CLUB REVIEW : A Honky-Tonk Paradise at the Cowboy Palace Saloon

The Cowboy Palace Saloon ain’t remotely palatial.

From the horse leavings that dot its parking lot to the Confederate flag behind the stage, the lavishly named honky-tonk in Chatsworth is provincial paradise. The patrons, who vary in age from the 21 limit to senior citizen range, all seem to share the same barber (the men, anyway) and still take their fashion cues from “Urban Cowboy.”

Don’t expect much Southern hospitality here--if you don’t come from ‘round these parts, you’ll get the hairy eyeball. Thankfully, though, most people at the spacious bar come to cut some rug. The paired-up dancers, who look more as if they’re strolling through the park than really working it, move with such practiced precision there’s little room for improv.

But the Palace does have a couple of cool features: A Charles Bronson photo hangs among the requisite John Wayne glossy and the collection of country music greats, and it’s got a sizable stage for live bands. Don’t expect much--the regular acts aren’t trying to reinvent country music. But keep in mind that the shows are free.

The Palace’s current lineup includes Paul Akins & Rodeo Wednesday and Thursday and Goin’ South on weekends. Chad Watson’s five-piece band fills the house early in the week with a mixture of honky-tonk, blues and country.

* The Cowboy Palace Saloon, 21635 Devonshire St., Chatsworth. 21 and over, no cover. (818) 341-0166.