Where to Go Dancing in Austin
Guide to dancing the night away in the Live Music Capital of the World®
Austin culture blazes with live music, hipsters, graffiti artists and city lights. But no matter how hard it tries, the capital city can't escape its Texas-country roots, and what better way to celebrate Texas than a little boot scootin' boogie? Check out these locals' favorite honky-tonks and dance clubs.
Austin Honky Tonks
The Austin Beer Garden Brewing Co.
This award-winning South Austin beer garden won’t disappoint. Enjoy live music nightly on the stage at the brewery, large communal picnic tables and a pup-friendly patio, crave-able pizzas and the guiding philosophy that "beer makes it better." On Sundays from 4-7 p.m., catch live bands and a spacious dancefloor, with music ranging from classic country and Americana to bluegrass and rockabilly.
Broken Spoke
Known city-wide for their chicken-fried steak, Broken Spoke is a real country dance hall. The Spoke keeps the legends alive with traditional country music, traditional Texas two-step and traditional southern comfort food.
The Continental Club
Standing strong at 60+ years old, this local favorite is one of the oldest continuously running clubs in Austin. Although it's had many personalities throughout the years, the club often boasts a honky-tonk vibe with country musicians playing multiple nights of the week. Make sure to also check out the Continental Gallery, located upstairs.
Donn's Depot
Donn's Depot is an old Missouri-Pacific train depot that was moved to Austin more than 30 years ago (the women's restroom is even a real caboose!). Regulars twirl to free live music six days a week that spans country and swing to funk and rock and roll.
Little Longhorn Saloon
Packed Tuesday-Sunday evenings with two-stepping Austinites so rowdy you'll wonder who let them into the city, The Little Longhorn Saloon embraces the true meaning of honky-tonk. Come for free chili dogs and Chicken Sh*t Bingo on Sundays.
Sagebrush
One of the newest music venues on the scene, South Austin's Sagebrush hosts nightly shows and regular outdoor concerts. Multiple nights a week, stop by for Austin honky tonk-style Two Step lessons and classic country bands.
Shiner's Saloon
Shiner's is the premier Austin destination for free, live country music seven days a week. The dance floor is small, but you can always grab a local for a little two-stepping fun and requests for songs are welcome. Flat-screen TVs air the big game and Tex-Mex and BBQ are served until 2 a.m.
The White Horse
This East Austin honky tonk has made a lasting impact on the nightlife scene in Austin. Grab a “two-step” at the bar (a Lonestar and a shot of T.W. Samuels) and make your way to the dance floor for dancing and live music every night of the week. You will also find pool tables, a piano, seating and a great outdoor area. Dance lessons are held at 7 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
The White Horse. Credit Arts+Labor.
Austin's Top Dance Clubs & Salsa Bars
Austin's dancing scene isn't just for two-stepping. The city is peppered with clubs that feature all kinds of moves, from salsa to ballroom. Check out the locals' top picks:
- Barbarella: Music varies from '80s to soul to hip-hop and electronic in this packed dance club.
- Sahara Lounge: Featuring music in almost every genre, seven nights a week: African, Brazilian, Middle Eastern and DJ Dance Parties once or twice a month.
- Highland: A gay lounge and nightclub in the Warehouse District and a favorite among the night crowd in Austin.
- Flamingo Cantina: Local favorite for “good vibes music” – live reggae, ska, Latin and worldbeat music and more. Every Thursday is Latin night.
- Mayfair Austin: An upscale nightclub and terrace, at Mayfair, you'll find high-energy DJ sets all night long.
