This place is a Denton institution and really exists beyond reviews. It's dirty, small, and the bathrooms are gross. And it shouldn't be any other way.
They routinely book good bands, including stand-out local acts from Denton's internationally renowned music community. The drinks are always cheap, and they recently went non-smoking which is the best decision they've made in a long time.
Like I said, it's beyond reviewing, it simply "IS". If you're interested in getting a taste of the world-renowned Denton music scene, Rubber Gloves has to be on your list to visit. Nuff said.
Gloves defines Denton dive bar in the most lovable ways. It's definitely not for everyone, but it's home to me. They're the best venue we've got in little D, attracting even big names like Boris, Torche, Red Fang, etc. that still rock that small-town show feel. The drinks are cheap and specials are great... if you spend more than $50 here you're DEFINITELY going to need to call a cab! Bartenders are always friendly and pour some healthy drinks. Ask Batey for an AMF if you're feeling dangerous.
My words of warning (I don't even consider them complaints anymore because it's just what you expect here): AC rarely works in the summer; you'll smell like an ashtray for days; bathrooms are a bit rough; it's a little frightening during the day; you'll have an awesome time...from what you can still remember the next day. :)
RGRS is the perfect harmony of hipster-rocker-punker-metalhead-rockabilly-Âhomeless, which may vary significantly based on the night you visit. Keeps the riff raff out and you can meet some of the city's musical talent and legitimately good people. If you pop your collar you'll get punched. What's not to love?!
Rubber Gloves is the kind of music venue all kinds of people can enjoy. It may not seem that way upon first impression, but trust me. Nestled in Denton alongside train tracks, it seems a bit secluded and dismal from the outside. But it's what's on the inside that counts, right? Yes.
Rubber Gloves is warm and buzzing on the inside. Not warm like "I'm sweating to death," but warm like friendly and intimate. And by buzzing I mean there's a lot going on, plus the place literally buzzes with the loud vibrations of live music!
This venue is split into two main areas; a modest sized room where the band plays on a well-loved stage, and the bar which faces a room of tables and booths. The layout is pretty nifty because you can stand (or sit on some seriously used cushions) in front of the stage and let the music beat through you, or you can actually hear yourself talk in the bar area while still enjoying the sounds of the live set. If you're like me, you can go back and forth and savor the best of both worlds.
RG's is seriously smokey, indeed, but it's a fun spot with reasonably priced drinks and a pretty laid back crowd. This is a venue that's dedicated to booking bands and showcasing live music consistently, and that's what they do best.
Not the sort of place I would have discovered on my own, but thanks to yelp's back stage pass event, I made the trek to Denton to see what's going on.
I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who thinks highly of the place. It actually gave me pause when thinking about a rating. On the night of my visit, it was a loud (the bands were Bad Design & Old Warhorse) and smokey evening. While the smoke was a negative, there were several things I did like about RGRS.
First off, I like the split design. The stage is on one room, the bar another. This means you can walk to the bar and get to a place where you can have a conversation. Another thing I liked is the band stickers plastered all over the place. If my camera had a flash, you'd see several photos uploaded (sadly no flash, so no pictures). Another intriguing aspect of RGRS is the building itself. It is quite literally on the other side of the tracks and it looks like it was built for security. There are bars on the windows, but more interesting is the giant safe door. It made me curious as to what this building once was. I never did find out, so another trip is warranted. Which brings me to my final thoughts.
I think RGRS is a real find. I will definitely keep it in mind next time friends are in from out of town and I want to do something different. RGRS has a full schedule, and some good special nights. I thought the goings on for Christmas Day was pretty damn amusing (see URL for details).
Although Denton is a bit far for me hit on a regular basis there is much to explore. Denton has changed a lot since my first visits in the early 90s so I think it's time for some new explorations.
In a word? Brilliant. They've been banging out killer live shows here for eons (and some notable ones: Mates of State, Jonathan Richman and others have signed posters on the walls), and it's a pretty simple by way of divey arrangement...a cozy bar nook, scattered sets of tables, and a boutique live stage for shows. There are, of course, additional rehearsal studios here where the bands master their craft, all in all a solid spot to catch an act that you've been waiting to see, or find one you didn't know you'd love.
A couple of things worth noting: like most Denton bars, this one's smoking friendly, so what with the low ceilings and all it can occasionally get a little foggy. Also, it's another one of these private clubs thanks to the old school Denton laws in effect, so know you'll have to become a 'member of the club' to down a few. But once you're past that, it's pretty straight shooting around here. As of last night there's not a ton to dampen the sound in the stage room (they had to take down the back curtain for awhile), so it can get a little loud. But hey, you're seeing a live show. Isn't that where loud lives?
I love the Gloves! RGRS has a medium sized seating area, a decent sized bar, and terrible bathrooms. BUT the MUSIC as what you go there for. It is always phenomenal, be it a one-man acoustic set or a full-band with the room jam packed, Gloves delivers great local and national artists who rock the studio.
Review Source:I've only been to Rubber Gloves a hand full of times, not really my crowd. The place is dark, grungy and dirty, it seems to attract one general "type" of crowd and that's about it. All of the customers are very, very young, probably 18-23.
The bar is a pretty neat little spot, secluded off on one side. Probably would be a neat place to go for live shows.
I think you really have to take this place for what it is...a dump that cranks out live music on the reg. Â That's why it's kind of tucked away to the side of dentons down town. Â
The A/C wasn't kicking that night of the rock show, which made it like an oven, but with the hard rock/punk sound it almost seem to go together. Â The bartenders seem like cool people and had cheap drink specials just like a dirty bar should. Â Mixed matched chairs and clutter ever where made a true feel of what denton is about.
FYI: From what i understand there is practice rooms for rent
For me, reviewing Rubber Gloves is like reviewing my spinal cord. Â Great limousine accommodations and green room - for us jet-setters of course. Â But if you don't jet-set, you will still like Rubber Gloves. Â If RG were here in Brooklyn (oops, I mean Tribeca), it would still be a favorite. Â If you're within Denton city limits, this is one of your few options at night. Â It just happens to be a very good one.
-M. Sweetz
Rubber gloves is one of those small town feel venues. You literally can be touching the stage. The atmosphere is delightful. However it can get a bit stuffy and smoky due to its size. Still, overall its an excellent place to get a drink and watch some great local and out of town tunes!
Review Source:I've seen a lot of great shows here, and the drinks are always cheap. Â The cheap drinks: good show ratio is the most important factor. Â It smells like cigarettes and ass, but you get over it. Â The arcade games by the bathroom are cool but it doesn't distract me from the fact that I have to piss and there's a huge line. They should look into expanding it for how crowded the place gets, which is testament to its cool atmosphere.
I've also been in bands that have played there, and I can say that they are very accommodating to bands. Â Dollar beers? Â Hell yes. Â Great spacious area to load in and out, direct access to the stage. Â It would suck in the rain, but weather permitting it's a breeze to get in and out of there. Â (You'll probably be drunk on the way out though.)
The practice rooms on the other hand are horrendous and way overpriced. Â Sound bleeds between rooms like crazy, and walking back there looks like a crack house. Â I didn't spend much time there at all.
Overall it's a great venue for the early 20s-early 30s crowd. Â I would never bring my parents here. Â Bar staff is cool and the sound guys (Troy especially) are pretty solid.
Rubber Gloves is a special place. It is a little dirty, a little basement-like, and a lot fun. You have to wait in line for beers and pay a small cover. Â Drinks were cheap and the band I saw was fun. I don't generally like live music but its so chill here I would probably come again.
Review Source:Gloves is pretty alright to catch an interesting show. Â Cover is cheap, so are the drinks, and usually you'll know most of the people there on any given night and not have to pretend you don't see them. Â I love the staff there and enjoy seeing them every Friday. Â
Now - rent for practice spaces is cheap enough if you have a slew of people sharing a room BUT don't expect heat or A/C (if you have an exterior space)and if you're scared of water bugs, you're screwed.
Playing shows there is pretty ok as well if you can get booked for a good night with decent bands.
I have a special place in my heart for RGRS because I've been coming here since I was 15. Having seen quite a few bands pass through here, RGRS's line-ups are wonderful and I am guaranteed to always find a new band that I enjoy that I had never heard of before. The space is really nice especially after somewhat recent renovations done to the entire building.
Review Source:In my opinion, there are fewer things more important to the Denton identity than Rubber Gloves, except for probably UNT and Rockin' Rodeo.
Just kidding about the Rockin' Rodeo.
Seriously, Rubber is the quintessential Denton music venue (I would say Dan's Silverleaf is a very close second) and features some of the most creative and important indie rock/punk/whatever bands around - nationally and locally.
Rubber has AMAZING drink specials and a wonderful hole-in-the-wall, dive-y bar feel. Â They have great random-themed nights like Drink-And-Draw and Big Ass Beer Night. Â It's easy to meet people and on my most recent visit a couple of weeks ago, my friend (who works there) told me that they have now moved where you pay to see the show so that regulars (or newbies) can get their drink on without paying for the show. Â NICE MOVE!
They also expanded the area by the bathrooms (both the boy's and girl's are onesies - so be prepared to wait ladies) and have video games now. Â And a new seating area arrangement. Â All wonderful improvements.
If you do see a show here, be prepared to have your ears ringing for a solid day or two. Â They dont eff around with the rock.
What the wear: your american apparel grey tri-blend tee.
How to get there: cross the railroad tracks on your bike.
What to bring: your id and $5
When: on a TUESDAY BITCHES bc it is big ass beer night and the beer is flowing for cheap! oh and it is open mic night and you know that shit is always entertaining!
its fun, its dive bar-y and everyone is your new friend.
Most towns this size don't have a club half this good. Hell, most towns any size would be proud to have Rubber Gloves. Great, diverse calendar of touring and local acts, good prices on drinks, and the kind of atmosphere that makes playing rock and roll fun in the first place.
Also have played here while on tour. The staff was super-cool and accommodating of everything we needed.
RGRS in it's short life has become a Denton landmark and the premier venue for indie rock and experimental acts. The booking prowess of Heather Yiirs has brought many a great band to little d. The wrong-side-of-the-track location will soon change as it will relocate to Indutsrial (next to Dan's Silverleaf) on the "right" side of the tracks. I hope they still keep the "wrong-track" vibe...I mean right vibe....you, know what I mean...
Review Source:This is home to the denton indie music scene. Â if you are just visiting denton for a night or two, no stay is complete without going to the old gloves. Â if you dont like the band, sit at the bar and chat up the bartenders--you will find plenty of personality in this little dive bar. Â this is what makes people nostalgic for denton.
Review Source:I haven't been here in years, but this was THE place for my friends and I go to see bands play in high school, like Thee Impossibles (yeah, it was another band who added an extra E to trick kids- and we were pissed) and Ashtray Babyhead (who later became The Kicks). Â It was cool, it let us in underage, and we rocked out. Â It was all very exciting!
Review Source:I went to college at UNT in Denton and I would go the RGRS all the time. I have fond memories of the place before they sold alcohol-minor in possession ticket at Low show, modest mouse, will oldham, and every local/texas band in the state. They used to have outside shows that were the most unbelievable shows I had ever seen, but due to local restrictions, they are now all indoors.
Now with the added space and bar and theme nights, there is something for almost everyone (unless you hate the smell of smoke, then don't go here). They also used to have some old arcade games from the early 80's upstairs that was pretty cool. I have not been to RGRS in a year, so I am not sure they are still there, but if they are, check it out.
OK, three things here:
1-- Cheap Cover
2-- Cheap Drinks
3-- Fucking Sweet Bands
This manages to be a cozy venue that brings in top indie acts. God bless this venue for being friendly to folks under 21, or I would've spent one hellish winter break in Lewisville. I don't know if I'd like it as much now that I'm older, but the shows still can't be beat.
They have free week once a year in the fall. Â You can go see a bunch of local acts play for free. Â The space is kind of small, but reasonable for a Denton area venue. Â They also have a lot of acts from around the country come (I saw Mates of State there once and The Mountain Goats). Â And the drinks aren't incredibly expensive. Â Example: I got a double Absolut vodka and coke for $3.50...compared to most bars where you would pay $5 to $6 for the same thing, it ain't bad. Â Yes, I said ain't.
Review Source:Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios is the coziest venue to see touring indie and local bands. It's run by musicians and artists who are super accomodating, and it's probably the only music venue situated right between two train tracks. RGRS was originally a cement factory purchased by a couple about 10 years or so. The couple moved in and rented the extra rooms as practice spaces to musicians, and eventually let bands play outside. It was BYOB Â party-house kind of venue - until the city said they needed to build a parking lot, etc. Now bands play indoors in a small, airy space connected to a separate bar-area with a few tables and booths, although most people stand. In the past few years the club expanded the bar area and now it sells hard liquor!
What I love about RGRS is they have theme nights, such as "The Party" with DJ Nature, and they're open to hosting creative events such as benefit shows and movie nights. I hope this landmark venue stays around for a while.
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