Yee-haw.
Country lovers often miss the legendary cowboy call when they come to Ann Arbor. But a few scattered havens offer opportunities to hear a good "yee-haw," and even, don't faint, country music in Ann Arbor.
For those who just want to kick back, listen to some Alan Jackson or Clint Black and eat meat, the Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon, located at 903 W. Eisenhower Pkwy, is the place to be.
"We're trying to recreate the theme of an old Texas saloon," said Lone Star Executive Vice President and CEO John White. "It's a place to relax and have a little entertainment."
Another local mecca for those who want to head "down home" for a night out dancing is the Diamondback Saloon, located on the I-94 service drive in VanBuren Township. The Diamondback features country dancing and drinks.
"It's just a good place to have a good time," said Diamondback Entertainment Director Billy Hamblin. "It's a country crowd, but it's a younger crowd."
White said the Lone Star offers its guests an unconventional atmosphere, where the portions are large and the shells are shucked on the floor.
Yep, the Lone Star staff allows and even encourages guests to throw the shells of the complimentary peanuts on the floor. "It's a custom at the Lone Star," White said. "You can just throw 'em on the floor."
White said the shell-tossing is part of the "Texas hospitality" on which the Lone Star prides itself. "We have large portions, Texas-size portions, and Texas hospitality," he said.
Lone Star food is great, White said. "We feature steaks, USDA choice beef, cut in the kitchen and aged to our specifications."
From 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. guests can also choose some fabulous rib, fish and chicken dishes, White said. "We also have a great pork chop."
All entrees include the cost of bread and a dinner salad. White said the average dinner costs about $18 per person. "But, you can eat quite well for $10 or 12," he said.
White said guests are occasionally entertained by a spontaneous line-dance performance by the servers. "Or they might try to get the customers to sing a few bars of a country song," he said.
Guests are also encouraged to join the servers' dancing, White said.
The Lone Star also features a full bar, open an hour later than the kitchen.
Those who want to get more physical about their country music can head to the Diamondback.
Hamblin said Diamondback visitors can expect a fun, but safe time. "We watch over our people real well," he said. "We don't let people get smashing drunk in here. We'll offer them coffee and water until they're okay to leave."
"We're not a sit-down-and-get-drunk raunchy honky-tonk," he said.
Hamblin said the Diamondback is essentially a dance club. "We have a complete dance program with instructors at all levels," he said.
The Diamondback's dance floor is plenty spacious, according to Hamblin. "The building used to be a Sports Illustrated racquet ball center, so it's a good-sized dance floor."
Dance classes are offered in eight-week sessions at the Diamondback. Prices for the classes vary. The next session will start in early or mid-October, Hamblin said.
Free line dance classes are held on Wednesdays and Sundays.
Hamblin said in addition to dancing fun, the club offers "games." Hamblin described one game, saying four men and four women are picked out of the crowd and taken to the center of the dance floor. Once there, the women race a golf ball up and down the men's pants. Hamblin said the winners receive various prizes.
Hamblin said drinks are cheap at the Diamondback, with specials nearly every night. Shot specials are a club favorite on Friday and Saturday nights, Hamblin said.
Thirsty dancers can wet their whistles on Mondays with $4 pitchers, he said.
A deli-style kitchen serves up snacks and sandwiches for bar-goers as well.
Live music is another big plus for the club, Hamblin said. He said bands rotate the establishment Tuesday through Sunday. Hamblin said the bands Northern Drive, Barnstormer, Rebel Heart and the James Michael Simmons band currently play at the Diamondback.
Thursday night, all-request night, is a favorite among younger crowds, Hamblin said. The DJ plays a mix of rock, jazz, pop, country and dance music. Draft beer for $.25 is also a big draw, he said.
The Diamondback restricts admission to those 21 years old or older, unless an individual is accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Anyone under 21 must leave the bar at 10 p.m.
Hamblin said there is no cover charge in place during the week, but weekend guest must pay $2 per person.
Yee-haw, you don't have to chase forlornly after guys playing country music from their jeeps, you know where to find others like you.
Melissa Grackz, from EMU, and Jeff Menzer, from Trenton, learn how to line-dance at the Diamondback Saloon. This is their first time line dancing, but they hope to practice more in the future.