We stopped in Gruene Hall on a Friday night for a free concert and the chance to dance at the state's oldest dance hall. It was a very laid back environment with picnic tables for seating and a dance floor in the back. There were also pool tables giving the children that were there something to do.
Being the oldest dance hall in Texas got our attention. We visited the Hall one afternoon but it just didn't do it justice. Then we went there on a Thursday night and it felt like jumping back in time; a good time. Bo Porter was the entertainment and he was great. BUT; you must prepare yourself to be transformed into a Texas/Country Western lover, even if its just for one night. Highly recommended.
The town Of Gruene has made itself into a homey tourist destination with antique stores, gift shops, clothing boutiques and its main attraction, Gruene Hall. The town boasts a free parking lot that could serve a small arena and it was nearly at capacity when we visited on a Saturday afternoon. Located between San Antonio and Austin, the hall serves as a honky tonk for both communities. The show we watched was free and ran from 1pm-5pm, featuring a trio called Hot Club of Cowtown. The layout is bar at the front and a large, separate room with rows of wood tables and benches lined up at the stage. Behind the audience is plenty of space for dancing, a perfect arrangement so that dancers don’t block the show. Some folks settle in on the benches in the back just to watch the dancers. I did this for a while and the old wood floor was shaking under my feet with the rhythm of the steppin’.
Gruene Hall is the oldest dance hall in America. My wife and I went on a whim to see Jason Boland & the Stragglers one night and Rosanne Cash the next night. If you want to go honky tonkin the old fashioned way, this is the place. Gruene Hall consists of a stage in front, a bar in back and a dance floor in between. It is primitive, dirty, and oozes authentic character. I wouldn't go on a regular basis but it was great fun for a different kind of experience. It is also in the Texas hill country outside of New Braunfels, Texas. The area is very charming old Texas with a surprising presence of really good German restaurants.
Historical country dance hall in central Texas.Good selection of beer and so so wine list.But you come for the music and dancing.Casual, wear your hat and boots if you got them.Many bands play here.Check the website as the acts are usually sold out in advance.You can listen to bands during the day for free.Then around 9PM they clear out the hall and ticket holders line up .Central Texas Dance Hall at its finest.
We stopped to check out the interior to the oldest running dance hall in Texas after lunch at the Mill. Do not expect fanciness - no pretensions here. This is an old wooden structure with long tables and benches , a stage and dance area plus a bar . We listened to a set by Chip Dolan which we enjoyed. The people we were visiting have been there to hear some more famous musicians and rave about it. Be sure to check out the rest of the town if you go there.
A great place to visit while in town. We attended a concert here and while there was a lot of people there it never seemed over crowded. The ladies restrooms inside were open and the line moved quick. The men had to use the portacans outside and my husband said there were no lights out there. Definitely going to start following who performs here so we can come back.
Most reviews depict the hall very well. The history and vibe of the place is very good. Stopped on a Sunday afternoon, the hall was full, beer flowing, and good music playing.
Gruene Hall is just one of the many stops in this restored old west town. Wonderful history and live music every night. Check the calendar of upcoming groups and you could get a special treat.It is a great end to a relaxing day. Quaint little shops as you walk the street of the old town.
Great historic Texas dancehall. Stopped by to have a drink and to listen to some great country music, Bret Graham. You can't visit Gruene without stopping in here.