Gruene Hall

We had the privilege to attend Gruene Dancehall to see Randall King. This was our first time and had a lot of questions hence why I am making this post. -TRAFFIC TO GRUENE AND PARKING The concert was on a Friday and we both worked so we were not sure how early to leave since we were driving from San Antonio. We left our house at 4pm and did catch a lot of traffic on our way. We arrived in Gruene at 5:30 and parked in the parking lott across from Gruene Hall which was free. -ENTRY TIME After parking we went straight into the hall. There were people playing pool and having a drink at the bar. I asked the bartender how we would be let in for the show. He explained that at 6:50pm people would be asked to exit. There is an outside area with tables and music where you can hang out. We saw people already lined up with about 10 people so we stood in line at 6pm. At exactly 7pm we were let in. You can print your ticket or they can scan from your phone. -KID FRIENDLY I was very hesitant about taking my 7 year old daughter m, but she is a big fan. My 15 year old also went as well. The crowd was very chill and kid friendly. Other families also took children as well. You will stand all night. We did stand from 6pm-11pm so wear some comfortable shoes at the end we were limping in our boots. We sat in the benches closest to the pool tables and speakers which were right across from the women’s bathroom since we had our daughter. The experience was amazing, Randall King threw a guitar pick at my daughter, serenaded her, and also took my phone and took a picture with us while he was on stage! Ticket prices are also very reasonable. We paid $30 a ticket.

Visiting town it was on a Tuesday around 1pm. I wasn't expecting live music. But Sammi Rae and Henry Williams were playing. Really good too. Fun place. Bar in front then the music hall towards the back. I'm not sure if this was just going on for the holidays or if they have free live music during the day all the time. Definitely worth checking out. They have a ton of autographed pictures on the walls of many of the artists who've played there at the ticketed nightly concerts which I hear are mostly standing room only. Lot of big names and a ton of history.

Great place to listen to a band. Drinks were cold. Service was fast. These guys knew thier stuff. The band was pretty good too. The history around here makes it pretty special. Everyone was super friendly.

This dance hall is OLD - the history here is visible in so many ways. Not just in the photos on the walls, but in the wooden floorboards that creek as you walk across, and the worn counter at the bar. It is rich in atmosphere and a Texas-type of coziness. We went for the main show on a Saturday night and it was PACKED! Loved the place as a venue, and also for the music acts they had. The early musicians were just as good as the main show. I had a blast! I wish there was more seating around the edge of the main room becuase that filled up fast! If you're the type that likes to dance, then you've got plenty of space for that till the crowd starts pushing you forward to the stage.

Lots of memories one can imagine upon stepping through to the main area. I can see cowboy boot wearing guys dancing with their favorite gal… happiness, sweat and a few beers. This IS Texas history, hear the music? I do.

Such a wonderful vibe. Spent a Tuesday evening on a solo trip and walked in absorbing the nostalgic old school venue. Sat on old wooden benches and listened to live music with a cold cider in my hand. Loved every second of it!

Wow! I almost feel compelled to say it was an honor to visit Gruene Hall in TX! It’s such a well-known venue with a rich history. My son had the privilege of performing here a few days ago. He and his band traveled from Nashville, TN, and are already looking to book it again! Playing Gruene Hall is quite an honor for a country music artist and most of them will say The Gruene is one of those infamous stages like the Grand Ole Opry that performers will have on their proverbial ‘Bucket List’ of dream stages. Watching an up and comer such as Jared Hovis play traditional country music at Gruene Hall is a sight to behold. He was honored to be there, and the tears welled up in his humble green eyes were testament to his true respect for the opportunity to sing at the Gruene!

Gruene Hall is just simply The Best place to see a concert in Texas. We just seen Jamey Johnson there and it was Incredible! We have been going to Gruene Hall our entire lives and will never stop. Management, Staff, and the Owners are Great and Gruene Hall remains the epitome of this Great state of Texas. You just gotta go!

Gruene, in itself is completely amazing to visit. If you are in san antonio or even a 2 hour drive from Houston then you are missing out of this Texas town if you do not put it on your trip plans. Gruene Hall is from the 1800's and has amazing concerts, some free and some with a charge but we'll worth any amount. If you live in Texas and never been here then how dare you call yourself a Texan lol. One of my favorite places. Adam Johnson was playing for free December 14th and wow, pretty amazing singer/band. His father was sitting right next to me and got up to sing a song with his son as well. All around good vibes here. Thank you Gruene (pronounced green for some reason), Gruene Hall and so much thanks to Adam Johnson!!!!

A neat place with a lot of music history. Lost on the policy of letting small children in for concerts. Offers a more tourist vibe with that situation. Our one trip to the bar experience was weak on service. I would recommend to go at least once.

So much awesome history in the Gruene Hall. Staring at pictures of musicians who performed here, imagining the crowd and excitement, hearing songs playing in your head while walking the wooden floor where these greats walked toois pure enjoyment. So many left their mark here in songs, tributes and celebrations. Love the simplicity of old worn wood. We too left our mark on a post near the billard tables. Made a memory for us.

I've been here so many times that I can't believe I've never written a review. This historical honky-tonk is a no frills venue that continues to pay homage to its roots since inception. So many famous folks have played here. We were lucky enough to catch Morgan Wade performing during our last visit. The employees are efficient, super friendly, and happy. Beer prices are average and affordable.

Stop and have a cold beer when visiting this historic building. So many country western stars have graced the stage here. There is a bar at the front which is open all the time. They let you go into the hall and check it out. I've stopped here twice, once during the winter. They had the pot belly stove going and it was toasty inside. They remove the stove during the warm months to make more room in the bar. Across the street are some real cool stores and there are good restaurants next door and down the street. Great small town vibe. Highly recommend the drive out here if you are staying in San Antonio.

I always wanted to step into the oldest dance hall in Texas, but never seemed to have the time or a reason during numerous visits to Gruene. The group Soul Sessions gave me the reason and a friend and I made the time. Both the group and the hall did not disappoint. The place is filled with history and is like stepping back into time. The acoustics are great and the atmosphere was upbeat and pleasant. My friend had a beer and I had some wine and we were both pleased with our choices. We sat at one of the long bench tables and occasionally got up to dance and then returned to our seats. We can't wait to go back!

Really cool historic must-see when visiting Gruene. For the history alone and walking around to see all the signed photographs of country artists who have come/performed here. There's a wood burning stove for heat in the fall/winter to add to the charm. There is always live music and often times it is free. They serve beer and wine only, no liquor, and a few bags of chips up front. We had a great time and the bartender was friendly and chatted with everyone coming through the bar.

This place just drips nostalgia! As the oldest dance hall in Texas it doesn't disappoint. Visited on a hot September afternoon and enjoyed sitting at one of the old wooden tables that were carved up with messages and initials of the many who have sat in these seats before us. Fans were blowing the hot air around as we enjoyed a beverage and listened to tonight's entertainment doing a sound check. Didn't stay real long, just enough to get a feel for the place and walk around to see all of the stars on the wall that once passed through. Really cool place. So glad we stopped in.... Love this type of history! Gruene is a nice little, touristy town. Worth a stop if you like that type of thing, and especially if you like music.

Used to be fantastic until the original owner died. Now they're trying to make it a Las Vegas souvenir shop. Most of the great bartenders are gone, the new ones don't have a clue about customer service.

It's the oldest dance hall in Texas, you really have to see it. All the names and initials from yesteryear carved into the table tops and benches. Check the schedule for live music and definitely enjoy those little concerts. You can also enjoy the picnic tables outside in a beautifully shaded courtyard. There's no food here but there are plenty of great places to eat in Gruene. The only service you'll find is at the bar when you talk to the bartender. I don't believe they have any waitstaff, at least they didn't when I was there. This is the place to come if you want to get your Texan on, Enjoy!

The beer is always cold, the servers are always smiling, and the tunes are always top notch. If you want to honky Tonk in a honky tonk your grandpappy probably honky tonked in, come on in for a cold beer and a live show. The place has a an old world charm you just can't find anymore. It also makes for a helluva photo opportunity (my original photography is included in this review).

Always nice to take a break from the sun and have a cold one with live music. Moose Out

Can you be a true country music fan and not visit Gruene Hall? I think not. Even on a weeknight in Spring (beautiful weather by the way) the venue was fairly alive. The old wooden interior creaks and squeaks as you step around the somewhat uneven floorboards. At days end the crossbreeze was kicking in and the music was flowing & filling up the place so nicely. The surrounding area itself is cute and fairly picturesque. All of this led to a great experience. Historic, fun, gets you feelin' some kinda way.... and I'm not even a country music fan. Go figure.

Gruene Hall is a piece of Texas history. Also the place of the famous dance scene in Michael with John Travolta, I will never forget that film. I've been going back to Gruene since I was in college, almost 20 years now. Recently took my son, he had a hoot. They only serve drinks, no food. Just FYI. Service is great and quick.

it used to be fantastic. the original owner died and now they're trying to turn it into a money making souvenir shop. Most all the great bartenders are gone and whoever's hiring them now just doesn't have a clue about customer service. Pat left things alone, the new management doesn't have a clue how to run a venue. The new female manager is very unfriendly to everyone. the Gruene Hall everyone loved is no more. it'll be a sports bar in no time now.....

We got lucky the day we were there and saw a great band. The rest of the place is bare bones. They do have a cash only bar and some small snacks. Parking is limited but there are some lots nearby.

***This review is for the live music only*** After my wonderful meal at Gristmill River Restaurant, I walked out towards the main street. I noticed a long wooden building to my right. It had some openings on the side and I saw people sitting and drinking. Near the front of the building inside, there was a live music band playing amazing country music (I love country music... I'm planning to visit the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN, next year). At the time, I didn't know it was called the Gruene Hall until I walked to the front of the building and saw the name of the place. Per Google, "Gruene Hall, built in 1878, is Texas' oldest continually operating and most famous dance hall. By design, not much has physically changed since the Hall was first built. The 6,000 square foot dance hall with a high pitched tin roof still has the original layout with side flaps for open air dancing, a bar in the front, a small lighted stage in the back and a huge outdoor garden. Through the years, the big winners have always been Gruene Hall's patrons. A person watching a show never knows if the artist they see at the Hall today will be a star tomorrow, but they can know that the music they hear will always be top notch." What an amazing story! I didn't walk into the hall... I just took a peek from the outside. Looks like a pretty neat place for people to be entertained by live musicians, to enjoy some drinks, and possibly to get down with some dance moves LOL. For those who are into this type of venue, this joint is the place for you! Enjoy good company, great eats, and fun times!

Amazing Songwriters Shindig at Gruene Dance Hall! Jamie Lin Wilson was the show stopper even though she had an afternoon slot, Austin Meade is always so great to see no matter the venue, and you will be sure to become a new William Beckmann! Oh and be sure to grab tickets to wherever Lane Hawkins will be on the fiddle! I would say the dance hall is as close as I can get to feeling like I'm back home in Tennessee. Spend an afternoon in the charming small town, grab a wine or beer before the show, get fitted for a cowgirl hat, and head to the hall for great music. The hall is always hot inside so skip the layers. It is always fun to see everyone dressed up in western or vintage vibes and adds to the overall musical experience. Cons - no water bottles/refill station, they don't move groups of loud drunks along, and seating is limited inside. I would love to see meet & greet, photo opts, and fan seating options. I appreciate the show supports the United Way of Comal County!

What can I say... this place is amazing. It's an old time dance hall, people of all ages and all walks of life coming together to enjoy music.

We enjoyed our visit to the historic Gruene Hall. It's pretty bare bones as accommodations go and air conditioning would be nice, but it's an awesome venue for live music. We happened to go during a performance by Slim Bawb and the Fabulous Stumpgrinders. Great show with a little country, a little blues, and a little Zydeco. Remember to bring cash for the bar although there is an ATM machine in the front of the hall. If you just want your music raw and unenhanced, this is the place to go. Highly recommended.

Very nice Texas beer garden but made for listening not dancing. A very good dance band was playing but with so many weekend tourists that Gruene attracts there's no where to dance and they've filled the dance space with tables. There's no beer on tap but a cocktail list. A great place for tourists and they are thick as thieves here on the weekend.

If you want to have a time warp...this is the place to go! I love that it doesn't feel the need to be hip or cool, which is exactly why it is always hip and cool!!

We just attended a Junior Brown concert at the oldest honky tonk in Texas! The experience was amazing. It's general admission, standing room only. Beer is available (cash only) 20$ to see one of my favorite artists, can't be beaten. After the show he came out and took photos with fans and signed autographs. Was worried about the parking but worked out fine for us. Sufficient police presence.

It's always a good time at Gruene Hall. Whether you are there for a live paid music event or stopping by during a free live music event. The charm and nostalgia of Gruene Hall are nothing short of amazing. Old school Texas hall with all the character of what one expects to find in an old western movie. The pictures on the walls tell the story of many musicians who have graced the stage here. The long wood bar has such a vibe you must take a picture beside it or of itself. When you walk in you can feel the present and the past all at once. I cannot tell you how many times I've been here because it's at least once a week, I just love it so much! Every family and friend who visit me from out of state is sure to have a visit here with me. So if you are in the area I highly recommend it as one of your stops. Note: if you plan on having a drink be sure to have cash as it's a Cash only bar.

Went to see the Red Clay Strays last night and now I've lived my life and I don't care if I die. Great place for a concert. First time there, 10/10 will be back.

The most Iconic Dancehall in the South! Love My former hometown. This place is an absolute Gem and definitely one stop to make if you are a tourist to New Braunfels/Gruene

Fun, amazing place. Super rustic with plenty of ambiance. It's a must see and you have to take a photo in the front. Seating can be limited during concerts so get there early. If you don't mind hanging out outside there's plenty of seating. Good time!

Situated just beyond San Antonio, lies a hidden treasure - Gruene Hall. Although this review pertains to the main hall, the charm of the entire town section cannot go unmentioned. As you step into Gruene, an aura of bygone days embraces you. The old-world vibe and the quaint boutiques dotting the streets add to the picturesque atmosphere, creating a delightful haven to explore. Even amidst the scorching August heat, Gruene Hall offered respite, maintaining a temperature that was a refreshing 10-15 degrees cooler than the outside world. It's a sanctuary for music and camaraderie, a place where the beats keep you cool. A word of advice: when heading to the bar, bring cash along for the ride. This cash-only establishment won't let you leave empty-handed - a lesson Moses and I learned firsthand. And let's not forget the rich history woven into the walls of this hall. Before your visit, take a moment to delve into its story; trust me, it'll only deepen your appreciation. This is more than a location - it's an experience waiting to unfold. Gruene Hall and the surrounding area deliver a promise of good times and lasting memories. Moses recommends Gruene Hall! Visited on August 13, 2023

The hall may be nice, but the staff ruined our night! My wife has knee problems so I went to get a chair for her from a stack in the lobby. She's limping near me when the officer and ticket taker at the desk tell me to stop - I can't take a chair just to let her sit for a moment during a break in the music. No offers to help, no assistance, just a "no, you can't take those chairs!" We'll, you can keep your chairs, we're outside sitting on a public bench and we damn sure will never step foot in your place again!!

I know this place is a treasure, but my out of town friends were treated pretty poorly by the staff. No southern hospitality that day, for sure. I was embarrassed by their behavior. Out of town friends were visiting and really wanted to see this place. I've been here several times and it's been ok. I'm not a country music fan, so it's not my thing. If you love country music, this is definitely your place.

Id you live in Central Tx and you've never been to Gruene Hall you should probably pack your bags for Jersey now. A Texas staple. Ice house, dance hall, meeting place. Always a great time with great live music.

Saw Muscadine Bloodline at Gruene Hall on 6/9/23 which was the start of a hot summer season. If you have never been to this iconic location for live music, the only thing to be prepared for is the lack of AC in the building. We opted for sitting outside, close to the stage end of the building and we had a great view and the sound was just right. The bar staff was very friendly and they have a self serve water cooler if you need a cup of water - nice touch. Overall, this is a great place for live music and there are plenty of food options available. Come early for the best parking or take an Uber/Lyft - our option. Gruene Hall is a bucket list venue.

Everything was good and food was good. Nice people there. Parking was good and will be going again in August.

I visited this place on Thursday, I am late posting my review, I got caught up with life. My parents used to visit this hall for date nights and anniversary's every year until they passed. I made a point to visit here one time after I came back from serving in the Army. Visiting this place this weekend meant so much to me. Having an incredible staff, wonderful music, excellent vibes made this experience a million times better. Thank you!!!

What's there to review about an iconic place but the experience of seeing it come to life with a live performance by living legends. The wooden structure and dance floor have seen thousands of music lovers cross it's path. How many musical greats have graced this humble stage? How do you say Texas without saying Texas? It's the oldest dance hall bringing memorable nights to so many throughout the years.

Classic Texas dance hall. Saw Josh Ward and Rider Grimes, both amazing. Parking is easy and not far away. My only complaint which isn't anything that can be fixed is no AC. If it's hot outside, it's hot inside too.

Love this place! A must do for country lovers. Love a good dancehall in our great country!

There's not much left to be said about Gruene Hall that hasn't already been said. Historic Texas bar and dance hall that has featured a Who's Who of musical talent from Willie to Keb' Mo'. Open sides. Air Conditioning that consists of one huge fan and multiple ceiling fans. Creaky wooden floors and a bar with all the beers a True Texan would want and a few craft beers. A trip to Gruene always calls for a visit to the Hall if only to catch a whiff a part of Texas culture that is on the wane. And if you can, take time to take it all in. Enjoy the gallery of the famous and not a so famous artists who have played there. Grab a Lone Star or the beverage of your choice. Sit on one of the wooden benches. Listen to the creaky floors, and imagine all the lives that have been enriched by this place through the years. This is Texas. At its best.

Still a cool old place. 1st time I went was about 40 years ago. Hasnt changed much. Venue and ambience still has a really cool vibe. Staff seemed bored and ive had colder beer from the bottom of my ice chest at the end of the day. Definitely trying harder to be a tourist trap than an old school beer joint.

This was my first time visiting this iconic place and it definitely won't be the last. Walking inside I could feel the presence of history in here. Lining the inside walls of this place is pictures of past visitors and It takes the wonder out of me as to why this place is so iconic. As you walk in you come to the bar and as you walk past that to the back you will find your self in the hall section where there is a number of patrons sitting down enjoying an adult drink and listening to live music coming from the stage area. Walking to the outside you can seat down as well and enjoy the cool days under the shade of the trees.

First time at Gruene Hall! We will definitely be going back! Such a great place! The bartender was very nice as well as the lady taking tickets up front! The place is very laid back and enjoyable! The bathrooms were clean and the drinks were good too! The music was amazing! It was a great night! Would definitely recommend checking this place out!!

Oldest Dancehall in Texas!! If you haven't gone to Gruene Hall then you need to go. I have been a hundred times but today we heard some music and just walked in. There was a great singer from Ireland just singing away. We grabbed a seat and just chilled for a much needed break while shopping in Gruene. This place is so rustic and they are always featuring great musicians. I registered for their emails so we can see who is coming.

Fun place with great music. You can enjoy yourself in a relaxed atmosphere and not have to feel crowded.

There's nothing I can say that hasn't already been said. Such a great piece of Texas history in this little town. I smelled the wood, yes I did! I wanted to smell decades of history, and I did.

Gruene Hall is the oldest and most iconic dance hall in Texas. Lyle Lovett, George Strait, and Bob Dylan (to name a few) have played there. My understanding is that, unlike other old dance halls, Gruene Hall has remained relatively unchanged since 1878, and it certainly has that old-time feel. It's a mere postage stamp at somewhere between 7 and 8,000 square feet, and the night we were there we had plenty of space to polka, two step, and jitterbug our way around the dance floor. The night after we visited Emmylou Harris played and the area outside the hall was packed with folks being enjoying free live music! This place (along with the Dixie Chicken in College Station) is about as Texas as it gets!

No food but the music and atmosphere is great! Cash only, bring plenty but there's an atm across the street.

It's cash only and beer only. No problem if you don't have it, there is an ATM down the street. Went there for the Greune Music Festival. It's an old place and that makes it a place to feel the history and fun of live music. The stage would have one band play, then the next band would play across the floor at the opposite end so it was easy to turn around and start listening to something new. Really a good place to hang out with friends and pop a cold one.

We went to Gruene for a girls weekend. We saw the Tejas brothers and love that this place remains true to Texas roots.

very sorry. my boyfriend and I tried to go for the first time he's black im white and the lady at the back gate told us they were sold out and then let 6 Hispanic woman in 5 minutes later so raciest!!!