Paul Kushner
Dallas is home to countless iconic Texas activities and landmarks, from sports to history. Its impressive downtown district hosts world-class museums, restaurants, and bars.
After sightseeing all day, I spent my nights exploring the vibrant bar scene. I found a long list of saloons, wine bars, restaurants, and lounges to enjoy a night on the town.
Read on to explore my list of the best bars in Dallas.
Swizzle
1802 Greenville Ave #110, Dallas, TX 75206
Phone: (469) 862-3102
Visit Website
Swizzle is a vibrant tiki bar in Lower Greenville, with a classic bamboo-walled lounge filled with mismatched Victorian and beach furniture, Samoan and Island art, and neon lighting.
In true tiki fashion, the menu is full of tropical cocktails and pupu platters, along with Hawaiian specialties like Loco Moco and Spam sliders. I had a plate of pork lumpia with a delightfully flavorful Mai Tai.
Adair’s Saloon
2624 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: (214) 939-9900
Visit Website
Located in the hipster paradise district of Deep Ellum, Adair’s Saloon is a rowdy, dingy dive bar with a full lineup of live music, domestic beers, and American bar fare.
I went for their happy hour to delight in a can of Lone Star and a grilled cheese sandwich.
Apothecary
1922 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206
Phone: (972) 850-9192
Visit Website
Apothecary is a swanky cocktail lounge in the heart of Belmont, known for creating the most daring concoctions in town. The vibe is upscale, mysterious, and a must-visit for adventurous palates.
The cocktail list has options that will numb your tongue and surreal garnishes like an octopus tentacle! There is also a high-end menu of small plates, fine wines, and craft beers.
Midnight Rambler
1530 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201
Phone: (214) 261-4601
Visit Website
Midnight Rambler is a gorgeous, vintage-chic cocktail bar in the Main Street District of Downtown. The stunning interior features arched wood ceilings, checkered tile floors, and vintage furniture for an old Hollywood feel.
The stunning cocktail program is under the direction of award-winning bartender Gabe Sanchez. I had a classic vodka martini that was as smooth as silk.
Atlas Bishop Arts
408 N Bishop Ave #101, Dallas, TX 75208
Phone: (214) 983-8510
Visit Website
Another ritzy cocktail lounge, Atlas Bishop Arts boasts a gorgeous European-style space with arched tiled ceilings, marble tables, and oil paintings lining the wooden walls.
The cocktail and food program are globally inspired, offering flavors and fresh ingredients from Europe, South America, and Asia.
I started my night in Asia with a bowl of Pho, then traveled to Peru for a tangy Pisco Sour!
Bodega Wine Bar
6434 E Mockingbird Ln # 109, Dallas, TX 75214
Phone: (214) 704-4538
Visit Website
Bodega Wine Bar is a charming, rustic-chic wine bar and bottle shop in Lakewood, replete with stone walls and fireplace, a wooden bar, and wine racks.
There is a house sommelier to guide you to the perfect wine. It specializes in fine French wines and other boutique selections.
I recommend trying a wine flight to sample a few at a time.
Bowen House
2614 Boll St, Dallas, TX 75204
Phone: (214) 484-1385
Visit Website
Bowen House is a bar and kitchen inside a historical landmark home in North Dallas. It’s named for the original owner Ahab Bowen who built the prairie-style clapboard home in the 1880s.
Today, Bowen House is beautifully-preserved, offering a cocktail and food menu as elegant as its setting. The Sotol and Spice cocktail was a tropical party in my mouth!
Lee Harvey’s
1807 Gould St, Dallas, TX 75215
Phone: (214) 428-1555
Visit Website
Despite its infamous name, Lee Harvey’s is a family-friendly restaurant, bar, and live music venue with a massive outdoor patio in Cedars neighborhood. It boasts a full lunch and dinner menu during the day, transforming into an adult-only bar for late-night drinks.
Lee Harvey’s has been a favorite for decades, and I understand why thanks to their gorgeous patio, full cocktail menu, beer list, and delicious Texas-style bar fare.
Alexandre’s
4026 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas, TX 75219
Phone: (214) 559-0720
Visit Website
Teetering between Oak Lawn and Turtle Creek, Alexandre’s is a cute, intimate LGBTQ bar and live music venue. They serve colorful classic and seasonal cocktails alongside local live music.
The expertly crafted cocktails divide into periods, with the simple, new-era cocktail Southside being a standout for me.
Las Almas Rotas
3615 Parry Ave, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: (972) 685-5666
Visit Website
Overlooking the Musical Hall at Fair Park, Las Almas Rotas is a Mexican-themed mezcal and tequila bar. The menu features delicious (trust me!) takes on Mexican street food, with tortas, quesadillas, burritos, and tacos.
I enjoyed fresh guacamole with my flight of five different mezcals.
The Honor Bar
26 Highland Park Village, Dallas, TX 75205
Phone: (214) 780-0956
Visit Website
The Honor Bar is an elegant, Texas-chic traditional American restaurant and bar with a dress code and fine dining service.
Its cocktail program has a well-rounded list of classics, plus fine wine by the glass and a small selection of craft beers. I think it’s a great spot for business lunches or date nights.
Tiny Victories
604 N Tyler St, Dallas, TX 75208
Phone: (972) 685-7055
Visit Website
Tiny Victories has built a reputation as one of the best bars in Dallas. It’s modern, boho-chic, and only a few blocks from Kidd Springs Park. The high-ceilinged space has walls lined with shelves displaying artfully placed liquor bottles and large plants.
Famed mixologist Ryan Payne has curated a well-rounded menu of classic cocktails, novel creations, beer, seltzers, and wine. I particularly loved the Smokin’ Herb gin!
Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House
1154 Peavy Rd, Dallas, TX 75218
Phone: (214) 324-3335
Visit Website
Located in a massive, multi-room dining and lounge space with covered patios in Lochwood, Goodfriend Beer Garden and Burger House is a laid-back pub and burger joint.
They offer a 20-beer tap list, not to mention even more bottles and cans, wine, and cocktails. Whatever beer you choose, I highly suggest pairing it with one of their award-winning burgers!
Cosmo’s
1212 Skillman St, Dallas, TX 75206
Phone: (214) 826-4200
Visit Website
Cosmo’s is a longstanding Belmont dive bar in a black-light-lit space featuring random objects, from merman sculptures to neon yellow Christmas trees.
They have old-school video games and serve Vietnamese food and pizza along with well-poured cocktails. I’d go to Cosmo’s for the authentic Vietnamese cuisine as much as the cocktails. I loved their lychee martini.
Whiskeys
835 Exposition Ave, Dallas, TX 75226
Phone: (214) 702-2959
Visit Website
As the name suggests, Whiskeys is a whiskey bar with a classy atmosphere in Fair Park. I adored the charming and refined interior, which is lined with hundreds of bottles, alluding to the extensive list of whiskeys available.
Toller Patio
3675 Ross Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
Phone: (469) 608-1780
Visit Website
Located in Bryan Place a few blocks from J.W. Ray Park, Toller Patio is a cute and colorful patio restaurant and bar with a palm-tree-covered backyard and old-school patio furniture.
They call themselves a retro resort, but you still get 18 big-screen TVs broadcasting your favorite games. Toller Patio has a tap list of beers and cocktails. I delighted in a frozen margarita with nachos.
Time Out Tavern Sports Bar
5101 W Lovers Ln, Dallas, TX 75209
Phone: (214) 956-9552
Visit Website
A Bluffview institution, Time Out Tavern Sports Bar has been a local hangout since 1988. They have a large menu of spirits, domestic and local craft beers, and wine, set in a casual, fun atmosphere.
I’d recommend going for the best happy hour drink deals in town, from 2-7 pm daily.
Jaxon Beer Garden
311 S Akard St, Dallas, TX 75202
Phone: (214) 838-1422
Visit Website
Located a block from Pioneer Plaza in the Main Street District, Jaxon Beer Garden is a polished yet lively gastropub and beer garden with a sleek, modern patio and an industrial-chic interior.
They offer 34 local and regional beers along with fine spirits and expertly mixed cocktails. Their food menu features Texas and Southern soul food with a gourmet presentation.
I had a pint of IPA to wash down a delicious corndog.
Casablanca
200 N Bishop Ave Suite 113, Dallas, TX 75208
Phone: (972) 863-9600
Visit Website
Casablanca is a stunning Asian and Middle Eastern fusion cocktail bar and eatery in the Bishop Arts District. The oasis-like dining space alone is worth a visit, but the cocktails and food are just as exquisite.
The menu runs the gamut of Asian, South Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisine, with everything from Dandan Noodles to Falafel. I recommend trying one of their sumptuously boozy teas.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a dive bar or an elegant cocktail lounge, my list of the best bars in Dallas has something for every occasion.
I’d love to hear what you thought of my list after barhopping around Dallas in the comments section below!
Best Bars in Dallas
- Swizzle
- Adair’s Saloon
- Apothecary
- Midnight Rambler
- Atlas Bishop Arts
- Bodega Wine Bar
- Bowen House
- Lee Harvey’s
- Alexandre’s
- Las Almas Rotas
- The Honor Bar
- Tiny Victories
- Goodfriend Beer Garden & Burger House
- Cosmo’s
- Whiskeys
- Toller Patio
- Time Out Tavern Sports Bar
- Jaxon Beer Garden
- Casablanca
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings