If you head west on 114 past the Texas Motor Speedway and go three miles north on FM 156, you'll find this place called The Mule Barn on the left side of the road. Kelly DearmoreĢ413 Ellis Ave., Fort Worth, /WhiskeyGirlSaloon As is the case with a legit Fort Worth dance hall, smoking is permitted while you shoot pool, drink nicely priced longnecks or take it all in with a view of lively Ellis Street from the spacious patio. Over the years, many of the most promising Texas country artists have offered up live records from performances recorded there, including Phil Hamilton and Fort Worth's own Joey Green. Located within walking distance to White Elephant, Billy Bob's and Thirsty Armadillo, this younger-generation-driven outpost is a surefire stop for anyone looking to add a raucous stop to a Stockyards honky-tonk crawl. That lull is a definite thing of the past now, thanks to the vitality of places like Whiskey Girl Saloon. It's crazy to think that in the not-so-distant past, there were only a couple of dependable live-music venues in the Stockyards. We have some of the best examples in the world. We could live our whole lives and never utter the word 'Nashville.' Of course there ain't much that's more country than a good old-fashioned honky tonk. Being from North Texas, country music is pretty well in our blood.