10 best places to get your groove on in Dallas (2024)

Photo courtesy of Shane McCormick @portraitgod

Inspired by Budapest's legendary ruin pubs, this sprawling indoor-outdoor bar and eatery is one of the best spots to go for those who have an affinity for agave-based spirits. We're talking a bar list that spans over 100 selections of tequilas and mezcals, plus an extensive lineup of rum, whiskey, brandy and liqueurs. Foodwise, expect a super-slick menu of regional Mexican cuisine with Caribbean and South American influences. As if you need any more reasons to come, Ruins also boasts an intimate concert venue and dance space, the Limbo Room, that features a weekly roundup of entertainment, ranging from live music to DJ sets, dance battles, and karaoke.

Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Ruins is a great place for those looking for a more intimate atmosphere to dance.

Ilene's expert tip: Parking is located directly across the street in the Stack garage. Follow on Facebook for events, drink, and food specials.

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Photo courtesy of Louis Rajsich

Dinner with a side of live music and dancing is what's going down at this swanky, 1960s-style supper club by local co*cktail wizard Eddie Campbell, who also owns neighboring Uptown bars, Parliament and The Standard Pour. Expect to swing to Big Band tunes and Motown while dining on everything from lobster pot stickers to grilled quail and ribeye steaks. Reservations for tables to view the show require the purchase of an entree, though guests can also enjoy the entertainment from the bar. For something more casual, there's a rooftop lounge offering co*cktails with a view.

Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The Clover Club is best for those seeking an ultra-swanky night out.

Ilene's expert tip: Ladies can score co*cktails for $1 until 11pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

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Photo courtesy of Revelers Hall

As its name indicates, there's always a party going down at this New Orleans style bar where live music is on tap 7 days a week. On Mondays it's open jazz jam, Tuesdays feature a pre-wars blues band that brings out all the two-steppers; there's Texas tenor and saxophone legend Shelley Caroll performing Wednesday nights; and Thursdays bring a traditional jazz sextet playing smooth sounds from the 1920s-1930s. Come weekends, expect to find a solid rotation of two to three bands per day jamming from 5 p.m. on through the wee hours of the night. If you're looking for a high-energy place to cut loose, this is your spot.

Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Reveler's Hall is where to go for a bustling jazz scene.

Ilene's expert tip: Find discounted beer, wine and liquor on offer during Happy Hour, weekdays from 4-7 p.m. Parking is available along the street and there are also parking lots in the area.

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Photo courtesy of Sandaga 813

Lovers of smooth jazz 'n blues can't do much better than at this Exposition Park live music venue, which has a reputation for bringing in top-shelf talent from around the globe. Even musical heavyweights like Wynton Marsalis and Erykah Badu have played here. And Sandaga's roster of performers reads like a list of who's who on the local music scene, where regulars include Grammy Award-nominated artists, Shelly Carroll and Brad Leali. Not a fan of jazz? No problem, the club also brings in DJs that spin everything from hip-hop and house to R&B and reggae.

Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Sandaga is the best place for those seeking a chill vibe and a variety of music to dance to.

Ilene's expert tip: Free street parking is available on Exposition Avenue, but it's safer to park in the paid lot next to the club. It's recommended that you arrive before 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturday to avoid the lines.

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Photo courtesy of Sons of Hermann Hall

Originally built as a fraternal lodge over a century ago, Sons of Hermann Hall now serves as a dance hall and live music venue, hosting everything from folk, country and blues to alternative pop and reggae every Friday and Saturday night. In addition to concerts, the Hall features an array of events during the week, including Wednesday night swing classes and a Thursday acoustic campfire jam. When you're ready for a breather, head to the bar downstairs where a jukebox, pool table and shuffleboard provide a nice diversion. Just be sure to keep an eye out for ghost sightings, this place is supposedly haunted.

Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Sons of Hermann Hall is a legendary place for live music and swing dancing.

Ilene's expert tip: Score $1 off all domestic beer, wine and well drinks during Happy Hour, from 5-8 p.m., Monday-Friday. Note that Sons of Hermann Hall now takes credit cards.

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Photo courtesy of Round-Up Saloon

This legendary Cedar Springs hotspot has been hailed as the nation's best gay country western dance hall-- and with good reason. The saloon boasts multiple themed bars, a rooftop patio and a spacious hardwood dance floor with plenty of room to boot-scoot and disco dance the night away. Not only is this place a favorite pit-stop for locals, it also draws in celebrities like Lady Gaga. The crowd is primarily cruising cowboys, but fun-loving cowgirls and just about anyone who wants to do-si-do across the threshold is made to feel just as welcome. And if you need to tone-up your two-step, be sure to check out the free dance lessons. Held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday nights--they're supposed to be the best in town.

Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The Round-Up Saloon is the best straight-friendly cowboy-themed gay bar in Dallas.

Ilene's expert tip: Check Facebook for events and drink specials.

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Photo courtesy of The Church

After closing its Swiss Avenue location in 2020, The Church, one of the longest running goth clubs in the US, is now operating on Sunday nights out of the It'll Do Club, an unpretentious nightspot with a serious sound system and a huge light-up dance floor. Thursday through Saturday nights showcase high-profile DJs spinning the beats of EM, house and hip-hop, while on Sunday nights The Church caters to the alternative scene with an eclectic lineup of music that spans everything from neo-gothic, industrial, electro and dark house to 80's synth pop. Regardless of which night you end up here, you can expect that the vibe, energy, and music will always be spot on.

Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The Church is for those seeking an alternative dance club experience.

Ilene's expert tip: The Church is open on Sunday nights, though it occasionally hosts special events on other nights. It'll Do is open Thursday through Sunday nights from 9pm-2am.

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Photo courtesy of Cowboys Dancehall

If you've got a hankering to down ice-cold Lone Stars and two-step your way across a massive dance floor-- then this behemoth honky-tonk is for you. Not only can you do some serious boot-scootin' to live bands Wednesdays through Saturdays, but you can also cowboy up with everything from mechanical bull riding to games of Texas Hold 'Em, Blackjack and Craps. And if that doesn't get your toes a-tappin'--then free dance lessons, ladies' nights and drink specials certainly will. For an authentic country experience without having to get your boots dusty, this place is the real deal.

Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Cowboys Dancehall has one of the largest dance floors in Dallas.

Ilene's expert tip: Find $3.50 wells and select longnecks on offer all night on Wednesdays and Thursdays and until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Free dance lessons are held Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 6:30 p.m.

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Photo courtesy of Station 4

Arguably one of the city's best and biggest gay dance clubs, this cavernous, multilevel nightspot boasts an amazing sound and lighting system, not to mention an expansive dance floor in which to let it all hang out. When you're ready for a break, you can head to an outdoor balcony for a breather or watch all the action from a VIP lounge above. Cutting-edge DJs and a host of regular events, from gay bingo to costume contests, make Station 4 a perennially popular place for a mostly gay (and young) crowd, but it's just as welcoming to anyone who's looking for a good time. Not-to-be-missed are the award-winning drag shows that take place Thursday through Sunday evenings in the Rose Room upstairs.

Recommended for Dance Clubs because: Station 4 is one of Dallas' hottest dance clubs for gay, straight and everything in between.

Ilene's expert tip: Station 4 stays open until 4 a.m., Friday through Sunday. There's free parking available behind the club.

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Photo courtesy of The Nines

Deep Ellum offers plenty of places to listen to music, but this two-level dance palace is one of the only places in the neighborhood dedicated solely for dancing to it. And there's plenty of area to do just that. Here, you'll find a lower level complete with two bars, a cozy lounge, a dance floor and some of the city's top DJs spinning everything from '80s hits to EDM. When you feel like coming up for air, take the back stairway to the rooftop terrace where you can enjoy more music with prime views of Deep Ellum. Keep an eye out for offbeat entertainment like costume parties, burlesque shows and aerial performances.

Recommended for Dance Clubs because: The Nines is one of Dallas' more unique dance bars.

Ilene's expert tip: $3 Wells & Domestics can be had during Happy Hour, from 7-9 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday.

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