Up in Allen, Mike and Jenn Todryk, who hosts the HGTV show No Demo Reno, opened up a spot that serves craft beers brewed and canned on-site — several of which are award winners. Head here to try a smoked porter, Gary Golden Ale (named after tehir golden retriever Gary), No Joy IPA, a blood orange-flavored Fruited Goose, and many more. 

Next to the Sea Breeze Fish Market and Grill in Plano, this speakeasy has tin ceilings and gorgeous cocktails, and you’ll need the password to get in. It may be Plano’s most luxe bar and possibly its most customized as well. The menu is inspired by Prohibition-era cocktails, with a solid wine list and small bites available.

Spend an evening in a sea of deep greens and golden yellow decor, with plates of sushi, dim sum, and clever cocktails. Order a Lucky You-Zu with gin, Aperol, strawberry verbena, yuzu, and salted vanilla foam. Or perhaps a Temple of Doom with rum, creme de banana, toasted sesame, and pineapple. Dress sharp and prepare to be serenaded by weekly performers. 

Looking for a great patio or a family-friendly spot to have a few drinks? This South Dallas spot is it. There are pre-made batch cocktails that hit on the basics (margarita, old fashioned, and a twist on a vodka soda using coconut water) and some clever, original options. It also serves Small Beer Works beers and has a smattering of beer mixes that combine with prickly pear lemonade and grapefruit soda for a smooth drink. And the kitchen has bar basics, including pizza and sandwiches. 

Yes, this is a lunch spot with great sandwiches, but it’s also got a mean aperitivo hour in the evenings from 3 to 7 p.m. Stop in for sharable plates, glasses of natural wine, local and specialty beers, and batch cocktails. 

Get a little luck o’ the (American) Irish in your life at this Downtown spot. Obviously, it has plenty of cans and beers on tap, but it also serves a healthy menu of beer blends, from the obvious ones such as a black and tan to the more rarely seen (in Dallas anyway) Black Velvet (a mix of Guinness and Champagne). It also features an Irish-themed cocktail list mostly centered on classic cocktails with a twist. 

When one of the Hill Country’s beloved vineyards opens a tasting room properly in Dallas, finally, we take notice. It has slipped into the space in Bishop Arts formerly occupied by Ame and is offering a taste of its fine wares — as well as the option to leave with a few bottles.

From the uber-cool Bishop Arts record store Spinster and the folks behind Taco Y Vino comes LadyLove. Stop here to listen to DJs spin (mostly vinyl). And enjoy drinks like the “Sad Girl R&B” with Libelula tequila, Pallini limoncello, Regan’s orange bitters, and grapefruit soda or a “Side Piece” with St. Remy signature brandy, Combier berry, Cointreau, dry vermouth, and Lambrusco.