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Located in the Southwest, it’s no surprise that Dallas can get very hot. In those situations, it’s important that you stay hydrated, but sometimes, you just get bored by water. Read our list to discover the 10 best bars in Downtown Dallas.

View of 30-ft Dallas Eyeball

The Woolworth

Bar, Restaurant, American, Beer, Fusion

Musical Performance at City Tavern
©Siggi Churchill/Flickr
The Woolworth is a great place to pop in for a drink after sightseeing at the most popular district attractions. The bar décor is contemporary, but the atmosphere is old-fashioned and classic, and the signature cocktails are unique and expertly made at a reasonable price. There’s a great outdoor patio where you can enjoy happy hour, as well as get a view of the giant eyeball statue at the park across the street. Additionally, the food served is a gastronomical experience for your taste buds. Try the crab nachos or ahi tuna wantons, which are plated so beautifully you’ll think you’re at a five-star restaurant.

City Tavern

Pub, American, Beer, Pub Grub

Copper Cocktail
©Bex Walton/Flickr
The City Tavern is the local watering hole that everyone is talking about. First, sample a few of their amazing cocktails, such as the Moscow Mule or Dirty Dusty. Once you’ve had a drink, snack on some tasty pub food. The eclectic menu features sandwiches, soups, salads, and casual appetizers. Finally, if you want a change from the jukebox music, check the schedule to discover live music events. The City Tavern hosts local and traveling acts frequently. Most of the shows are free or a low price to attend, and the live entertainment creates a unique, neighborhood atmosphere.

Midnight Rambler

Located inside the boutique Joule Hotel, the Midnight Rambleris a classy speakeasy. The slight red tint of the room, creative light bulb ceiling, and fun jazz prints are perfect for creating a 1920s/1930s vibe. Enjoy classic drinks like scotch and sherry, or try a fresh and new creation from the attentive bartender. The Rambler has minimal food items on the menu, but what they do have is pretty delicious, try the Cuban sandwich or smoked carrot dip. If you become decidedly hungry, waltz over to one of the many other hotel restaurants, all within a few feet walking distance. This is a great place to visit if you’re looking to mix up your routine and adventure somewhere new.

Union Park Dallas

Bar, Beer, American

Clint Eastwood as Outlaw Josey Wales
©Dave Burke/Flickr
You won’t find screaming, drunk fans in jerseys at this sports bar, Union Park Dallas is one of the classiest sports bars around. The décor is dark and masculine yet comfortable, with leather booths and wooden accents. Union Park has good food. Their jumbo wings are a must-try and are the highlight of the menu. However, the brisket spinach nachos, fried mac & cheese balls, baby back ribs, fish & chips, and build your own burgers are delicious as well. Sit at the bar with a cocktail in one hand and an appetizer in the other while rooting for your favorite team on the big, flat, HD and LED screens. If you don’t just want to watch the game, play one. There’s a pool table in the back, perfect for a little friendly competition.

Black Swan Saloon

Bar, American, Beer

Don’t be surprised if you hear ‘Howdy, partner!’ when you walk into this classic western establishment. The Black Swan Saloon is everything you imagine from the Old West, combined with a modern Dallas flair. For one thing, there’s no sign out front, making this popular bar tricky to find. In addition to fantastic drinks, the saloon features retro video games, a signed painting of Clint Eastwood hanging over the bar, and a colorful mural of an old-school cowboy out back. The owner, Gabe, is extremely friendly and fun, and will no doubt give your party a warm welcome. He frequently takes over behind the bar, so you may be in for one of the best drinks of the night. Black Swan sells creative merchandise so you can make all your friends jealous they didn’t come with you.

Owner’s Box

Bar, American, Beer

Glass of Chardonnay
©Faruk Ates/Flickr
Located in the Omni Hotel in Downtown Dallas, the Owner’s Box is an exceptionally chic sports bar unlike any other. The décor doesn’t stray far from the rest of the hotel, meaning that it’s light and classy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get comfortable. Nestle into one of the private game-watching booths and cheer on your favorite team without the excitement from everyone else distracting you. More than just fancy televisions, The Owner’s Box features state of the art technology, creating a larger than life fan experience. There is a 16-ft screen, isolated sound technology at the private tables, interactive scheduling, and more. During the commercial breaks, sip a beer at the bar or enjoy a light meal out on the patio.

The Alcove

Bar, Wine Bar, Wine, Coffee

Performance at The Ginger Man
©Scott Beale/Flickr
There’s no better place in Dallas for wine enthusiasts than Downtown’s The Alcove. Affectionately known as ‘the Cheers of Dallas,’ everyone will know your name at this neighborhood bar. Gather your friends to enjoy a nice glass of win. This is a popular place for friends and coworkers to gather, especially because the happy hour specials are so amazing. It’s often used as a venue for special events such as networking opportunities, alumni reunions, baby showers, and birthday parties. Come in the evening for a drink, and then return in the morning to sober up during the coffee hour. The gourmet brewed beans will definitely put a pep in your step.

The Ginger Man

Bar, Pub, American, Beer, Pub Grub

The Ginger Man has been serving the fine people of Dallas delicious beer and great entertainment for a long time. Like the dozens of different kinds of beer available, this beloved pub also has many places for seating. Keep cool indoors at the bar or in a booth, get fresh air out in the beer garden, or pop up to the top floor balcony for a great view with a tree-house vibe. There are regular happy hours and many other special events, including trivia nights, pint nights, Halloween Parties, End-of-Summer celebrations, Oktoberfest and more.

The Free Man Cajun Café & Lounge

Bar, Cafe, Restaurant, Beer, Cajun, Pub Grub

Green Door Public House Building
©Whatknot/Flickr
Swoop into the Big Easy at this fun New-Orleans themed bar known as The Free Man Cajun Café and Lounge. Open as a normal restaurant throughout the afternoon and into the evening, you can enjoy delicious Cajun food like Cajun crawfish pasta, jambalaya, red beans and rice, and more. All meals include freshly baked, homemade cornbread that will surely blow your mind. Afterwards, order an expertly prepared after-dinner drink at the bar before heading back to your booth to listen to some live music. Keeping with the theme, most of the music is jazz or big band, although if you’re brave enough, you can get up on stage and give your very own performance on Open Mic nights. Be sure to try the Po’ Boy sandwich and check out the happy hour specials.

Green Door Public House

Pub, American, Beer, Pub Grub

Erected in 1899 as the Liberty Bank Building, this historic location has since been converted into an American pub. Enjoy tasty eats like the blackened fish tacos, baked avocados, chicken fried rib eye, and the candied pecan brownie. The Irish Mule and Moscow Mule are two local favorites for cocktails, but the drink menu also features the Green Door Martini, wine, beer, bourbon, and more. Be on the lookout for weekend karaoke sessions, trivia night Wednesdays, and Saturday and Sunday morning brunch, where you can enjoy mimosas, a bloody Mary, The Liz Taylor, and other early morning cocktails.

About the author

Shyla has just graduated Lafayette College. Even though she went to school in Pennsylvania, USA, she was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. Shyla is an English major, so writing and reading are kind of her thing. She also loves all things Disney, pop culture, TV/movies, and Christmas. Her dog Precious is Shyla's pride and joy and you can often find the two of them walking around in the California sun. Last year, she traveled around Europe for the first time and the next place on her list is Brazil!

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