The Fort Worth Stockyards offers visitors a glimpse of the city’s rich cattle and ranching history with twice-daily cattle drives, weekly rodeo competitions and western heritage events. And activities don't stop when the sun goes down. Get a true western nightlife experience with these 10 popular destinations in the Stockyards.
Lil’ Red’s Longhorn Saloon
The Longhorn Saloon is brightly lit and bustling with crowds of all ages. The venue offers regular live music acts, drinks and a buzzy atmosphere that's sure to sweep you off your feet.
The Cantina Cadillac
Dangling above Cantina Cadillac’s modest dance floor is a disco ball set inside a massive stirrup encased in rhinestones. The bar is a mashup of city and country, blending pool tables and large TVs with great customer service and wall-to-wall images of rodeos and famous cowboys. For fans of John Wayne, this might be the ultimate spot. There are more than a few photos honoring “The Duke.”
White Elephant Saloon
The White Elephant Saloon is always a good time. While waiting for the band to start, you can grab a picnic table, order a beer, and enjoy a bite from Tim Love's Love Shack next door. The Saloon has one of the quirkier bar decor layouts with dozens of cowboy hats lining the ceiling and white porcelain elephants lining the back wall. Be sure to get here early; this spot fills up quickly most evenings.
Whiskey Girl Saloon
Like the White Elephant Saloon, the draw at Whiskey Girl Saloon is the music. Whiskey Girl is light on decor and heavy on the dance space, which makes it one of the better spaces to boot scootin’ boogie. Whiskey Girl offers live entertainment nearly every night.
Billy Bob’s Texas
Fort Worth’s most famous destination for music is Billy Bob's Texas, crowned the world’s largest honky-tonk. That’s not just boasting. With a capacity of 6,000, 30+ bar stations, two music stages, an arcade and billiard tables, there’s not much lacking from a Billy Bob’s experience. Nearly every big-name country act has performed here as well as local and regional acts, making it one of the biggest music and dancing destinations in Fort Worth.
Thirsty Armadillo
Memorable name aside, being thirsty is the least of your problems at this popular bar, thanks to a wide selection of beers and mixed drinks. Thirsty's, as the regulars call it, has hosted famous country music acts over the years, including the Eli Young Band and Casey Donahew, and the venue is always looking for the next rising star.
Second Rodeo Brewing
There's no shortage of great bars down Mule Alley. The century-old mule barns were converted into a promenade with one-of-a-kind Texas nightlife, and Second Rodeo Brewing might just be your first (or last) stop of the night. Their dog-friendly patio is a great place to relax with friends and drink some brews, and the nightly live music provides a nice soundtrack as you enjoy the open air of a Texas night.
Sidesaddle Saloon
The Sidesaddle Saloon offers guests craft cocktails named after western legends and fun bites such as Texas Tapas. With a friendly atmosphere and regular drink specials, it's a great place to sidle up to the bar for a drink before other Stockyards entertainment. Or stay for the night and feel like a western legend yourself!
Basement Bar
Basement Bar is open seven days a week, offering craft brews and cocktails to a loyal following of barflies and anyone who happens by the underground pub. It’s also a great place to start the weekend with happy hour prices hovering around $2 for select beers.
Rodeo Exchange
Rodeo Exchange puts dancing first and the crowds have followed. Friday and Saturday nights bring top-notch live music. Rodeo Exchange also offers dancing lessons, meaning there’s no excuse for not two-stepping the night away in this venerable bar and dance hall.
Keep exploring
This is hardly a comprehensive list. The Stockyards is walkable, energetic and friendly, offering something for every kind of traveler seeking every kind of experience. So next time you step out in your boots onto the brick road of East Exchange St., don’t be afraid to mosey over to a new watering hole or dance hall to experience the western heritage of the Stockyards.
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