Country Clubs

Night spots for the urban cowboy set . . .

Country Star Restaurant. CityWalk’s crown jewel of country kitsch, this theme-restaurant expanded its digs to create a Nashville-like country disco, with deejays spinning modern country music and cowboy-boot-clad dancers showing tourists that, yes, you can gyrate in tight Lee jeans (dancing Wed.-Sat., beginning at 9 p.m., with free lessons at 7:30 p.m.) 1000 Universal Center Drive, Universal City, (818) 762-3939. 21 & over; no cover.

The Cowboy Palace Saloon. The pride of Chatsworth, the Cowboy Palace Saloon seems to be a world away from L.A. At this old-time honky tonk, there’s dancing, barbecuing, hitching posts and some Lovesick Prairie Dogs (the Saloon’s weekend band). Shows are always free and so is the Sunday barbecue. 21635 Devonshire St., Chatsworth, (818) 341-0166. 21 & over; no cover.

Crazy Jack’s. When Texas is just too far south, head to Burbank’s Crazy Jack’s, a good-time saloon with live country music nightly and friendly locals. 4311 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank. 21 & over; no cover.

Ronnie Mack’s Barndance at Jacks Sugar Shack. There’s cool and there’s country cool, and this Tuesday night shindig continues to offer the best touring and local alternative country music artists without fail. 1707 N. Vine St., Hollywood, (213) 466-7005. 21 & over; no cover.

The Foothill Club. You can’t name a past country great who didn’t strum a heartfelt note at this venerable nightclub, which now books all kinds of music but continues to spotlight many contemporary rockabilly bands. On Friday guests can check out Russell Scott & His Red Hots, along with Deke Dickerson. 1922 Cherry Ave., Signal Hill, (562) 494-5196. 21 & over on Fri. & Sat., 18 & over weeknights (all ages, Sunday afternoons); cover varies.

Joe’s Juke Joint at the Burgundy Room. Every Tuesday, Texas Joe mixes up a musical hootenanny with old-time country concoctions--a nice soundtrack to the hot weekly vintage film screenings. 1621 Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood, (323) 465-7530. 21 & over; no cover.

Linda’s Doll Hut. This little Anaheim club is where punk and country meet in postmodern bliss. Psycho Sundays, a day of psychobilly fun, begins at 2 p.m., with a barbecue, and those driving vintage cars get in for free. 107 S. Adams St., Anaheim, (714) 533-1286. 21 & over; cover varies.

Oil Can Harry’s. Gay and proud, this venerable juke joint has loads of charming cowboys and deejays armed with classic country and disco--now that’s a party! (Free dance lessons on Tuesdays and Thursdays begin at 7:45 p.m.) 11502 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 760-9749. 21 & over; cover varies.