It seems like bars and music have always gone hand in hand. And nowhere more so than at a honky-tonk. A piece of traditional Americana, the honky-tonk has been part of Southern culture for generations. Well there are honky-tonk bars, and then there’s Billy Bob’s Texas. We all know everything’s bigger in Texas, and Billy Bob’s is no exception. With a total enclosed area close to 3 acres, space for over 6,000 patrons, a 1,650 square foot stage for performances, a 4,800 square foot rodeo arena, plus a restaurant and shopping, Billy Bob’s is the largest honky-tonk bar in the world. And as manager Marty Travis says, “It’s not just a place, it’s an attitude”. Here is the place that country music lovers from all walks of life come together to drink up and party down.
Once home to a barn, a cattle yard, and later a factory and a department store there is no doubt that Billy Bob’s is pure Texas. And true to the spirit of the honky-tonk there is plenty of great live music. Some of the tremendous acts that have played here include Garth Brooks, Gretchen Wilson, Alan Jackson, Lee Ann Womack, Johnny Cash and many, many more. Merle Haggard even recorded a live album here! Fans love the Guitar Bar that is covered with the donated instruments of some of country and western’s biggest stars. And the drinks aren’t half bad either. Lots of fantastic local acts play here as well so check ahead to see who’s on tap.
Oddly enough, unlike a lot of country and western places, Billy Bob’s Texas does not own a mechanical bull. That’s because they have the real McCoy Friday and Saturday nights in their bull riding arena. The contests are extreme and intense offering excitement for all ages. And no, not just anyone can ride a bull. They have a strict “NO ‘Have a Few Beers and Ride a Bull’” policy and to enter the ring you must have a valid riders card from an official rodeo sanctioning body. They can arrange to have a mechanical one brought in for special occasions, however if advanced notice is given. What Billy Bob’s does have on hand is a comical fake bull you can pose with to entertain your more gullible friends.
If all this excitement has gotten you hungry, you’re in luck, because Billy Bob’s Roadhouse Café has got you covered with a mouth watering selection of authentic barbecue favorites including ribs, smoked beef brisket, ribs, barbecue chicken, baked beans, and plenty of other savory fare to quell any cowboy’s appetite. And there are numerous bars to wash your hearty meal down with. Admission is variable and typically under $5.00 unless there is a big name act performing and they’re open until 2:00 am every day to make sure you get every last ounce of dancing and partying out of your system. So if you’re in the mood for a down home friendly atmosphere where your boots are the fanciest part of your outfit and your biggest concern is cheering louder than your neighbor, Billy Bob’s Texas has got an awesome night in store for you.
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