10 best places to go out on the town in Dallas (2024)

Photo courtesy of Electric Shuffle

For those who want to get competitive on a night out, behold Electric Shuffle, a UK-based shuffleboard-themed bar that offers a unique combination of hi-tech shuffleboard along with craft co*cktails and delicious food. To play, groups of 4 to 24 people per table can compete in four in-house developed games which use vision technology to track pucks and keep score. Prices per person range from $10 an hour to $15 for 90 minutes, and guests can pre-order food and drinks when they book. Speaking of food and drinks, expect to find a wide assortment of sharable items paired with local beers, bubbly spritzes, and craft co*cktails.

Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Electric Shuffle is where to go for a night of high-energy fun.

Ilene's expert tip: Score select co*cktails for $7 during Happy Hour, from 3-6 p.m., Monday-Friday.

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Photo courtesy of Dallas Comedy House

For a hilariously good time, nothing beats the Dallas Comedy Club, the go-to venue for some of the best improv, sketch comedy and stand-up in town. Here, you can get your funny fix on five nights a week with everything from improv, open mic, and drunk trivia to stand-up, sketch, and more. Much of the talent comes from students and faculty members of DCC's training facility, but nationally known comedians are also known to hit the stage. Along with two enclosed theaters plus an outdoor stage, the venue boasts a full-service bar, a beer garden, and an eclectic food menu made for sharing. The shows are all reasonably priced with ticket prices generally running $10-$15. Oh, and the improv/open-mic performances are always free.

Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Dallas Comedy Club is the best place to go when you want to spend a night on the town filled with laughter.

Ilene's expert tip: For the closest places to park: find surface lots at Main and Hall as well as metered spots on Hall, Elm, and Main.DCC is 21+ after 10 p.m.

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Photo courtesy of Sons of Hermann Hall

Originally built as a fraternal lodge over a century ago, Sons of Hermann Hall now serves as a dance hall and live music venue, hosting everything from folk, country and blues to alternative pop and reggae every Friday and Saturday night. In addition to concerts, the Hall features an array of events during the week, including Wednesday night swing classes, and a Thursday acoustic campfire jam. When you're ready for a breather, head to the bar downstairs where a jukebox, pool table and shuffleboard provide a nice diversion. Just be sure to keep an eye out for ghost sightings, this place is supposedly haunted.

Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Sons of Hermann Hall is the best place to go in Dallas for swing dancing.

Ilene's expert tip: Score $1 off all domestic beer, wine and well drinks during Happy Hour, from 5-8 p.m., Monday-Friday. Note that Sons of Hermann Hall now takes credit cards.

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Photo courtesy of The Nines

Deep Ellum offers plenty of places to listen to music, but this two-level dance palace is one of the only places in the neighborhood dedicated solely for dancing to it. And there's plenty of area to do just that. Here, you'll find a lower level complete with two bars, a cozy lounge, a dance floor and some of the city's top DJs spinning everything from '80s hits to EDM. When you feel like coming up for air, take the back stairway to the rooftop terrace where you can enjoy prime views of Deep Ellum.

Recommended for Best Nightlife because: The Nines is the most unique dance club in Dallas.

Ilene's expert tip: The Nines is open from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday and Saturday; Happy Hour is offered 7-9 p.m. Check the website for weekly events and drink specials.

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Photo courtesy of Library Bar

If you are looking for a mind-blowing delicious co*cktail in surroundings perfect for a romantic rendezvous or catch-up with friends, you've come to the right place. Tucked inside the lobby of the Warwick Melrose Hotel (a historic Dallas landmark dating back to 1924)-- this suave drinking den is quite possibly the coziest place to sip a drink in the city. Not to mention, it's also where you can listen to a host of spectacular jazz musicians tickling the ivories six nights a week. As for those co*cktails, expect to sort through a drinks menu that covers everything from crafted tipples to over 20 selections of wine by the glass.

Recommended for Best Nightlife because: The Library is where to go for hand-crafted co*cktails and live jazz in a sophisticated setting.

Ilene's expert tip: There's never a cover charge to get in, and the Library Bar also offers Happy Hour, Sunday through Thursdays from 4-7 p.m. There is no charge for valet parking if you get your ticket stamped at the bar.

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Photo courtesy of Station 4

Arguably one of the city's best and biggest gay dance clubs, this cavernous, multilevel nightspot boasts an amazing sound and lighting system, not to mention an expansive dance floor in which to let it all hang out. When you're ready for a break, you can head to an outdoor balcony for a breather or watch all the action from a VIP lounge above. Cutting-edge DJs and a host of regular events, from gay bingo to costume contests, make Station 4 a perennially popular place for a mostly gay (and young) crowd, but it's just as welcoming to anyone who's looking for a good time. Not-to-be-missed are the award-winning drag shows that take place Thursday through Sunday evenings in the Rose Room upstairs.

Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Station 4 is one of Dallas' hottest dance clubs for gay, straight and everything in between.

Ilene's expert tip: Station 4 stays open until 4 a.m., Friday through Sunday. There's free parking available behind the club.

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Photo courtesy of The Balcony Club

As the saying goes, sometimes the best things come in small packages, which is undoubtedly the case with this pint-sized, 1,400 square foot jewel of a jazz joint. What this laid-back watering hole lacks in square footage, it more than makes up for in live music, which is served up seven nights a week. The club's repertoire features both local and national jazz artists, including the likes of Lucky Peterson, Dave Zoller, Linny Nance, and even the phenomenal Filter Kings. And it's not only jazz on tap here, but the musical genres also cover R&B, soul, funk, classic rock, and occasionally country. Not-to-be-missed are special events like the Open Blues Jam and Jazz Master Series.

Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Potent co*cktails and an incredible lineup of music seven nights a week, what's not to like?

Ilene's expert tip: Happy Hour is offered Sunday-Thursday from 5-7 p.m. Also, it's free admission on Sunday-Thursday.

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Photo courtesy of Adair's Saloon

Sure, the drinks are cheap and the burgers are legendary, but what lassos most folks into this Deep Ellum dive is its unpretentious vibe and a weekly roundup of free live music. Adair's brings in the cream of the country music crop when it comes to up-and-coming indie bands and singer-songwriter acts. An old jukebox filled with the likes of Bob Wills and Hank Williams, plus floor-to-ceiling graffiti and enough Christmas lights to last a lifetime only add to the old school charm. It's no wonder this spot has been able to maintain its staying power for over fifty years.

Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Adair's is the best place to catch free live country music.

Ilene's expert tip: Adair's offers drink specials every day as well as happy hour from 2-8 p.m. Sunday through Friday.

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Photo courtesy of Parliament Facebook

This Uptown drinking den is considered one the best in the city, and for good reason. It's a handsome, moodily lit space with a welcoming vibe and an extensive co*cktail list (more than 100 libations) featuring everything from innovative concoctions to prohibition-style classics. Best of all, it boasts a ridiculously good happy hour (all day on Mondays, and from 5-8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday), when you can snag tipples for around $6-$9. Oh, and Parliament also offers happy hour prices anytime it's raining. As you might expect, the place fills up fast, so come early if you want to find a seat.

Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Parliament is the best place for an evening of serious co*cktail love.

Ilene's expert tip: Parking behind the bar is free for 3-hours.

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Photo courtesy of Midnight Rambler

It may not be in a secret location, but the Joule Hotel's posh subterranean hideout has all the makings of a sultry speakeasy--from its arched ceilings and wood-paneled walls to vintage light fixtures and plush leather sofas. The beverage menu runs the gamut from re-imagined classics to modernist inventions (think wheat vodka, sherry, lime juice and beef broth infused with roasted ginger, anise and cardamom). There's also a limited selection of gourmet goodies available from the bar, and food can be ordered from CBD Provisions upstairs. Keep an eye on Facebook for special events.

Recommended for Best Nightlife because: Midnight Rambler is an ideal place to take a date.

Ilene's expert tip: The Joule offers complimentary valet for up to 90 minutes. Reservations are strongly recommended.

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