New veteran-owned bar and dance hall comes to downtown

Diana Groom, Abilene Reporter-News
·2 min read

Abilene's newest veteran-owned business, Dark Horse Dance Hall, opened recently in the heart of Abilene to a warm reception. This over 7,500 square-foot dance hall features competition-style pool tables, a full bar, a resident DJ and weekly dance lessons for those of you with two left feet.

Dark Horse Dance Hall opened October 27 to a sizeable crowd. They have since seen an average of 300 people per weekend night. Owner, Reid Burton, credits his success so far with his business model.

The Dark Horse Dance Bar opened to crowds of 300+ every Saturday night since October 27, 2023.
The Dark Horse Dance Bar opened to crowds of 300+ every Saturday night since October 27, 2023.

Burton only allows ages 21 and up to enter, in order to ensure that everyone can have a good time and avoid running into anyone underage at the same time. He also holds a late operating license for when the party wants to go past 1 a.m.

While the Dark Horse Dance Hall has not been around for a long time, Burton did note that the idea arose in the last few years quite organically. Burton had been working as a bartender and realized that Abilene had a huge hole in the dance hall scene. As a result, he wanted to provide a place for everyone over 21 to enjoy a dance night out in downtown Abilene, where you could also still have a conversation with the DJ playing.

Dark Horse Dance Hall opened at the end of October 2023. It is located on Oak Street in Abilene.
Dark Horse Dance Hall opened at the end of October 2023. It is located on Oak Street in Abilene.

Previously, Burton was a medic in the Army for four years before going on to achieve his dreams of becoming an entrepreneur and owning his own business. He is proud to note that his business is veteran-owned and operated, and to show his appreciation for his fellow servicemembers, every Thursday is First Responder/Military night.

Every Thursday, first responders and active-duty military get in free without a cover charge. When asked if he would also allow in military spouses for free as well, he replied with an emphatic yes.

Patrons enjoy line dancing at the Dark Horse Dance Hall in the SoDA district of downtown Abilene.
Patrons enjoy line dancing at the Dark Horse Dance Hall in the SoDA district of downtown Abilene.

Currently, he offers weekly dance lessons at the Hall. Every Wednesday at 9 p.m., Burton offers partner dancing- but you don't need to come with a partner to join in. And every Thursday offers line dancing lessons from 7:15- 8 p.m. for the more traditional folks.

The SoDA District of Abilene serves as an up-and-coming trendy hot spot for new venues such as the Dark Horse Dance Hall.
The SoDA District of Abilene serves as an up-and-coming trendy hot spot for new venues such as the Dark Horse Dance Hall.

In the future, he hopes to open on Tuesday nights for a weekly Teen night. He would close the bar entirely and open solely as a place for teens to hang out in a safe environment with great music playing.

Dark Horse Dance Hall is located on the second floor of 141 Oak St. Their hours are 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Wednesday-Saturday, closed Sunday-Tuesday. Free line-dancing lessons are Thursdays at 7:15 and partner lessons are Wednesdays at 9 p.m. Private dance lessons are also available for purchase.

Find out more on their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheStairsClub or calling 512-758-1287.

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Veteran-owned dance hall two-steps its way into West Texas

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