You guys....I met my future husband here. We had our first date at the Broken Spoke. We talked on the phone for several hours prior to this night. This was our first face to fact meet. When we were sitting at the table talking, he tells me that this is the same place his parents met. Whoa!! We shared a couple of Angry Orchards and the chicken quesadillas. Our waitress was super friendly. Once it got a little later, she let us know that she would be behind the bar and we could pay there. When we went to pay, we met the owner and got the back story to this amazing little place. Then we paid to go into the dance hall. The band was great. The floor was a little cramped because people were standing around on the dance floor but we made it work. I can't wait to go back here for many more memories. :) read more

My organization at The University of Texas at Austin paid a significant amount of money to have an event here and they accepted our request. Once we arrived, they were blatantly racist towards my friend who was organizing the whole event. She is of Indian descent and they continuously called her "little brown girl". They only wanted to talk to the white boys in our organization. They then proceeded to kick us out because we were taking up the dance floor, even though we paid to be on the dance floor. When I called them out for being racist they called the cops on us and refused to hear our arguments. It's embarrassing for an establishment to be this blatantly racist in 2021 and I hope no one ever gives them business again. I know my organization won't be. The broken spoke is a terrible establishment that supports racism. read more

People come here for the history, music and dancing. They haven't changed anything for 50 Years. The place is run down. The bathrooms have shower curtain for doors with someone's panties and bra stored on the toilet. I felt like I was going to fall through the floor. Awesome band who toured with willie Nelson. The bartender and lady who collected cover were rude. If it wasn't for the history, people would not come here due to their terrible services. read more

My boyfriend and I took two step dance lessons at the Broken Spoke on our recent trip to Austin. The Broken Spoke is nothing fancy, and it's honestly pretty grimy, but the dance lessons were fun. I believe they have food at the Broken Spoke, but it is not a place I would ever be interested in eating. The two step instructor was a firecracker; she was bossy but she knew her stuff. There were only about 10 couples learning to two step on the night we came, and this was the perfect group size. Between the cover and the dance lesson fee, I believe we paid about $12.00 a person to get in. We spent about 30 minutes learning the two step and then the band played for a few hours and we had plenty of time to practice. The bar is basic but sufficient. The band was fine, but not great. If you are looking for a place to learn to two step in Austin, come to the Broken Spoke. If you're looking for dinner or a bar, I'd try somewhere else. read more

Came here for dinner early and enjoyed a live band, some pork fried steak (which was on the Texas bucket list), and a dance lesson. I am so glad that I took this dance lesson, it really was a highlight of our trip. The instructor was informative and very friendly, if a little outspoken. The band was great and dancing was a blast, I still make good use of our two-step lessons! The only thing I thought could be better were the bathrooms. The female stalls in the dance hall are only covered by shower curtains that blow about when the door opens. read more

I wish I could give this place 0 stars. I came in with a group of friends, they allowed us all to pay the cover and enter the establishment. After paying, one of the owners daughters told my friend she, "looked like trash" in the dress she was wearing, and that she was "going to go tell her mom." We sat down and a few minutes later, the owner came over and was extremely rude to my friend and said she needed to leave due to her dress. The daughter of the owner attempted to keep the door staff from giving my friend a refund, thankfully they gave her one. Unfortunately for the rest of us, the owner refused to give us refunds because only our friend was asked to leave. The owner yelled in the face in another one of my friends when she attempted to express her frustration that they allowed us to enter and pay even though the staff felt the dress was not appropriate. I have had many great memories in the past at this place, but I will never return. I fact, I will advise others to steer clear. I recognize there is a dress code, however, you shouldn't treat your customers with such disrespect and allow them to pay when you're not going to allow them to stay. Do yourself a favor and find another Honky Tonk, this place isn't worth it. read more

Very historic place to pop in and pop out. Check out the pics throughout the many years of operation, watch some dancing or join in, grab a beer and get out Bathrooms are terrible. Shower curtains and very tight space! Fix that!!! No one wants to go to the damn bathroom like that. Three stars for the history, sweet owner and texas tunes. read more

It is a $10 fee for the dance lessons but also a $15 for the band. Cash only. For my first time there, all I had was a $20 and was turned away. I won't come back in the future. read more

I used to go here but tonight I came here with an organization and they the number of people but did not plan for it. They also were really racist towards all of my friends who aren't white which is awful. Do NOT support this business no matter how old or established they are. They are not accepting at all. I will never come again despite my country background. I would rather go to Mavericks in Buda any day of the week. Worth the extra drive and effort for a better business and better service. This used to be a proud establishment and had gone hill ever since. Makes me so upset. read more

I've been there many times, was always fine and had fun. One of my best gay friends told me about a bad experience where they were rude and mean to him... still decided to take a friend there that was visiting to go dance, but was refused to get in because she was wearing a low cut tank top, very ridiculous. Was told the owner would not allow it. Will never go back, don't need to go to a place that conservative, especially when the owner herself is always in tight revealing clothes. Reading all these reviews where she refers to woman as "sluts", she needs to look in the mirror. read more

This place lives on its former reputation alone. Crappy place. Rudest, foulest-mouthed dance instructor you'll ever see (she is the owner's daughter. She barely teaches anything but does insult half the students.) Drinks are expensive, cover is too expensive for what you get, ceiling is too low, the place looks filthy and run-down. Go elsewhere. read more

I went here for the first time to meet up with some friends who were in town and there for her sister's party. I wasn't expecting a cover and didn't have cash, and there were people blocking the sign so I couldn't even see how much the cover was. I stepped aside and tried to wave over my friends so I could get them to come tell me what was going on and if it was worth getting cash from the ATM....suddenly this angry, terrible old woman is grabbing my arm and pulling me back while shaking her finger in my face. I don't appreciate having hands put on me and being accused when I've done nothing. This place is out dated, and seems very hateful and discriminatory. And the parking lot sucks. read more

atmosphere was amazing, bar tenders were so attentive, and the band was everything you could ask for. HOWEVER while dancing in a group drinking beer, the owner aggressively grabbed our arms and shoulders and pushed us to the exit yelling she was kicking us out and there is no drinking on the dance floor (also to have some respect) and called us rude. she also poked me and said "AND put on a shirt" (I was wearing a corduroy vest with boot cut jeans). we felt very uncomfortable and forced to leave even though we paid a $15 cover. when leaving we asked a few people working there if there was a "no drinking on the dance floor" rule, and they said that it wasn't apart of their policy, and there was no signage about it, the owner was just mean. watch out for her, she created a toxic environment that made us feel unwelcome. read more

Life is always good at the Spoke. The last true honky tonk in Austin! Take some time to peruse the memorabilia of times past.......I don't really recommend the dance lessons here.....that is all I will say about that. If you're cheap about paying cover, maybe find another venue. Otherwise, pay and enjoy yourself. It's a must for tourists to see at least once. I go about 4-5 times a year just to relive the honky-tonk experience. read more

Overall a very fun experience. There was a dance lesson from 8-9. We got there around 8:30 and there was more instruction than dancing, which would have been frustrating for me. BUT, if you need the instruction, is nice. Super friendly atmosphere. Dancers of all abilities. The band started at 9 and took a break at 11 or so. The owner got up and sang a song with the band and personally greeted people as he left the stage. There was a very nice, good waitress in our section, which was much appreciated. Make sure and visit the memorabilia room before you go. The place is kind of run down, but adds to the overall ambiance. read more

Broken Spoke - Music Venues Near Me - Austin, Texas

What. A. Dump. It's one broken down, dirty, worn out, tacky place. Fire trap, for sure. However, locals of all ages seemed to be enjoying themselves, dancing one version or another of the two step...band was mediocre, definitely dialing it in...Many famous folks have visited this place, and if you're a C and W fan, then you'd probably recognize the people in the 50 yo photos hung in the "museum." It's a famous place, now I've been, never would I ever return. read more

I legitimately wanted to learn how to Two-Step and was excited to come and take lessons. The "lady" and I use the term loosely, did nothing but hurl insults at the entire class. Calling all the girls bitches, hoes, hard headed.... and at one point had us all line up and turn around as she told the men that she was doing them a favor and showing them our asses. She even told the men to "not dance stupid" and to not look "retarded". I left 15 minutes into class and requested a refund. I've honestly never experienced such rudeness in my entire life. read more

Luv the SPOKE! When we visit Austin, a stop here is a must. Old Texas style in this modern city. Smoked brisket is my favorite and there's always early Western music starting around 6. Crowds get larger closer as the 8pm dance hall gets going but the early show is our favorite. Now in its 52nd year still run by the same couple. Had a chance to meet founder James White this visit. What a classic! read more

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The Broken Spoke family are great and I have NEVER seen gay or lesbians treated bad here!!! Some people have written this as a vendetta against the BROKEN SPOKE! Don't get me wrong gays might not be comfortable here. Oh and the dance instructor does have a very free mouth but she also has a good heart! She might pat a butt to get you to move on the dance floor BUT you are ridiculous if you think you need to call that sexual abuse!!!!! REALLY! This is an AUSTIN CLASSIC Honky Tonk!!! Love this place!!! We go here to dance and enjoy the fun that we and others are having! It will be cold at the beginning of the evening but it does warm up as all the dancers creat heat!!! I've been going here since college! Still love it and as long as it is on South Lamar I'll be there!!! We love Tuesday nights with Weldon Henson entertaining us!!! Or try one of the great afternoon entertainers in the front room before the dance hall opens! Have some great chicken fried steak, an original recipe that I heard was created by the family's Mrs!! An Austin tradition started by a great family! James and Annette White and their family keep this going for all of us to enjoy!!! Terry White teaches the dance lessons in true Honky Tonk spirit and Genny Peacock does a fabulous job running the place with her husband behind the bar! Check out their place! If you don't have fun here it's because you didn't want to!!! So keep your sour attitude to yourself! We true Austinites know how to have a great time at our home grown Broken Spoke!!!!! PARKING IS AVAILABLE ON EITHER SIDE IN CONDO PARKING GARAGES, FOR BROKEN SPOKE CUSTOMERS! Our Austin original restaurant KERBEY LANE CAFE is open for hungry folks after the dance! Just a short walk away! read more

Okay maybe we set our expectations too high going in. It was our first night in town and we got there early to sign up for the Two Step lessons. My wife and I sat at the bar and felt a little out of place since it was all local folks but not a big deal. We tried the chicken fried steak and it was okay but not the best like they claimed to be. The place was a bit run down but again not a big deal. Ladies don't expect much privacy in the restroom since they have curtains for doors. Dance lesson costs $20 a person for an hour which didn't sound unreasonable until the lesson began. The instructor is the owners daughter which in itself isn't a bad thing until she opened her mouth. Any other dance instructor would be fired immediately for the way she behaved. There was probably 10 mins of instruction while the other 50 mins she spent talking about one of her 3 ex-husbands or making funny of people in the crowd. She was completely annoying. She boosts about liking to slap woman in their rears and made funny of previous paying customers for not having hard bottoms. What a waste of about $90 and 2 hours of our time! read more

Honestly it doesn't matter what the reviews are like for Broken Spoke, do yourself a favor and come here to experience one of the few honky tonk bars in Texas!! Me and my girlfriends came, attempted to dance the two-step, and had a great time just soaking in the Texan cowboy vibe. A few pro-tips/suggestions: - Do come earlier, not for the "dance lesson" but mostly to snag a table. Some tables were reserved so if you really plan ahead, that would probably be a good idea. - Go straight to the back. If there's a long line when you first walk in, it's probably for the food. The dance hall is in the back! - Skip the dance lesson. You'll save some money and frustration and time. We paid $20 total for the cover and "dance lesson" but the lesson was incredibly crowded and it was difficult to hear the instructor. She talked a lot and taught very little. She kept saying that it was important for the females to just go with the male's lead, but didn't get to teaching the guys until almost 30 minutes of yelling (and joking I guess) with the girls. Might as well skip it and get your tutorial from YouTube. - Don't wear nip stickies. They will fall off and you will embarrass yourself #speakingfromexperience - Have fun! Be silly! Dance with a cowboy or someone who looks like they know what they're doing! read more

Let me start this by saying it breaks my heart to write this. I even waited a couple days to post this, so I could calm down a bit. The other night, my husband and I went to Broken Spoke because I love the place. It's an Austin icon. There was a woman in front of us, paying for her food, who spoke broken English. The woman working the register was annoyed and asked the woman to get her English speaking husband. The woman behind the counter moaned and groaned about how "this is America" and how people should speak English. When it was our turn to pay, she rolled her eyes about the woman and again said "This is AMERICA - speak ENGLISH" and I guess she thought we'd agree with her. We absolutely did not. It was beyond rude. I was shocked about it. I still am. I've never seen such disrespect for another human in person in my life. I am still just livid and heartbroken. America is supposed to be a place that welcomes all people. America IS all people! Travelers or locals; they should feel welcome. I'm embarrassed to say I ever recommended this place and embarrassed to be a local. DO BETTER. BE BETTER. read more

I've never written a review before but hope I can save you some time and aggravation. I went to the Broken Spoke because I wanted to experience a TX honky tonk and dance. The dance lesson was $10 and the cover charge to enter the back dance floor/band area was an additional $15 (cash only - no refunds). Decided to watch from the bar for about 45 minutes. The 'dance lesson' appeared to be the instructor's one woman show. People that just paid $25 to dance remained stationary. Bar staff was incredibly rude and belittling and the mixed drinks were terrible. The ladies room was a disaster. Once that was reported, the solution was to block it off. I'm not sure if there was another ladies toilet - decided to call it a night at that point. I've bartended. I know some nights are rough but this was early Friday night and you're working at a 'landmark' with us tourists looking to have fun. If it's not possible for you to even put on your game face and pretend you're happy for anything other than taking our cash - it's time to stop. read more

During our weekend in Austin we ventured to the Broken Spoke for a true Texas Honky Tonk experience and because we heard that their band that evening, the Derailers, was super good. We ventured in close to 9, and the dance lesson was still going on. The people at the door (older couple, the owners I think) were kind of rude. Cover was kind of expensive, and it seemed some people were charged while others weren't. The dance lesson ran late which was a bummer because we just had to sit and wait. The place itself isn't exactly pleasant for that- the ceilings are so low my husband had to literally bend over in some places. Table areas are dark and dirty. I don't know what the hell people would do if there was a fire there- there's no way that place is up to code. When the Derailers did come on, they were GOOD! Unfortunately, the only way you could really hear or see them is if you were on the floor dancing (low ceiling problems again), and my husband doesn't dance, so this place was a bust for us and we didn't stay long. read more

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Anthony Bourdain could've captured the essence of Broken Spoke in words, but my mere mortal advice is just to go and absorb the vibe. It's quintessential old school Austin. read more

Old lady taking our $15 cover charge had a racist comment. After our Asian friends walked in she said "finally, someone who speaks English." She was very rude before this comment was said also. read more

Fun night out! I would not recommend the dance lessons as the teacher is known for her brashness. But for a local 21+ non-tourist night out, Broken Spoke is fun read more

Says they were open. Went in. Lady in the front was extremely rude. Didn't even want to answer on days and times they were open. She acted like it was a bother that I was even asking. read more

We were not greeted at the door, after a few moments of standing there I asked someone if we could seat ourselves. My first indication should have been the fact that we could not smell bbq. We barely got a sip of our drink when the food arrived. The brisket was beyond fatty, dry with no flavor. The potato salad was horrible and the beans were straight out of a can. A horrible experience! read more

Definitely, the "Broken" Spoke. My girlfriend and I went here on our first night in Austin because over the years I had heard it was a fun, historic place to go dance. I thought we could take the dance lesson and just have a good time, but that was the wrong assumption. The "Teacher:" The woman who teaches the dance lesson is offensive and abrasive--and apparently, based on the reviews, we didn't even experience the worst of it. What we did experience was misogyny, belittling, and a bit of homophobia. A couple days later we ran into some people who had visited the Spoke the night after us....apparently on that night the dance teacher shared a racist joke. The "Lesson:" - This is more of an excuse for the teacher to talk and belittle people. There is very little dancing or learning. I would not go back here and definitely would not recommend it. read more

Cool old country bar. It's run down but that's how it's supposed to look. Good bands and lots of friendly people there to dance and drink.

There is a bartender here named Suzie. I think that place would basically fall apart without her. GIVE THIS WOMAN MORE MONEY DAMN IT. I haven't gotten to 2 step here yet because my Austin friends don't believe in paying a cover to line dance. Who are these monsters? I'm not sure But I bet that beautiful woman Suzie would 2 step with me. read more

My review is about the front of the house. On a recent Saturday, my husband and I visited around 6:30 pm to see the Paula Russell Band. Because of our enthusiasm for the music (and we had both tipped the band), Paula asked me to pass the tip jar. I enjoy doing that, so no problem. Circled the room, then came up to Annette White, not knowing who she was. She snarled at me, "I'm the owner." Taken aback, I didn't say much in reply. I let that rest for about 15 minutes, then approached her and said something like, "I was helping the band and you treated me like shit, when you actually should have thanked me." She stuck to her guns and proceeded to berate me. When I related this to my friends, a few of them gave their own tales of Mrs. White's nastiness. People like that have no business in the "hospitality" industry. As to the back of the house, I've always had a good time in the main music room and have observed great hospitality from James White. I don't go here very often, though. Cover charges are high relative to other venues, and the artists who play are the same folks over and over. All good artists, for sure, but I get the sense that the Spoke is more and more geared toward tourists. Especially with the crappy food - tourists ain't coming back, so don't bother serving good food. Overall, my 2 stars are for the music and the fun vibe in the back of the house. But Annette White ... nasty. read more

I suppose this place gets by on nostalgia. It's pretty much a dump. The current owner bought the place in 1964 and it seems like they haven't done a thing to it since except put duct tape and wd-40 on things to keep it going. We went for the dance lessons and they were awful. The instructor was loud, obnoxious, inappropriate and not very helpful. It left such a bad taste in our mouth that we didn't even stay for the band even though we paid the cover. The place gets two stars because the bartenders were pretty awesome. They were nice to us from the start and upon leaving they asked about our experience. After telling them we weren't really happy they acted like they understood the dynamics caused by the dance instructor and offered us a free round on the way out. I can give a place a pass on the appearance, especially when I didn't expect too much to begin with but I better damn well have a good experience when I am there but this fell far short. We'll be finding another place to go learn the two-step... read more

If you're looking for old school honky tonk this is the place. Old musician telling stories and singing. Great service. The food won't have me running back. The tea tasted like the tea container had been around sense the early 1900s. The sirloin was tough and tasteless. The baked potato was excellent- fluffy. Not sure I understand the need for the ice cream bowls full of dressing, sour cream and butter. A dab will do ya. read more

Broken Spoke - Music Venues Near Me - Austin, Texas

We had more fun people watching here. All ages and live music. Great chicken fried steak dinners. Don't get the Lone Star draft pitcher. Stick with the bottled beer. Old dancehall but a fun atmosphere. read more

Ugh. This place. I'm writing this review at 3:27am from the bathroom, I figure since I've been here for an hour already with the runs I might as well do something useful. I went to the Spoke last night for the second time after swearing Id never go again. But we had friends in town and they really wanted to see this "real Texas honky-tonk" (fucking guide books). So to the Spoke we went, and it's just as I remember. The slowest, rudest staff in Austin, slinging the greasiest food in Texas. I had the bland fried chicken, my wife and guests all had the bland chicken fried steak (you ok hun? She's currently in the other bathroom getting sick). The food was so blah, the only thing that spiced any of it up was the HUGE side of food poisoning. Yeah, I get it, this isn't a spot you go to for the dinning-- and shouldn't! But I'm not really sure why one does go there? Straight up nostalgia I guess, of which this place has plenty, and by nostalgia and plenty, I mean fucking layers of dust. They have a "museum" area in there that I guess is suppose to kind of tell their history. But it really is more like a dirty storage room someone forgot to lock away from the guests. Seriously guys! Dusting and cleaning will NOT take away from your history. Jesus you can't even see Willie's hat under the 35 year old blanket of Dust. But at least the Spoke had a good sound system for the band. By good I mean not too shabby for 1971 standards. This place is selling a memory at a premium. $75 for 4 shitty deep fried dinner plates and the craps and a $12 cover to see a band that plays all over Austin every night of the week. I appreciate the fact that they are fighting the good fight against rapid growth and urban sprawl, I really do, but you can do that and clean up your act a bit. You really want the country memory!? Spend the time and drive out to Gurene hall sometime and just forget this place. Shit....I'm out of toilet paper. Little help? read more

Can here from out of town to an closed venue. They are closed this long Labor Day weekend. Why would a business close for the long weekend? This business isn't claimed, so I guess the owner doesn't care. read more

The broken spoke is basically an interactive museum. They do everything exactly the same way they did it 53 years ago. Sometimes that means it takes a little longer to close you bar tab, but the food comes out quickly if you are hungry. The lunch specials are a big portion for your money. There are several things to do at the spoke. There's the "tourist trap" which is basically a little museum and there are pictures and memorabilia everywhere. There are 2 pool tables as well as live music every night. There's always a band playing in the dining room to serenade your dinner from 6-8. Dance lessons are Wednesday through Saturday at 8 pm, which I've found is a great way to meet new people to dance with. The dance instructor is not for the faint of heart, she's lively and outspoken which some people are sensitive about but really she's a great instructor. Even if you don't take the lesson, I recommend you see the band in the back, which usually starts at 9pm. Everyone is welcome at the spoke no matter what and you always see new faces and meet new and interesting people. The dance hall is rather big and can accommodate a big crowd. They have a full bar, lone star on tap and even a few signature cocktails that are delicious. I recommend that you bring cash! They add a surcharge if you use a card to pay read more

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Amazing place. Amazing vibes. Go here if you wanna travel back in time to better days!!