It all started with a girl and her truck..
9 years ago, 16-year-old Shelby had just gotten her license and all she wanted to do was drive to dance halls across the hill country with her friends in her new pickup truck. Like any parent, Nick and Gay didn’t like her staying up late and driving back roads as a new driver. Shelby’s response? “There’s no dance halls in Dripping Springs!!”
This gave Nick, a contractor being forced into early retirement due to health concerns, an idea. He was going to open his very own dance hall. With Gay’s experience in hospitality, Nick’s 45 years in the music industry, and Shelby’s love of dancing, they made this crazy dream come true.
February of 2013 the Dotin’s opened Mercer Street Dancehall in downtown Dripping Springs. Opening night packed the house with over 400 people from Austin to Canyon Lake to the locals of Dripping Springs. This town had never seen anything like Mercer Street Dancehall. The Dotin’s had no idea what was in store for them.
After 5 years at their downtown location, the passing of their landlord ended in the Dotin’s losing the dance hall. They were forced out of the place they had called home for so long. After taking the summer off and working on their newest edition, four rental cabins, the Dotin’s decided to rebuild from the ground up.
Nick, Gay, and Shelby broke ground on the new Mercer Dancehall in July and by Thanksgiving, their doors were open again and Texas country music filled the air. After just a few years back on their feet, COVID devastated the company. Bars in Texas were forced to close their doors with little to no relief. The Dotin’s were forced with an ultimatum, sell their home, or sell the dancehall. They chose to keep the dancehall alive, one more time. The Dotin’s decided to sell their family home and Nick and Gay moved on to the property while they built “The fifth cabin”, their new house.
Amidst the chaos, they are finding their new normal again. Shows are now back in full swing with live music Friday-Sunday every weekend.
The Dotin family is so thankful for those who continue to support them in every and any way possible. Mercer wouldn’t be what it is without this community.
What we offer
Event Hosting
Mercer Dancehall is the perfect room for any event you can think of! Birthdays, weddings, receptions, and more.
2000sqft. Patio
At Mercer, you can create your perfect weekend getaway, or just stop by to enjoy a drink on our 2000 sq ft, wrap-around, porch.
Cabin Rentals
The Cabins at Mercer Dancehall will put you in the heart of the hill country, surrounded by handfuls of breweries, wineries, distilleries and wedding venues.
Want us to host your next event?
For private event inquiries, please complete our form and our staff will get with you soon.
Testimonials
I love everything about this place- the dance floor, excellent sound system, enjoyable clientele, and good bands. Every live music venue should receive the hard work, care and love that Doug has put into this place. 5 stars!!
– David Webb
Such a great authentic country dance hall! The bands are great, the dance floor is good quality, and the space is great.
– Ashley Smith
Amazing dance venue! Live music, great drinks and even food. If you like country music check this place out
– Matt Raines
A true old-timey Texas dancehall with great music. Friendly people and so much fun!
– Christy Seguin
This place is great. Love the outdoor area. There is lots of room outside to make u feel cozy and hang with all your friends.
– Patra Cardinal
A good ole Texas dance hall! Big dancefloor, and the crowd there knows how to dance!! Ultra friendly staff, live music was awesome! Highly recommend!
– Sundi Price