The 50 Best Country Music Venues in America

This makes country music, and the venues that cater to country music very popular—not only popular, but plentiful. In other words, there are a lot of country music venues in America.

That made selecting 50 a bit of a challenge. There are very good music venues that didn’t make our list, venues that are quite similar to the places you’ll soon learn about.

In narrowing out list to the 50 best country music venues in America, we took inspiration from another aspect of the genre and that’s its focus on home and family. Other types of popular music aren’t anywhere near as family-oriented as country music.

Therefore, the 50 country music venues that made our list are all places where you can go and feel at home. The following establishments are not only prominent members of their own community but they make everyone who steps through their doors feel welcomed too.

11th Street Cowboy Bar

Bandera, TX



Image from their Facebook page

The 11th Street Cowboy Bar is famously known as the “Biggest Little Bar in Texas.” Don’t be embarrassed when you visit this establishment—located in Bandera, Texas, about an hour’s drive from San Antonio—and find bras hanging from the ceiling. If you’re vacationing in Texas, the Cowboy Bar should be on your itinerary. It hosts premier country bands as well as some of the biggest events in the Lone Star State.

Acre 121

Washington, D.C.



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This venue is named after a 121-acre plot of land purchased by the Sherman brothers in 1881. Today, Acre 121 is a barroom and bistro that attracts a plethora of bands and friendly revelers. Come here for some great southern barbeque and live alternative country, bluegrass, and/or Americana. Area 121 is a quality venue, and regardless of who you see perform, you’ll definitely want to return.

Adair's Saloon

Dallas, TX



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Adair’s Saloon was once visited by The King, Elvis Presley. More recently, they’ve welcomed visits from the Dixie Chicks and Jake Ingram. Come to Adair’s Saloon to enjoy great country music, but stay for what many call the best burger in Texas—now that’s high praise. While you’re there, peruse their “art collection.” Over the years, patrons have drawn on nearly every available inch of the interior.

Austin City Saloon

Lexington, KY





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Austin City Saloon has been a fixture in Lexington, Kentucky for more than 33 years. They offer patrons live music by tapping the best and brightest burgeoning country bands. Interestingly, on their website, Austin City encourages visitors to bring their own food. General managers Josh Brock and Austin Brashear have done a great job in making the Austin City Saloon fun, inviting, and truly country.

Billy Bob's Texas

Fort Worth, TX



Image courtesy of Hail Merry



You can’t have a list of the top country music venues and not include Billy Bob’s Texas. Since opening in 1981, BBT has won “Country Music Club of the Year” 12 times. Its stage has hosted performances by Ringo Star, ZZ Top, and Ray Charles. It has been the backdrop in four major motion pictures. Also, the club presents weekly bull riding competitions with real bulls. Yes, Billy Bob’s Texas is that big.

Boyd’s Jig and Reel

Knoxville, TN



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Nashville is known for country music, but do you also know that East Tennessee is known for Scottish and Irish music. That musical heritage, that later developed into bluegrass and other genres performed in the Appalachian region, is preserved at Boyd’s Jig and Reel. Located in the Old City of Knoxville, Boyd’s is a warm and welcoming whiskey pub where amazing musicians come to apply their trade.



Brickette Lounge

Philadelphia, PA

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Regarded as one of the top country bars in the Philadelphia area, The Brickette Lounge is the place to go to enjoy live country music. The Brickette features line dancing on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesday is open mic night. If you need a break from dancing, you can shoot a game of stick on one of three pool tables. The game is free on Tuesdays. The Brickette also has great food and libations.

Bushwhackers Dance Hall & Saloon

Tualatin, OR



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Rock, pop, and hip hop venues don’t teach their patrons how to do dance, but country music venues sure do. At Bushwhackers Dance Hall & Saloon, free dance lessons are held at 7:30pm every Tuesday through Saturday. Ladies Night is Thursday and local bands perform on Friday. Come during the summer and enjoy their awesome patio space.







Cowboy’s Night Club

Dothan, AL



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Cowboys Saloon

Davie, FL



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Double Deuce

San Diego, CA



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Dusty Armadillo

Rootstown, OH



Aaron Lewis at the Dusty Armadillo. Image courtesy of E Photos

Firehouse Saloon

Houston, TX



Image courtesy of Katy Kirby

Goldfield Trading Post

Sacramento, CA



Image courtesy of Paul Sableman

Grizzly Rose

Denver, CO



Image from their Facebook page



Gruene Hall

New Braunfels, TX



Gruene Hall in the summer. Image courtesy of Jonas Lamis

Gypsy Sally’s

Washington, D.C.



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Handlebar-J

Scottsdale, AZ



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High Noon Saloon

Madison, WI



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House of Rock

Corpus Christi, TX



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Joe’s Bar

Chicago, IL



Image courtesy of Aaron Headly

Knuckleheads Kansas City

Kansas City, Missouri



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Luckenbach Texas

Fredericksburg, TX



The Luckenbach General Store. Image courtesy of Gino

Maxwell's Tavern

Hoboken, NJ



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Moonshine Flats

San Diego, CA



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Neon Boots Dancehall & Saloon

Houston, TX



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Nick's Nightclub

Alexandria, VA



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Outpost Hollywood

Los Angeles, CA



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Pappy and Harriet’s

Pioneertown, CA



Image courtesy of Lucas

Ponderosa Lounge

Portland, OR



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Posse Bar

Westminster, CA



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Renegade Bar

El Cajon, CA



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Round Up Saloon

Dallas, TX



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Rustler Rooste

Phoenix, AZ



Image courtesy of Tara Hunt

Rusty Spur Saloon

Scottsdale, AZ



Image courtesy of Tony the Marine

Slim's Last Chance

Seattle, WA



Image courtesy of Dave Sizer



Sportsmen Tavern

Buffalo, NY



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Sundance Saloon

San Francisco, CA



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The Bluestone

Columbus, OH



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The Bowery

Myrtle Beach, SC



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The Country

Nashville, TN



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The Empty Glass Café

Charleston, WV



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The Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse

Berkeley, CA



David Bromberg at the Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse. Image courtesy of Jay Cross

The Horse You Came in on Saloon

Baltimore, MD



Image courtesy of Jean-Etienne Minh-Duy Poirrier

The Pittsboro Roadhouse & General Store

Pittsboro, NC



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The Redneck Country Club

Stafford, TX



Image courtesy of Redneck Country Club

The Round Up

Tampa, FL



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The White Horse

Austin, TX



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Water Wheel Saloon

Norco, CA



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Wild Country Saloon & Nightlife

Piedmont, SC



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