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A glass with a Sazerac sits halfway on a coaster that says “Saint Valentine.” Next to it is a sloppy joe with a bite taken out of it.

The 15 Essential Dallas Bars

Where to drink, from highbrow to lowbrow and everywhere in between

by Courtney E. Smith and Kevin Gray Updated Nov 13, 2024, 11:38am CST

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by Courtney E. Smith and Kevin Gray Updated Nov 13, 2024, 11:38am CST

Kathy Tran

Dallas is blessed with bars for every type of drinker, from those who desire thoughtful cocktails in an upscale setting to others who prefer domestic beers and the game on TV. But even with dozens of great watering holes across town, certain bars stand out for their history, quality, or service.

These are Dallas’s essential bars, across a range of styles and neighborhoods. Revisit an old favorite or find a new go-to as you check off each spot on the list.

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Tiny Victories

Packing a lot of goodness into a small space, the 1,000-square-foot Tiny Victories has become one of Oak Cliff’s best bars. Craft cocktail aficionados will get what they came for, but anyone can enjoy this unpretentious bar, which also serves beers, seltzers, and a $7 vodka-and-strawberry shot dubbed Spring Break ‘99.

604 N Tyler St, Dallas, TX 75208

Midnight Rambler

Located beneath the Joule, Midnight Rambler is a classy haven for well-made cocktails, warm hospitality, and great music, and it’s regularly noted as one of the best hotel bars in America. The cocktail program is ever-changing and the staff will help you find your perfect drink.

1530 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201

A bar interior with orange checkered floors, a long bar with seats to the left, and tables to the right.

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Las Almas Rotas

One of the country’s best mezcalerias sits just outside of Fair Park. Las Almas curates an incredible selection of mezcals and other agave-based spirits, serving them solo, as flights, or mixed into cocktails. Those efforts have been rewarded by consistent accolades, including a James Beard nomination for Outstanding Bar Program.

3615 Parry Ave, Dallas, TX 75226

The extrior of a shop says “Mezcaleria” and below it reads “Los Almas Rotas.”

Also featured in:

Whiskeys

This Black-owned bar sports one of the state’s best whiskey selections. Scan the back bar, and you’ll see hundreds of bottles ranging from the usual suspects to several hard-to-find bourbon releases and private barrel picks, so there’s always something new to try.

835 Exposition Ave, Dallas, TX 75226

Ruins

This Deep Ellum spot wins, hands down, for most unusual cocktail names. If you have the cojones to order the Azteca 666 with “illegal Mezcal” then god be with you. For those of us who spit three times at the sign of the evil eye, there’s also a great frozen rum concoction called the Painkiller.

2653 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226

Also featured in:

Tina's Continental

There are martini bars, and there are bars that specialize in martinis. The folks at this tiny Deep Ellum spot go beyond in their efforts to not only serve the perfect martini but perfect the steps of creating a martini. The menu includes gin and vodka options and most styles of martini — including an icy cold Vesper.

3309 Elm St ste 115, Dallas, TX 75226

A man holds a martini in a coupe glass. Out of focus in the background are more people in the bar.

Also featured in:

11 of the Best Espresso Martinis in Dallas

Double D's Bar

Where are the cool young people going? Uh, to this bar designed to evoke a ‘70s basement in the Design District (those are the double Ds in the name, not the other thing — or so the press release says). The draft cocktail list is pretty basic, but the originals will rev a cocktail lover’s engine.

1404 N Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207

A bar recreates a living room scene, with a couch, corner chair, coffee table, and decor. Above it is a neon sign that reads, in script, “Welcome to Double D’s.” Below that in block letters is “All the love.”

Also featured in:

14 Essential Dallas Dive Bars

Happiest Hour

This is consistently one of Dallas’s top bar sales spots and one of the best places to go watch a game. If you love Texas or OU (or, for some reason, the Cowboys), the Mavs, the Stars — any of the sports teams, this is one of the top places in town to go for a beer and the ferris wheel of wings. It’s also got multiple rooms so one can dine al fresco, inside, on the rooftop... whatever the mood is that day.

Search for reservations

SevenRooms

2616 Olive St (at Harry Hines Blvd), Dallas, TX 75201

The exterior of a bar in a city scape next to a larger building. Folks in football jerseys are outside. The sign reads in neon: “Happiest Hour.”

Also featured in:

Katy Trail Ice House

This spot is one of the places in Dallas. The beer is beer and the frozen margs are always flowing — it’s nothing special, drink-wise. The magic is in the crowd. Folks flock here during and after walks along the trail, or just for a drink. It’s a great place to meet people, bump into folks you already know, and have a Dallas-y time.

3127 Routh St, Dallas, TX 75201

Saint Valentine

If you want to know where all the hospitality industry folk in Dallas go to drink, this is it. The superpowers of cocktail makers Gabe Sanchez and Ryan Payne, whose DNA are all over loads of bar menus in town, combined when they opened this spot. It’s got exceptional drinks, good vibes, and the perfect menu of bar food with some late-night only options.

4800 Bryan Street, Dallas, Texas 75204

A turquoise table holds several drinks. A man holds on to a pony High Life. Next to it is a tall glass with a pineapple drink. Behind another man sits in front of a freezer martini and a Sazarac.

Also featured in:

13 Essential Late-Night Dining Options in Dallas

The Mansion Bar

Go deep into the heart of the Texas experience with an evening at the Mansion Bar. It’s got the wildest mix of stained glass, Texas decor, and fancy drinks in this town. You’re covered for any kind of classic cocktail, as well as innovative inventions from its bar program, and you can have it with Tito’s or the highest-shelf tequilas and bourbons. Plus, there’s often an impromptu dance floor to two-step or waltz across Texas.

Search for reservations

OpenTable

2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219

The exterior of the Mansion restaurant and bar, with a walkway extending out and rope lights around the trees.

Also featured in:

The 14 Essential Hotel Bars in DFW

Strangeways

The best reason to visit this dive bar is the beer list, which includes options drinkers won’t find anywhere else in the city paired with expert guidance to explore it. Oh, and the playlist is always on point, although you might have to dodge holes in the roof if it’s raining. This place is both a vibe and an instutution.

2429 N Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas, TX 75204

Apothecary

Apothecary is one of Dallas’ new guard cocktail bars, employing centrifuges, liquid nitrogen, and pyrolysis to make avant-garde drinks in a sultry lounge setting. The creative bartenders pair DIY ingredients like sous vide green apple mezcal with scallop bottarga and, somehow, it all works.

1922 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

A bartender pours an espresso martini into a glass.

Also featured in:

HIDE

Part bar, part mad scientist’s laboratory, Hide deftly uses immersion circulators and centrifuges to infuse flavors and clarify ingredients — but it’s not precious about it. The bar, which recently moved from Deep Ellum to a two-story space on Lower Greenville, is still a fun spot for happy hour or late-night drinks, whether you’re going all-in with the Turbo Quaker (bourbon, cream sherry, milk-washed applejack, steel-cut oats, cinnamon, pecan, whole egg) or just want a beer and a shot.

1928 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

Also featured in:

Sue Ellen's

Sue Ellen’s is not only an iconic lesbian bar in Dallas, it’s well-known nationwide. The drinks are fine, this is a place you come for the scene. There’s also frequently live music, as well.

3014 Throckmorton St (at Cedar Springs Rd), Dallas, TX 75219

Also featured in:

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Tiny Victories

604 N Tyler St, Dallas, TX 75208

Packing a lot of goodness into a small space, the 1,000-square-foot Tiny Victories has become one of Oak Cliff’s best bars. Craft cocktail aficionados will get what they came for, but anyone can enjoy this unpretentious bar, which also serves beers, seltzers, and a $7 vodka-and-strawberry shot dubbed Spring Break ‘99.

604 N Tyler St, Dallas, TX 75208

Visit Website

Midnight Rambler

1530 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201

Located beneath the Joule, Midnight Rambler is a classy haven for well-made cocktails, warm hospitality, and great music, and it’s regularly noted as one of the best hotel bars in America. The cocktail program is ever-changing and the staff will help you find your perfect drink.

1530 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201

Visit Website

A bar interior with orange checkered floors, a long bar with seats to the left, and tables to the right.

Las Almas Rotas

3615 Parry Ave, Dallas, TX 75226

One of the country’s best mezcalerias sits just outside of Fair Park. Las Almas curates an incredible selection of mezcals and other agave-based spirits, serving them solo, as flights, or mixed into cocktails. Those efforts have been rewarded by consistent accolades, including a James Beard nomination for Outstanding Bar Program.

3615 Parry Ave, Dallas, TX 75226

Visit Website

The extrior of a shop says “Mezcaleria” and below it reads “Los Almas Rotas.”

Whiskeys

835 Exposition Ave, Dallas, TX 75226

This Black-owned bar sports one of the state’s best whiskey selections. Scan the back bar, and you’ll see hundreds of bottles ranging from the usual suspects to several hard-to-find bourbon releases and private barrel picks, so there’s always something new to try.

835 Exposition Ave, Dallas, TX 75226

Visit Website

Ruins

2653 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226

This Deep Ellum spot wins, hands down, for most unusual cocktail names. If you have the cojones to order the Azteca 666 with “illegal Mezcal” then god be with you. For those of us who spit three times at the sign of the evil eye, there’s also a great frozen rum concoction called the Painkiller.

2653 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226

Visit Website

Tina's Continental

3309 Elm St ste 115, Dallas, TX 75226

There are martini bars, and there are bars that specialize in martinis. The folks at this tiny Deep Ellum spot go beyond in their efforts to not only serve the perfect martini but perfect the steps of creating a martini. The menu includes gin and vodka options and most styles of martini — including an icy cold Vesper.

Open in Google Maps

3309 Elm St ste 115, Dallas, TX 75226

Visit Website

A man holds a martini in a coupe glass. Out of focus in the background are more people in the bar.

Double D's Bar

1404 N Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207

Where are the cool young people going? Uh, to this bar designed to evoke a ‘70s basement in the Design District (those are the double Ds in the name, not the other thing — or so the press release says). The draft cocktail list is pretty basic, but the originals will rev a cocktail lover’s engine.

Open in Google Maps

1404 N Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207

Visit Website

A bar recreates a living room scene, with a couch, corner chair, coffee table, and decor. Above it is a neon sign that reads, in script, “Welcome to Double D’s.” Below that in block letters is “All the love.”

Happiest Hour

2616 Olive St (at Harry Hines Blvd), Dallas, TX 75201

This is consistently one of Dallas’s top bar sales spots and one of the best places to go watch a game. If you love Texas or OU (or, for some reason, the Cowboys), the Mavs, the Stars — any of the sports teams, this is one of the top places in town to go for a beer and the ferris wheel of wings. It’s also got multiple rooms so one can dine al fresco, inside, on the rooftop... whatever the mood is that day.

2616 Olive St (at Harry Hines Blvd), Dallas, TX 75201

Visit Website

The exterior of a bar in a city scape next to a larger building. Folks in football jerseys are outside. The sign reads in neon: “Happiest Hour.”

Katy Trail Ice House

3127 Routh St, Dallas, TX 75201

This spot is one of the places in Dallas. The beer is beer and the frozen margs are always flowing — it’s nothing special, drink-wise. The magic is in the crowd. Folks flock here during and after walks along the trail, or just for a drink. It’s a great place to meet people, bump into folks you already know, and have a Dallas-y time.

3127 Routh St, Dallas, TX 75201

Visit Website

Saint Valentine

4800 Bryan Street, Dallas, Texas 75204

If you want to know where all the hospitality industry folk in Dallas go to drink, this is it. The superpowers of cocktail makers Gabe Sanchez and Ryan Payne, whose DNA are all over loads of bar menus in town, combined when they opened this spot. It’s got exceptional drinks, good vibes, and the perfect menu of bar food with some late-night only options.

Open in Google Maps

4800 Bryan Street, Dallas, Texas 75204

Visit Website

A turquoise table holds several drinks. A man holds on to a pony High Life. Next to it is a tall glass with a pineapple drink. Behind another man sits in front of a freezer martini and a Sazarac.

The Mansion Bar

2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219

Go deep into the heart of the Texas experience with an evening at the Mansion Bar. It’s got the wildest mix of stained glass, Texas decor, and fancy drinks in this town. You’re covered for any kind of classic cocktail, as well as innovative inventions from its bar program, and you can have it with Tito’s or the highest-shelf tequilas and bourbons. Plus, there’s often an impromptu dance floor to two-step or waltz across Texas.

2821 Turtle Creek Blvd, Dallas, TX 75219

Visit Website

The exterior of the Mansion restaurant and bar, with a walkway extending out and rope lights around the trees.

Strangeways

2429 N Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas, TX 75204

The best reason to visit this dive bar is the beer list, which includes options drinkers won’t find anywhere else in the city paired with expert guidance to explore it. Oh, and the playlist is always on point, although you might have to dodge holes in the roof if it’s raining. This place is both a vibe and an instutution.

2429 N Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas, TX 75204

Visit Website

Apothecary

1922 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

Apothecary is one of Dallas’ new guard cocktail bars, employing centrifuges, liquid nitrogen, and pyrolysis to make avant-garde drinks in a sultry lounge setting. The creative bartenders pair DIY ingredients like sous vide green apple mezcal with scallop bottarga and, somehow, it all works.

1922 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

Visit Website

A bartender pours an espresso martini into a glass.

HIDE

1928 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

Part bar, part mad scientist’s laboratory, Hide deftly uses immersion circulators and centrifuges to infuse flavors and clarify ingredients — but it’s not precious about it. The bar, which recently moved from Deep Ellum to a two-story space on Lower Greenville, is still a fun spot for happy hour or late-night drinks, whether you’re going all-in with the Turbo Quaker (bourbon, cream sherry, milk-washed applejack, steel-cut oats, cinnamon, pecan, whole egg) or just want a beer and a shot.

1928 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

Visit Website

Sue Ellen's

3014 Throckmorton St (at Cedar Springs Rd), Dallas, TX 75219

Sue Ellen’s is not only an iconic lesbian bar in Dallas, it’s well-known nationwide. The drinks are fine, this is a place you come for the scene. There’s also frequently live music, as well.

3014 Throckmorton St (at Cedar Springs Rd), Dallas, TX 75219

Visit Website

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