The Rock Bottom Lounge opened in the North Texas State University Union Building in 1976 as a restaurant and nightclub for university students. Featuring a nightly happy hour which included beer, wine and a full dinner menu, students gathered nightly to enjoy live music from local acts, including UNT music students in the jazz lab bands.
The beloved campus club was almost closed after underage students were caught drinking. In 1984 students under age 19 were not allowed in the nightclub after 8 pm. previously underage students had been admitted if they agreed not to drink. However, later in the evenings the students were usually spotted drinking beer or wine. On a typical night between 100 and 300 students came to the Rock Bottom Lounge.
Music in the Lounge was a reflection of the time and tastes of the students. When the club opened it featured a regular “Disco Night.” By the mid-1980’s the nightclub featured new wave music, DJ nights and a “Club RBL” night modeled after new-music clubs in Dallas like the Club Clearview and Club Da-Da.
The Rock Bottom also featured stand-up comedy, and hosted local performers as well as nationally known comics such as Elaine Boosler, who appeared in the Lounge in 1988. Students were also invited to tell their favorite jokes at Amateur Comedy Night every Tuesday in 1986.
Although the Rock Bottom Lounge was closed in the early 1990’s many former students still have fond memories of drinking, dining and listening to music at the club. These photos from a Halloween party in the lounge in 1979 are just one example of the many memorable nights at the Rock Bottom Lounge.
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- Rock Bottom Lounge, Halloween Party, 1979
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- Rock Bottom Lounge, Halloween Party, 1979
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- Rock Bottom Lounge, Halloween Party, 1979
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- Rock Bottom Lounge, Halloween Party, 1979
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- Rock Bottom Lounge, Halloween Party, 1979
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- Rock Bottom Lounge, Halloween Party, 1979
Dan Sampeck
Good times at the RBL! I was an employee for several years and ended up managing the place before it shut down. Shout out to all my pretty ladies that kept the place running smooth!
Craig Harkness
I was studying for finals in there when the Branch Dravidian compound was set a-flame. 2pm, beer, and, “Hey, you said you from Waco!!”
Bob Kipp
I recall hearing Jimmy Buffet at the Rock Bottom Lounge. He sang “Come Monday” before he was famous and got release on his album. At that time the RBL was just something new to NTSU, it was in the basement of the union building. They did not serve alcohol because Denton was dry.
Lynn Brooks
I own the RBL neon sign still works. Not sure what to do with it my wife and I danced for the first time at RBL watching Brave Combo, about 1983. Bought the sign about 1998 at a UNT auction for $50.
Lynn Brooks
Nabil Elkareh
It was a fun place to work at. Found myself coming back on my days off to hang around my friends. Great time, great music and just overall fun atmosphere. I loved it
Mitchell²
I worked in the RBL in the late 80’s, ran the sound and lights for the bands, comedians, etc. Such a great place and great memories. Some of the gigs were publicly successful, ie, Brave Combo and Elaine Boosler. I sometimes wonder if any of the other bookings had any commercial success. Especially enjoyed the other staff that worked there.