This is a real country type of joint. Everyone is relaxed but servers can be very short and blunt. And there is no substituting the sides. We found out the hard way and asked our already upset waitress. Food was decent but the music is just not my style. read more

Couldn't get a waitress. Rude w hg en we asked for a menu. Finally just left. 20 minutes. Never brought water or a menu. Terrible service. Left without eating. Won't go back. read more

I lived in Austin a really long time...I occasionally​ go ​to the Broken Spoke when a friend visits who insists on a "country" dance class. This place is rough and dirty. People say it's old Austin charm, but I can't recommend​ it. The dance teacher is pretty condescending​ and that's not the way I grew up doing the two-step​ anyway. The new Austin is focused more on craft beer and tacos, so, that's where you'll find me. read more

I have spent many hours dancing in the Broken Spoke between 1984 and celebrating my 40th birthday there in 1993. I may have been back once or twice after that, but it's been a while. Well, I should have let my great memories of the place remain because what I experienced on Saturday, September 29, 2018 was a disaster! We ate the famous chicken fried steak...meh. The salad dressing came out in the old fashioned trio of open bowls which I am quite sure do not get dumped and refilled for each order, so yuck! How many fingers got dipped in that or spoons licked and put back in? No thank you. We then joined another couple at a good table right at the dance floor to see one of our Texas favorites, Gary P Nunn! But before that could happen we had to endure, yes endure, the self-professed butt-grabbing and profanity spewing of the owner's daughter as she "taught" a dance lesson. Laughable. Think soup nazi in cowgirl boots. The best part of this was when Mr. White (owner) came out in his extra blingy cowboy shirt and white hat to say a few words. HE is what makes this place great and his sweet wife as well. Finally, Gary P took the stage and YAY! Finally some good music and two-stepping. And then, they took a break. A LONG break while a local sang some of her own tunes before announcing the celebration of the birthday of an Austin icon artist, Amado Pena. Cool. BUT... One or two songs...15 minutes...but no, a good half hour or more later, kids are joining on stage. Um...more Gary P Nunn please...you know, the one I paid money to see? By 9:30p, a huge teen party had arrived and they all stood in the middle of the dance floor like it was their own personal space while the adults tried to dance around them. It's not that big of a dance floor. Some attempted to dance, but usually only making overly exaggerated moves. Some were obviously drunk and underage. Not sure how they got in the door. By 11p, long before I wanted to leave the dance floor, we left the Broken Spoke for good. My wonderful memories of a fun Texas dance hall forever soiled by the lack of respect for a good ol Saturday night of dancing and listening to good ol country music with a nice cold beer. As many of the reviews have stated, pop in, take a look at the historical photos of the Whites and various stars, then leave. This is no longer representative of old Texas dance halls. I have no affiliation, so this is not a paid advertising...check out Coupland Dance Hall. It's hands down my new favorite! read more

The food was SO bad and we were so disappointed. We had to send the "famous" chicken fried steak back because it was so gross. My boyfriend powered through the brisket but said it was the worst he's had. I kept my baked potato, he had the brisket and a beer, and my daughter ordered a grilled cheese and somehow the bill was still $40. It was ridiculously expensive and over rated. It also really smells like moth balls. Other than the general history of the place, I can't comprehend how it is such a recommended place. read more

Broken Spoke - Music Venues Near Me - Austin, Texas

As someone visiting Austin from out of town, I had several people recommend The Broken Spoke as a true honky tonk I needed to visit on my trip here. Before dancing, my party and I ate at the restaurant in front. To be honest, if you can avoid eating here, please do. The chicken fried steak was tough, bland, and flavorless. I also tried the chili, which was not terrible, but also not great. Right past the restaurant area is a small museum with pictures of the owner and some celebrities. On the night I went, I didn't notice anything wrong with the bathrooms. I was there quite early though - so maybe they get worse throughout the night. The restaurant side accepts credit cards but the dancehall side only takes cash. To enter the dancehall area, there is a cover of $12 (on Fridays). There's also an optional $8 for a "dance lesson" on the two-step from the owner's daughter from 8-9PM. We decided to forego the lesson after reading reviews on yelp and I'm glad we did. The instructor spent the majority of the time making crude jokes - and I have no problem with crude jokes, as long as they're funny - but hers weren't. She also goes on for a long time about how we smart ass women need to shut up let our men lead - which did make me side-eye a little bit. Anyway, after her lesson, there is live music, and opportunities to dance. We had a lot of fun despite never two-stepping before. P.S. As one of the few people of color in the establishment on this night, I had a lot of fun and didn't notice any racism personally. I think if you're a minority and worried about feeling uncomfortable, you can step a little outside your comfort zone and still have a fun time! Overall, I had a great time dancing and would come back for that - but the food leaves a lot to be desired. read more

This is the worst bar ever! They would not serve me a drink because I was wearing a sparkly skirt. This bar sucks. After one drink they thought I was drunk. Not true. Don't go here. read more

Whining about food at the Broken Spoke is like complaining that Catholic communion lacks gouda. Yes, the chicken fried steak is mediocre. The Spoke is Austin history, and won't survive rising lease rates on South Lamar. Owner James White isn't immortal (I could be wrong), and his wife Anetta brooks no fools. Show up on a slow Saturday night, watch 6 year-olds dancing on the boot-tops of a grandparent, and get back to me. That's Texas -- like Cooper's BBQ in Llano, Threadgill's North, Ginny's before Sharon took over, or Jovita's when Brad was still booking the bands. None of it lasts. Show up, pay attention, learn to two-step (ladies love it), and tip the band. read more

This place gets five super old-school stars :) Yeah--it was built by hand, and looks it, but that's what makes it great. That and the old cow boys. Great dancing (plus lessons), cold Lone Star, and good music. There's really just not much else to say...put on your boots and go! read more

I just got home from Austin, a trip that Always includes a meal at The Broken Spoke. My mother took us all there decades ago. The food is true Texas, and you haven't eaten chicken fried steak with white gravy until you've eaten it here! This is a mom and pop shop, with the whole family working. Pop is at the front door greeting folks as they enter and leave, and you're likely to find mom bar tending, with a flourish that belies her 70+ years. I love the chicken fried steak beat, but all the food is yummy. Depending on the time of day, you'll find live country music and dancing, with lessons for newcomers. No matter how long it is between visits, the owners and staff embrace you like family. Plan on making a full night of it, you can sleep when you're dead! read more

If Terry is teaching the class, don't bother paying for it. Just pay for the band, get yourself a drink and grab a table. She talks bullshit for 50 minutes while everyone sits around waiting for her to teach. She teaches for about 10 minutes, the basics of the two step. The band was terrific though, and it was fun to watch everyone dance once the waste of time lesson was over. I didn't see anyone eating anything, just drinking. You can grab something to eat down the street. read more

You can always count on a good time and a great dance partner. This honky tonk is exactly what you'd expect from the last of the true Texas dancehalls. read more

I went there with my family and we had a blast! There are a couple of downsides on the place like the bathrooms. It would be great to have doors not curtains. read more

awesome little divey all 'merican spot no frills the women's bathroom has shower curtains for "doors" just came by experience authentic honkey-tonk vibes and found them right here read more

The AC couldn't keep the place even remotely comfortable, the dance floor was small, and the dance lessons were pathetic. Don't wasten your. The food was decent, and the music was good. Music-5, food-4, ac-0, dance lesson-0, and dance floor-1. Total score-2. read more

Love everything! Saw Dale Watson who came around and said hello to everyone. Everyone was dancing, all different skill levels and minimal intimidation factor. Bartenders were great, chatted with the owner. This place is a gem. read more

Little bit of old Texas in Austin. Texas two step with the young southern bells. Good strong beer, and u have climactic moments for sho.

A standout part of our anniversary trip to Austin! We stayed on Rainey Street, and while the bars there are amazing, they just don't give you that good ol' authentic Texas feeling. We wanted country music... good, live country music. And that's exactly what we got at the Broken Spoke. Don't come here looking for a 4 star dining experience, don't even come here looking for someone to teach you step by step how to two step. Come here for the nostalgia, the museum with photos of all of the stars who've visited or played there over the years, people watching and good old fashioned live music. This place is no frills, but we loved it from the moment we walked in and ended up spending the majority of our evening here. Broken Spoke, you are a true gem in the great city of Austin! From Pittsburgh, with love! read more

Cool place to go see However everyone who works here is fairly rude a few servers and cocktail waitresses are nice. Other than that too much seating in the dance hall makes for a small dance floor that's not enjoyable to dance on. read more

Do not recommend coming here at all. Very run down and dirty. It is $7 cover to enter and then an addition $8 for "dance lessons" that I watched and no dancing was actually taught. If you choose to take these dance lessons you will listen to a lady talk for 45 min and say ridiculous things. Save your time and money! read more

Love the Broken Spoke. So much history! Great place to see bands play and shuffle around the dance floor. We try to get there early and eat. They serve a pretty good dinner! It is a long drive home to Bastrop but well worth it for such a good time! read more

Broken Spoke - Music Venues Near Me - Austin, Texas

The waitresses were nothing but impolite and racist! They did not care to sit us! They told us to order at the bar while they were hosting others before and after we received! They did not even care to clean our desk! Just awful! read more

Customer service/professionalism/event management: 0 STARS Hugely disappointing, frustrating, and rude. My colleagues have been bugging me to get my review up here asap because of how atrocious it was to work with the White family to plan our organization's offsite social event for a conference in Austin for 200 people. The Broken Spoke is a disorganized family-run business. We have Mr. & Mrs. White and they're two daughters who run this place. I worked primarily with daughter #1 - Ginny, leading up to the event. On average, she returned my emails every 2 weeks (if that). She later blamed it on all emails going to her junk mail. And when I complained to Mr. White when I couldn't get a hold of her - he blamed it on her children. She submitted a hand-written invoice for the event (which is of course unacceptable to the university I am employed by). The communication was lacking. I answered the same questions several times for her. She did not answer my questions until the week before the event. On site - she was the definition of unprofessional. They informed me we could bring outside food for our vegetarian guests. When the veg meals were delivered (food for approximately 30 people only) I was yelled at, told they had no space to warm it even though I was told they could, and then heard them continue to LOUDLY gripe about it and us in the kitchen. On site, Mrs. White reiterated her disgust with our group - Northerners, vegetarians, etc. I understand we have different backgrounds but I was actually flabbergasted and confused by their behavior. While Mrs. White softened during the event, she did continue to voice her judgment to every degree through the event, reported to me by many. They put only part of the vegetarian food we ordered out at the beginning of the event and then never replenished it until after everyone was done eating and our guests thought there were no veg meals left. Mr. White is a quiet pleasant old man who hardly engaged with us. We had the whole venue rented out until 8:30 pm but they decided to open their doors to the public at that time. Instead of recommending to have our staff greet at the door and to let the public know there was a private event (or to have one of their own staff handle this or lock the door), they never stopped them from coming in - even though the bar was also still on our tab at this point and our attendees were still networking. When one of our staff did let some people know that our event was still going on at 8 pm but of course Ginny took it upon herself to let them come in and rudely informed us that they would be letting the public in the front of the venue. Experience: 4 STARS Overall, I gave the Broken Spoke 3 stars because of how much fun our attendees had. The Broken Spoke was recommended to us by a local. It was a traditional honky tonk and our attendees greatly enjoyed the authentic aspects of it. The band, Jesse Dayton, was incredible. Everyone was dancing. The relaxed casual atmosphere was perfect. Some of the food was good, while other food was questionable. But it got the job done. Our attendees were none the wiser about the issues we had with the owners, so I have to give credit where it is due for the actual experience of the event. But I can only attribute the event success to the style of the venue and the band, not the service provided. I can say the #2 White daughter who led the dance lessons was the nicest of the bunch and did a great job leading the dance lessons. She was semi-scary but she fit the bill. Would I recommend others to come here? Not if you're throwing an organized event. Maybe if you are looking for some good music and to drink. It was disappointing and more stressful working with these people than any other event I have ever planned. And I am of course very sure they could care less about this stress they caused me and my coworkers, because in the end they got paid, but you can only hope for better from those you give your business to. read more

My Austin visit was exceptional -- until I went to a show at the Broken Spoke. First, the venue accepts cash only for the cover. Really? In 2019? When the music got under way, it wasn't loud enough to be easily heard throughout the venue and only a handful of the hundred-plus people present had any interest in the music. The background noise drowned out the barely audible music. Yes, the venue's frontage makes a nice postcard but that appears to be the only plus. read more

This place is the worst. Recently, my grandfather, a WWII vet, had a surgical procedure that left him incontinent. I took him out a few days ago to have a beer and a few laughs with his grandson. The bartender noticed that gramps had the edge of his Depends sticking out the back of his pants. He (the bartender) told us that we "can't let anyone in that might piss their pants." After pressing the issue and refusing this explanation, the bartender added that "for the same reason we don't let dogs in the bar we can't have people that might piss themselves." The fact that he used a dog in the explanation of why my grandfather, who fought for this country, would not be allowed to have a beer with me at the bar is reprehensible. I'd rather drink imported beer with an A&M grad in an un-air conditioned Toyota in July than give this bar my business. read more

Just walk away. Quickly. This review is specifically directed toward the dance lessons. First of all, it's not cheap. They charge you a cover for the band, whether you stay for the music afterward or not, and an additional charge for the lesson. Also, what they never mention on the website is that this is DANCING FOR COUPLES. I went here with my grandma who loves to line dance and she ended up sitting down because there were way more women than men. Second of all, the dance lessons started 20 minutes late. The instructor just yakked for the first 15 minutes... gives you about a 5 minute overview and then throws you to the dance floor. We left before the lesson was even over and told the door lady it was not what we thought it was, but she gave this kind of 'too bad, so sad' attitude and brushed us off. Broken Spoke is a rip. Will not be back. DO NOT WASTE A DIME HERE!! Go to The White Horse instead for Texas Two Step lessons!! It is FREE, low pressure and an awesome social activity. You don't even have to bring a partner! What a blast! read more

This is as authentic as they get. James White opened the Dance Hall when he was 25, and is now 77. He and Willie Nelson have been pals since then too. He has a museum of photos and memorabilia on site that is not to be missed; guitars, hats, and tons of photos of all the legends that have played there; Willie, Waylon, Bob Wills, Dolly, Hank, Kris; just to name a few. The place is a real shit hole and looks to be falling down. It looks as if he's done nothing but prop the place up for the last 52 years; since he bought it! That being said... what an experience. None of the ladies turn down a dance from any gent. The guys dance every dance and so do the women; just rotating partners. It is so traditional as well. After the dances the gals are escorted back to their seats with chairs pulled out for them, and pushed back in as they return to their friends. So dignified and brimming with that old Texas charm. The live music is a two steppers best dream! I was able to speak and get a photo with James White himself. A legend and a true gem of Austin! read more

This place is perfect. A must visit when you come to Austin. It has great memorabilia and superb customer service. The food is good and the juke box is phenomenal. Visit this place. You won't be disappointed. read more

100th REVIEW!! Broken Spoke, you are the lucky winner! As the face of Austin, and South Austin in particular, goes though a radical facelift, Broken Spoke remains stubbornly, awesomely dive-y. The ceiling looks to be in constant danger of collapse, the seating area floor bounces when you walk across, the bathroom is truly horrifying, and a few of the bartenders look like they'd like to spit in your eye. But the dance floor, oh, the dance floor! Whirling, spinning, two-stepping magic takes place on that floor, and for that I'm eternally grateful. Every time I've gone to the Spoke, I've met someone new, danced my ass off, and come dangerously close to toppling into one or more band members. If you come here on Thursdays, expect to be twirled around by a crusty cowboy with mad skills, and if you can't find an open table, just ask to share, you'll rarely be turned down. The service sucks but the drinks are strong, and seriously, ladies, if you have to pee you might be better off squatting outside. There aren't any stall doors, just shower curtains that don't hide anything and make it impossible to hover. I'm deathly afraid that the new condo building surrounding this Austin institution will be its demise, reminiscent of the charming house in the movie Up being swallowed by high-rises, but for now, the Broken Spoke is still the best place in town to steep yourself in all classic Austin has to offer. read more

Great dance club, very friendly place, fun and original location; in fact it is an institution. All kinds of drinks are available. Not many food items. The place for country dance. read more

There are two parts to Broken Spoke the restaurant and the dance hall. They both need separate descriptions. Eating at the Broken Spoke is like walking into your Granny's house..or at least mine. Everything is dated, the floors, the booths, the walls, the bathroom. And I'm sure just like Granny the Broken Spoke would say "why do I need new (insert ugly decor here)?" this one is perfectly fine! In reality this is not true, I would love to scrub this place down and reupholster the booths because they are torn and pinch your ass when you sit down. There is also that smell, the smell of years of good country fried food that permeates everything in the restaurant. Just like Granny Broken Spoke has been fryin' thangs in the house for a long time. There are fans on the floor because the AC is as probably as old as the building and "were not trying to cool the whole damn neighborhood". So the food, my comparison with Granny does not end here either. The Chicken Fried Steak as mentioned in every other review, is excellent. But I want to point out a less mentioned but delicious item on the menu.... the french fries. OMG the french fries! Try them, you will love them. If you like healthy food don't come here, this place is all deep fried double wide goodness. Take that cholesterol pill upon entering. The Broken Spoke Dance hall is right behind the restaurant area. It has wooden floors that are worn down to perfection by many a boot scootin'. There are places to sit on either side and the ceilings are low so you always feel like you need to duck your head when you are going to sit down, cowboy hat or not. There are dance lessons on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and the teacher is the owners daughter so she knows what she is doing. The bands that come through are living Austin, TX country legends, Dale Watson, the Derailers, etc..... The bathrooms are pretty scary I would suggest not touching anything in there, but after a few beers you forget about it for the most part. The dancing is usually fast-paced two stepping so if you are slow or new to this, I suggest staying on the inside so as not to get run over. So get yer but out to the Broken Spoke ya hear? You will have a two steppin, fried food eatin, beer drinkin, hell of a time. read more

It's a country dive bar. It's obviously a classic. The pictures on the walls alone warrant a visit. I do wish it was more reliable as a country dancing place (a whole lot of boogie woogie rock n roll, etc. thrown into the mix). But it's undeniably on the list for those looking for old Austin, country Austin, or just fun Austin. But don't go expecting modern accommodations like individual urinals, wide beer selection, or intact ceiling tiles. read more

Been going to the Spoke since the 90s. Lots of good times. Went there last night and ordered a few cocktails and asked for a cup of water to go with. Bartender apologized and said that he could only sell me bottled water and that he couldn't serve me a cup. When I said I had never had someone refuse to serve me a cup of water, Mrs. White (owner) piped up over his shoulder and told me to leave! ??? A few minutes later my brother in law ordered a few whiskey sours from her on the other side if the bar and she said she "hated" making them. I like old, I like authentic and I like nostalgic, but this place is filthy, overpriced, probably unsafe and the service is terrible. There are plenty of great bars and live music venues in South Austin, you don't need to go here. read more

They had a great little band, but the drinks, even the cheap beer was very expensive. $26 for 4 miller lites. And the bartender wouldn't ever take our order. When we finally ordered she walked away and then came back about ten minutes later and said she forgot about us. She then proceeded to hand my girlfriend beers and told her to deliver them to the men at the table behind us. When I didn't tip for the poor and inappropriate service we were chased outside and cussed out by said bartender. I really wanted to like this bar. The patrons were great and the band was great, but the people that work there were enough to make sure we don't come back. read more

This place is GREAT!!!! I am 100 %Yankee (please don't hold that against me) and I wanted to experience real Texas. This place is it! I am a horrible dancer but I could watch everyone dancing there all night long! Everyone is having sssssooooo much fun and it's infectious!!! And I was invited to dance, did, and kinda learned to 2 step. I had a blast there. You must go. read more

I used to go to The Spoke a lot, several years ago but life started to interfere with my dancing nights. I've started dancing again went here last Saturday night. Apparently I never went on a Saturday night. If you are older than 23, and go to dance, don't go to The Spoke. Setting aside the fact that it really is a shit hole, as another reviewer put it, and shameless James would rather drop names and rub elbows than put a little money into this "used to be" legendary dance hall, going on a Friday night is a waste of $12.00. I noticed a lot of regular dancers were missing and I found out why. Saturday night is for coeds... they come en masse, can't dance worth shit, have absolutely no manners, let alone dance hall etiquette, dance into people continuously and rudely and think it's funny, stand in groups all around the dance floor and James and company did NOTHING about it. He was there, i saw him circulating throughout the night. I may try this place again, during the week, but i will never donate my hard earned money to The Spoke again on a Saturday night. read more

They need to update the hours of operation on Yelp!!! Went by for a late lunch and they open until 4 or sometimes 5. Oh well! Definitely a classic location. read more

Broken Spoke has confirmed what I sort of knew: country western dancin' just ain't my honkiest cup of tea. I will down cups of cha cha like there's no tomorrow but that's not important right now. Although I do take pleasure in opportunities to annoy my brother with my exaggerated rendition of 'country-speak'. ** Driving into their lot on a mega-pouring cold night in January, I see celebratory signage of a whopping 47 years in business. That's 5.87 presidents... 52 full-term pregnancies... 564 rent checks. That's... a long time. Walking through the restaurant section of the building towards the back, I see the line to pay cover for the dance hall in the back. Waiting in line, the group of women around me are contemplating whether to stay for the dance and pay an absurd baseline of $20 (lesson + admission) or spend their Saturday night elsewhere. Looking to the left, I watch a quite elderly couple walking out of a room marked the 'Tourist Trap' with noticeable deer-in-headlight expressions on their faces. Getting to the cash register at the entrance to the dance floor, I start to sense the staff here have been running things the same way for 47 years without much variation. I would hesitate to use any sort of credit card here, particularly since some registers have a manual paper-roll. Dear brother witnessed another patron's tab being designated a new number on a lined paper pad, and they were recommended to remember their tab number. I think folks here prefer to keep things simple. While we prepare to get schooled in classical Two-Step, our instructor Terri introduces herself as the daughter of James and Annetta White, founders and proprietors of The Spoke, and congratulates the woman next to me on her great boots [http://snurl.com/1uyjsl]. A ballet-instructor friend leads me through the crowd with ease, occasionally promenading laterally á la Tango to squeeze through a quickly closing space between clusters of partners in grid-lock. The Derailers play a few quicker-paced songs, but older recorded songs are painstakingly slow yet too fast to dance in double-time. Were it not for the generous nature of our more-regular-than-we friend showing up, we would have been at a loss for competent leads, as most dancers here are steadfast couples not to be parted. I end up leaving after about an hour of this, mainly because I realize my blunder in not securing more leads for our night of intentional country western tomfoolery. Satisfied in accomplishing my aim for the night, I can finally confirm I'm not so good at executing triple, quadruple, ad infinitum turns *while* remaining on beat with the basic steps in two-step. I end up reverting to a sort of mutant salsa step, which is not good were I serious about country-western dancing. Fortunately, I am not serious. Tips: - Wear closed-toe shoes that allow you to SLIDE on the floor. Two stepping is all about trying to maintain contact with the floor as much as possible. - Bring cash, and make use of the servers that make rounds to the tables. - Bring a partner, if you know a good lead who knows their CW, or go in a group. This isn't remotely a singles intermingling scene (such as Swing or Latin). Even if you are okay with the idea of standing on the cusp of the dance floor so regulars can ask you to dance... there is little room to do this. You're either on the floor, or blocking people trying to get to the dance floor. This makes for a messy transition area. So bring a partner. - Wed nights are no longer ladies night, confirmed as of 8/31/11. **Giddy-up! read more

Had the CFS lunch special. It came with mashed potatoes, green beans and small salad. There wasn't any seasoning in anything. Green beans right out of the can. Once I salted the heck out of everything it was passable. The place is old school bar inside which I thought was cool. I will dispute their claim to the best CFS in town. read more

The worst do not go here. 15 cover cash only for crappy country music, crappy food, wont even give you cup of water for free. Compete water if money and food. Literally there for 10mins asked for refund because I was not liking it and leaving, said no refunds I authentic country experience. Yeah my ass what a complete waste of time and money. read more