Finally made it out to see the oldest dance hall in Texas. As soon as I walked through the doors I thought, "boy, if these walls could talk!". Â Nothing fancy here, just good ole music & wooden floors to dance on. Screened in windows for passer-bys to stop & watch. Â Area outside for kids to play, although I wouldn't exactly call this a kid-friendly place. No food is offered although there are restaurants within walking distance.
Review Source:Brief history lesson. Ready and go,
Gruene Hall, was built in 1878 by Henry D. Gruene and is located in the historical town of Gruene, Texas and bills itself as "the oldest continually run dance hall in Texas.
I love dive bars as much as I love snacks & desserts. I love walking on *real* hard wood floors, two stepping, live Texas country music, salt of the earth people, & a good whiskey & water cocktail. Gruene Hall had it all!
The main room inside is spacious. There are plenty of picnic tables to choose from so if you don't want to dance or need a break, there are several spots to park your buns.
Their outdoor patio offers a vintage basketball hoop for the kiddos, several picnic tables to sit and people watch, while listening to the music inside. Â
Drinks were strong and not overpriced. No cover. The live music act was entertaining, and plenty of room on the dance floor for two stepping. Even if you don't like to two step, drink whiskey or visit dive bars, this historical gem is worth checking out.
Be prepared, this place has no AC. The hall windows are screened and the ceilings are filled with fans to help patrons beat the heat!
It doesn't get any more Texas than Gruene Hall. Â This is where Americana music lives. Â
Get a Lone Star beer and go pitch some horse shoes. Â The beer garden is just the right balance if the music is too loud or it's too crowded inside.
In the winter-time, they have the old pot-bellied stove warmed up and you can sit near it on a cool afternoon listening to some great music.
Forgetting that I was not in Vegas, we arrived at Gruene Hall at 8:45 pm and caught the end of the last set for Shinyribs. Â Just enough time for a couple of beers before the lights went on. Â While my experience was short, I can tell you that this is my kind of place. Â Great music, wood dance floor, good people!
Review Source:A 20 minute drive from 1604 in San Antonio, Â is Gruene Hall, "The Oldest Dance Hall In Texas". I've been here a few times, last night I saw James McMurtry. This place is a small music venue with a ton of character, the original wood floors are warped and the pictures on the wall show a who's who in music has played here.
Inside the place is primarily standing room only. There is picnic table style seating along the walls but once the rooms fills up you'll have to stand to see anything, so wear comfortable shoes. I bet this place can hold 500 people inside, so it gets hot considering there is no A/C, just fans. If you sit outside in the courtyard area you can still hear and see, as they have screens on all the windows.
I like this place. The only negatives: parking can be difficult, bar is cash only and by the end of the night the crowd can get quite obnoxious.
What does it mean to be a Texan?
Duck into Gruene Hall on a Saturday afternoon, crack open a beer and listen to the music. Chill out and forget everything in the outside world.
That sense that life is good and that anything is possible? That's what it means to be a Texan.
Gruene Hall is the center of the universe. C'mon in.
This is just an old school vintage dance hall that is totally authentic and fantastic. Â They have a lot of good music and some really cold beers. Â I'm not at all into the whole Western dance moves but I've still enjoyed my visits here. Â They are cash only which is always a hassle so make sure to plan appropriately. Â This place is off on its own without a lot of other things in the area so you definitely have to use some navigation skills to get here but they do have a lot of signs to assist you on your way. Â Definitely a unique piece of Americana and place you need to visit at least once in your life.
Review Source:This was my first visit to the famous Gruene Hall. I meet up with some of my family members and had a few drinks. My visit was in the middle of the week, there was plenty of seating and parking. They had a 3 piece band playing some local country music along with some famous cover songs. This is a cash only bar so please remember to bring your money. They do have an ATM outside of the bar. They serve beer and wine only.
Review Source:The oldest Dance Hall in the state of Texas. This is Texas to a T. Serving only beer and wine, but nobody misses the hard stuff here! bring your dancing shoes or cowboy boots because you'll be dancing all night long! There is so much history here and you can't help walk away proud to be a texan, and if you aren't you'll wish you were! Old wood floors that have such a rustic and Texas vibe. When the music is bumping you can feel the floors shaking beneath your feet! Â Picnic Tables all over and a hoppin dance floor! All of the texas beers plastered all over the walls!
Live music comes through here every weekend, and even week days a lot of the time! Always great talent!! Always a great time!!!
This place has a ton of history and definitely makes me feel like a proud Texan. Â Gruene Hall is probably best known for dancing but I'm not much of a dancer (all my dance moves are courtesy of YouTube) so I usually just enjoy the live band, pool tables, or go outside to take in the summer nights. Â Downsides are cash only, cover, and no liquor. Â
Something you may not know is that they do a really cool gospel brunch once a month. Â They bring in some really amazing singers, have a delicious spread, and they even throw in a complimentary (alcoholic) beverage - everyone should experience it at least once!
I may be deported from Texas for this review but what the heck... I write my reviews because I want to inform other people about my experience just as I would like to be informed when I read theirs.
We went to see my favorite shutthefudgeupIknowI'matotalgroupieleavemealone Bob Schneider last night.
A few fun things:
The building is really, really, really, really old. Get it? Super old. Pretty darn cool. The floors shake with music and stomping and the outdoor seating area is nice with lots of picnic tables. It's open and airy and it's a great piece of history.
The scary things:
You can smoke inside? WHAT?! This place is all wood. And the floors have gaps. I don't know about "y'all" but I grew up in Connecticut... anyone remember the Connecticut fires? I spent the whole evening keeping an eye on the exits and wondering when the smokers around me were going to drop a ciggie on my flip flop and burn the place down. Really, people. The outside is all of 15 feet from where you're at at all times... can you just go outside? Please? I suppose it hasn't burned down yet, so maybe it won't, but see the fun part about "really, really, really, really old" Â wood.
They have glass bottles (yay!) that people get too lazy to throw away in fear of losing their spot on the floor so they put them down by their feet. Perhaps our drunky neighbor was just being a jerk but some lady kicked his bottle at my ankle and it annoyed the crap out of me. Pick it up and toss it dude, or bring a fanny pack or something. Or a murse.
They moved the start time of the concert to an hour and a half later then printed on our tickets. WHATTTTT.... that meant we arrived at 7:00 for our concert and Bob's start time was pushed back to 9:30. Oy. Lots of great restaurants in the area though (unless you are a minor, then you can't leave and you'll starve, they won't let you back in).
Lastly, if you plan on attending a concert here, are under 5' 5'' tall and have high hopes of at least seeing a head or a hairline from your favorite band, well, forgeddaboutit. I spent the whole night trying to get a glimpse of the stage. I'm not short by any means but either the entire amazonian women's coalition was there last night or I've shrunk in the past month. I couldn't see jack. I didn't really care because, as a groupie, I've seen him half a dozen times already. I would never go here to see a concert by a band I actually want to see though, not for $22.00.
It's fun, it's nice, it's a cool experience. I want to come back and see the dance floor in action and get my two step on. Screw it for concerts though.
This is such a cute little venue, less than an hour from Austin! Why leave Austin, the music capital of the universe, and drive 45 minutes for live music? Well folks, Austin does have great music. But Austin is Austin, Austin is not Texas. If you are looking for some old-fashion Texas music in an old fashion Texas dance hall, in an old fashion Texas town, with old-fashion Texas people watching...Gruene is the place!
I had a great first experience here. Great vibe. Great live music. All ages. Dancing. Music. Outdoor area.
The only part I didn't like was the indoor smoking. I understand the desire to preserve the old-timey feel of Greuene Hall...but ugh! Indoor smoking in a small area on a warm muggy day...well...it's no bueno.
Aside form this, great overall experience, we'll be back...but perhaps chillax outdoors next time!
How can you pay justice to Gruene Hall? Answer: Dont even try. The oldest continuously operating dance hall in Texas. It's got wood floors, country music, mesquites and strings of lights outside. It reeks of tradition, of the Highwaymen and Willie and Waylon and the boys.
All the greats have played Gruene Hall, reveling in its rustic charm. It's captured the hearts and minds of Texans and is often mentioned in the company of Luckenbach, George's Bar and Gilleys. They serve beer and Sangria only and they definitely prefer cash.
Here's your checklist:
Do wear your boots. Don't anger the staff. Do bring a koozie. Don't expect to two step -- this place is small. Do be nice to the ladies. Don't forget a koozie. Do enjoy the sweet hill country air and the sounds of Texas Country filling the night.
I love this place. Hubby and I have been here many times, and we have always left feeling happy and nostalgic. It's just that kind of place.
I love sitting there with him, live music playing, watching the little ones twirl about the dance floor on a lazy Texas afternoon, while he drinks his Shiner and I sip my sangria.
Or, spending an evening there two-stepping with him to a great Texas-style country band. I say Texas-style, because, as my Texan tells me, that stuff they play in Nashville these days just isn't Texas. In case you are wondering, when it comes to country, he's a George Straight, Willie Nelson kinda man. And, Gruene Hall delivers. Oh, they have other styles there, too. Just do what we do and check the website for the music calendar and choose what appeals to you.
When I think of Gruene Hall, I think history, family, music and Texas. That's my idea of real Americana. And that's just what Gruene Hall it.
Gruene Hall is found in Gruene TX Â which has been quietly resisting change for quite a while. Â See the sign it will tell you how long.
The place has seen quite a bit of texas music history with musicians such as George Straight and Willie Nelson having sang a tune or two here. Â It was also part of the movie Micheal. Â Remember the part where he danced at the place called Joes- that was at Gruene Hall.
But enough of that. Â I have come many times and always have a great time. I have sat indoors and outside as it does not matter where you sit, you will hear the music and be entertained with lots of people watching. Â I have been blessed to sit accross from many different people, once it was a WWII verteran whose stories of where he and his wife had traveled made the hour pass quickly. Â So if you sit at a table across from strangers or if strangers join you, make sure to say hey and try to start a conversation, Â you don't know who you will meet.
My Parents and I have come many times to just wander the stores and end up in Gruene Hall to have a beer or a sangria. Â Its just a great place to begin or end the day. Â
It is open air so if its cold outside, it is cold inside and if it is warm outside guess what, its warm inside. Â
But end of the day its all good. Â Go enjoy, have a beverage, people watch and dance a step or two. Â
Take care, Erika
Today I had one of those perfect Texas days: good church in the morning, lunch with the fam at The Gristmill, and an afternoon dancing and knocking back a couple coooold beers with my cousin, nieces, mom and aunt at Gruene Hall.
It was hot out. Really hot. And Gruene Hall doesn't have a/c. So, you throw on a cotton dress and a pair of boots and don't give it a second thought. Because the drinks here are super cold and refreshing. Whether you're a beer drinker or sangria sipper, they'll hook you up. And the band is rockin'.
Today we heard some amazing old country western covers from Willie to Waylan and everything in between. We danced and the hardwood floors and partook in what must be one of the grandest of Texas traditions: a great several hours enjoying good music, cold drinks, and dancing with all of your favorite people. It really doesn't get better than this folks.
Love the town of Gruene and love Gruene hall. It is a Tx legend and they continue to dominate the texas music scene by consistently hosting great Americana bands.
There is no AC in this joint so going in the summer can get very hot, but you will just have to suck it up and drink some cold beer.
Beer and wine are the only refreshing beverages that they serve, so don't whine when you want to get wasted on shots. Just go across the street to Mozie's to do that.
Live music is usually free during the day and ticket prices can vary on shows depending on who is playing.
Gotta love Gruene Hall if you are a live music fan!!
About 50 miles south of Austin and just west of IH-35 you will find a town that has been gently resisting change since 1872. It is a popular day trip from Austin and when you get into the heart of Gruene Texas you see why. The main attraction and social center in town is Gruene Hall which was built in 1878, the oldest continually running dance hall in Texas.
When you walk into the hall you can just imagine all of the music these historic walls have heard. They beg to tell you about the songs of Willie Nelson, George Strait, Lyle Lovett and many more who have played for standing room only crowds in the mid-summer Texas heat. Sure there might be neon lights touting the best light beer at the bar but this is a true dance hall.
My encounter with this aged dance hall was not by chance, I was here to see one of my favorite Austin performers, Guy Forsyth. I have watched Guy play in many settings from the Saxon Pub to the Oasis, each extracting a show which was right for the place. In this extra special place he put on an extra special show. From the onset he was walking and strumming with a fever that only a historic place like this could inspire (I say he but the trio is rounded out by Rob Hooper and Will Landin).
If the Gruene Hall has yet to lure you in I totally recommend it and and a wine tasting at Grapvine and a meal at the Gristmill.
Eh, it's ok just to say you have been there. Â It's a famous establishment and a TX landmark and tradition. Â I've been to Gruene about a dozen times but today was the first time I have been in Gruene Hall.
I was down the street at a local music store and heard the live music so I decided to check it out. Â It was Sunday afternoon (January 2011) around 3pm so there was no cover charge. Â The place was hoppin' but not too crowded. Â Most of the tables were occupied and there were about 15 people standing around and/or dancing.
I'd definitely go back the next time I am in Gruene or if one of my favorite bands are playing there. Â I just wouldn't go out of my way to go there just to say I had been there.
The only thing that I can say I didn't like about it were the beer prices and that they allow smoking.
Domestic beer was $3.50 which is at least $1 too much.
Since the place is about 100 years old, ventilation is really good (lot's of gaps in the walls - LOL). Â So the smoking is tolerable - I didn't leave there feeling like I had to take a shower because of the cigarette smoke - however, any place that allows smoking always loses a point in my book.
Again - not a smoky place though - VERY tolerable as far as cigarette smoke goes.
(cash only btw)
Fantastic legendary Texas dance hall. Â
I have been to Gruene (pronounced "green") Hall several times and it never disappoints, though I will say it is more fun in the summer.
It is a large dance hall that is screened in, and outside there are picnic benches to sit on. Â There are 2 stages that usually play either country bands or Americana type bands. Â They don't serve liquor, just beer and their famous sangria's. Â However there are other establishments around you can get liquor at.
The biggest thing to do in this area during the summer months is spend the day floating the river, then eating dinner at the Gristmill, then catching a show at Gruene Hall. Â This is a perfect Central Texas summer adventure, and it wouldn't be complete without this fine establishment.
I love Gruene Hall! Â I love Texas and I especially love anything that's quintessentially Texan like Gruene Hall!
I recently won two tickets to their Gospel Brunch with a Texas Twist on Twitter. Â They have all kinds of great giveaways, so you should follow @GrueneHallTX if you're on Twitter!
The Gospel Brunch was so much fun! Â They host it one Sunday a month and I would definitely recommend it if you're in the area! Â It's around $25 per person, but you get great food, a complimentary drink, and endearing entertainment!
The food was catered by The Gristmill and was so delicious! Â The menu included turkey breast with gravy and fresh cranberry dressing, roast beef with brown gravy and horseradish sauce, smoked polish wedding sausage, Falls City pepper bacon, garlic mashed potatoes, migas, hot sauce and tomatillo verde sauce, scrambled eggs, Texas french toast, buttermilk biscuits with cream gravy, fried apples, and fresh fruits. Yum!
The show included a country band with classics like "I Saw the Light" and lively gospel music by The Gospel Silvertones. Â Buckner Fanning, an adorable old pastor, gave a really warm welcome and told little story before turning it back to the music.
The Gospel Brunch is a great way to start a Sunday in Gruene! Â As we were leaving, we heard one family say, "All right - so are we going to the river or to Schlitterbahn today?" Â What a perfect Texas day!
My fondest memory of this place was when the movie "Michael" was being filmed here. Everyone in the surrounding towns flooded the streets of Gruene to see/meet John Travolta;)
Since then, I love the character that this place represents. Wether your just catching a show, wanting to dance or drink a cold one. This is the place like no other in a beautiful town;)
This maybe one of the best venues I've had the pleasure of getting into. It's like the Belly Up goes country, and then they kick out all the douchebags.
My friend got us tickets to Reckless Kelly (it was sold out) and we walked in for the show. Now sold out to me, means nuts-to-buts and lots of drama from the drunks pushing up to the stage. So I was a little hesitant about taking my pregnant wife.
Turns out all my worries were wasted. Lots of room and everyone was super friendly. From the other patrons, to the bartenders, to the cop out front that, from what I could tell, was just hanging out.
My wife is 5'2" and when the band started and people started moving up, some people actually made a bit of room for her to see without my having to ask. Everytime I went to the bar for a Lone Star (i was in texas) there was a bartender right there. Brandi was the best by far!
The only drawback was the outhouses outside during the show and the super line. Fortunately, a bartender pointed me to the bar across the street where I grabed a quick shot of whiskey and used the head with no line.
Getting my back to the show, and the endless amounts of people watching.
Gruene Hall - I really do love you.
I love the character that this place has maintained through the years. Â They keep the walls together but just barely. Â The drinks are cheap and the people that frequent it are really low key. Â
The front room is a great place to catch a free show...they have something happening almost every night of the week it seems. Â I was afraid it would be cold in there during the winter months but they warm that front room with a heater in the center so it was perfect.
I can't wait to go back here again and again and again and...you get my point.
Just outside of Austin you can find one of the Original Dance Halls that makes Texas great! Â This was just what the Tourist ordered. Â
See, we were at Schlitterbahn for "the hottest, coolest time in Texas" and decided on the way home that we should get something to eat. Â We stumbled into Gruene Hall, and some live music with a fiddler, bass, and guitarist that ROCKED! Â They played their tunes and we drank some Lone Star Beer. Â My friend that has been visiting wanted to see Texas and we have been showing her around but, DAMN if Gruene did not come to show her the real Texas Summer Night! Â
Here are the elements that make Gruene Hall a must see:
1. The fact that it is a Historic Land Mark
2. The Floors are wood plank that is as old as Texas
3. The Bartenders are fun and wity (CASH ONLY)
4. The Bands are all Awesome
5. Watching some folks tear up the dance floor
Take a camera and take a ton of pictures, this place is made for the photographer at heart.
Authentic.
I can't tell you that you'll have a good time. Â Hell....you might be pissed at the old lady or your boss.
But if you're in a Good Mood....and she's in a Good Mood.........you can't miss with Gruene Hall.
I could recommend dozens of great acts to catch..............but for this review I'll recommend "The SubDudes" !!!!! Â Â Check em out on ITunes and maybe you'll get some of the flavor..........but hell.....anyone sounds great at Gruene Hall and it's so relaxing..........
Longnecks, Boot Scootin, Pickin and Grinnin........Go Get You Some!!!!
What a great time to be had here. Â Yesterday we enjoyed some live blues music by the Austin based band Seth Walker in this rickety run down shack of music history. Â There's no way to even begin to mention the zillions of performers that have graced this place as mentioned it is the oldest dance hall in Texas. Â
No food served except beer (cash only) but good food is within walking distance like about 75 feet away at the Gristmill. Â In fact when eating at the gristmill you can sit outside and enjoy the music of Gruene Hall at the same time. Â
ZZ Top seems to have some ties with the owners of this place. Â Three years ago ZZ Top showed up with no announcement and not as a part of their tour and just performed, jam packing the entire town long after the Hall was filled to bursting capacity.
When mapping your directions to Gruene Hall you might notice that in some places it is listed as being in New Braunfels but technically it's not, it's actually in the town of Gruene itself right under the water tower. Â
A true slice of Texas in heaping portions. Â We will be back!
[Trivia] ~ Â Gruene is pronounced "Green". Â :)
Do you like great live music, cheap beer, and Texas History? Then head down to Gruene Hall! Located in the formerly sleepy, now tourist, town of Gruene, TX (technically part of New Braunfels, TX) in the Texas Hill Country, Gruene Hall provides a tremendous amount of entertainment. We visited on Sunday and Monday nights, both of which were free!
The histories of the town and the Texas music scene ooze from this place. With squeaky, wobbly wood floors, screened in windows running the sides of the buildings and wood picnic tables full of customers, it's the real deal. The two nights we visited it was standing room only. Couples dancing in the back of the room and provide a second source of entertainment.
The ONLY downside? You can only get your Shiner with cold, hard cash...but, get over it! It's worth visiting an ATM prior to stepping into Gruene Hall and being a part of Texas history.
While being Texas' oldest dance hall certainly bears mention, that's not enough to bump Gruene Hall to its cult-like status. That comes from helping to launch the careers of folks like Lyle Lovett, Jerry Jeff Walker, Joe Ely, Robert Earl Keen, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Charlie and Bruce Robison, etcetera, etcetera. Â There's some history oozing about the joint.
That said, the venue itself feels right at home in Gruene, from the well-weathered dance hall wooden flooring to the benches outside and within and the pool tables (themselves having seen a year or ten of use) dotting the exit to the side yard. Â It's cash only, but it's a fair tribute to the regular tourists they get here that they now offer a few wines as well, which the dessert lover held in high regard. It's a little bit of a drive from the ATX, and your mileage may vary according to the kind of acts you prefer to see, but if you're looking for a slice of Texas music, born and bred and big as all outdoors, you could do worse than spending a little time inside Gruene Hall. Â Where the old legends no doubt give way to some new ones.
If you had only three hours to show someone what Texas is all about I wouldn't look any further then Gruene Hall. Texas oldest dance hall looks like it's about to fall down.... but that's why this place is so special. It's like walking into a time machine. Every Texan is required to own a Gruene Hall t-shirt.... so if you don't have one, you better plan another trip.
This place makes me happy
I can't believe there are not more reviews of this place. Â This is my favorite place for live country music. Â I have been here many many times to see Willie and Jack Ingram among others.
I highly recommend this place for the small town throw back in time experience. When you go I suggest you arrive 2 or 3 hours before the show - eat dinner at the restaurant that is just behind to the right (not sure of name) get the SW style fish with pineapple salsa. Â After wards go to the Antique store across the street and browse or buy a vintage belt buckle. Â Then go to the tourist/old time soda shop across the street on the opposite corner and buy some local honey and get some ice cream in a waffle cone.
Then go to Gruene Hall and listen to some live country music.
FYI Gruene Hall only sells beer but the bar behind sells mixed drinks...
FYII Gruene is pronounced Green
I was really excited to come to Gruene Hall for many reasons. Â One, being the the oldest dance hall in Texas gives it history. Â Two, they've about a billion and half major stars that you can only dream about seeing live. Â Three, I was looking for somewhere to show my parents a great Texas treat.
No, this isn't a classy joint by any means, but it has character. Â You can smell it everywhere. Â Yes, that smell may not be the most pleasing to everyone, but you can't argue with history. Â There are long wooden tables, they only serve beer, and the music is nice and loud. Â My parents wore their cowboy boots and had great stories to take back home about how cool Texas is. Â
Even if you're not a tourist, this is a great place to come and catch a concert. Â The venue isn't huge, so you don't get the warehouse/corporate feel. Â There's also plenty of seating outside if it is too crowded for you inside. Â This place is definitely worth checking out if you're in the area.
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