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Dimly lit and slightly grungy, there's nothing better than a dive bar
Dallas has plenty of ritzy cocktail bars and for those who want to dress up and spend $20 on a cocktail, please look elsewhere. This is where we celebrate some of the city’s most beloved drinking establishments: its dive bars.
Yes, there are spots where Dallas drinkers can throw back some whiskey and all the PBRs in a simple jeans and a t-shirt. These are the best of ‘em.
Read MoreThis dive was purchased by a group of Lake Highlands guys who wanted to preserve their hangout when the original owners from the ‘70s were ready to retire. It has remained one of north Dallas’s best dives, with basic cocktails, beers, and shot deals. Plus shuffleboard tables, a darn good jukebox, and karaoke nights, for those who like a side of entertainment with their booze.
Having served as a filming site for shows like Cruel Summer and movies like This World Won’t Break, One Nostalgia will quite literally make you feel like you’re in a movie. Not to mention, the karaoke stage here will make you feel like a star too.
This SMU favorite is a great spot for watch sporting events, game shows and more, or participating in one of Barley House’s weekly trivia nights. It’s also been hosting shows from the best local bands since the ‘90s. And you can still get a $12 pitcher of Coors Light and $5 drink specials every day.
This spot aims to be the friendliest bar in Texas but your money’s no good here at Hidden Door — well, your credit card, that is. This LGBTQ-friendly bar only accepts cash, and the drinks are stacked with enough booze to keep the party going from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Yes, they open that early.
At this classic East Dallas dive, diners can enjoy stacked burgers or BLTs paired with cold brews. Not to mention, Lakewood Landing’s iconic corn dog makes for a great snack in between bars.
Decked out with VHS tapes and old records galore, Cosmos is a funky, groovy joint that sells excellent Korean hot wings and kimchi tater tots.
In the good-ol’ gayborhood, Woody’s offers good drinks, fun music, and sports galore. Whether visiting on show tunes Tuesday or throwback Thursday, nostalgic music videos play on large screen.
It’s tiny and there’s a no cursing rule. If that’s not reason enough to head to Ships for a beer, let the fact that it’s been around since the ‘60s guide you there to see what the hubbub is about.
Sit on comfy couches on the inside of The Grapevine while sipping on bellinis and jamming to Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails. Or shoot hoops in the dive bar’s large, spacious patio.
This Design District (that’s the double D) spot aims to take Dallasites back to a nostalgic past that may or may not exist: it’s the classic family room/basement/kids room where the illicit teen parties of our youth were thrown. Except this party has cocktails.
Double Wide is home to the YooHoo Yeehaw, a frozen YooHoo cocktail that is a must-try. Plus, it has a separate venue for live music from great local bands. Come for the drinks, stay for the show.
Few things beat a good night out at Lee Harvey’s — especially when surrounded with friends at one of this dive’s fireside picnic tables or catching a band on the stage.
This dive was purchased by a group of Lake Highlands guys who wanted to preserve their hangout when the original owners from the ‘70s were ready to retire. It has remained one of north Dallas’s best dives, with basic cocktails, beers, and shot deals. Plus shuffleboard tables, a darn good jukebox, and karaoke nights, for those who like a side of entertainment with their booze.
Having served as a filming site for shows like Cruel Summer and movies like This World Won’t Break, One Nostalgia will quite literally make you feel like you’re in a movie. Not to mention, the karaoke stage here will make you feel like a star too.
This SMU favorite is a great spot for watch sporting events, game shows and more, or participating in one of Barley House’s weekly trivia nights. It’s also been hosting shows from the best local bands since the ‘90s. And you can still get a $12 pitcher of Coors Light and $5 drink specials every day.
This spot aims to be the friendliest bar in Texas but your money’s no good here at Hidden Door — well, your credit card, that is. This LGBTQ-friendly bar only accepts cash, and the drinks are stacked with enough booze to keep the party going from 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Yes, they open that early.
At this classic East Dallas dive, diners can enjoy stacked burgers or BLTs paired with cold brews. Not to mention, Lakewood Landing’s iconic corn dog makes for a great snack in between bars.
Decked out with VHS tapes and old records galore, Cosmos is a funky, groovy joint that sells excellent Korean hot wings and kimchi tater tots.
In the good-ol’ gayborhood, Woody’s offers good drinks, fun music, and sports galore. Whether visiting on show tunes Tuesday or throwback Thursday, nostalgic music videos play on large screen.
It’s tiny and there’s a no cursing rule. If that’s not reason enough to head to Ships for a beer, let the fact that it’s been around since the ‘60s guide you there to see what the hubbub is about.
Sit on comfy couches on the inside of The Grapevine while sipping on bellinis and jamming to Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails. Or shoot hoops in the dive bar’s large, spacious patio.
This Design District (that’s the double D) spot aims to take Dallasites back to a nostalgic past that may or may not exist: it’s the classic family room/basement/kids room where the illicit teen parties of our youth were thrown. Except this party has cocktails.
Double Wide is home to the YooHoo Yeehaw, a frozen YooHoo cocktail that is a must-try. Plus, it has a separate venue for live music from great local bands. Come for the drinks, stay for the show.
Few things beat a good night out at Lee Harvey’s — especially when surrounded with friends at one of this dive’s fireside picnic tables or catching a band on the stage.
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