Bum Steer

The Bum Steer, perhaps in homage to its name, isn't at first what it seems. At first glance, the dark parking lot, bouncers frisking patrons, and crowds of people standing inside the door can be more than a little intimidating. But once inside, you realize you're not in for what you thought. The atmosphere is a little hard to nail down. The place looks like a barn that's been turned into a hunting lodge. You expect a country bar, but the Bum Steer is way more dance club. The music - hip-hop from KOHT (98.3-FM) on the middle floor and Tejano and salsa from KTZR (97.1-FM, Que Suave) on the ground floor - is loud, but the atmosphere is surprisingly chilled out. The thumping beat and three bars (one for each level) don't lead to the amount of grinding one might expect, and the energy level is noticeably subdued. It's like a weird cross between a pool hall and the Wildcat House. People do fill the dance floors, but there are just as many observers. Guys stand with their backs against the nearest available surface, and girls in short, ruffly skirts and heels weave through the bodies. Many, like Laura Navarro, have to come to the hall to dance. She says that she only comes to the Bum Steer about once a month, but when she does come, it's for the music. "I came tonight because I knew Que Suave was here and so was 98.3," she says, adding that this is the type of dance club where someone will actually ask a girl to dance. "It's fun and hip." Ladies can do well here. Random guys pull girls out onto the dance floor, and a table full of single girls might get offers for a few rounds of drinks. Conversation is impossible on the dance floor, but at some of the outlying tables, it can be done. If you're really not into dancing, go someplace else. But if your friends drag you along anyway, take some quarters. There are a few pinball machines and arcade games. Make sure to take plenty of cash. Two of the three bars don't take credit cards, and the other one has a sign that says there's a $15 minimum for running a tab. On a recent Thursday night, the ATM machine was out of order. The staff members were largely inattentive, and only sometimes answered questions, but they stay out of the way and let you dance.

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