Dallas Nightlife

There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to letting your hair down in Dallas – hardly surprising given it’s the city that gave the world the frozen margarita. McKinney and Greenville Avenue are the main places to go, although Victory Plaza isn’t short of a bar or two. Most are open until 2am – and don’t forget to bring your ID if you’re planning to drink.

The weekly Dallas Observer (www.dallasobserver.com), the weekend entertainment section in the Dallas Morning News (www.dallasnews.com) and D Magazine (www.dmagazine.com) all list nightlife and cultural events in Dallas. Look also at up-to-the-minute website sources such as Urban Daddy (www.urbandaddy.com/home/dal) and Culture Map Dallas (dallas.culturemap.com).

Bars in Dallas

Double Wide

A bar that couldn’t be more Texan if it tried, Double Wide is famous for its Western-themed cocktails and icy cold beer. Unsurprisingly for a bar that promises ‘drinks that hit harder than yer dad’, there’s no shortage of hard liquor – including favorites such as bourbon whisky.

Telephone: +1 214 887 6510.
Lee Harvey’s

A low-key bar named after the city’s most infamous son, Lee Harvey’s is a burger and beer joint much-loved by its loyal and longstanding clientele. Don’t let that put you off though – those who step inside the old house in which it sits are guaranteed a warm welcome and some delicious locally brewed ale.

Telephone: +1 214 428 1555.
Quarter Bar

Located in the hipster heartland of McKinney Avenue, Quarter Bar is a laid back affair decked out with fairy lights and possessed of an open roof deck that is heaven on sultry summer nights. Open until 2am at weekends, it also has an excellent wine list and very good-looking staff.

Telephone: +1 214 754 0106

Clubs in Dallas

Avenu Lounge

A favorite with Dallas’ resident hipsters, the vibe at Avenu Lounge is more Austin boho than big money Big D – but minus any irritating pretensions. Offering bottle as well as bar service, drinks don’t come cheap but taste darn good. Don your glad rags before heading out – Texas might be casual but at Avenu, it’s glamor all the way.

Telephone: +1 888 369 1411
Cowboys Red River

Want to learn how to do the Texas Two-Step? This is your best bet. There’s a huge dancefloor for practising your steps and plenty of country music to do it to, although the DJs do occasionally venture into club tunes instead. For non-dancers, there’s a mechanical bull to ride.

Telephone: +1 214 352 1796.
Lizard Lounge

One of the biggest clubs in Dallas, the Lizard Lounge is spread over two floors and multiple rooms. The main room has two dance floors, while the back room has a more chilled out vibe. Paying extra for VIP admission gives you access to the less crowded balcony and a birdseye view of the action below.

Telephone: +1 214 826 4768.

Live Music in Dallas

Billy Bob’s

It isn’t actually in Dallas but Billy Bob’s is well worth the 30-mile drive to Fort Worth for the bullriding alone. A rare venue that combines 32 bars with a rodeo and a dance floor, Billy Bob’s also pulls in some of the biggest names in country music and has a Texan-style restaurant on site too.

Telephone: +1 817 624 7117.
House of Blues

It might be part of a franchise but this Brewery District live music spot pulls in the heavy hitters and has its own restaurant to boot. Past performers include Usher, Snoop Dogg, Katy Perry and B.B. King. If you like your live music in the morning, the Sunday Gospel Brunch is very popular.

Telephone: +1 214 978 2583.
Winspear Opera House

Home to the Dallas Opera, the striking Winspear Opera House is open all year round and features a revolving roster of shows. Not all of it is opera either – the Winspear’s repertoire also includes Broadway shows, dance performances, lectures and concerts.

Telephone: +1 214 880 0202.
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