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Being that it's Cocktail Week, we figured it was high time for a fresh edition of the Eater Dallas Cocktail Heatmap. Below, we've plotted out where exactly to sip the city's finest libations for your imbibing pleasure. About a third of the selections are holdovers from the previous edition of the map that continue to raise the bar (pun fully intended), while the rest are more recent additions to the city's burgeoning cocktail scene. All are perfect answers to the question, "Where should I drink tonight?"
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Where to Drink Cocktails Right Now
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The Cedars Social
You can't talk cocktails without mentioning The Cedars Social. Night after night, Michael Martensen and crew shake up outstanding, precisely made drinks in an adorably retro sixties basement sort of setting. Try the Number Four, with Tanqueray, honey syrup, cardamom and black pepper (trust us).
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Black Swan Saloon
Black Swan Saloon is the kind of place that makes you feel like a regular, even if you only stop in occasionally. Barman and owner Gabe Sanchez will always remember your drink, and forget that whole menu thing. Just tell him what you like and he'll mix you up something tasty, from a jasmine tea-infused vodka cocktail to a pumpkin pie-esque rum drink and anything in between.
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Bolsa
This Oak Cliff local-seasonal pioneer simply excels at everything they do, and cocktails are no exception. Try the Passion Whiskey Fizz with spicy ginger beer or the Johnny Appletree, which combines pisco with fizzy kombucha tea, of all things.
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Private Social
Eater bartender of the year Rocco Milano works his magic behind the bar nightly, whipping up unique creations from housemade bitters to cocktails on tap. Don't miss his riff on the classic Manhattan with chocolate-cherry bitters.
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The Standard Pour
Brian McCullough's eight-month old spot is a breath of fresh air in the midst of all those frozen red bull & vodka machines that dot McKinney Avenue bars. Surround yourself with dark wood and old books and sip a Life & Death, champagne spiked with Aperol and absinthe, or try a shot of Dude, Sweet Chocolate-infused Rumpleminze.
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The People's Last Stand
People's is tucked away on the second level at Mockingbird Station near the Angelika, and its worth seeking out even if you're not catching a flick. Relaxed but classy, they make a mean Old-Fashioned, as well as barrel-aged cocktails and massive tiki drinks.
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Tate's
Open for just a year, Tate's burst onto the scene to class up the Uptown bar scene. Barman J.W. Tate shakes up fine beverages in an old house-turned-bar with a clean, classic feel. Gin fans shouldn't miss the housemade tonic.
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The Gold Standard
Cowtown bar wizard Brad Hensarling's (he of The Usual and the Chat Room) newest venture strikes a perfect balance between divey and classy, as do the drinks--Sazerac shots on tap, anyone?
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The Chesterfield
Eddie "Lucky" Campbell mans the bar at this classy downtown cocktail den, where the menu is more of a weighty tome. Dark wood, red banquettes and fancy chandeliers make this a perfect place to sip a classic martini, or one of Lucky's original creations like the Garden Gimlet with cucumber and basil.
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The Libertine
Many people overlook the cocktail list at this Lower Greenville mainstay in favor of the craft beer selection, but they shouldn't--barman Mate Hartai is whipping up some mean original concoctions, like a hibiscus Pisco Sour and liquors infused with everything from pulled pork to morel mushrooms.
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The Dram
Sure, you could dismiss The Dram as just another overhyped, overcrowded club. Then again, you could go in early before the lines form (or on a Tuesday or Wednesday night) to enjoy some of the delicious cocktails while soaking up the sexy, velvet-lined atmosphere. Try the Phil Collins with gin, yellow Chartreuse, Cocchi, black pepper and basil--a silly name for a fabulous drink.
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Oak
Yes, the food at this gorgeously appointed Design District hot spot is amazing, but no need to drop $200 on dinner--one can just as easily slide into a cushy seat at the bar for a couple fancy cocktails. Barman Abe Bedell mixes respectable versions of all the classics, from French 75s to Sidecars, plus original concoctions like the Mighty Oak, with bourbon, ginger, fresh mint, lemon and soda.
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