WHERE TO GO DANCING IN AUSTIN

Dancing in Austin Willie photo

An Austinite's 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:

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.

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.

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.

Austin's Top Dance Clubs

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:

  1. Barcelona: Hardcore dancers go underground to get their fill of hip-hop and break dancing on Sixth Street.
  2. Barbarella: Music varies from '80s to soul to hip-hop and electronic in this packed dance club.
  3. 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.
  4. Highland: A gay lounge and nightclub in the Warehouse District and a favorite among the night crowd in Austin

Photo credit Winker Withaneye.