The holiday season is upon us, and we are mingling with the merriest of them. Whether you are having cocktails on a first date or finally taking your neighbor out for that drink after she walked your dog while you were out of town, there is no time like December to get in the spirit with some spirits. Check out where to go with every single person you are making plans with this season with our roundup of the best bars in Dallas.
The 11 Best Bars in Dallas That Will Make You Feel All Warm and Cozy Inside
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Published Dec 16, 2021
Your Old Roommate From Nyc Who Thinks Every Dallas Neighborhood Is The Same: Atlas Bishop Arts
Located in the heart of the bustling Bishop Arts District, this new specialty cocktail hangout has Edgar Allan Poe-inspired interiors and a diverse menu of cocktails with origins from across the globe. Check out the Rugged Flower from Driftwood, TX on the local stops list that incorporates Desert Door Sotol, tamarind, Fresno peppers, muddled cucumber, lime and a tajin rim.
408 N Bishop Ave. #101; 214-983-8510 or atlasbishoparts.com
Catbird
Your Family Visiting From North Carolina Who Are Staying Downtown: Catbird
Perched nine floors above Downtown Dallas inside the Thompson Hotel, this sexy cocktail lounge is known for its small plates for the table that range from East Coast oysters to Texas beef bao buns and everything in between. Catbird’s take on classic cocktails give you the option to stick with the basics or to take a walk on the wild side, making it ideal for a mixed group. From the French 75 to the Lemon Drop and even the Corpse Reviver, the gang’s all here.
Pro tip: There is a “business casual or nicer” dress code here, so warn your relatives who might be packing for the trip to bring their fancy pants.
1401 Elm St.; 469-726-4115 or catbirddallas.com
D. L. Mack’s
That Colleague Who Always Calls On You To Take The Group To The New Dallas Hot Spot: D.l. Mack’s
Vandelay Hospitality Group is at it again and this time with a seriously delicious nod to Chicago. This brand new hot spot is an ideal place to take anyone that wants to keep their finger on the pulse of the Dallas food and drink scene. And if you really want to impress your guests, order a cocktail on the rocks with a side of cracker crust pizza. Saving your sinful savoring for Christmas Day? The McCarthy salad is both creative and clean-ish.
6501 Hillcrest Ave.; 214-217-0036 or dlmacks.com
Drake’s
Your Significant Other Who’s Been Asking For A Date Night: Drake’s
This restaurant, which might just be the sexiest one in town, is just the spot to take your sweetie when you need a romantic date night. From the Old Hollywood vibes to the magnificent martinis, grab a seat at the bar and your lover’s hand and have yourself a night. Free on a Sunday? There is live jazz music which just might be the only thing that could make this stellar situation even better.
5007 W Lovers Ln.; 214-651-4114 or drakeshollywood.com
Ellie’s
Your Boss And Her Husband Before A Holiday Show In The Dallas Arts District: Ellie’s Restaurant And Lounge
Located inside the uber sophisticated Hall Arts Hotel, Ellie’s transports its patrons to a winter wonderland. In addition to live music, the lounge area also has great happy hour specials, light fare and festive cocktails. The best news? It is just a stone’s throw from all the best holiday show locations in the Dallas Arts District.
1717 Leonard St.; 972-629-0924 or elliesdallas.com
The Adolphus
That Sweet Old Neighbor That Will Drink Tea While You Sip Champagne: The French Room At The Adolphus
Need a place that’s festive and caters to a variety of ages? This traditional tea downtown makes everyone giddy whether you are 16 or 96. Although reservations fill up quickly, an afternoon tea at this downtown institution is a delightful place to sip Champagne, fine teas and delightful mini sandwiches and desserts. Tea includes three courses, two teas and a glass of Champagne for $75 a person.
1321 Commerce St.; 214-742-8200 or adolphus.com
Kathy Tran
That Ballin’ On A Budget Buddy That Loves A Happy Hour Deal: Hudson House
For those folks that value a good deal in addition to aesthetics that totally hit the spot, you cannot beat this neighborhood restaurant that has a happy hour that puts all others to shame. Stop into the Highland Park eatery from 3 to 6 p.m. for half off martinis, oysters and cheeseburgers. The drinks and the oysters are perfectly chilled, and the cheeseburger is arguably the best in town. During the holidays the restaurant is also decked out in the classiest Christmas get-up you can imagine which makes your little get-together that much more festive.
4448 Lovers Ln.; 214-583-2255 or hudsonhousehp.com
Your Sibling That You Just Picked Up From The Airport: Miracle At Royal 38
Fresh off an international flight after taking the last year to “find themselves” in a foreign country, let’s get your darling sis or rambunctious bro in the Dallas holiday spirit quick with this fun pop up bar inside of Royal 39. In addition to the décor that is so tacky it’s adorable, the cocktails are the most ‘Gram-worthy thing you’ve seen all season. If you’re with sis, order a Christmapolitan and chat all things Sex and the City reboot and if you’re with bro, the Snowball Old-Fashioned is a sure-fire way to have him classed up by the time it’s 8 p.m. and you’re due at dinner at Café Pacific with your parents.
2301 North Akard Street Suite 210; 214-736-9010 or miracledallas.com
Your Besties From High School That Are Craving ‘ritas And Queso With A Side Of Nostalgia: Monkey Bar At Mi Cocina
There is absolutely nothing in this world like old friends. And the oldest, most loyal friend of them all? Mi Cocina chips, queso and Mambo Taxis, of course. But wait, you’re not 16 anymore so you feel the need to class it up a bit. Head to the Highland Park Village location and make your way up the mysterious staircase to a recently refreshed Monkey Bar that offers all the drinks and small bites that you will always hold near and dear to your heart sans screaming babies and large groups of tourist shoppers. It’ll be just like high school, except you have the money to pay for your bill and the legal ID to show for your drinks.
77 Highland Park Village; 214-521-6426 or micocina.com
Tipsy Elf
Your Tennis Team: Tipsy Elf
We all know that half of the fun of being on a tennis team as an adult are the opportunities to cheers post-match. And while you’ve likely already had your Christmas-themed get-together scheduled for a couple of months, this Bishop Arts pop up bar is serving up seriously seasonal concoctions like “Blame it on the Mistletoe”, “Not So Silent Christmas Night” and the “Jingle Me, Please”. Go on, admit it, you desperately want to see your coach sling back a couple of these cocktails and start serving up some serious scoop on how he really feels about this season’s roster.
308 N Bishop Ave.; thetipsyelfcocktailbar.com
Trova Wine + Market
That Mom From Playgroup That You Bonded With Over Terrible Twos And Wine: Trova Wine + Market
Nestled in a cozy corner of Preston Center, this darling wine shop is just waiting for the cool moms to grab a two-top and cheers to the kids that you love but don’t hate sneaking away from. Have an entire squad of moms looking for a night off? There is a private, back room that is ready for a customized tasting and a round of appetizer or two or three. Marinated olives with orange zest, chili oil, and French chervil? Fig and prosciutto toast? A selection of cheese as long as a bottle of vino? Sign. Us. Up.
4004 Villanova St.; 469-930-0069 or trovawine.com
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