The Broken Spoke
Exterior view of The Broken Spoke, a honky-tonk, dance hall, and restaurant on South Lamar Boulevard in Austin, Texas. Photo taken in 2025. | |
| Address | 3201 South Lamar Boulevard, Austin, Texas |
|---|---|
| Location | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Owner | White/Peacock family |
| Type | Honky-tonk, dance hall, restaurant |
| Event | Country music |
| Construction | |
| Opened | November 1964 |
| Website | |
| brokenspokeaustintx.net | |
The Broken Spoke is a honky-tonk, dance hall, and restaurant in Austin, Texas. Opened in 1964 by James and Annetta White, it is one of the city’s longest-standing country music venues.[1][2]
History
The Broken Spoke opened in 1964 on South Lamar Boulevard, in an area still considered the edge of town. James White, then in his twenties, set out to create a traditional Texas dance hall where country music and dancing would be the focus. The building has changed little since then, with neon lights, low ceilings, and red-checkered tablecloths remaining part of the atmosphere.[3][4]
In November 2024, the Broken Spoke celebrated its 60th anniversary with a month of live music, dance lessons, and community recognition. FOX 7 Austin reported it kicked off with music and two-step lessons, and City Councilmember Ryan Alter declared November 10 “Broken Spoke Day.”[5] CBS Austin also noted the milestone weekend featured musical performances and commentary on the venue's lasting presence in Austin’s cultural fabric.[6]
Music
Over the years, the Broken Spoke has hosted well-known country acts including Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, George Strait, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, The Chicks, and Sturgill Simpson. Several performed before their wider fame.[7][8]
The Texas Historical Commission marker at the site highlights appearances by Wills, Acuff, and Tubb, underscoring the hall’s connection to earlier generations of country performers.[9]
Dancing and atmosphere
The Broken Spoke remains active as a dance venue. Two-step and swing dance lessons are offered several nights a week, appealing to both longtime patrons and newcomers.[1][8]
A defining feature is its "Tourist Trap Room," a small space showcasing photos, hats, and memorabilia from decades of visiting musicians and public figures.[1][2]
Food is also part of the appeal. Eater Austin noted that the venue “proclaims to be ... serving the best chicken fried steak in Texas,” a claim tied to its longstanding menu and reputation.[10]
Family ownership
James White oversaw the Broken Spoke until his death in 2021. His wife Annetta, daughters Terri White and Ginny White-Peacock, and son-in-law Michael Peacock now operate the venue.[7]
Recognition
In April 2023, the Texas Historical Commission designated the Broken Spoke as a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, and a marker was placed at the site to honor its cultural significance.[9]
External links
References
- ^ a b c "If It Ain't Broken: Austin's Broken Spoke Honky-Tonk". Texas Highways. March 1, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ a b "The Broken Spoke: Austin's Legendary Honky-Tonk Honors a Country Music Haven". KUT. May 4, 2017. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ "Broken Spoke". Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ "Texas Dance Halls: 10 Must-See Venues". Southern Living. 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ "Austin dance hall Broken Spoke celebrates 60 years". FOX 7 Austin. November 10, 2024. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ "Broken Spoke on South Lamar celebrates 60 years". CBS Austin. November 10, 2024. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ a b "Austin's Dance Hall the Broken Spoke Is Now an Official Texas Historical Landmark". Eater Austin. April 25, 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ a b "Broken Spoke". Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ a b "Austin's dance hall Broken Spoke now an official Texas historical marker". CBS Austin. April 25, 2023. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ "The State of Chicken Fried Steak in Austin". Eater Austin. January 30, 2015. Retrieved September 9, 2025.