Step back in time at Tom Sefcik Hall
EVELYN HALL | SPECIAL TO OUR TOWN
Dust off your boots and grab your Stetson — there ain’t no place quite like Tom Sefcik Hall just east of Temple.
This historic gem has been keeping folks on their feet for more than 102 years, making it one of the oldest family-run dancehalls in the Lone Star State.
Owned and operated by Kenny and Irene Sulak, this treasure has been passed down through three generations, starting with Kenny’s granddaddy, handed off to his mama Alice, and now proudly carried on by Kenny and Irene.
Two Floors of Fun
The dancehall is perched upstairs with its old-school charm, accessed by stairs worn down by a century of cowboy boots making their way up and down. For the 100th anniversary of the dancehall, Kenny had some T-shirts made that said, “I survived the stairs at Sefcik!”
The dance floor is spacious and smooth, one of the best in Texas. A live country music band provides the soundtrack to the night. No babysitter? Kids are welcome. Let your child learn how to dance standing on top of Dad’s shoes. In fact, the Sulaks encourage families to come learn dancehall manners and traditions along with the two-step and waltz.
The main bar holds down the fort below, sporting vintage neon signs and the coolest juke box, and even a few pin ball machines lovingly restored by Kenny. It’s the kind of place where history hangs in the air and good times are guaranteed.
Sunday Night Shenanigans
Sunday nights are when the magic happens. Live music kicks off at 6 p.m. and wraps up by 9, but it’s three hours of pure Texas joy.
On the night I dropped in, Tumbleweed Hill was playing their hearts out to a lively crowd upstairs. Downstairs, the bar was hopping with folks fresh from a bingo party and some dancers from another nearby dancehall. It was packed, wild, and wonderful.
Most Sundays, the downstairs bar is a cozy gathering with about a dozen regulars soaking in the laid-back vibes. The regulars are welcoming and warm.
Come As You Are, Bring What You Like
One thing that sets Tom Sefcik apart is its come-as-you-are spirit. Families, kids, grandparents, everyone’s welcome, no matter their age. All ages are encouraged to come and dance.
The Sulak’s goal is to keep the family tradition of Sunday dance going strong. Bring your own potluck or picnic spread and even your own liquor if you fancy, though the bar’s got you covered with beer, wine, sodas, and even boozy seltzers.
If you’re hungry and don’t feel like bringing anything, the food truck out front serves up what might just be the best hamburgers in Texas. Seriously, don’t miss it.
A Chair Dance You’ll Never Forget
One of the highlights of my evening was the chair dance — a fun, old-school tradition you won’t find just anywhere. The chair dance allowed dancers to mix and match partners for a chance to get to know each other. It’s those little touches that make this place truly special.
More Than a Dancehall
With its rich history, welcoming atmosphere, and a deep connection to Texas traditions, Tom Sefcik Hall is more than just a place to dance — it’s a piece of Texas itself.
The dancehall is crowned all the way ‘round with historical advertisements from Temple businesses from back in the day. The tables are antiques, with old dings and burns from when one could smoke inside. They are shared by big and small groups, giving you the opportunity to meet friendly new faces.
And the dancing? Ask an old-timer to show you some basic steps. It’s the best way to learn and a time-honored tradition of passing down skills to the new generation. The Sulaks said they are happy to see children learning alongside their parents.
Stay a While
Feel like staying the night? Kenny and Irene are happy to let you park your camper in the lot (though there are no hookups, so plan accordingly). Or, if you prefer a bit more comfort, Temple’s just a short eight-mile drive for a hotel.
Party, Dance, and Celebrate
Tom Sefcik Hall is also available for private parties, reunions, and events, making it the perfect spot for a good ol’ Texas celebration.
So round up your friends and family, and come make a little history of your own at this one-of-a-kind Texas treasure. Kenny and Irene Sulak are waiting to welcome y’all with open arms!
Tom Sefcik Hall, 800 Seaton Road, Temple TX 76501
Dancehall admission is $10; 254-985-2356
Note’s from the night:
Upon arriving and greeting her friends, a woman explained how she used her car’s navigation system to find the dancehall. It directed her to turn right off the highway and then announced, “Your destination is on the right.” She looks right and saw the historic town graveyard! “I told my navigation system: ‘NOT YET, I HOPE!”
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The band has to use a freight elevator to get the equipment up and downstairs!
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The owner’s talked about hearing lots of walking around upstairs…. when no one is up there. They think it’s Grandpa or Mother. When we were about to begin the interview, and we spoke of the grandfather by name, the jukebox kicked on automatically. Irene tells a story about a group that tried to play the jukebox too loud one night and the machine finally just turned off and wouldn’t come back on!
