Dance Halls & Dive Bars Day Trip from Wimberley

Wimberley is within one hour of four of the most culturally significant—and downright fun—dance halls and dive bars that Texas has to offer. If you’re in the area for a festival or simply enjoy live music and a great vibe, make sure to put any—or all—of these four stops on your Wimberley itinerary.

Wimberley and the Texas Hill Country are known for many things, but the diverse music scene is definitely at the top of the list. Hundreds of thousands of music lovers descend on Austin for signature music celebrations like South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.

After a long day of shoulder-to-shoulder revelry in “The Live Music Capital of the World,” many music fans choose to stay in Wimberley—just 40 minutes from downtown Austin but a world away from the hustle and bustle.In addition to its close proximity to the bright lights of Austin, Wimberley is within one hour of four of the most culturally significant—and downright fun—dance halls and dive bars that Texas has to offer.

If you’re in the area for a festival or simply enjoy live music and a great vibe, make sure to put any—or all—of these four stops on your Wimberley itinerary.Start your day with a classic breakfast taco at Mima’s Kitchen, or for a more leisurely pace, head to the Square for a classic diner experience at the Wimberley Cafe. After that, head south out of town down Ranch Road 12 to Farm to Market 32, otherwise known as the Devil’s Backbone. It’s easy to see why; the two-lane highway follows a ridgeline that offers spectacular vistas of the heart of the Hill Country.

Gruene Hall

You’re not on the Backbone for long, though. Turn south onto the meandering Purgatory Road before hitting FM 306, the main road into New Braunfels and its sister hamlet, Gruene. It's a charming historic district known for its well-preserved 19th-century architecture, and a vibrant live music scene at Gruene Hall, the oldest dancehall in Texas.

Established in 1878, Gruene Hall has hosted legendary artists such as Willie Nelson, George Strait, and Lyle Lovett. With its classic German dance hall layout and vintage decor, visitors can roam the storied hardwood floors and enjoy performances in a magically rustic setting. The venue often hosts free entertainment in the afternoons and regional and national acts in the evenings.

Devil’s Backbone Tavern

Once you’ve soaked up enough of the OG Texas dancehall vibe, it’s time for stop number two. Get back on the Devil’s Backbone and head a few miles west to the Devil’s Backbone Tavern, Texas’ quintessential dive bar. It doesn’t look like much. And that’s exactly the point.

Established in the 1930s, it serves as a beloved gathering spot for locals and travelers alike, offering a cozy and campy aesthetic. While its past may be checkered (ask the bartenders about ghosts who legend says roam the property), today it’s a welcome oasis for a cold beer and live music in the intimate hall. And check out the CD-filled jukebox, playing some of the finest classic songs anywhere.

If by now you’ve had your fill, it’s a quick drive back into Wimberley. But for those who want the full experience, continue your trek west. FM 32 ends just south of Blanco, a charming town situated on its namesake river. West out of town, follow the lazy Blanco River before turning north.

Albert Ice House & Dance Hall

Don’t blink—you’re headed to Albert, Texas, home of the Albert Ice House and Dancehall. It’s literally a wide spot along Ranch to Market Road 1623, and this “town” exists as simply a bar and another beautiful sheet metal temple of Texana. The real show-stealer, though, is the live oak tree out back, which is believed to be over 500 years old. It now provides welcome shade for your fellow travelers who share the same pilgrimage as you. It’s rumored that as a young boy, Lyndon Baines Johnson was known to climb these very trees.

Luckenbach

We’ve saved perhaps the best-known for last. Just 15 minutes further west, you’ll land in the mythical hamlet of Luckenbach, Texas, made famous by Willie, Waylon, and the boys. There, you’ll find your final dance hall, along with a nearby saloon (are you detecting a theme here?), and a general store that sells all the Luckenbach memorabilia you’d ever want. Enjoy the pickers swapping songs amid crowing roosters as you relax under the ubiquitous oak trees.

As the day winds down, Wimberley is less than an hour's drive back east. Backtrack along the winding two-lane highways, or hop on US-290 and cruise through the heart of Texas’ Hill Country wineries. The award-winning estates and lush vineyards beckon, but that’s a trip for another day. Luckily, you’re just another short and scenic drive from your home base in Wimberley.

Ted Gartner

Author

Ted Gartner

Ted Gartner is not a native Texan, but he got here as fast as he could. He and his wife, Anne-Marie, discovered the tiny town of Wimberley back when they were dating in the late '80s. After visiting many times over the next 25 years, they finally settled here in 2018. A lot has changed about Wimberley since that first discovery, but it remains every bit as vibrant, creative, and friendly as it ever was. In his former life, Ted worked as a corporate marketing executive. In his current life, he enjoys supporting his community, writing, traveling, and bird hunting.
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