The Scene
From the neon cowboy beckoning at the entrance to the long but cozy bar at the back, the Cabaret Cafe & Dance Hall is an inviting place. Since 1998, proprietor Thurman Love has fashioned the barn-like building into a modern music venue with a surprisingly good cafe in front. Visitors from area dude ranches head to the cafe for a fancy meal of prime rib and steamed vegetables; locals settle down to chicken-fried steak before ambling back to the music area for a show or open mic night.
The Crowd
On weekends the Cabaret is mecca for anyone within 30 miles seeking nightlife. Don't be surprised to see a cowboy in his best Wranglers looking confused at a Matthew Sweet show. Most of the acts on stage, including local favorites Charlie Robison and Robert Earl Keene, are as likely to wear cowboy hats and jeans as the crowd dancing on the worn wooden floor.