Rock On
These Texas clubs rank among the best music venues in the nation
The people have spoken: When it comes to concert venues, Texas has some of the best.
Yelp has compiled a list of the top 50 small and midsize music venues across the U.S., based on number of reviews and overall star rating on its site, and the Lone Star State scores big with six.
Unfortunately no San Antonio spots make the cut, but we can rest easy knowing a beloved neighbor has received the recognition it deserves. "Texas' oldest dance hall," Gruene Hall in New Braunfels, is No. 38. It makes a major impression for its history (originally built in 1878 and largely unchanged since), lack of air conditioning (the side walls open up), and cash-only bar (history, y'all).
The No. 1 spot overall goes to Skylark Lounge in Austin. Concert-goers praise the old-school music club's dark and dingy "dive vibe," along with its pretty decent pizza.
Also in Austin? The Cactus Cafe, the intimate listening room on the University of Texas campus, comes in at No. 27, and The Little Longhorn Saloon, everyone's favorite place for Chicken Shit Bingo, squeaks in at No. 50.
Two Dallas venues round out the Texas representation. Oak Cliff's Kessler Theater, once owned by country star Gene Autry, is No. 11. The Granada Theater, in Lower Greenville, lands at No. 42. Next-door neighbor Sundown at Granada is a huge plus for those looking for a nosh before or after the show.
