If you’re a rodeo queen, saddle up your cowboy and get over to Dallas Bull, Tampa Bay’s oldest and best country music club and bar. With concerts, dance lessons on Wednesday night, mighty purty barkeeps and a boy howdy welcome for all, Dallas Bull has been kicking it since 1979.

The new Dallas Bull can accommodate 2,300 patrons in its 34,000 sq. ft. facility. It is located a mile and a half from the Florida State Fairgrounds and the 1-800-AskGary Amphitheater. The newly remodeled club debuted in 2006, serving up 99 toilets, VIP lounge areas, pool tables, a banquet room for private parties, seven massive bars, a permanent stage, western wear store and a mechanical bull.

You never know who might walk in after country concerts at the ampitheater; Kenny Chesney stopped in after his performance at Tampa Stadium and both he and Big & Rich often played the Bull before making it to the big time. Top country artists often host their CD release at Dallas Bull. Local Florida boys, the Bellamy Brothers, also appear from time to time and this is WQYK’s home away from the studio. Coming this fall, you’ll be able to catch Steel Magnolia (10/22), Uncle Kracker (11/12) and Chris Young (12/17).

The club is open Wednesday through Sunday and the cover charge is $5 for 21+, $15 for men 18-20 and $10 for women 18-20. There’s a special nightly. Wild Card Wednesday offers a free pool tournament, free Texas hold-em tournament and free beginner dance lessons (7:30-9:30). Thursday is Ladies night and the gals drink for free till 1 a.m. You can enjoy free intermediate dance lessons (7:30-9:30) and Finlandia vodka flavors $3/all night.

Boots and Bud Friday goes wild with free karaoke, free mechanical bull rides, free beginner and intermediate dancing plus $2.50 Bud bottles and $3 SoCo and SoCo Lime all night (excluding concert and special events). Jack’D up Saturdays mixes it up with $3 Jack Daniels all night and free Texas Hold ‘Em tournament and poker plus free intermediate dance lessons.

Hungry for more? Cody Joe’s Grille wrangles hotdogs, Italian sausage, cheeseburgers, pulled pork and a specialty sandwich of the week right outside the Dallas Bull. Smart country western party animals take advantage of the Comfort Inn $74.99 specialty rate that includes a snack package at night, free hot breakfast bar and shuttle service between the hotel and Dallas Bull.

Plan to eat before you go if you want something more substantial. Riverview restaurants include Ruth’s Steakhouse, Trust Me Barbecue, Silver Ring Café or ABC Pizza House.