The Return of the Tango Frogs
For the first time in more than 40 years, all six dancing frog sculptures have boogied back to Dallas’ Greenville Avenue.
Artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade‘s Tango Frogs are a band of larger-than-life steel amphibians weighing hundreds of pounds each. Once commissioned to dance atop a Dallas nightclub called Tango on Greenville Avenue in 1983, the six sculptures lasted there a year before traveling around Texas and beyond, broken into two sets for much of the past four decades.
A Brief History of the Tango Frogs
The Tango Frogs famously survived a fire at Carl’s Corner, the truck stop south of Dallas on Interstate 35, in 1990.
Then, three of them danced their way to Nashville after being purchased by Chuy’s restaurant group.
Restaurant News
The Frogs’ Journey
The other three moved back to Greenville Avenue, installed atop a Taco Cabana. (Surely, it was a strange sight for those ordering late-night queso in the drive-through. But in fact, the Greenville Avenue Taco Cabana was the original address of the Tango club and its famous Frogs, hence their return.)
After Taco Cabana closed, the three Taco Cabana Frogs were relocated to Greenville Avenue bar Truck Yard during the COVID-19 pandemic, still just a few blocks from their original home in 1983.
And what of the remaining three?
Artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade’s “Tango Frogs” really do look like they’re having a great time back in Dallas.
(Steve Hamm / Special Contributor)
The Homecoming
On May 8, 2025, the other Tango Frogs were brought back to Greenville Avenue. They had a good run in Music City, offering Texas flair to a Tex-Mex restaurant in Tennessee. But with Chuy’s recent move to Dallas’ Greenville Avenue, Chuy’s reps told The Dallas Morning News it just made sense to return the Tango Frogs to Texas.
Cranes dropped the three frogs into place on Chuy’s patio roof on May 8, 2025.
And thus: The Frogs’ presence on Greenville Avenue, a quarter-mile from their original spot 42 years ago, signals a heartwarming homecoming for the remaining half of some of Dallas’ wackiest pieces of public art.
Look at the Tango Frogs, returned to Texas on May 8, 2025
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Further Reading
For a deeper look at the history of the Tango Frogs, read this story.
For a history of the artist behind the Tango Frogs, check out Wade’s obituary.
For context on why Chuy’s left McKinney Avenue and moved to Greenville Avenue, dig into this neighborhood explainer.
Conclusion
The return of the Tango Frogs to Greenville Avenue is a heartwarming homecoming for these beloved pieces of public art. After traveling around Texas and beyond, the six sculptures are finally back together, bringing joy and whimsy to the community. Whether you’re a long-time Dallas resident or just visiting, the Tango Frogs are a must-see attraction.
FAQs
Q: What are the Tango Frogs?
A: The Tango Frogs are six larger-than-life steel frog sculptures created by artist Bob “Daddy-O” Wade. They were originally commissioned to dance atop a Dallas nightclub called Tango on Greenville Avenue in 1983.
Q: Where have the Tango Frogs been?
A: The Tango Frogs have traveled around Texas and beyond, broken into two sets for much of the past four decades. Three of them danced their way to Nashville after being purchased by Chuy’s restaurant group, while the other three moved back to Greenville Avenue, installed atop a Taco Cabana.
