by Hwa Herrea on Though once known more for DWIs than good times (it was once shut down by the TABC), Dallas Nightclub has found a nice little niche as an immediate escape from the standard Austin venue. It isn't geared towards 20-somethings, but has a much-welcome older clientele that is more concerned with spinning around on the dance floor (more on that later) then, say, starting a brawl on 6th street. There's plenty to like here, starting with the drink prices. Random specials are announced through the live DJ booth, from 69% off everything to sub-$2.00 beers. In a word, Dallas is CHEAP. If you catch the specials at the right time (before 10, usually), you can easily have a great time here for under $10. The cover is generally cheap as well: $3 at the door is more than forgivable when a round of drinks comes out to under six bucks. The waitresses are friendly, and while Dallas has its crowded moments, it's never hard to get served. The environment is best described as roller-rink-meets-dance-hall. A circular dance floor gives a carousel of spinning, square-dancing country folk who are all looking for a great time. Gents in cowboy attire approach ladies to dance in the most formal of ways (for a cheap place, the clientele is particularly polite). Free salsa lessons on Thursdays are a great way to get people in the doors, but country is where this place hangs its hat. There's also no pressure to dance for the perennial wallflowers. Dallas NIghtclub doesn't fit in well with the Austin bar scene, and that's exactly what makes it special. The people are laid back and polite, there is no bravado or hipster savvy; instead, it's just a relaxed country bar that serves as a cheap and easy place to have a good time.
by Elizabeth C. on The Orpheum is definitely one of the more beautiful concert venues I've been to. It feels expensive. Every time I go, I wish I had a gold plated cigarette holder to hold my joints. I'm fancy like that. It's also kind of decrepit, which is totally hot. In other words, The Orpheum is definitely worth a visit, if only to feign class for the evening.
