The best bars in Dallas have two things in common: a great ambiance and strong, refreshing drinks. Of course, there are more than 13 contenders, ranging from upscale haunts to chiller mainstays, but in our humble opinion as local bar frequenters, these are the absolute best spots for a drink in Dallas.
HIDE Bar offers some of the best craft co*cktails in Dallas. (Courtesy)
This Lower Greenville co*cktail bar moved from its original location in Deep Ellum a couple of years ago. The space is even bigger now and includes a rooftop patio. The drinks menu is still fantastic with 25 signature creations. From the vodka-based Green Tara (with Jasmine green tea and pear) to a tequila, pineapple cinnamon, lemon, and egg white mixture called the Day Walker, there is plenty to try.
Enjoy an upscale co*cktail at The Mansion Bar. (Courtesy of Rosewood)
This iconic Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek hotel bar has been serving killer co*cktails for years. Sit by the fireplace or at the bar and enjoy one of several signature drinks like The Texas Margarita, The Mansion G&T, and The Mansion Manhattan.
Lower Greenville's Apothecary was named a nominee for Best New U.S. co*cktail Bar in the 2022 Spirited Awards. (Photo by Samantha Marie Photography)
This Lower Greenville bar from the owners of Rye debuted in 2021. A must-visit to try more experimental co*cktails, Apothecary is an avant-garde style spot. The atmosphere is dark and mysterious to complement the creative drink menu — which is vast. To narrow things down, the menu is divided into sections ranging from “Over the Counter” to “Prescription” to “Illicit Elixers.” Basically, simple to adventurous. One of the most elaborate is the $500 Mariinskyi Palace, but most others are around $17.
Midnight Rambler
Midnight Rambler reopened in 2021 with an entirely new menu. (Photography by Mei-Chun Jau)
One of the coolest spots to grab a drink in Dallas, this subterranean bar is located inside The Joule hotel. Led by Gabe Sanchez (who also owns the new bar, Saint Valentine, in East Dallas), the co*cktail menu features drinks that rotate seasonally and feature themes.
Bowen House creates some of the best craft co*cktails in Dallas.
Situated in a historic Victorian-style house in Uptown, this co*cktail bar is a Dallas favorite for drinks and dinner. When ordering co*cktails, you really can’t go wrong as the bartenders here are pros. Drinks rotate seasonally so it always seems like there is something new to try.
Parliament has been serving up stellar co*cktails in Uptown since 2014. (Courtesy)
This State Thomas neighborhood bar has been serving up stellar co*cktails in Uptown since 2014. One of the best things about this spot is that they have a liberal happy hour. All day on Mondays, from 5 pm to 8 pm Tuesday through Saturday, and any time it rains, you can get drinks like a Mai Tai, Moscow Mule, and more for just $6. Or, if you’re interested in trying something different, a new menu features champagne co*cktails, clear spirit-based drinks, agave-based creations, and whiskey mixtures.
In Bishop Arts, Atlas offers globally-inspired co*cktails. (Courtesy)
Krio’s Dan Bui opened this globally-inspired bar in Bishop Arts in 2021. It’s quickly become a popular spot for some great co*cktails from around the world. You can choose from a Pisco Sour from Peru, an English Pimm’s Cup, Singapore Sling, and more. The Rugged Flower is a favorite “Atlas Original” with sotol and tamarind.
Led by bar manager George Kaiho, Jettison's co*cktails are "Japan meets Texas." (Courtesy)
Inside of Houndstooth Coffee at Sylvan Thirty, this under-the-radar co*cktail bar opened in 2016. Led by bar manager George Kaiho, co*cktails are “Japan meets Texas.” The menu features Jettison “Originals” and classics. Favorites include the Matcha Mucho (mezcal and matcha), Tom Kha Gai Guys (gin, coconut cream, lime, mezcal, and more), and Red Headed Oaxacan — a mezcal and tequila-based concoction.
Clifton Club serves up some fantastic co*cktails on Fitzhugh. (Photo by Megan Ziots)
This neighborhood bar comes from Beverley’s owner Greg Katz. He transformed the former Zippers space on Fitzhugh Avenue to create this slick new, intimate space. Some favorite drinks include the Firing Squad (tequila, hibiscus, ginger, house Tajin) and passionfruit vodka fizz. Don’t miss the bar bites menu as well. The whipped ricotta is a must-try.
Ruins boasts tacos, tequila, and live music. Courtesy of Ruins
This Oaxacan-style Mexican bar in Deep Ellum is great for margaritas and live music. co*cktails at Ruins are agave spirit-forward. Some favorites include the Azteca 666 with mezcal and tequila, Smoking Mirror, and frozen Paloma.
From the team behind Namo, Bar Colette is now open in West Village.
From the creators of Namo, this newEuropean-inspired bar in West Village is a must-visit for creative co*cktails and bites. The bar program is led by Michelin-recognized bar director Ruben Rolon. The space features earth-tone terrazzo floors, wood-adorned walls, custom butterscotch velvet booths, gilded tables, high-top blush pink chairs, and warm backlit lighting behind the bar, create an inviting atmosphere with a touch of French glamour. Favorite sips include the tequila-based Fresh Quince of Bel Air and Al Pastor two-sipper.
The Double D's space resembles a living room you would find in the '70s.
Short for “Design District Bar,” Double D’s is a This & That Hospitality (Sfuzzi, High Fives) concept. The intimate space resembles a living room you would find in the ’70s with cozy couches, wood paneling, a vintage pool table, and checkered flooring. There’s even a ceiling mirror above the bar. Crafted by operating partners Jermey Elliott and Sung-Joon Koo, the co*cktail menu includes specialty draft co*cktails, house drinks, and rotating classics. A must-try is the espresso martini.
Ginger's is a must-visit bar before or after dining at Sushi Bar, or just on its own. (Courtesy of Sushi | Bar Hospitality)
One of the newest additions to the Dallas co*cktail scene, this speakeasy-style spot is attached to new omakase concept, Sushi Bar, in the East Quarter. Located in the historic Magnolia Oil service station, the bar can be accessed from the street (or through a secret door after dinner at Sushi Bar). Designed by JonesBaker, the space includes U-shaped leather booths in green, gold, and red, as well as a marble-topped walnut bar that is backlit. It feels moody and intimate, although it does offer 1,200 square feet of space. Make sure to try The Desert Moon co*cktail if you enjoy sotol.