Dust off your boots and tip your hat, because New York City is two-stepping its way into a country music revival, and it’s happening right in your local bars. Forget the typical Friday night bar scene; NYC is embracing its inner cowboy (and cowgirl), transforming unassuming venues into vibrant dance bars where honky tonk and line dancing are taking center stage.
It all started for me on a chilly February Friday. Venturing into a century-old German beer hall, Gottscheer Hall in Ridgewood, Queens, I was met with a surprising sight: a sea of denim, cowboy hats, and Western-inspired outfits. I felt slightly underdressed in my polka dot dress and denim jacket, but the energy was infectious. This was Honky Tonkin’ in Queens, a monthly event that has quickly become a must-attend for those seeking something beyond the usual city nightlife.
Crowd enjoying country music and dancing at Gottscheer Hall, Ridgewood, NYC, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere of dance bars in NYC.
The band, North of Amarillo, filled the hall with the classic sounds of Waylon Jennings, prompting couples to twirl and stomp across the dance floor. Even the servers, expertly navigating through the dancers with trays of pretzels and bratwurst, seemed to be part of the choreographed chaos. Roadhouse-style tables were scattered around, hosting impromptu dice and card games among strangers – I even joined a game of Threes and, despite losing, loved the spontaneous fun. Later, Lola Kirke’s set closed with a unique, twangy rendition of “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. My phone notes from that night simply read: “hot guys with mullets.” Adding to the surreal scene, even Mr. Met, the beloved Mets mascot, was present, decked out in his best country attire.
This wasn’t some Texas roadhouse; it was Ridgewood, Queens. This neighborhood, recently lauded as one of the coolest globally, is now arguably even hotter thanks to events like Honky Tonkin’ in Queens. Started in February 2023 by DJs Charles Watlington (DJ Moonshine) and Jonny Nichols (DJ Prison Rodeo), this monthly gathering transforms Gottscheer Hall’s back room into a country music haven. Tickets vanish instantly (keep an eye on Moonshine and Prison Rodeo for future releases – April and May are already sold out), and after experiencing it firsthand, it’s clear why. It’s a boisterous, unique night out, a refreshing alternative to the typical bar birthday celebration.
The commitment of the crowd amplifies the experience. People genuinely embrace the Western theme, dressing the part and enthusiastically learning the dance moves. Perhaps this country craze is a collective release, a way to shake off lingering pandemic fatigue. Whether their Western wear is authentic or thrift-store finds, the effort is undeniable and adds to the immersive atmosphere of these NYC dance bars.
“I love seeing everyone’s outfits. It’s a great place to get fashion inspiration,” shared Katya Sobchenko, 33, a Bed-Stuy resident and Honky Tonkin’ in Queens regular. Her enthusiasm has led her to explore other line dancing nights at venues like 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. “I think I might be getting better.”
This burgeoning country trend extends beyond just a niche event. With Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter album and its hit single “Texas Hold ‘Em” igniting a national line dancing fervor, and other artists like Waxahatchee and Adrianne Lenker embracing Americana influences, country culture is undeniably having a moment. Even Bella Hadid’s rodeo star boyfriend and trending articles on achieving “big Texas hair” point to a broader cultural shift.
If this mainstream country wave has awakened your inner cowboy or simply piqued your curiosity, you don’t need a Nashville ticket to indulge. Right here in New York City, a collection of bars has been quietly nurturing a vibrant local country music scene for years. Two-stepping and line dancing nights are selling out from Ridgewood to the East Village, proving that any place can become a honky tonk with the right music and a cold Lone Star beer in hand.
“I feel like something about the country community, it’s pretty all in favor of more people, more people dancing — it’s pretty welcoming.”
As someone with roots in the Louisiana swamps, I may approach this Texas prairie trend with a touch of skepticism. However, I wholeheartedly appreciate the rise of self-sustaining, micro-artistic scenes in NYC. From surf-punk in the Rockaways to alt-country in Williamsburg, these DIY communities are vital to the city’s cultural richness and deserve our support.
“I feel like something about the country community, it’s pretty all in favor of more people, more people dancing — it’s pretty welcoming,” notes John Epperly, musician and owner of Metropolitan Sound recording studio in Williamsburg, a 20-year NYC resident originally from Virginia. He’s excited about the growing interest, hoping it will sustain and expand the community, fostering “more studios, more players, more songwriters — all of it.”
Whether you’re ready to don a bolo tie and hit the dance floor, or simply want to immerse yourself in a lively local music scene, here’s your guide to finding a honky tonk state of mind, just a subway ride away at these top dance bars in NYC.
Top NYC Dance Bars for Country Music Lovers
Skinny Dennis: Williamsburg’s Honky Tonk Heart
Since 2013, Skinny Dennis has been a cornerstone of the NYC country music scene. Located in Williamsburg, this “dive bar we always thought was nice” offers live country music every night, alongside their famous Willie’s Frozen Coffee, cheap drinks, and endless peanuts. It even boasts one of the best vintage Miller High Life signs in the city.
The bar’s calendar is packed with local and visiting country musicians, offering free shows most nights. Regular performers include The National Reserve, a Southern Rock/Americana band, the cosmic country sounds of Low Roller, and the poignant country tunes of Olivia Ellen Lloyd. For those wanting to participate, there’s monthly Country-oke, and vinyl sets by DJs like DJ Pretty Good and DJ Jukebox Cowgirl for those who prefer to soak in the atmosphere. Special nights, like a recent tribute to Townes Van Zandt, showcase the community spirit of this beloved dance bar.
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“We really take care of each other,” says Lloyd, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Appalachia. “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.” Skinny Dennis embodies this supportive and vibrant dance bar community in NYC.
Beyond Skinny Dennis: Expanding Your Dance Bar Horizons
Beyond Skinny Dennis, NYC’s country music dance bar scene is thriving. Lucky Dog (from the same owners as Skinny Dennis) offers a similar vibe. Jones Bar in Ridgewood, The Waylon in Hell’s Kitchen, and Cafe Wha? in Greenwich Village are also reliable spots for country music. Venues like Main Drag in Williamsburg, Alphaville in Bushwick, and Bar Sundown in Ridgewood host country nights on select evenings, adding to the diverse landscape of dance bars in NYC. Keep an eye on venue websites and social media for event calendars to stay updated on shows.
More and more bars are embracing country music, with themed nights like “Texas Tuesdays” at Doris in Bed-Stuy and Greenpoint’s The Drift hosting weekly “Honky Tonk Sundays”. This growing trend confirms NYC’s enthusiastic embrace of country dance culture.
Jalopy Theatre & Tavern and Sunny’s Bar: Red Hook’s Roots Music Hub
For a southern Brooklyn country music experience, head to Red Hook. Jalopy Theatre & Tavern and Sunny’s Bar are neighborhood institutions for Americana, roots, bluegrass, and traditional music.
Jalopy, open since 2006, fosters a strong community with its old-timey atmosphere reminiscent of Inside Llewyn Davis. They offer open mics, a School of Music, and even a record label. Their monthly Roots ‘n Ruckus showcase is a fantastic and free way to discover new talent. The calendar is eclectic, featuring everything from ukulele meetups to Lucinda Williams tribute nights. The adjacent Jalopy Tavern offers live music and a full restaurant. Regular performers include Wyndham Baird and The Jackson Lynch Band.
Sunny’s Bar, a 100-year-old longshoreman bar, persevered through Hurricane Sandy and other challenges to remain a beloved watering hole with nightly music in its back room. Owner Tone Balzano Johansen keeps the spirit alive with events like Tone’s bluegrass jam every Saturday, Western Swing Wednesdays with Smokey’s Roundup, and various bluegrass and songwriting acts throughout the week. Sunny’s provides a truly authentic and historic dance bar experience in NYC.
Learn to Line Dance and Two-Step in NYC
For those eager to hit the dance floor but needing some guidance, NYC offers numerous opportunities to learn line dancing and two-stepping.
Big Apple Ranch, a welcoming “gay-centric, straight-friendly” venue in Midtown Manhattan, hosts line dancing, two-step, and swing nights with lessons and open dancing on second Saturdays. Stud Country, a queer line dancing group, holds parties with instruction in NYC venues like Brooklyn Bowl and The Georgia Room.
Tenaya Kelleher teaches popular line dancing classes upstairs at The Ukrainian National Home in the East Village every Wednesday night and select Tuesdays for beginners. Sign-ups on Instagram are essential as classes often sell out.
Country-western band The Slide Stops provides live music for dancers at Starr Bar every first Sunday with Sara Lott instructing, and at the Burstin’ Boots Dance Party at Jalopy Theatre every third Friday, led by Alexander Udis (Sargent Seedo), offering two-step and line dancing lessons.
Alexander Udis believes the resurgence of line dancing and two-stepping might be a post-pandemic phenomenon, offering community and joy. He recalls a packed outdoor line dancing event in 2021, highlighting the pent-up demand for social connection and fun.
“Everybody seems to be still going out with the same passion to make up for that time,” he says. He also suggests dance provides a positive outlet during societal unrest: “Maybe people need a community gathering not associated with any kind of productivity or capitalist ethic,” he says. “Dance is something that’s just pure enjoyment.”
Embrace the NYC Honky Tonk Scene
New York City’s dance bar scene is blossoming, offering a diverse range of venues and events for country music and dance enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned two-stepper or a curious beginner, there’s a place for you to embrace your inner cowboy and join the fun. From dedicated honky tonks to pop-up country nights, NYC’s dance bars are ready to welcome you to the dance floor. So, find your boots, grab a partner (or come solo!), and explore the exciting world of dance bars in NYC.
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Mr. Met enthusiastically participates in the country dance scene at Honky Tonkin’ in Queens, showcasing the inclusive and fun spirit of NYC dance bars. (Video by Rick Paulas)
