When work is done for the week, it sure feels like a great time for your and your workmates and friends to just hang out and relax in a bar.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be a fancy bar at all. You can go to TGI Friday’s, and enjoy the pub food and the drinks. It’s simple, and utterly relaxing.
But if you’re in Dallas, you might want a change of scenery, and the following bars are just fantastic:
With its head bartender Reid Lewis, Atlas has received a lot of awards that attest to the quality of the bar. It comes with its distinct “around the world” theme, so it’s like you’re traveling to exotic locations even as you relax in the place. There’s also a “secret” back room here that you should try.
If you come here with a friend or two, then you all have to share the Atlas Shrugged cocktail, which is for 2 to 3 people. It’s a smoked rum old-fashioned made with spiced black tea syrup. They literally serve this in a statue, which is quite a hoot.
Jaxon Beer Garden, 311 S Akard St, Dallas, TX 75202
This has both an indoor and an outdoor space, but the indoor area is surrounded by walls (and a roof) of glass so it still feels free inside. Here you can enjoy what some say are the best frozen margaritas in the whole of Texas, along with terrific BBQ and a huge TV for sporting events.
You might want to try the Mangonadas, which is a slushie made with mango and chamoy (a spicy and sour paste). The Texas whiskey options are great, and you also have about 40 beers on tap here. The beers are mainly from Texas, and they include the fantastic Turning Point Quencher.
Midnight Rambler, 1530 Main St, Dallas, TX 75201
Almost every year, this place has either contended or won an award for being the best American hotel bar. So it’s not just among the best bars in Dallas—it’s good enough to be among the best in the whole country. The interiors are classy and even sexy, and it’s downright alluring.
When you first come here, try the Peach Old Fashioned, with the bourbon house infused with Texan peaches. You can also opt for the Pineapple Get Down, featuring a pineapple upside down cake in a glass.
Catbird, 1401 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75201
This sure is a glamorous bar, but then again, it’s located on the 10th floor of the terrific Thompson Hotel. You have a huge patio with fantastic art deco vibes, while the simple cocktails are perfectly made.
The most famous drink here is perhaps the Catbird, which combines tequila with lime, Campari, and grapefruit foam. Add the food menu from Jeramie Robison, and it’s not surprising why this place is a popular bar for any day of the week.
Las Almas Rotas, 3615 Parry Ave, Dallas, TX 75226
This place (Las Almas Rotas), is for mezcal fans. But if you’re new to mezcal, then here you can get a proper introduction. The team of servers will get you on board their tasting flight so you can really begin your mezcal fandom. Many say that this is the best mezcaleria in the whole US.
Whiskeys, 835 Exposition Ave, Dallas, TX 75226
For some reason, white guys are the predominant players in the whiskey scene. This place is a stark exception, as the owner is a black guy who really knows his stuff. The place is only open from Wednesdays to Saturdays, starting at 5pm.
The place is great for both whiskey vets and new fans, as the folks here can teach you all about whiskey. Sure, Pappy is also available, but they also have several rare bottles for you to try.
