Cowboy's Red River: Texas' Two-Step(s) to Heaven

If you’re looking for a nice dance hall in Texas, you’ve found the right place! Unlike some of the halls around the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, this place is not rowdy or over-priced. Walking in the door, you’re greeted by tall, handsome cowboys that are polite and friendly from the get-go. Look to your left and you’ll see large hand-carved, wooden pieces of art that resemble wild and domestic animals of all types. There’s a sign-up sheet for Doug Moreland’s Social Club newsletter, so feel free to add your name as your eyes grow accustomed to the darkened, wood-paneled room. That’s not to say that it’s hard to see inside; to the contrary, it’s well-lit for walking and dancing.

Moving deeper into the hall, you’ll see great nostalgic and modern neon signs advertising some of their many beer choices. Lots of bar-height tables and tall chairs ring the large ballroom, with smaller alcoves for talking between dances. There’s a mechanical bull for the more adventurous visitor, and a larger bar in the center of the oval dance floor.

On Wednesday and Friday evenings, join the Dance Club (membership is free – find John for details) and learn Texas Swing, Progressive Double Two-Step and other dances every month with a mixed group of regular patrons and first-time visitors. The spirited atmosphere welcomes you, and the patient instructors, Gene and his wife, Donna, give step-by-step demonstrations to make learning a breeze. Lessons start at 7 pm and end at 8:30 pm. Well drinks and longnecks are just $2.50 and bottled water is $2.00 – you can’t beat those prices.

The house band, Runnin’ Behind, shows up at 9 and plays both contemporary and older country tunes, with a few polkas thrown in for good measure. Whether you like to dance fast or slow, there’s something here for every dancer – professional or beginner. Concerts are Friday and Saturday nights and cost $10.00 if you don’t have a Dance Club VIP Card, so get yours now. Call 214-352-1796 for concert dates and coming attractions.

Another great feature of this hall is that there is NO Smoking allowed indoors! There is a covered smoking area wrapped around ¾ of the outside of the building where music is piped out for smokers so they don’t miss their favorite songs. The entrance is set up so that you never have to pass through smoke to get inside.

Everywhere you look around this dance hall, you’ll see people from all walks of life…cowboys—both dimestore and authentic, businessmen, young adults in leather, girls “all gussied up” in western and other dance finery, and people just out for a casual drink and whirl around the dance floor. Everyone is friendly and many of the “regulars” will offer newcomers a drink at their table to show them the ropes.

Visit the Cowboy’s Red River official website:  and check out all three Red River locations – Arlington, Dallas, and San Antonio. There is a lot of great information on this well-designed site, including a Photo Gallery and Dance Lesson dates, as well as a Social Club with member profiles.

Whether you are a first-time visitor, or a seasoned patron, Cowboy’s Red River is a great place to dance, have a drink, and enjoy meeting friendly people. Good music, good prices, good times!

Also check out these other two great Texas dance halls:

Billy Bob's Texas

Pearl's Dance Hall

Any way you look at it, if you love Country/Western music and dancing, Texas has the best!