The Broken Spoke

“Last of the true Texas dancehalls and damn sure proud of it!” reads a quote from owner James M. White on the South Austin bar-restaurant’s website. If that sounds pretty dang Texan, it’s because it has been, is, and always will be one of the most Texan spots you can visit since 1964. The family-owned honky-tonk is situated far enough from downtown that it feels much more like a homey, neighborhood watering hole, and its food menu features all the ATX essentials: steaks, burgers, Tex-Mex and, of course, BBQ. Two-steppin’ is always in full-swing, and you can even sign up for lessons with White’s daughter Terri on Wednesday nights. But one of its most attractive features is a long tradition of hosting legendary musicians—Willie Nelson, Earnest Tubb and Bob Wills, to name a few. Some of those who are still around occasionally pop in announced. No joke, if you’re lucky, you might witness Nelson hop on stage for an impromptu show any given night of the week. Can I get a “yeehaw”?!