By Elisabeth Brigham By Elisabeth Brigham | November 21, 2024 | Food & Drink, Feature, Features, Food & Drink,
From spicy margs and martinis with a twist to the sweetest spots to people-watch, we’ve rounded up the 10 best bars in Dallas.
Crown Block’s creative craft cocktail
THE MANSION BAR
Tucked inside Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, The Mansion Bar delights lavish interior decor details (think dark leather seating and hues of deep red all dimly illuminated), a creative cocktail menu and, of course, live music every Thursday through Saturday. To give your night a kick, order the Ma(i) ze Runner, mixed with Lalo Blanco Tequila, Nixta Corn Liquor, Elote Corn Syrup, Lime and Firewater Bitters, or keep it classic with The Mansion G&T, featuring Gunpowder Gin, House Tonic, Makrut Lime Leaf and Grapefruit Zest. 2821 Turtle Creek Blvd.
BAR CHARLES
From a custom-printed ceiling mural and an 18th-century marble fireplace to blue spotted wallpaper in the hallway, Bar Charles—Duro Hospitality’s 45-seat cocktail and Champagne bar in the Design District—beckons with its opulent aesthetic and oh, so delicious full-dining menu to match. Located directly behind the restaurant, this ultra-luxe lounge is the perfect meeting spot for an aperitif (or two!). 1632 Market Center Blvd.
Bar Charles’ dimly illuminated bar is the ideal spot for a nightcap.
DUNSTON’S
When you’re done indulging in Dunston’s rich steak and seafood options, ask your server about the speakeasy. That’s right; Hidden inside the oldest steakhouse in Dallas, Dunston’s is a top-secret cocktail lounge boasting a ridiculously good drink menu with plenty or room to mix and mingle. In the spirit of speakeasy, we won’t say more, but we promise a nightcap at the bar is the perfect ending to your five-star dinner. 5423 W. Lovers Ln.
TINY VICTORIES
If you’re looking for a new neighborhood spot for sweet afternoon sips, look no further than Oak Cliff’s small but mighty cocktail bar, Tiny Victories. While the space is only 1,000 square feet, it packs a punch with an impressive cocktail menu and lively 40-person bar that welcomes all. As for our drink of choice? You can’t go wrong with their take on the Paloma featuring Tequila, grapefruit, lime, sugar and squirt or, for something with a twist, the Bingo Mango made with tequila, Aperol, prosecco, lime and mango, served frozen. If those don’t tickle your fancy, fear not; there’s an entire section for seasonal takes, as well as wine, beer, seltzers and $7 house shots. And don’t forget, Happy Hour is all day Tuesday and Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. 604 N. Tyler St.
Mansion Bar martini
MIDNIGHT RAMBLER
Sample award-winning bevies at Midnight Rambler brought to you by the one-and-only mix master Gabe Sanchez and head bartender Haley Merritt. Tucked inside The Joule, the bar brings its signature je ne sais quoi to the table with an innovative cocktail menu, hip vibes and super-sonic moods. The best part yet? The cocktail lounge is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special menu, including fan-favorite cocktails from past menus, like the Standing Room Only mixed with vodka, sour cherry lime cordial, lemon, soda and limeade foam, and The Funk featuring Uruapan Charanda Blanco, clarified celery-lemon juice, Skinos, dill-fennel syrup. 1530 Main St.
TERILLI’S
With sprawling city views from the rooftop patio, this community classic continues to draw regulars from the lower Greenville neighborhood and beyond. Sip back, relax and enjoy live music. For the full experience, ordering Terilli’s famous ice-cold martini is an absolute must. Might we recommend the Limonata with Ketel one citron vodka, luxardo limoncello, house simple syrup and freshly squeezed lemon juice? Cin-Cin! 2815 Greenville Ave.
PARK HOUSE
When we think of Park House, our mind immediately goes to savory sips with a side of sophistication. This members-only social club is the ultimate spot to see and be seen, showcasing a melange of downright delicious menus, stylish spaces to mingle, posh private events and more. On the experience menu, expect an array of spirit-focused soirees and a delicious wine club you won’t want to miss. 100 Highland Park Village
Midnight Rambler interiors.
CROWN BLOCK
Sky-high views, sumptuous cuisine and swoon-worthy design beckon at the MICHELIN-recommended Crown Block, tucked inside Reunion Tower. While choosing between the dinner, sushi and plant-based menus, make sure to check out the cocktail and wine list, full of shaken and stirred favorites. Not sure what to order? We recommend The Saint Cielo, an elevated take on the classic marg, featuring Patron El Cielo, Curacao, St. Germain, agave, lime, smoked salt rim and rosemary smoke bubble. 300 Reunion Blvd. E.
THE HAPPIEST HOUR
It’s game on at Dallas’ signature sports bar, The Happiest Hour. With 40+ big-screen TVs and two floors of open-air fun, no slam dunk, homerun or touchdown will ever be missed. Oh, and did we mention there are 50+ beers on tap and an array of Texas-sized appetizers for the table? As if that’s not enough, live DJs get the party going on Fridays and Saturdays, and during happy hour, all signature cocktails and appetizers are half-off. 2616 Olive St.
BACARI TABU
At Bacari Tabu, restaurateur Julian Barsotti adds his cheeky spin on what once was the oldest jazz club in Dallas. Cozied next to Nonna, this suave space serves some serious fun with an extensive dinner menu and wine list. Nosh on a selection of Venetian-style tapas, pasta, pizza, and more, or grab a seat at the bar, order a ‘tini, and enjoy the live music. See you there... 4113 Lomo Alto
Photography by: PHOTO BY: KATHY TRAN; MANNY RODRIGUEZ; PHOTO COURTESY OF: ROSEWOOD MANSION ON TURTLE CREEK; COURTESY OF THE JOULE