Line dancing: It’s the formal structure of ballroom dancing (but more fun) combined with the populist appeal of the Cupid Shuffle, and it’s about the most Texas thing you can do during a weekend night out. The barriers to picking up line dancing in North Texas are limited. Throw a rock at any reputable honky tonk in the area and you’re liable to hit somebody who could show you the ropes. However, I wouldn’t advise doing that, and you’re less likely to start a fight if you just take a class, something several of the joints on this list offer.
So whether you were two-stepping down Copperhead Road before you could walk or you’re a flat-footed cowboy looking for some practice, here are the best places in North Texas to go line dancing.
10310 Technology Blvd., Dallas
A cavernous venue spotted with mechanical bulls, pool tables, and other honky tonk signifiers (sometimes that’s all it takes), Cowboys Red River has a race track-style dance floor Jeff Gordon could drive on. This Dallas installment of a honky tonk chain offers free dance classes to ease you onto the floor, which is big enough that no one’s going to notice if you miss a few steps.
2520 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth
More of a heat stroke-at-Disneyland hallucination of a rodeo than an actual honky tonk, Billy Bob’s has a history of bringing some of the biggest names in country western music to its stage, including the late Merle Haggard and George Strait. You might as well really dig the music if you’re going to line dance with any conviction. And there’s nothing wrong with the cowboy edition of Six Flags. When your out-of-town friends or family visit and are disappointed at the lack of livestock and 10-gallon hats at the local watering hole, Billy Bob’s is the place they probably had in mind. The floor is also usually packed to the gills despite the venue’s size, so it’s not hard to find a dance partner. Plus, there are free twice-weekly line dancing lessons on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
221 W. Exchange Ave. Fort Worth
On the other side of the Stockyards and up a hill from Billy Bob’s sits Rodeo Exchange. This honky tonk joint boasts a full bar and live country music performances on Friday and Saturday nights. Plus, it offers free dance lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays, where you can learn line dance, basic country moves, three-stepping, and more.
2624 Commerce St., Dallas
Speaking of beloved dive bars, Adair’s is the honky tonkiest in Deep Ellum, with a country western flair and music that subconsciously induces two-stepping. Nothing fancy, but it’s live music and cheap beer at its best.
Round-Up Saloon and Dance Hall
3912 Cedar Springs Rd., Dallas
Over in Oak Lawn, Round Up has a legitimate claim to being the best gay country western joint in the U.S. Line dancing prevails, and a certain degree of competency in that realm helps. A stocked tequila bar ought to help build up enough confidence to get anybody on the dance floor.
302 W. Exchange Ave., Fort Worth
A former brothel apparently built by Buffalo Bill Cody, Pearl’s Saloon has as much cowboy credibility as anywhere in Fort Worth. No disco balls or concessions to popular trends in dance music here—country western music and two-stepping continue to hold dominion—with weekly classes for fresh boots. It’s an historical building and a traditional joint with the music to match. The saloon reopened in May 2023 under new ownership, but it’s not like there’s much that’s changed about having a good time since the days of Buffalo Bill Cody. Great live performances from all-star pickers and musicians playing authentic country, dancing, and cold drinks remain a pretty effective combination.
5574 TX-276, Royse City
Let’s face it, sometimes you gotta get out in the country and past the city limits sign for a night of line dancing. Head out to Southern Junction Live in Royse City for Thursday night dance lessons, and, if you lasso an appetite, all-you-can eat ribs.
101 N. Rogers Rd., Irving
If halfway to Greenville is too far out, then head west to Southern Junction’s other location in Irving, which has hosted country crooners like Tracy Lawrence and Roger Creager.
5728 Lakeview Dr., Midlothian
Down in Midlothian, this BYOB spot is all about country line dancing. Here, two-stepping couples skirt around the perimeter, while line dancers spread out across most of the 2,000-square-foot dance floor. The joint began its life as a roller rink in 1955, during the days of Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline. In 1967, it was turned into a dance hall, and folks have been kicking their boots here ever since. It’s family friendly—with teen nights every other Friday—but there are a few rules: Namely, no drinks or cellphones on the dance floor. And, natch, you must be dancing.
1165 S. Stemmons Fwy. #130, Lewisville
This Lewisville joint describes itself as a “high energy country night club.” It’s 18 and up, open until 3 a.m., and hosts regular ladies and college nights, as well as two-stepping lessons. You can shuffle across the dance floor, listen to your latest favorite country song, and stomp around during your favorite line dance.
