Cowboy's

Legendary.  Cowboy's is legendary.

I don't know how to give a business 5 stars and 1 star at the same time so lets just go with 5 stars. Yes, Cowboy's is a real honky-tonk. They do still exist and the best in Alabama can be found right over the South Georgia border in the great town of Dothan. Cowboy's is truly one of the most bizarre places I have ever been and I have no problem recommending that you give it a try.

Be warned- People here are bananas. You've got 55 year old women jumping up on stage (uninvited) to play the tambourine. You've got people in their 20 somethings two stepping right out of a 1980's country music video.  You've got someone's great grandfather creeping on your friend.  You've got wild dogs running around (no I'm not kidding). It's all part of the magic of Cowboy's.

To get into Cowboy's you have to sign up for a membership card (worth it). You'll get a temporary and then one day if you are lucky enough you will become a full card carrying member! Already looking forward to that day, I must admit. Girls generally get in free and the cover can be $5 to $10 for guys. There is usually live music from local country sensations and a DJ during the breaks who plays mostly line dancing songs with a few rap hits tossed into the mix. Drinks are cheap and there is bourbon on tap.

There's some dust settling on the pool tables and the smokey smell takes at least two washes to come out of your clothes but Cowboy's is undeniably fun.  The two times I have been here have been two of the most fun nights I've had. Both nights have included some great dancing and even better people watching.

I'll say it once. I'll say it again. Legendary.

Ever wanted to be a card carrying member of a legit honky tonk?  Didn't know honky tonks had memberships?  Ever wondered what bourbon poured from a soda tap tastes like?  Ever pondered whether you can two step to a certain song?  Or breakdance, for that matter?

Answers to those questions can be found here at Cowboy's, one of the last of a dying breed of true Southern honky tonks.  The well drinks are $3.75, and the cover charge is $5, unless you're a pretty lady, in which case you get in free.  Pretty is pretty objective here though (it is South Alabama, after all).  

Though there are plenty of pool tables ($1, in quarters) you come to Cowboy's to dance, and dance you will, by yourself, with your friends, and with that creepy guy in the cowboy hat standing alone in the corner.  It's part of the fun.  Music from the live band filled the smoky dance hall while bar tenders kept the cheap drinks flowing.  However, even without the cheap drinks, inhibitions didn't seem to ever be a problem here, as all types and levels of dancing expertise took to the dance floor in droves.  If you've never done the wobble, line danced to Copperhead Road, or been whisked around the dance floor by a cowboy who arrived from two counties over on a motorcycle, be prepared to learn.  The people watching is truly top notch, and you'll have a great time if you throw yourself into the mix whole heartedly.

I'm glad I picked up that membership card.

I always have fun here. It's a large bar with plenty of dancing room.