The Old Coupland Inn & Dancehall; Coupland, TX

Prior to having been converted into a dancehall, the building itself has been a drugstore, a hardware store and a newspaper office. The bar and bar back came from a river boat in Louisiana and there have been movies and TV commercials shot around the Coupland. Try to spot actual bullet holes around the bar and bar back.

10. Quihi Gun Club & Dancehall; Quihi, TX

Built six feet off the ground, this dancehall's original purpose was to defend against Indian attacks. The Gun Club continues to meet and dances are held every second and fourth Saturday of the month. Be sure to check out Texas Monthly's December 2009 cover photo of the dance floor.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57046
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

36784
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958546
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

190033
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments