Everything, as they say, is bigger in Texas. It’s true not just of its square mileage, but of its sprawling ranches, vast national parks, and its countless steakhouses. It also applies to its bounty of bars, including its Texas-sized honky-tonks and timeworn saloons.
Honky-tonks in the Lone Star State have been experiencing a bit of a renaissance of late, in part thanks to lyrical shoutouts from hometown queen — and Ms. Renaissance herself — Beyoncé, as well as an influx of curious travelers and transplants alike.
It’s time to two-step across Texas. (Photo Credit: Lucas Beck)
Welcome to the Lone Star State. (Photo Credit: Brice Cooper)
Texas’ bar scene, too, has boomed. From old-school saloons to new hot spots, rooftop lounges, and Beyoncé-worthy dive bars, these are the kinds of places that capture the essence of this singular state.
And once you’re done mastering the art of the Texas two-step, rest your head at Texas properties like Kimpton Pittman Hotel in Dallas, or the brand new Kimpton Santo Hotel in San Antonio. Get a taste for yourself with this guide to Texas’ best honky-tonks, saloons, and rooftop bars.
Tenfold Rooftop
In one of the most historic cities in Texas, a new rooftop spot is raising the bar. Perched on the 10th floor of one of Kimpton’s newest properties, Kimpton Santo Hotel, Tenfold Rooftop distinguishes itself not only for its sweeping view of the Alamo City, but also as the only rooftop bar in town with year-round open-air space.
Atop rooftop bars, you can see the entirety of the city. (Photo Credit: Vincent Law)
The high-end haunt highlights Texas-centric spirits like tequila and mezcal for its adventurous cocktail program, which includes the likes of House of the Setting Sun, made with mezcal, house-made pineapple and orange Fanta, and Aperol guava foam. Or try the Queen of the Night Cactus, made with jalapeño-infused tequila, Ancho Reyes liqueur, tomatillo, and cucumber oleo.
Gruene Hall
Texas Hill Country, stretching between Austin and San Antonio, is an epicenter for hallowed dance halls and honky-tonks and home to enduring cornerstones like Gruene Hall. Located in New Braunfels, 30 minutes northeast of downtown San Antonio, the lively institution is the oldest continuously operating dance hall in the state.
Gruene Hall is one of the oldest dance halls in the state. (Photo Credit: Alan Michnoff)
Whether you’re looking for a good time or just good conversation — you’ll find it here. (Photo Credit: Alan Michnoff)
No honky-tonk experience is complete without beer. (Photo Credit: Alan Michnoff)
Built in 1878, much of the 6,000-square foot property looks, feels, and sounds the way it did way back when, with nightly live music, an open-air dance floor, a backyard beer garden, and its very own water tower perched atop the tin roof. Over the years, performers have included George Strait, LeAnn Rimes, Merle Haggard, and true-blue Texan, Willie Nelson.
Billy Bob’s Texas
A huge country bar in the middle of a big city, Billy Bob’s is a real-deal honky-tonk in the heart of Fort Worth. Described as the largest honky-tonk in the world, measuring in at a whopping 100,000-square feet (with a 20-acre parking lot, to boot), it’s aptly located in the Fort Worth stockyards, in a space that originally served as a humble barn.
When visiting the honky-tonks of Texas, you’ve got to dress the part. (Photo Credit: Camila Blando)
Nowadays, that barn has ballooned into an oasis of country twang, complete with live bull-riding, two-step dance classes, more than a dozen pool tables, and a wall of commemorative handprints from vaunted visitors like Ringo Starr, Jim Belushi, Tim McGraw, Kacey Musgraves, and, of course, Willie Nelson.
The Round-Up Saloon
When exploring Dallas’ gayborhood of Oak Lawn, follow the rainbow crosswalk — and the unshakeable urge to two-step — to The Round-Up Saloon. One of the largest, and most historic gay country bars in the nation, The Round-Up has been kicking it since 1980.
Because who doesn’t love an old fashioned Western saloon? (Photo Credit: Jon Tyson)
Cowboy hats required. (Photo Credit: Blake Harbison)
Although a fire temporarily closed the original venue in 1989, the self-described “Home of Good Times and Good People” still reigns as a quintessentially Texan bar. The vast, multi-roomed property includes a main dance floor with two-stepping lessons, karaoke, billiards, numerous bars, and The Tequila Shack.
JR’s Bar & Grill
In the same neighborhood as The Round-Up, and also open since 1980, JR’s Bar & Grill offers a rooftop view with an air of inclusivity.
The downstairs area feels more saloon-like, while upstairs offers a spacious balcony from which to watch all the Oak Lawn energy. Look for regular events, like karaoke, drag shows, Drag Race watch parties, and themed dance nights.
Adair’s Saloon
In Dallas’ bar-packed Deep Ellum, Adair’s Saloon marches to the beat of its own drum. Or rather, boogies to the beat of its own country tunes. Open since the ‘60s, the endearingly well-worn bar is rich with character — and characters, as evidenced by its graffiti-clad walls, and photos of famed patrons, like Elvis and The Chicks.
Live music sets the scene at many saloons in the state. (Photo Credit: @alyssabonagura)
The bar is a frequent fixture for touring musicians, with live sets every night of the week, plus a jukebox to fill those rare moments when someone isn’t strumming a guitar on stage. Adair’s also offers a robust food menu, and is famed for its burgers and smoked sausage platters.
151 Saloon
On the newer side of things, San Antonio’s 151 Saloon offers an old-school Texas experience amidst decidedly modern digs.
Along with its massive, tree-clad patio — which boasts its own adjoining food truck park — the toe-tapping watering hole features live music most nights of the week, along with karaoke and a huge bar brimming with bourbon and tequila.
Luckenbach Dance Hall
In the pastoral farmland of Hill Country, Luckenbach Dance Hall feels like a blast from the past, utterly preserved in time with its smattering of rustic wooden buildings, shaded by gnarly mesquite trees. The property first debuted in 1887, and it’s been two-stepping nonstop ever since, to the tunes of Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris, and — you guessed it — Willie Nelson.
Head to the pastoral farmland of Hill Country for an even more authentic Texan experience. (Photo Credit: Judah Estrada)
In addition to a lively dance hall, where country bands are omnipresent, the venue boasts its own folksy general store, as well as recurring events, like bull-riding and mutton-busting (for those wondering, the latter is a rodeo event where children ride sheep).
Vidorra
Dallas’ Vidorra is home to modern Mexican cuisine and cocktails, served amidst a panoramic backdrop. The open-air rooftop space features DJ-driven dance parties and salsa nights on a weekly basis, while the menus run the gamut of Mexican and Tex-Mex comforts.
Come hungry for guacamole, fajitas, and birria empanadas, and thirsty for margaritas. The Gold Digger is a particularly popular option — a sweet-and-spicy frozen marg made with mango puree, chamoy, and tajin.
John T. Floore’s Country Store
Nestled in the San Antonio suburbs, John T. Floore’s Country Store is as charmingly folksy as it is seasoned. The legendary honky-tonk has been a Helotes staple for the better part of a century, operating initially as a frills-free dance hall and café.
When in Texas, right? (Photo Credit: Megan Bucknall)
Over the years, its reputation grew as an essential stopover for country and Americana acts, like Bob Wills, Patsy Cline, Hank Williams, and Elvis. Willie Nelson not only performed here, but the Country Store proudly touts itself as the musical birthplace of the legend, even cited in Nelson’s song, “Shotgun Willie.”
Happiest Hour
Laying claim to one of the largest rooftop decks in Dallas, along with some incredible city views from its perch alongside Victory Park, Happiest Hour clocks in at a sprawling 20,000-square feet of indoor and outdoor space, across two different levels.
Dallas-Fort Worth is home to some of the best saloons in the state.
Absorb the history of the Lone Star State by visiting its honky-tonks and saloons.
Located on Dallas’ “Margarita Mile,” the sports bar boasts plenty of tequila and agave spirits, along with a dizzying array of beer and shareable “Happytizers” like loaded cheddar fries, jalapeño poppers, and queso. Every Friday and Saturday night, DJs spin tunes during Rooftop Remix.
The Moon’s Daughters
For some of the tallest views in San Antonio, ascend to The Moon’s Daughters. The swanky bar, located on the 20th floor of the Thompson Hotel, is high enough to offer views of the RiverWalk and the skyline — with a vista that extends all the way to the rolling terrain of Texas Hill Country.
The cocktails are just as captivating, like the Golden Hour made with bourbon, roasted pineapple, lemon, and egg white, or the Skyline Sour made with mezcal, falernum, apricot, lime, and a red wine float.
Where to stay: Kimpton Harper Hotel in Fort Worth, Kimpton Pittman Hotel in Dallas, and Kimpton Santo Hotel in San Antonio
