The video above takes you on a tour of Decatur, Texas — a small town about 40 miles northwest of Fort Worth with a population just over 8,000. If you've ever searched for "Decatur Texas" wondering what's actually out there, this is a solid look at the town's historic downtown square, its courthouse, and what the nightlife and live music situation is like. David Bridwell stopped through the area to play a gig at TF Vineyard in nearby Boyd and decided to explore Decatur while he was in the area.
History and the Downtown Square
Decatur's roots go back to the 1850s, when it served as a supply stop for ranchers working near the Chisholm Trail. Cattle drives, farming, and eventually the Fort Worth and Denver Railway all shaped the town. Oil and gas have played a role out here too. The centerpiece of downtown is the Wise County Courthouse, which dates to 1896 and reportedly cost $100,000 to build at the time — considered wildly extravagant back then. Walking around the square, you'll find a mix of historic buildings housing banks, law offices, cigar bars, barbecue joints, taco spots, a pizza place, and even a shop that sells vacuums and music. There are some empty storefronts too, so it's a work in progress. One thing you'll notice on the signs coming into town is the phrase "Eighter from Decatur," which comes from the railroad days and craps culture — people wanting to roll an eight on the dice. It's also the title of a Bob Wills song, which gives it some real Texas music credibility.
Where Can You Find Live Music in Decatur, Texas?
Decatur isn't exactly a nightlife destination. For a bigger night out, most folks head to Fort Worth or make the 30-mile drive east on Highway 380 to Denton. But there are a few spots right on the square that book live music:
- Trinity Street Restaurant and Bar — A spot on the downtown square that features live music, combining food and drinks with local and touring performers.
- The County Seat — Another square-area venue that advertises live music events, giving locals one more reason to hang around downtown on the weekends.
- TF Vineyard (Boyd, TX) — Located in nearby Boyd rather than Decatur proper, this winery hosts afternoon live music on weekends. David Bridwell played a Saturday afternoon set here and the crowd was relaxed and into it.
Worth the Drive from Fort Worth?
If you're coming from the Fort Worth area, it's about a 40-minute drive. Decatur works well as a day trip — grab some food on the square, check out the courthouse, and if you time it right, catch some live music at one of the spots downtown or at a nearby winery like TF Vineyard. It's not going to give you a full night of bar-hopping, but for a low-key afternoon with some Texas history and a meal, it's a worthwhile stop.