Sons of Hermann Home   

This stately white building -- Dallas headquarters for a German fraternal organization - - dates back to the beginning of the century and is Dallas' premiere venue for country (particularly Texas country,) blues and related music. Over the years, some big names have called the Hall home for the night: Son Volt, Dixie Chicks, Joe Ely, the Old 97's, among others. Got a song in your own heart? Stop by on Thursdays for Acoustic Night -- no sign-up list, no fee (and no talent, really) necessary to join in the jam. Upstairs is an elegant, high-ceilinged ballroom with a wood floor ideal for boot-scootin'. On the ground floor, there's a bar whose ambience could have come out straight out of The Last Picture Show. The upstairs lunchroom-style seating (long tables and folding chairs) around a big dance floor accommodates both dancers and sit-and-watchers. There's also full bar on both floors.