The Honest Take
What it's actually like
Lightnin' Bar is in Elgin, Texas - the town east of Austin on US-290 famous for Elgin sausage, one of the great food products of Central Texas. The bar is a straightforward Central Texas roadhouse: unpretentious, local, and operating on its own schedule.
For two-steppers, Lightnin' Bar makes the schedule only when acts from the approved band list are playing. It's not a destination venue for dancing the way Broken Spoke or White Horse are, but on the right night with the right band, it's a perfectly good Central Texas country bar experience.
From Austin it's about 30 minutes east on US-290. Plan a stop at Southside Market & Barbeque for Elgin sausage on the way.
The Dance Floor
Two-stepping at Lightnin' Bar
Lightnin' Bar has space for dancing on live music nights. Dancing depends on the booking - country nights bring out the two-steppers. Check the main schedule for when we include this venue.
When to Go
Best nights for dancing
Check main schedule for when approved bands are playing.
This Week
Current schedule
The full Lightnin' Bar schedule is included in our daily-updated Austin two-step guide. Check there for tonight's band and set times.
Lightnin' Bar bands are listed in the main schedule, updated every day since 2021.
See Today's Schedule →Practical Info
Everything you need to know
FAQ
Common questions
How far is Lightnin' Bar from Austin?
Lightnin' Bar in Elgin is about 30 minutes east of Austin on US-290.
What is Elgin known for besides Lightnin' Bar?
Elgin is famous for Elgin sausage - a style of smoked sausage made with beef and pork that's been produced by Southside Market & Barbeque and others in Elgin since the 1880s. A stop for sausage is mandatory on any Elgin trip.