The Best Austin Honky-Tonks for First-Timers (Ranked)
Austin has more honky-tonks than any first-timer can realistically hit in one trip. If you're visiting for a weekend or just starting to explore the scene as a local, here's how to pick the right room for your first night. Each venue has a different vibe, and the wrong choice can make you feel like you don't belong - even though you absolutely do.
Sagebrush - Best for absolute beginners
On South Congress, Sagebrush is the easiest place to start. It has a dedicated dance floor, friendly dancers, frequent lessons, and a crowd that expects people at all levels. Tuesday and Sunday nights are Double or Nothing Two-Step lesson nights - $10 cash gets you the lesson AND the live music that follows. If you've never set foot in a honky-tonk, start here.
Why it works: Built-in lessons, mixed crowd, great bands, welcoming owners, and an easy South Austin vibe.
Broken Spoke - Best for the bucket-list experience
Open since 1964, Broken Spoke on South Lamar is the most legendary honky-tonk in Texas. Willie Nelson played here. George Strait played here. Dale Watson plays here regularly. The building has not changed in sixty years.
It's a bucket-list visit for any country music fan, but it can be intimidating for absolute beginners. The dance floor is big but crowded on weekends, and the dancers are skilled. Go for a Tuesday night (Weldon Henson is the regular) when it's less packed, or go on a weekend for the full experience. The restaurant opens early with free live music 6-8pm before the dancehall opens.
Why it works: The history alone is worth the visit. Come to watch, stay to dance.
The White Horse - Best for East Austin energy
The White Horse on Comal is East Austin's beloved honky-tonk. The vibe is younger, grittier, and more eclectic - three bands a night, every night, $5-10 cover. Dance lessons happen nightly. It gets packed on weekends but the crowd is warm and the music is consistently excellent.
Why it works: Three bands for one cover. Great for a full night out.
Donn's Depot - Best for real locals
Donn's Depot on West 5th is the anti-tourist honky-tonk. It's housed in a converted train depot. The regulars have been coming for decades. The drinks are cheap. The dance floor is small. And on Wednesdays, Double or Nothing teaches a free beginner lesson at 7:30pm before Frank Cavitt & The Honky-Tonk Doctors play at 8:30pm.
Why it works: Zero pretension. Feels like stepping into Austin circa 1985.
Sam's Town Point - Best hidden gem
Sam's Town Point in Far South Austin is the honky-tonk you tell your friends about after you've been. Live music seven nights a week. A regular roster that includes Seth James, Jimmie Dreams, Ramsay Midwood. Usually $10 cash. Small, loved, quietly essential.
Why it works: Off the tourist path. Music-first.
Continental Club - Best for non-dancers too
Continental Club on South Congress isn't strictly a honky-tonk - it's a live music venue with a country-leaning lineup. There's usually not a dance floor per se, but you can two-step in front of the stage on slower nights. Great for mixed groups where not everyone wants to dance.
Why it works: World-class music in a historic room.
Little Longhorn Saloon - Best for chicken shit bingo
Little Longhorn in North Central is tiny, weird, and wonderful. Sunday afternoon features "Chicken Shit Bingo" - literally a chicken, a numbered grid, and gambling. Every other night is live country music, no cover, and a dance floor the size of a postage stamp. It's iconic.
Not sure where to go tonight? Check the daily schedule - it's updated every day with the full lineup at every honky-tonk in town.
See tonight's schedule →One thing first-timers need to know
Bring cash. Most covers are $5-15 cash at the door, and even when they take cards, it's faster and more respectful to pay cash. The tip jar is also cash. Austin honky-tonk economy runs on $20 bills.
← Back to tonight's schedule