San Antonio’s longtime honky‑tonk venue Cowboys Dancehall confirmed it will stay closed following a series of legal and logistical challenges. In an interview with KSAT‑12, spokesperson Danny Perez explained that a lawsuit from the venue’s landlord over overdue rent and ongoing construction on Interstate 35 have made continued operations untenable.
Legal dispute with landlord
“We’ve had some negotiations going on with our landlord in response to our lease,” Perez said. “We’re in negotiations (and) everything’s still in negotiations. Hopefully, the negotiations work out right.” The landlord’s lawsuit adds financial pressure to an already strained business model, prompting the decision to halt operations.
Impact of I‑35 construction
Construction on the nearby I‑35 corridor has also taken a toll. “That infrastructure is going to be great for the city when it’s done. Unfortunately, we have to pay the price of it,” Perez noted. He added that the extended travel time—“when it takes you 35, 45 minutes to get to that location, I mean that’s no fun”—has discouraged patrons from attending shows.
Gratitude to staff and musicians
Despite the setback, the venue’s owners and management expressed deep appreciation for the dozens of employees and the musicians who helped build the dancehall’s reputation. “They built us, and they’re who we are,” Perez said, emphasizing the community’s role in the venue’s two‑decade legacy.
Future possibilities
While the closure is immediate, Perez did not rule out a potential reopening if circumstances improve. “We didn’t quit on the city,” he affirmed. “The city deserves a great live honky‑tonk with live entertainment. We’re going to keep going forward to be able to provide that for the city at some point.”
Cowboys Dancehall’s closure underscores the broader challenges faced by local entertainment venues when confronted with legal disputes and infrastructure projects. The venue’s leadership hopes that once the I‑35 improvements are completed and lease issues resolved, the beloved dancehall can once again serve San Antonio’s music lovers.
Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
