Whether it was the popularity of Yellowstone, Beyonce's country album or Bella Hadid's cowboy (now-ex) boyfriend, somewhere along the line, country became cool again. And while 'this aint Texas', a whole host of country music bars, complete with live country performers, line dancing classes and Southern comfort food, have started popping up all around Australia.

If you have ever stepped foot in one of these country music bars, then it's not hard to see the appeal. Compared to the perhaps chicer and dare I say – more stilted – wine bars that have become synonymous with our urban centres, country music bars throb with a wilder, more raucous energy that can feel freeing in the aesthetics-driven dining scene that we're so used to.

With dance floors that actually get used, whole bar sing-a-longs to Tennessee Whiskey and line dancing with strangers, it's simply pure, unadulterated fun.

So, grab your cowboy boots and bootscoot over to one of the best country music bars near you.

Shotgun Willie's, Adelaide

This Willie Nelson-inspired honky tonk is Adelaide's place-to-go for country music lovers. Located in the Adelaide CBD, there's live music, saddle and stomp line dancing lessons and plenty of buffalo wings and Philly cheese steaks to get you through the night.

Location: 22 Gilbert Pl, Adelaide

Jolene's, Sydney

Located in the heart of the Sydney CBD on York Street, this Nashville-inspired country music bar has become an institution. With live country music most evenings, throat-burning whisky apples and plates piled high with Nashville chicken, Jolene's is the cowboy antidote to the corporate work week.

Location: Lower Ground, 73 York Street, Sydney

Moon Dog Wild West, Melbourne

Moon Dog Wild West is a Foostcray favourite for a reason. This country bar doesn't only have live country music and weekly line dancing classes but also a bucking bull for those daring enough to try. Upstairs, there's also a rooftop with pool tables and views of the city.

Location: 54 Hopkins Street, Footscray

Honky Tonk Blues, Fremantle

Fremantle's favourite country bar has live music six nights a week, dedicated open-mic nights, and free line dancing classes every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. The bar also serves up Southern style dishes like cowboy steaks, mac and cheese bites and street corn to get you through a night of boot scootin'.

Location: 81 High Street, Fremantle

Alabama Song, Perth

Alabama Song has been around since before country became cool again. There's live country tunes playing behind the chickenwire every Friday and Saturday night, with $1 wings going on Wednesdays and Sundays. Whiskey and bourbon drinkers will also appreciate the signature whiskey cocktails.

Location: Rear 232 William St, Northbridge

Chattahoochee Joe’s, Brisbane 

This multi-storey country bar should have a place on every Brisbane bucket list. With multiple stages playing live country tunes, there's also line dancing classes and cowboy karaoke to try. Foodwise, there's classic American comfort eats like Joe's Famous Jerky, onion rings and plates of fried chicken.

Location: Cnr Ann & Brunswick Streets, Brisbane

Shady Pines Saloon, Sydney

The Americana-inspired knick-knacks, dusty furs and vintage taxidermy hanging on the walls make Shady Pines Saloon feel like a real Southern dive bar - without the long-haul flight. Here, the live music is reserved for Thursdays and Sundays, leaving the rest of week free for bonding over small-batch whiskeys and bowls of peanuts.

Location: 222 Clarence Street, Sydney

 

Honky Tonks, Brisbane

Smack bang in the middle of Brisbane's nightlife scene in Fortitude Valley, Honky Tonks serves up good old-fashioned country hospitality in the heart of the city. There's a weekly line-up of live country performers, hand-crafted cocktails and a dance floor that's always pumping.

Location: 204 Wickham street, Fortitude Valley

The Gem Bar, Melbourne 

With a distinctly rockabilly soul, The Gem bar in Melbourne's suburb of Collingwood is a small bar with a big energy. While all of the gigs aren't strictly country, country fans should head over on Tuesdays for the weekly Honky Tonk with The Country and Western Ramblers. The bar's cowboy kitchen is also a good shout.

Location: 289 Wellington Street, Collingwood

Lulie Tavern, Melbourne 

This Americana-inspired bar leans a little more Rock and Roll than pure country but there's certainly enough of a mix to add it to your Melbourne country bar bucket list. Head down for live music, free pool tables, cosy booths and plenty of American comfort food like jalapeno poppers, wings and burgers.

Location: 225 Johnston Street, Abbotsford

Martians Saloon, Victoria 

This country bar comes with an extra tick of authenticity - it's actually in the country. Located in Deans Marsh, a regional town in Victoria's Otways, Martians Saloon operates as a cafe, pub and live music venue. With a kitchen run by Workers Barbecue, there's low and slow BBQ-style dinners, pool tables, vinyl, live tunes and plenty of real country vibes.

Location: 12 Deans Marsh-Lorne Rd, Deans Marsh