Since the owner, James, sadly passed away last year this place has gone way downhill. If it was facilities or food, it would be understandable. But the remaining family are using the reputation and legacy he built as an entitlement to be mean, racist, homophobic, and insulting to anyone they don't like the look of. I have been dancing at the Spoke since I came here to attend UT in 1977 and I have many wonderful memories there that I will always cherish. But I am afraid tonight was my last night after bringing out of town friends for dinner and dancing, but leaving before the music even started after being subjected to 40 minutes of Terri insulting people under the guise of teaching them how to dance. Shameful. And so sad. We are losing so many Austin icons to development and urban sprawl, but we have lost the Broken Spoke to meanness and hatefulness. read more

We had a miserable and uncomfortable experience at the Broken Spoke. We were warned beforehand that the dance instructor would spend the first 40 minutes of the 'dance class' talking about herself. What we were not warned about was that her rant would also include dishing out degrading, inappropriate and sexist comments to ONLY the females in the class. She targeted different women and used words such as 'bitch' and 'slut' to describe their appearance, along with offering unsolicited comments on the shapes/sizes of various women. One woman went so far as to ask when we were going to start learning to dance, and she was promptly removed from the class after the instructor showered her in crude and disrespectful comments. After my group of 14 all paid 25$/per person on the class (price not listen on the website), we left early and requested a refund as this experience was certainly not what we were expecting. They refused, as the owner is the dance instructors mother. Notably, no remarks were made to any of the males in the class. In conclusion, if you are a female who is looking to overpay on drinks and be verbally abused by the instructor, the Broken Spoke is the place for you. read more

After 20+ years in Austin, I decided to try the two-stepping lessons here with an out-of-town guest. I wish I had read the reviews first. I think the dance instructor needs a mental health evaluation as she soured what would otherwise have been super fun experience with her constant stream of insults hurled at her paying students. Fortunately her microphone, while loud, made it difficult to hear exactly she was saying, but we heard enough to know it was incredibly offensive, especially when she called a woman in our group "Big Titties". The band cover charge was $15 - they were great - and the "dancing lesson" was $10. I say go for the band, have a few drinks and you'll have fun figuring out how to two-step on your own! read more

Terrible in every respect Music is terrible Bartenders are terrible Location is terrible Gave this place a chance from yelp reviews and it's one of the few times yelp has let me down Would never recommend this beat down place read more

Just left this establishment because a rat, at least 8" long, scurried under our table and then hurried off.

Went around 11pm and it wasn't overly crowded! I read the reviews telling people to avoid the class so we didn't do that and just went to dance. Pretty neat all thought the cover charge was cash only so just be prepared and we didn't stay too long. It was nice to experience once but I doubt I'd ever go again since I'm not huge on two steppin read more

If I could give 0 stars, I would. Worst dance lesson I've ever had, rudest bar tender I've ever had, grossest bar I've ever been in. Terri the dance teacher body shamed several women, was a total bitch to just about every other woman and didn't actually teach the 2 step....just ranted like an angry drunk person. Half the group trying to learn (about 20 of us) walked out after suffering through 20 minutes of abuse. The whole place was filthy...and it was 10$ cover +10$ for the dance class that wasn't a class at all. Drinks didn't seem to have any booze in them...total rip off. read more

Our plan was for dinner and dancing. The dinner was mediocre and the dancing lessons were abysmal. The instructor was out of it, spending the first 25 minutes of the "lesson" walking around the dance floor with a solo cup full of booze in each hand and making no sense. On our way out we asked for a refund for the dancing due to the condition of the instructor but was refused because the lesson was "free" and we were free to sit through another half hour of her blather to hear some music. We will never, ever go back. read more

This review is for the Thursday night dance class. The instructor, Tara (Terrie (?)) is the most inappropriate, class-less excuse for a human being. We were a group of 10 women visiting Austin for a bachelorette party. It was our first night in town and we thought a line dancing class would be fun and enjoyable as we were all former college/professional cheerleaders. The instructor spent the first 40 minutes of the "dance class" making obscene comments about different people's appearances and races. I fell victim to the verbal assault due to my choice of attire. She called me a "skinny slut" who's mother should "beat me to a pulp" for wearing Jean shorts. She then proceeded to make racist comments towards an Asian woman next to me. As someone who's struggled with body image issues my entire life, I was extremely triggered and couldn't finish the class. I would not recommend this class to anyone visiting the Austin area. read more

Broken Spoke - Music Venues Near Me - Austin, Texas

Good food friendly service and good music. I met my husband there 4 years ago. We danced and fell in love. The broken spoke is a piece of history. read more

Broken Spoke - Ben Stafford Rodgers plays the Broken spoke on a regular basis. - Music Venues Near Me - Austin, Texas

So we were there on a Saturday and pretty much closed the place. Its very earn and original. We paid $40(2 of us) to see the babd and people were dancing - (with masks on) but it was so cold in the dance hall that we moved up front and missed most of it visually but could still hear the music from upfront. U can see the band from upfront okay too but im a shorty. All age groups were there. The barmaid was funny. We met great locals there. I had a $5. credit for food but they still charged me full price. Its walking distance from the Lavaca Steet Inn and The Park but other than that, its pretty residential. S. Laramar is the area, not located downtown. Reminds you of a bar/museum. There is a small dining room...not sure if being used. read more

Broken Spoke - Music Venues Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

I had high hopes for the Broken Spoke but it utterly failed to meet my expectations. We arrived a little after 6pm and sat ourselves down in a booth. I received the worst service I have ever had for buying drinks and food. The employees came off as very ageist in the way they treat visiting "young people" as if we weren't worth their attention. We tried to holler and wave our hands several times before we tracked someone down for service. The ceiling also exhibited some caving in and possible mold off an air vent in the tourist trap room. We ended up leaving before dance lessons and band because they said our entire party had to be marked as minors even through we were all mostly of age. Will not be back here and I don't recommend anyone under the age of 30 even attempting to visit. read more

Broken Spoke - Music Venues Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

lol do not do the dance lessons; it's just a overcrowded tourist trap and it's 90% just standing there while the narcisstic dance instructor targets people and also tries to convince everyone she's not homophobic bc she was on queer eye. notttt buying it. i was on a bachelorette trip but i wished my girlfriend was there so that we could kiss and get kicked out probably. one by one the girls in our group (and everyone else) started sitting down lmao. tldr: if you want to go, just get the ticket to get in and watch. it's the same thing and you get to sit down read more

This review is for the dance class. I thought the teacher was totally inappropriate. I believe her name was Terri. She grabbed my breasts and called me an anal bitch. I believe it's meant to be a cute comedy routine. If you think it's funny, this is the class for you. I personally won't be back. read more

I went on a weekday, Wednesday, when it was less crowded. Got a cheeseburger for about $6 bucks after tax, took the dance lessons. Food was good, service was quick as it was less crowded (weekends the dancing area is packed. Enough room to dance, but a LOT of people). The dance lesson was great, as was the band playing afterwards. Dance lessons provided (by the owner, I believe) had character, as the instructor is a no-nonsense kind of person. I loved it. read more

- Dancing teacher is horrible, she just yells into her mic and will yell at people not in her dance class to shut it, so everyone in the hole place can hear her. Also the class was a joke - Bartenders and waitresses were talking at the bar while people were waiting for drinks. - I know it is an Austin "staple" but I feel like I could smell the asbestos/dust throughout the place. It also needs to replace a few floorboards and ceiling - Food was nothing to right home about read more

I went to this establishment for two step lessons with a group of friends and ended up having to walk out in the middle. The cover charge was 25 dollars per person (cash only) when the rest of the bar takes card so seems questionable to start. The instructor, Terri, proceeded to tell everyone that she doesn't have a filter and to "not get offended". She calls people out based on race, weight, age, and dress during the lesson. She called a girl in a short dress, "disgusting". She announces she likes to, "slap asses" and proceeded to slap the backsides of patrons. I specifically told her to not touch me and when she didn't, she announced to the entire crowd that I had asked that and how great she was for respecting that boundary (did she want an award for NOT assaulting me?) Her "sense of humor" is crass and outdated. There are plenty of establishments you can support that treat their patrons with respect and offer a service worth paying for- this one is not one of them. There are also so many people packed into one area that you can't even see the steps she is doing and then will turn around and insult anyone not doing the steps correctly. As a group of confident, successful, respectful women out for a good time, we chose to leave before the lesson ended to salvage the night. If you are planning a girls trip with friends, I urge you to not consider this for an activity. I also urge Terri to consider her attitude towards women. Just stating that you don't have a filter does not give you an excuse to be insulting. read more

It's not just the spoke that is broken, so are the ceiling tiles, the chairs and the toilet. However, every time I visit Austin this is a must do. I love the band, the people and the service, and I never leave disappointed. read more

Old Texas bar with dance hall. While in Austin you are a Cretan if you don't visit! Go through the picture gallery, George Strait, Willie, Lyle et al have played there. Thursday from 6-8 the awesome Tracie Lynn performs!! read more

Very rude, came in for dance lesson with friends and the teacher told us all she would slap our ass whenever she wanted and then continued talking about how short my dress was on microphone and calling me daddy long legs. When I went up to get my lessons she says turn around and show the men your good side, i'm 17 still underage so I go to cover my ass and she grabs my ass and puts my hands on my sides. When I told her I was 17 she said I was being rude and to dress like i'm 17. The owner didn't give a fuck and said stop being silly. I honestly consider calling the cops that was very much assault. And since she was on the microphone talking about my body the band was coming up to me asking what was under my dress. read more

Disappointed to say the least!!! Came excited after years of wanting to dance at the broken spoke and take in its history..., only to find a dirty run down establishment in need of an overhaul. We came with our daughters 2-20 and oldest 22 to find covers for everyone way overpriced for what your receiving. Cover for under 21- $20, everyone else $15. Please note cash only. We left after being greeted by the feel of a dingy dusty smokers basement. How this place is up to code, Lord only knows... but after being willing to pay for all 5 of us, the main area and instructor, sealed the deal. Save your money, take a pic outside and call it a day. what was once a talk about honky tonk back in its hay day is no longer....it's now a rundown building that has a dirty indoor yard sale feel with decades of grease and smoke holding it up. Not a way to honor the history of The Broken Sooke. Greene Hall is a better option. read more

So racist!!!!!!!! Do not come here. The owner does false advertisement; the cover charge and line is 25 not 15 dollars. She kept saying race jokes, not cool. They hated that we even line danced instead of having partner dancing. It was a complete disaster for a bachelorette party. Do not come here read more

The bar itself is really cool, we loved the atmosphere and the band was great. The dance class on the other hand was the worst dance class I've ever experienced, by far. Most people in my party had never two stepped before and were excited to learn. The woman teaching the class never once actually explained the steps or any other details (like how you and your partner should be moving in a circle with the rest of the room). Instead, she very aggressively "joked" with everyone in the crowd - calling women "yappy b$tches", telling us how stupid we looked, asking if we were "thick skulled", etc. We did ultimately have a fun night but there was a lot of stress that was completely unnecessary. It would be really simple to just remove the sexist (and one or two possibly racist?) remarks from the class, actually teach the steps, and tell people the house rules. For example- let new people know what portion of the floor is the designated dance floor and that they should not stand or have drinks there. read more

I came here with a group of 30 something moms for a "moms night out " . Many of us are new moms and were looking forward to socializing and taking a brief break to relax . We were excited to take a dance lesson , have a drink or two and listen to some live music . My friend forgot her ID and was carded at the bar (understandable though not super common when you are in your 30s ) . She was told she couldn't have a drink without her ID . She stepped aside to try to get a picture of her ID from her husband at home . Meanwhile , I stepped up to the bar to order her a beer while I set mine down as she waited for a pic of her ID . I handed the beer to her after ordering it and the bartender (younger brunette woman ) came out from behind the bar and aggressively grabbed the bottle from her hands and told us "I saw you hand that beer to her that is not allowed ". She trashed the beer and when my friend went to talk to her to explain she had a picture of her ID she had just received from her husband the bartender refused to speak to her . Another bartender started arguing with my friend as she started crying from being treated so aggressively . We were all very uncomfortable . One man approached us and explained that the bar has to stay strict to be in compliance with TABC . I totally get they are a business and they don't want to be shut down or lose their liquor license . However, the way my friend was treated was hands down unacceptable. The owner did try to calm my friend down and provided her with tissues to dry her eyes but there was not a single apology given from her or from the bartender . The owner chatted us up and told us about the history of the bar and previous country music stars that had performed there . We decided to leave and get drinks down the road to cool off after a stressful encounter . As a native Austinite I am offended that this place is considered an austin tourist attraction. This dance hall/bar does not represent the overall vibe and attitude that I once loved about this city . read more

Ok, so this is a two part review. First: This is a super local bar, and the music is excellent. I get that it is an Austin staple, and that it has a lot of history. The owner is super kind and will take a photo with anyone and everyone. Super nice guy. Drinks are decently priced and the atmosphere is fun. Second: This place should be shut down by the mere fact that it is falling apart. It smells of asbestos or dust. Much like Carolyn said. Also, the ceiling is so freaking low that I almost smacked my head when walking to the tables multiple times. The bar tenders treat you great if you're a regular, otherwise you'll be waiting about 10 minutes, and they'll barely acknowledge you even then. You need to be quick with your order. read more

We saw a bit more of Texas at the Broken Spoke. This included line dancing, live music, and some lassoing. We had a private line-dancing lesson which moved quite quickly. I have some experience in line dancing but for those who were new to it, it was rough. Our instructor was on the floor with everyone so it made it difficult for anyone in the back to see. One of the people in our group was also told "you dance like a white boy." He's from the UK, lives in Germany, and a nice dude. He couldn't see (note my previous sentence). That was uhm...tough? I come from a family of straight shooters and tough talk. As she picked on me, I was fine. I can't say the same for most people I was with. Onto the lasso and rope tricks. Yay cool! Fun to see. He grabbed my boss by the ankle and we giggled. He grabbed another colleague of mine and then, proceeded to tie her up. She's on the introvert side and it was a little traumatizing for all who saw it and her. The food was solid and our waitress really kicked butt on getting all the drinks. How she did it, I'll never know but she rocked! read more

Broken Spoke - Music Venues Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

I was disturbed to witness the owner yelling that a patron must take their mask off because it "made her look bad". No one should ever be shamed, or made to feel bad for wearing a mask. read more

We came with another couple and ordered today's flight. Four 2 oz pourings each for a total of 8 ounces was over $50. All the wines were sweet bubble gummy wines. No one like any of them and we were all horrified by the price. Will not make that mistake again. On a positive note, the ambiance was nice. read more

The food was awful and the service was even worse. It was my first visit and it will definitely be my last.

Ambiance is awesome! Greatest honky tonk in Texas. I was born in Indiana but Texas.

The Broken Spoke is so much fun! 3.5 stars but I'll round up! I'm the only one I know that likes country music (such a shame, huh?). That's an understatement, because I LOVE country music. Anyways, I dragged my brother here on a Thursday night for some live music, two stepping, and a fun time. We got here around 10pm (cover was only $7 each) and grabbed a couple cold ones. This place was packed, even for a Thursday night! I met this nice older gentleman who taught me how to two step, and said he drives 60 miles each way every week to get here because he loves this place so much. If you're not as lucky to have someone teach you how to two step, you can take a quick lesson before the show. Everyone was twirling in cowboy boots and hats on the dance floor. It was absolutely great! Being one of the oldest bars in Austin, I can totally see how this place has so much loyalty. It's a lot of fun, has great energy, and probably the honkiest tonk you'll get around! read more

Broken Spoke - Music Venues Near Me - Austin, Texas

See all

A person really can't explain how different in a great way this place is. You come here for the history and also the current vibe. My wife and I came in and really just soaked up the whole experience. We didn't really come for the music or dancing so while that was fun part of it, it was secondary to the people watching and the visual stimulation that we got from the history room and other elements. I grabbed a couple of Lonestars because they still actually give them to you in the bottle which is a big deal. I wanted to show my wife the puzzles that come on the bottle caps which are fun to play with. It's not a big deal of course but it's fun. If you want to see a lot of musical history, this is a great place to see things from the past decades. The owner was there and was sitting at the front which was kind of cool. The bartenders were all really nice and had a great attitude. Of course you get, the idiots who come in here and don't know how to act but that wasn't anything major. It was basically an idiot trying to get the perfect selfie while drunk and tripping into people who were like bowling pins. We would come here again for sure. read more

If you are looking for the last true Texas dancehall, well cowboy you ended up at the right spot. Sam Elliot would run into a double here, Annie Oakley would still kill every cowgirl here. But we know why you are here and it's for the bathroom. Look I am no Vincent Van Gogh but good lord I will try to paint you a picture of this bathroom. Have you ever seen paint so eroded on a surface that you are confident that you are inhaling lead paint? I've never seen a European monument either, but I imagine this trough has paint that is more eroded than the fucking sistine chapel. I wouldn't recommend taking a shit here on accounts of the entire bathroom being a trough. Five stars read more

Had the misfortune to go to Broken Spoke Sat night, for "free" dance lessons, they weren't free, cost $8. But that was ok, I was planning to tip instructor anyways. Then add $12 cover for someone they advertised was performing but never showed up. The daughter of the owner was the instructor and she was full of herself, talking instead of teaching. That was a big disappointment and rip-off. One woman I talked to said she went to Mavericks the night before and got a great dance lesson. Then add thirty+ 16 year old kids in there for a b'day party, acting a fool on dance floor. Why we're they even there? Hello? Adult time. Very disruptive on dance floor. The place itself is dinghy dirty, soiled and water stained ceilings look like they are about to cave in, the bathrooms are a disgrace. I guess for some that's it's charm. Obviously the owner is not sinking any money into the place. The one good thing was our waitress Katherine. She was terrific and is the only reason I gave this place 2 stars! It was a terrible night and I do not recommend it to any out of state tourists who may visit Austin. read more

Broken Spoke - Bad night at Broken Spoke - Music Venues Near Me - Austin, Texas

Overpriced and overrated! I was open minded and ready for a good country time, but unfortunately the bar was a little less than expected. You can honestly better Texas country bars in Oklahoma or Kansas. Underwhelming and overpriced. read more

This place has been around for over 50 years and is still packed every night they are open. You can go in and sit in the tables before the dance hall and it's free but if you want to go to the dance hall then the cover is $12, but if you want to also do the lessons then you pay $20 total (so $8 extra). There are tables all around the dance floor and the ceiling and walls are very worn out and falling apart. The least they can do it renovate their roof because it desperately needs it. Make sure you bring cash, if you forget there is an ATM outside. read more

First time in Texas and went there for dance lessons . To my surprise a nasty dance instructor came on the floor and insulted everyone who paid for dance lessons ( which there were no dance lessons) just a very rude woman insulting everyone there to learn how to do the two step. Big disappointment!!! read more

I had such an unpleasant experience at the Broken Spoke that I created a Yelp account to give this review. It was legitimately an awful experience. I took a date to the dance hall on Valentine's Day. At the front of the dance area was an older woman checking IDs to make sure patrons were 21. When we get to the older woman's counter, she immediately begins insulting my date, saying she looks like a "tramp" with her "t*** out". Once she was finished insulting my date, she starts insulting my date's mother, explaining that she couldn't believe her mother lets her dress like that and finally concluding that her mother probably "dresses like that too". The conversation was infuriating. I spoke to the manager who was apologetic, offered my date a free drink, and told the woman at the counter to finish her shift early. Honestly, we should have gotten a personal apology from the woman. This is not about being nice to patrons who are paying to be there, this is about being a decent person. My date did nothing wrong and was absolutely not dressed like a "tramp". She did not deserve to be treated this way. I hope my review serves as a warning for anyone considering going to the Broke Spoke. Please read this and think really hard about whether there isn't another Austin country music bar you can go to. read more

Well that was a waste of $30 for the cover. Mediocre at best. Bucket list item checked off and forgotten.

The bartender was rude and racist! Music band did a good job. I don't recommend this place at all. They don't take orders and you have to go to bar yourself. Even though they don't serve you, they ask for tip! read more

Broken Spoke - Music Venues Near Me - Austin, Texas