Sons of Hermann Hall

This building is magic. I got to get married here a last week, and it was so special and fun. The space itself has so much charm and history, I barely decorated and the pictures came out amazing. It's the perfect Texas dive bar/ballroom/bowling alley dream space. And the service was beyond wonderful. Amber and her team were so supportive and kind and knowledgeable. I was able to fully turn my brain off and just enjoy the day, and actually be present with my husband and family and friends. From the beginning stages of planning to the execution on the big day, Amber was so helpful and answered all my questions and really saw my vision and brought it to life. If you want to have a wedding/event with true Texas spirit, and southern hospitality, look no further. Sons of Hermann Hall is your place! Can't wait to spend many years returning to this special space for concerts and dancing.

I can’t say enough wonderful things about the venue staff. Amber is a dream to work with. She is incredibly responsive to communication, a hard worker and will do all she can to make a night special. We recently flowered a Wedding Reception there and the staff was so helpful with set up and breakdown. Not to mention, the food was delicious. You won’t be disappointment! The best staff, great ambience and SO much history and character.

Super cool old building, amazing people, wonderful volunteer staff there's always swing dancing on Wednesdays and acoustic music jams on Thursdays. The nicest most welcoming people ever, if you're in the neighborhood definitely check this place out. This place has been under some pretty amazing transformations. It's turning into a great venue for weddings, and any other event needed.

Very cool place, we went to see Ottoman Turks play and had a fantastic time. Interesting history and well maintained building. Sound quality was impressive.

Panoptikon Friday nights is Goth/Alt/Industrial They describe it as Disco-tech. Nice outdoor areas to mingle and smoke in. They always bring out their best Gogo Dancers. Everyone is always having a great time here Friday Night!

Dear sons of Hermann did you happen to see the hate speech Bobby Wilbanks put on Facebook? I’m not sure I want to be involved if you tolerate this kind of behavior from your members.

Historic building that still hosts contemporary shows, puts on different events, has a weekly Wednesday swing dance night, and serves as a damn fun venue. The people who own and staff it are professional to work with and kind. I'm grateful to have such a cool space made to serve so many different audiences + accommodate young people, and let great memories be made.

Came out to the Sons of Herman Hall for a series of concerts and to see an long time friend play in his new band. The history of the place is very impressive. The old wood is cozy and comfortable. The staff is friendly and accommodating. We will definitely be back!

Came in from the Art Festival for a quick and easy bite to eat before heading back out. My wife ordered 2 egg breakfast tacos with sausage and I ordered 2 with bacon. My wife's had a ton of sausage but I could have used a bit more bacon but we got breakfast tacos so who am I to complain. They put the fixings on the bar so you can add as much salsa and cheese as you want. The tacos were good and the service was great. Glad to get out of the crowd and heat for a nice bite to eat.

Came here for a Dallas Tiki Week event and I enjoyed the venue. It's intimate, warm, and has welcoming historic vibes to it. The bartender was friendly, generous, and accommodated my drink request. Overall, I would visit again for another event. The actual event ("variety" show) was horrible and I would not recommend that but since Sons of Hermann Hall only rented the train wreck event space I hope to visit again for another event experience.

For a small and intimate music venue, this place is pretty great! Sound system is adequate, seating ample, beer prices fair. I understand that they also have other events here like dance lessons and a bar with regular hours, but we were here for a music act. I would like to see some signage giving directions inside the building (example: upstairs music, downstairs private event, bar to the right ,etc.). Parking is typical for the area, not great, but nothing to worry about. I would absolutely go back to Sons of Hermann Hall to see a musical act.

I went to Sons of Hermann Hall for the Ethel Cain concert. The staff was beyond friendly before the show started. The inside was so historic and beautiful. Truly felt like I was taking back in time. Perfect intimate setting for a concert, loved it!

What a cute little spot in the middle of Deep Ellum. We came for the arts festival and ended up here. Bartenders were fabulous.. drinks were a heavy pour.. decor ... well just an old country bar, with lots of photos of the local singers. Shuffle board and pool table. There was music upstairs as well. But it may have been just for today. I will come back if I ever come this way again.

Objective / Venue to seek new experience! Atmosphere / A whole different atmosphere in this rural part of downtown Dallas. Never seen such wonderful scenery and although I'm no dancer, it's a great place to visit as a beginner with or without friends! Food / Not sure whether I was ripped off, but a bottle of Bud Light was $5 and that was a pity. Price / $12 for entry + 1 hour of lesson. This was for me on a wednesday. It will vary, and I thought it was adequate! Will I revisit? Yes!

It was the ghost of Christmas past....JK I heard this place is haunted but I didn't see anything! darn it! I've been here twice, both for my friend's shows. She sings and I don't so I go watch her. Sons of Hermann is located at the end of Deep Ellum, away from all the happenings so its less crowded. I like it that way, you don't have to fight everybody for parking. This place has been around FOREVER, I feel like everything is in its original state. Sound quality is okay. The stage area is small enough that makes it cozy.

Since my last review I have come to Son's numerous times. I've seen some more bands; I've been to another kick ass wedding. One of my BFF's is a bartender here so I have spent a few random nights sitting at the bar chatting him up and the few other random folks at the bar. I have really come to love the place even more than I did for whatever event I'm attending. Bring cash!!! The ATM never works, and it's a cash only bar. Also, the Wednesday night swing lesson classes seem to be a big draw.

This is probably the most out of my comfort zone thing I've done in a while and I loved every second of it. I have a little rhythm but not enough to swing away. Who cares though?! Just dance like nobody's watching. Came here on a Wednesday night with some friends for some swing dancing. The dance floor is on fire from 9pm-midnight and everyone's having a great time. They have a bar (cash only) and karaoke downstairs which looked fun. When you walk upstairs, they have a big dance floor and folks swing dancing everywhere. The people are extremely friendly so someone will most likely grab you for a dance. Just go for it because no one is watching you and you'll end up having the BEST time ever. It literally doesn't matter if you have 2 left feet because the happiness up there is infectious. Can't wait to come back another Wednesdayy!

I love this place. It's old, it's legendary, and it has one of the largest dance floors I have ever seen! I got the opportunity to play a couple shows here. And both times the staff was so nice to us! Mostly a legendary country music club, and dance hall that now has the occasional rock n roll show! The down stairs looks like a stereotipical VFW type vibe, or maybe an old bowling alley! With regulars who have maybe been there since 72 sipping on bottles of Budwiser or cans Lone Star. The music venue area is really huge and open and has a great old wood floor, perfect for dancing. The stage comes out of the wall in the corner and fits the room perfectly! The only bummer playing here was the very very steep stairs on the outside of the venue you have to carry your amps and equipment up! I knew I shouldn't have bought that heavy amp! Anyway the staff is nice, the beers are cheap, and you feel like your walking into a legendary place once you hit the doors! I loved it here! Both Times!

I love this place! First of all, the History! A great tribute to the German American settlers of Texas of which I claim proud heritage. It is old and musty in all the best ways. The bar is cash only but it is dirt cheap! $3 wells, $4 top shelf!? I've only been for Wednesday swing dance and karaoke nights. I do want to echo what another said that they do a more advanced lesson under the stairs at 9.

This is a pretty cool venue. I knew I would love it the first time I heard about it. All kinds of event take place here including Lollipop Shoppe parties, swing dancing, live music shows, jam sessions, and more. (Check the web site for schedules.) You will pass the small bar and grill on the right as you walk down the hall towards a show or party. The grill is pretty casual serving burgers, sandwiches, etc. The beer is cold and cheap, and the clientele is super casual and laid back. Make sure you bring cash because they don't take credit. There is an ATM, but who wants to pay a fee. I highly suggest checking this spot out!

Love Sons! Great place to go on Wednesday nights for swing dancing.

I enjoyed this venue very much. It was an up close and personal experience. Went to see Rachel Yamagata. She was wonderful excellent performance. My only issue was it was so hot in there!

Came here to see comedian Steve Hofstetter. The venue was great....friendly servers, generous pours, and perfect atmosphere. Hofstetter was hilarious.....he's a must see!

This place is the best spot in Dallas for weekly swing dancing! Go on a Wednesday night and see for yourself. Swing is one of the few dances where an hour lesson really is enough to have fun for the night. Take a friend, grab a beer at the bar downstairs, and settle in for a cool experience. Details - Swing dancing happens nearly every Wedn night. The basic lesson is at 8pm with the dance at 9p-12a. Everything is only $7. The bar only takes cash, but an ATM is available. Ins and (swing)Outs - Don't apologize for being a beginner. Trust your Jedi training from that hour lesson, watch other people, ask questions, and dance often. You'll pick it up quicker than you think. Maybe you'll become an addict. It happens. - Ask strangers to dance. You can meet a lot of people, and it will only improve your dancing. - Try out the Blues dancing lesson downstairs (free) at 9:30p. Once you get some basics, it will be a nice skill to try out at bars around Dallas.

Not only is this one of the best places in town to see a band, or learn to swing dance...but it's also HAUNTED. (I couldn't find the font with the blood dripping letters.) Sons of Hermann are a German Fraternal Lodge which met at this location beginning in 1911. They were orginally founded in New York in 1840, but you can get all the history from their webpage. The haunted areas are upstairs in the ballroom and in the converted bowling alley. They had a public ghost hunt there recently. Several floating orbs were captured on film. I'm a little on the skeptical side of the whole orb thing. My digital camera fills in those exact same spots when there is poor light or distance in the photo. However, other things have been noted there over the years. Check it out first hand by either catching the likes of guitar wiz Charlie Sexton there; or by showing up for the $5 swing dance lessons on Wednesday nights. They teach from 8-9 p.m. and then let you dance till midnight. The way the lessons are taught you WILL dance with and meet half the room at least. I have always had a great time there! Here's the link to the ghost hunt results. http://www.pegasusnews.com/news/2007/jan/08/photo-gallery-public-ghost-hunt-sons-hermann-hall/ If there when the bar is open, tip heavy. The folks working there are volunteers.

What an unbelievable venue. Just the history alone makes this place so great. It feels very welcoming and the bartenders were very informative and helpful. I asked a lot of questions about the building. I'm a history nerd and I am excited this piece of Dallas history is still alive and well.

Those detractors who say that Dallas is all chain restaurants and lacks character need to leave their mini-van in the suburbs and head down to the outskirts of Deep Ellum to experience the charm of Sons Of Hermann Hall. What a great venue! Part throwback "Elks lodge" and part cool dance hall/dive bar, this place has a wonderful expansive floor upstairs and cheap drinks down below. The volunteer staff is very helpful and pours some seriously strong libations, although the fellow who helped me might have sampled some himself but that's cool. I have wanted to get back into swing dancing for some time (because I've been feeling 1996 flowing through me these days) and S.O.H.H has classes twice a week. Although the lesson moved too quickly for dorks like me, it provided a multitude of moves for most of the room. It's entirely possible that I could have learned more steps that day than I got from dozens of viewing of Swing Kids (Bale before Batman) After the hour lesson, the DJ "spins" a variety of tunes, some standards like Glenn Miller mixed with some moderns like Squirrel Nut Zippers, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. The atmosphere is casual. The crowd is sociable. The talent level is varied. You can watch or dance or chat. If swing is not your thing, there is a blues night, an occasional tango one and several other "concerts". Regardless, you are in for a fun, inexpensive evening you won't soon forget.

I'm gushing over this place. This will most likely be my permanent address on Wednesday nights. SOH hosts swing dancing every Wednesday with beginner lessons from 8-9PM and then open floor until midnight. Cover is $7 but includes beginner lessons upstairs, your entrance fee, and, if you wish, blues dancing (or whatever featured dance) downstairs in a smaller room. This venue has an old-school feel with some cranky boards here and there, but nothing to deter you from a great night of dancing and merriment. This place, including their bar downstairs, only accepts cash, so come prepared! The upstairs dance hall can get crowded during the summers, as more college students let out for the year. You might get your toes stepped on, depending on how many people come out, but simply be mindful of those around you, and you'll be fine. I must have danced a load, since I was pretty thirsty, but thank goodness...they have water stations in one corner to keep you hydrated. As a novice, I was a bit conscientious, but the instructors and attendees make you feel right at home. Cheers and happy dancing!

What an awesome venue! Casual bar downstairs, music upstairs (with a bev window) $15 cover to see three bands that were all really cool (Apples in Stereo, Poison Clinic, and I forget who)... Very mellow, and appreciative, casual crowd Small stage, some chairs and tables to the side Probably doesn't hold more than a couple hundred people so you're always going to be right in the middle of it Cheap drinks ($3 beers, $4 booze)... A little loud, so bring the earplugs Free parking in the street or the lot across the street (this night at least) I'll be back...

It's been a long while since I've been back here, but it's hella fun! Remember when the GAP had commercials advertising their khaki pants and people were swing dancing? Yeah, you get to learn how to do that here on WEDNESDAY nights, minus the khaki pants. (unless you really want too) The lessons start at 8PM and then after an hour of EASY dance lesson the rest of the night is open dancing! I came with a huge group, but I ended up dancing with a lot of unfamiliars which made it all the more fun! I believe it was $5 the last time I went, but if you look on their website you wont find it listed anywhere on their page. Oh, CASH ONLY, but they do have an ATM on the premises. The downstairs is the bar and you go upstairs for the fun!

This year, The Sons celebrates its 100th anniversary. It's pretty easy to see why it has been around as long as it has been. It's a beautiful testament to the way things were back then. The old bowling alley in the back and the ballroom upstairs have the most perfect old wooden floors, and the place itself creaks and squeaks, but in the "oh-wow-this-place-is-magical type of way. The bar downstairs occasionally serves food, and there is plenty there to wet your whistle whether you drink or not, although drinks are quite cheap here (and strong!). The staff who work there are volunteers working off tips only, so please tip generously! The ballroom upstairs is beyond perfect for concerts. The sound is fantastic for being such an old place, and what better way to enjoy it than by dancing? The Sons is a perfect place to do this! They do have swing dancing lessons on Wednesday, folks! I have seen Mates of State, Asobi Seksu, Boys Named Sue, the King Bucks, and the great Bobby Patterson here. All of them were fantastic shows! If you want to get away from the noisy bar atmosphere and visit a place with some SERIOUS charm, visit the Sons. And be sure to drop a donation into their roof-repair fund box. Dallas NEEDS places like this!

Love a good night of swing dancing on Wednesdays! Beginners welcome, but make sure to get there for the tutorial at 8:)

One of the nicer bars in Dallas that we have visited, this place is larger than it looks. There is an event area upstairs as well as downstairs, plus the bar and pool table area. We didn't order any food, but the kitchen was open late and people seemed to be happy with what they were ordering. I would say that there seemed to be more of a 30 something-40 something crowd in the place, but that could have been a result of the events that were happening that night.

Their swing dancing scene on Wednesday nights never fails to disappoint!

I love the Sons! Been going to shows here since I was young'un twentysomething (lots of Old 97s memories) and still love the venue now that I'm a crotchety old thirtysometing. We threw the Jingle Bash at the Hall last November and are doing it again this year on November 21st. It's a fun and free way to shop handmade goods by local artists and get a jump on holiday gifting. Oh, and as always: full bar. Yay! Get Ready to Jingle http://www.yelp.com/events/dallas-2nd-annual-jingle-bash

You don't have to go to Ft. Worth for a real Texas feel. In fact if you want to show someone some real Texas heritage this beats Billy Bobs any day of the week. Great place to hear some real Texas Music. Highly recommend for out of town guests for a real taste of Texas A few other places in walking distance not far from Baylor Hospital in the east part of Deep Ellum. Near a lot of nice loft apartments.

Pretty unique, historic venue. Saw I Fight Dragons and other bands put on a great show in the upstairs room tonight and it was affordable fun. Since it's such a small place, I got to meet the lead singer before their set. They have a bar obviously, but the drinks are a tad pricey. The staff is also kinda rude, but we had a good time and would come back.

I've been here a few times to swing dance! Every wednesday this place turns into a hip little swing joint! The building itself is kinda sketch...but it comes with a lot of history. The cover charge is $7 CASH ONLY. (but they do have an atm machine) The instructors are great and give the same informative lesson each wednesday at 8pm. I don't really attend the lessons anymore but I do enjoy dancing with the people there. One of the problems I run into at other dance locations is finding someone to dance with. Personally unless I bring a dance partner I have a hard time finding someone who doesn't having an ulterior motive. At Sons of Hermann though most of the time I meet people who just really love to swing dance :D and it is soo much fun. I meet the nicest and most interesting people here. :) and I feel really safe most of the time. My only warning is @.@ if you have motion sickness be warned... some of these guys are going to fling you around.. I've been danced senseless before.

How long has it been since you've seen a show at Sons of Hermann Hall? Well, brother, that's too long. I started going to shows when I moved here in 89 and I still love the place. Part of the charm is that not much has changed in those 20 plus years. It is a great venue-small enough that you always get to meet the artists and big enough to allow for dancing if that's your thing. If the show is doing it for you go downstairs to the bar-the people watching here is always awesome. This place has been around forever-and I think some of the people who are at the bar have been patrons since day 1. The beer is cheap and served cold. Nothing like watching Robert Earl Keen sing about Texas with a cold Shiner in your hand(It's even better when you get to get on stage and help with the chorus). Take the time to catch a show here and you'll wonder why you haven't visited sooner.

Really like this venue! Where some may see an old, decrepit hall with no tables and chairs upstairs where the bands play and a fairly inefficient way of processing people's admittance, I see a vintage, comfortable like an old shoe dance hall in the vein as Gruene Hall (New Bruenfels) and The Continental Club (Austin), its kindred spirits to the south. I saw Son Volt there and the lines were amazingly long to get our drivers licenses scanned to get into the building. Once that was done, a walk upstairs and a double check of a magic book gained me entrance to saloon hall heaven. (It didn't hurt that Son Volt, both as the "warm up band" sans Jay Farrar and then as Son Volt with Jay, were sounding really tight). I will be back, although not with my car. A cab, rolling drive by drop off or someother transportation will be in play so that I don't have to spend 20 minutes hunting for a parking spot, only to put it in a place that I was convinced meant certain dismantling for parts or major vandalism in its future. (maybe I'm over paranoid, as neither occured, thankfully)

Awesome venue and I wish they had more shows there or I wish I knew of more shows they had there. I have been there a few times for different events but it seems like years end up going by between visits which is a shame because it is a really cool historic venue.

This place is just super cool. We actually thought about having our wedding here but sadly they don't have any kind of handicap access to the upstairs ballroom which will not work if you have any guests in wheelchairs. But if that isn't a concern, I'd suggest it as a wedding venue for sure because it really is pretty affordable and so groovy looking with the old bowling memorabilia and the wooden staircase and everything. They are very hard to get a hold of to book an event (it's an all volunteer staff) but if you want to personal email address of the woman who books events, I can give it to you! We went to show here Firday night and were immediately reminded -cash only, duh. And their ATM is not very reliable, after three tries the fiance was able to get out some cash out but they put a sign on it directing people to the ATM at the Double Wide. Most places would get deducted a star for this but for some reason it just adds to its quirky charm. There was an older lady walking around with a tiny dog. There is this little guy that seems to be a fixture there- he was dressed as a mariachi this time but I've also seen him just walking around hoisting a keyboard in the air. The crowd was gettin' down to the crazy sounds of Man Man, the beer was pretty affordable, and at some point the guy selling beer in the ballroom gave us two Sons of Hermann Hall coozies, which was awesome. I only wish they would have more shows (that I want to see) here!

Good venue! STIFF DRINKS!! yea, it's a lodge.. but it's cool as hell! Saw a band play here this week and loved the venue (and the drinks).

My favorite dance hall! The ambiance is wholly unique and you cannot stay long without an infectious smile creeping up on your face. Every Wednesday night big band and swing music can be heard through the cracked door upstairs. The large twin staircases lead up to the old ball room where old and young alike twirl around in vintage get ups and comfy sneakers. The bar area downstairs is hopping with cheap drinks and people lining up for karaoke. and under the staircase there is a quiet blues room where a more slow and romantic tempo can be found with plenty of space to experiment with new moves. It is a fun, memorable, and affordable way to liven the mid week!

Blues Dancing Club (Wednesday) +18 You can dance Blues in Sons of Hermann Hall every Wednesday 9:30 to 11:30 PM. A lot of singles. Very active dance floor. You can come solo or by friends. If you do not know how to dance Blues, you can learn it by watching 20 viedos on youtube. It is very easy to learn. search "blues dance lesson" on youtube. The door open in 7 PM! It has a bar and two pools. If you are underage (21) you can enter and dance

Charming older rambling building that would be packed in Austin. Although they sometimes fill it up usually it's a small crowd underutilitizing the space. Bring your own instrument on Thursdays for friendly jam sessions around artificial but cool campfires.

I go here every Wednesday for swing dance lessons, and it's always a good time. I love the character of this historic building and the many rooms that allow several different events to occur simultaneously in one night. Just walking by the building and hearing the music seeping out makes you want to enter and partake in the fun. The shows are always packed. On a regular evening, people will bring in their guitars and have a jam session in the bowling alley in the back - always fun to sit in on. The drinks are strong but on the small side. A note of warning, regulars of this establishment can be a bit curt and unfriendly, but if you come with a fun group, you'll have a ball.

Loved taking the swing dancing class! So much fun! Hope to come back soon! Such a fun and time traveling experience!

Fun place in Dallas! Old school decor and feel. They offer sing on Wednesday's. We spent NYE here and had a blast. Highly recommend!

This Deep Ellum institution has been around since 1910 when the Sons of Hermann, a German fraternal organization, built it as a meeting place. Today it serves as a dance hall and concert venue. The upstairs hall is just the right size - intimate but not too small, and there's a nice (dive) bar downstairs for refreshment. We went for the swing dancing and live band on New Years and had a great time.

When I venture into the police state known as Deep Ellum, which is rare because I can walk to the best bar in the country from my house. Anyways, when I go; I go to Sons. I like to see the occasional band play here, like the Deathray Davies or Old 97s. I like the friendly old bartender as well, thanks for the free Stella. You rock! Good venue and place to see shows.

I go swing dancing here every Wednesday night! There's a basic lesson from 8pm to 9pm and a dance after 9pm till midnight. It's $7 cash only (there's an ATM at the venue which is incredibly convenient). You don't need to bring a partner for the lesson. Definitely check this place out!

I love the atmosphere in this place. I've been many times for their weekly Wednesday swing dances, which give you great beginner lessons and a really fun time for only $5 admission. If you're not so much into dancing, the bar downstairs has very cheap and potent drinks, plus a pool table and shuffleboard.

What a great time. Caught a show here the other day with some old buddies and we had a great time. One beer turned into ten and we closed down the joint. Can't wait to go back when I'm in Dallas.

This historic live music venue and bar is a treasure. It's a great listening room for smoke-free, all-ages concerts by artists from all genres. Social swing dancing lessons are still offered every Wednesday in their magnificent upstairs ballroom. Musicians of all abilities can pick, sing, or just grin during round-robin jams every Thursday. Their former bowling alley (built in the days before ball-return technology) is home to local independent theater productions and private parties...but you can still see the lane pattern in the skinny-board hardwood floors. The annual Randy Brodnax Christmas show also brings together the region's best artists and skilled craftspeople for a weekend-long exhibit of their one-of-a-kind holiday gifts. I'll admit, I'm an (uninitiated) daughter of Hermann. Monthly dues paying members get life insurance coverage and discounts on beer purchases and facilities rental. It's a non-profit, with all proceeds benefiting hall maintenance. All the bartenders are volunteers, and they are true Texan characters - salty, sassy, and sweet. It's a must for out-of-state visitors to get a big ol' dose of local culture.