Stepping into Gottscheer Hall in Ridgewood on a February Friday felt like teleporting to a Texas roadhouse. Amidst the century-old German beer hall, crowds decked out in Western wear filled the space. While my polka dot dress and denim jacket felt slightly underdressed, the energy was infectious. North of Amarillo belted out Waylon Jennings, line dancers stomped and twirled, and servers navigated the dance floor balletically with trays of pretzels and bratwursts. Even Mr. Met, in his best country attire, joined the fun. It was clear: this wasn’t Texas, this was New York City, embracing a full-blown country craze, and specifically, Line Dancing Nyc style.
Ridgewood, already dubbed one of the world’s coolest neighborhoods, has turned up the heat with events like “Honky Tonkin’ in Queens,” a monthly transformation of Gottscheer Hall orchestrated by DJs Moonshine and Prison Rodeo. These nights are instant sell-outs, a testament to the growing appetite for country music and line dancing NYC experiences. My own night there confirmed the buzz – it’s a high-spirited, unique alternative to the typical bar scene.
What makes it work? The crowd’s commitment. People genuinely embrace the Western aesthetic and enthusiastically attempt the dance moves. Perhaps it’s a collective release, shaking off lingering pandemic cabin fever. Whether the Western wear is authentic or thrifted, the effort is undeniable.
Katya Sobchenko, a Bed-Stuy resident and “Honky Tonkin’ in Queens” regular, echoes this sentiment. “I love seeing everyone’s outfits. It’s a great place to get fashion inspiration,” she says. Her enthusiasm has led her to explore other line dancing NYC nights, like those at Alphaville, and she’s eager for more. “I don’t know if I’m really good at [line dancing] but I have a lot of fun doing it, so that’s what matters,” she admits, adding, “I think I might be getting better.”
This burgeoning interest in country culture is undeniable. Beyoncé’s “Cowboy Carter” and its line dance-ready single “Texas Hold ‘Em” have catapulted country into the mainstream. Artists like Waxahatchee, Adrianne Lenker, and Kacey Musgraves are incorporating Americana sounds. Even Bella Hadid’s rodeo star boyfriend and viral trends on achieving “big Texas hair” signal a cultural shift.
If this country infusion has awakened your inner cowboy or sparked your curiosity, you don’t need a Nashville ticket. Line dancing NYC and country music are thriving right here. For over a decade, local bars have hosted stellar country acts. Now, two-stepping and line dancing nights are selling out from Ridgewood to the East Village. Anywhere can become a honky tonk with the right music and a cold Lone Star.
“I feel like something about the country community, it’s pretty all in favor of more people, more people dancing — it’s pretty welcoming.”
The proliferation of these micro-scenes, from surf-punk in the Rockaways to alt-country in Williamsburg, is a defining and cherished characteristic of New York City’s DIY artistic spirit.
John Epperly, musician and owner of Williamsburg’s Metropolitan Sound recording studio, originally from Virginia, observes, “I feel like something about the country community, it’s pretty all in favor of more people, more people dancing — it’s pretty welcoming.” He notes the city’s diverse population, adding, “You look around at Brooklyn, and how many people are actually from [here]? They’re from America, whatever that means.” Epperly welcomes the growing scene, hoping it fosters more opportunities for musicians, studios, and songwriters.
Whether you’re ready to don a bolo tie and hit the line dance floor or simply immerse yourself in local music, here’s your guide to finding your honky tonk state of mind in line dancing NYC.
People playing dice at a table in Gottscheer Hall.
NYC Honky Tonk Hotspots: Dive into the Line Dancing Scene
Skinny Dennis: Williamsburg’s Country Music Cornerstone
Since 2013, Skinny Dennis in Williamsburg has been a nightly haven for live country music. Beyond the music, they offer Willie’s Frozen Coffee, cheap drinks, and a classic dive bar atmosphere complete with vintage Miller High Life signage.
The bar’s calendar is packed with local and visiting country musicians, offering free shows most nights. Regular performers include The National Reserve (Southern Rock/Americana), Low Roller (cosmic country), and Olivia Ellen Lloyd (sad girl country). For those wanting to participate, there’s monthly Country-oke, or vinyl sets by DJs like DJ Pretty Good. The venue fosters a strong sense of community among musicians.
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Olivia Ellen Lloyd notes the supportive environment: “We really take care of each other. There’s a camaraderie around being a folk or country artist in the city, and a sense of a shared collective, in part because there’s enough [gigs] to go around. I think that makes it easy to ignore the scarcity mindset that [artists in] cities like Nashville and LA can fall into.”
Beyond Skinny Dennis, other reliable line dancing NYC and country music venues include Lucky Dog (from the same owners), Jones Bar in Ridgewood, The Waylon in Hell’s Kitchen, Cafe Wha in Greenwich Village, and select nights at Main Drag, Alphaville, and Bar Sundown. For show schedules, check venue websites or follow musicians and venues on Instagram. “Texas Tuesdays” at Doris in Bed-Stuy and “Honky Tonk Sundays” at The Drift in Greenpoint are also gaining traction.
Subway conductor called it “Houston” like the city in Texas. Twice. we used to be a real city
— Alissa Wilkinson (@alissamarie) March 27, 2024
Northeast Country Coalition: Your Guide to the NYC Country Scene
John Epperly’s Instagram account, Northeast Country Coalition, serves as a central hub for the line dancing NYC and country music community. It promotes shows and events, including “Originals Only: A Night for the Workers in Song” at Skinny Dennis, co-produced by Epperly and Low Roller’s Veronica Davila. This event encourages original songwriting and showcases both established and emerging artists.
Red Hook Roots: Jalopy Theatre & Tavern and Sunny’s Bar
For a taste of line dancing NYC in southern Brooklyn, Red Hook offers Jalopy Theatre & Tavern and Sunny’s Bar. Jalopy, open since 2006, cultivates an Americana, roots, and bluegrass community with an old-timey feel. It hosts open mics, music classes (including for kids), and even has its own record label. The Roots ‘n Ruckus showcase on first Wednesdays is a free event featuring diverse musical talents. Jalopy Tavern next door offers live music and dining.
Sunny’s Bar, a 100-year-old waterfront bar, persevered through Hurricane Sandy and other challenges to remain a beloved line dancing NYC and music spot. Owner Tone Balzano Johansen programs nightly music in the back room, including Tone’s bluegrass jam on Saturdays, Western Swing on Wednesdays with Smokey’s Roundup, and various bluegrass and songwriting acts throughout the week.
Boot Scootin’ Boogie: Line Dancing Lessons and Events in NYC
For those eager to line dance NYC style, several options exist for lessons and practice. Big Apple Ranch, in Midtown Manhattan, hosts “gay-centric, straight-friendly” line dancing, two-step, and swing nights with lessons and open dancing on second Saturdays. Stud Country, a queer line dancing group, hosts parties with instruction in NYC venues like Brooklyn Bowl and The Georgia Room.
People line dancing at Big Apple Ranch
Tenaya Kelleher teaches popular line dancing NYC classes every Wednesday and select Tuesdays at The Ukrainian National Home in the East Village. Classes often sell out quickly, with sign-ups via Instagram.
The Slide Stops, a country-western quartet, backs dancers at Starr Bar every first Sunday with Sara Lott instructing, and at Jalopy Theatre’s Burstin’ Boots Dance Party every third Friday, led by Alexander Udis (Sargent Seedo).
Udis believes the line dancing NYC resurgence is partly a post-pandemic phenomenon, recalling a packed outdoor line dance event just after lockdown. He suggests it fulfills a need for “community gathering not associated with any kind of productivity or capitalist ethic,” emphasizing the pure enjoyment of dance.
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Mr. Met honks and tonks up a storm at the last Ridgewood event. (Video by Rick Paulas)
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