While generally perceived as a hip and millennial-friendly refuge in the Lone Star State, Austin is unquestionably located in Texas. Not only that, but it’s the state capital. Therefore, it stands to reason that among the tattoo parlors, vintage clothing boutiques, and organic eateries, Austin has its fair share of classic country dance halls, where old-timers and newbies alike can slip on some cowboy boots and do the two-step as a banjo-led band plays honky-tonk favorites. Here’s where you can find them.

Broken Spoke - South Lamar

Photo courtesy of Broken Spoke

Considered the grande-dame of Austin dance halls,  Broken Spoke in South Lamar has stood its ground for over 50 years in this rapidly-gentrifying area of Austin. This family-owned business feels very Classic Texas: wood-paneled walls, gingham tablecloths, kitschy signage and posters of past performers, including big-name singers like Willie Nelson, Garth Brooks, and George Strait. With a huge dance floor, an elevated stage with strong acoustics, and a bar stocked with plenty of local brews, Broken Spoke is an ideal entry point to Texan dance culture.

Donn’s Depot - Clarksville

Photo courtesy of Do512

Another family business with impressive longevity in the Austin nightlife circuit, Donn’s Depot in Clarksville gained local fame for its quirky environs — the club is located inside old rail cars in a former train depot — and its excellent piano-led live musical offerings often headlined by Donn Adelman, the bar’s owner for over 30 years. At Donn’s, you’re sure to find a packed dance floor and a vibrant intergenerational crowd all eager to mix and mingle and share their two-stepping enthusiasm. The convivial vibe of this classic Texas dive is supplemented by a full bar pouring whiskey shots and opening Lone Star bottles, plus bottomless baskets of free popcorn. 

The White Horse - East Austin 

Photo courtesy of The White Horse

While venues like Broken Spoke and Donn’s Depot are notable for their old-school charm and determination to keep on running despite gentrification and Austin demographic shifts, there’s also an emerging new guard of music clubs ready to get in on the honky-tonk action that’s so integral to Texan identity. One such venue is The White Horse, a youthful take on the dance hall that’s been attracting hip East Austin crowds since opening in 2011. With all the trappings of a trendy Austin bar — including a back patio, a taco truck, and a photo booth — combined with the spirit of a traditional dance hall, The White Horse appeals to both avid two-steppers and those who’d prefer to take their draft beer without a side of honky-tonk. But for the folks who come to dance, The White Horse features live music on a nightly basis, and their sizable dance floor never sits empty.

The Continental Club - South Congress

Entrance to the Continental Club / Shutterstock

An Austin institution since 1955, The Continental Club in South Congress focuses more on live music than dancing, as evidenced by its petite dance floor and fully-loaded performance calendar featuring artists known for country, rockabilly, and swing tunes. But you’ll never see The Continental Club’s small dance floor without energetic pairs of two-steppers dancing up a storm. The ’50s-inspired decor and dedicated clientele contribute to The Continental Club’s legendary status, and the venue’s popularity remains as robust as ever, even after 60 years.