Dallas nightlife, Live music, Western Culture, Drinks
Travel Guides

Best Country Western Bars in Dallas

Contrary to popular conception, Dallas is not a town filled with cattle ranches, 10-gallon hats, and oil rigs. And Dallas’ actual Cowboys are playing football on a field, not at home on the range. But that doesn’t mean residents don’t enjoy expressing their inner cowboy (or cowgirl), particularly while two-stepping at the greatest country music bars in the city.

There is plenty of space at Cowboys Dancehall for anyone looking for dance floor activity to show off their moves to live country music all weekend long./

Speaking of live music, Adair’s Saloon hosts some of the best up-and-coming singer-songwriter performances and indie bands in country music. There have even been performances by Miranda Lambert and Jack Ingram. Not to add, all of the shows are available for free. Another famous location where Sara Hickman and The Dixie Chicks made their debut is Poor David’s Pub. Of course, Billy Bob’s in Fort Worth would have to be included; even if you’re not a lover of country music, it’s a must-see attraction.

This is the ultimate boot-scootin’ bucket list, whether you want to dance the night away or just relax with a cold drink and some excellent music.

 BILLY BOB’S TEXAS

This famous country and western establishment in the Fort Worth Stockyards are where to do it if you desire to get your urban cowboy shtick on, despite the fact that it’s touristy and gimmicky. Billy Bob’s, which claims to be the biggest honky-tonk in the world, spans about 3 acres and features more than 30 bar stations, a Texas-sized dance floor, an inside rodeo arena, a cafe, a gift store, arcade machines, and an abundance of country music memorabilia. 6,000 people can fit inside at once due to its size. Oh, and talking of live music, this venue is renowned for having some of the biggest country and rock musicians perform there. A house band performs from Wednesday through Saturday, and pro bull riding is available life every weekend. Furthermore, dance instructions are provided here as well.

It is recommended Because A trip to the DFW Metroplex wouldn’t be complete without a stop at this Fort Worth institution.

 ADAIR’S SALOON

The majority of visitors are attracted to this Deep Ellum bar because of its laid-back atmosphere and a regular schedule of free live music, not because the drinks are cheap or the burgers are famous. When it comes to emerging independent bands and singer-songwriter artists, Adair attracts the cream of the crop in country music. The old-school attraction is further enhanced with a vintage jukebox that plays songs by Hank Williams and Bob Wills, along with wall-to-wall artwork, a lifetime’s worth of Christmas lights, and floor-to-ceiling posters. It’s understandable why this location has been able to survive for more than 50 years.

Adair’s is the greatest location to enjoy free live country music, offering it a recommendation for Best Nightlife.

 COWBOYS DANCEHALL DALLAS

This big honky-tonk is for you if you have a craving to gulp ice-cold Lone Stars and two-step your route across a sizable dance floor. From Wednesday through Saturday, live music is available for some real boot-scooting, but you can also get your cowboy on with activities like mechanical bull riding, Texas Hold ‘Em, Blackjack, and Craps. If those things don’t make you want to clap your feet, then free dancing classes, ladies’ nights, and $3 drink deals will. This location is the real deal for a genuine country experience without having to get your boots dirty.

Because Cowboys Dancehall is the only national bar featuring a mechanical bull, it is suggested for country western bars.

 ROUND-UP SALOON

With valid reason, this storied hotspot in Cedar Springs has been regarded as the greatest gay country western dance hall in the country. A rooftop terrace, many specialized bars, and a sizable hardwood dance floor with room to boot-scoot and disco dance the night away are all features of the saloon. Also, it organizes a wide range of weekly activities, such as dance clubs, drag shows, and karaoke. Also, there are daily drink discounts, all-day happy hours, and late-night howdy hours. As if that weren’t enough. Speaking of dancing, they provide free classes every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday if you need to enhance your two-step.

Because The Round-Up Saloon in Dallas is the greatest directly cowboy-themed gay bar, it is suggested for country western bars.

 THE RUSTIC

A perfect honky-tonk Not the Rustic. Also, the majority of visitors are urban rather than rural. Moreover, there is no actual dancing floor. The Backyard, a sizable outdoor area with picnic tables, fire pits, and a stage for live C&W music that is available most nights of the week, will, nevertheless, provide you plenty of opportunity to be physical. Given that Pat Green is a part-owner of this venue, you might even see the legendary country music performer take the stage. Did we mention that they also offer a fantastic selection of food with a Texas twist (think: smoked beef, tacos, and carnitas), as well as beautifully made drinks and more than 40 specialty beers on tap?

Suggested for Country Western Bars because The Rustic boasts the greatest terrace in Uptown and is a reliable place for live music and terrific food.

 POOR DAVID’S PUB

At this legendary music mecca (still going strong since 1977), you might choose to listen to the sounds rather than line-dance, but Poor David’s Pub is a great place to catch both up-and-coming local musicians and renowned national groups. Lyle Lovett, Jerry Jeff Walker, and Sara Hickman have all performed at the pub, and it’s also where The Dixie Chicks and Sara Hickman got their start. Together with a weekend lineup of must-see featured bands, the pub hosts comedy, poetry readings, open mic nights, and other events throughout the week to keep things lively.

Because Poor David’s Pub is among Dallas’ greatest live country music venues, it is suggested for Country Western Bars.

 SONS OF HERMANN HALL

Sons of Hermann Hall, which was once a masonic lodge and is now used as a dance hall and concert venue, hosts genres like folk, country, and blues as well as contemporary pop and dub every Friday and Saturday night. The Hall offers a variety of events throughout the week in addition to performances, such as swing workshops on Wednesday nights and an acoustic campfire jam on Thursday. When you need a break, go downstairs to the pub where a jukebox, pool table, and shuffleboard offer a fun diversion. Keep a look out for reports of ghost sightings as this location is reputed to be haunted.

Sons of Hermann Hall is one of the city’s most renowned locations for live music and swing dance, making it a suggested choice for country western bars.

 DOUBLE WIDE BAR

This well-known bar is housed in a double-wide trailer, as suggested by its name, and is furnished with wood paneling, taxidermied animals, and tacky memorabilia in every direction. But don’t be fooled by the eccentricity; Double Wide is known for being a fantastic venue for live country music as well as rock, bluegrass, and electronic music. And even though there is almost any room to turn around, nobody seems to mind busting a move. In fact, dancing and singing by members of the crowd is greatly encouraged.

Because Double Wide is one of the most renowned dive bars in the city, it is suggested for country western bars.

 RODEO BAR

The Rodeo Bar, a bar and eatery with a Western motif located in the Adolphus Hotel, is enjoying its reopening after being shuttered in 2018 for improvements. The historic saloon, which first opened in 1981, evokes a traditional Texas vibe with old furnishings, neon signs, and a menu to match. You can eat anything you want, including nachos, smash burgers, blue plate specials, caviar fries served with Dom Perignon, and cocktails and boilermakers with a Texas influence. Expect to discover a changing lineup of artists jamming every weekend in the back room, playing everything from rock to Western music.

Suggested for Country Western Bars because: If you’re looking for a bar that perfectly captures Americana, this is the spot for you.

 MAMA TRIED HONKY TONK

Mama Tried, which takes its name from a Merle Haggard song, is a vast indoor-outdoor paradise for country music lovers. The honky-tonk, which was formerly situated in Deep Ellum, is now relocated to Texas Lotto Plaza, where it is joined by a variety of bars and eateries at the Toyota Music Factory. The 5,000-square-foot establishment offers free pool and karaoke evenings during the week in addition to shuffleboard, 24 sports screens, and free live music on the weekends. You may anticipate hearing anything from outlaw and bluegrass to traditional country music.

Mama Tried is the perfect destination for lovers of traditional country music, making it a suggestion for country western bars.