Dallas certainly has its fair share of lush lounges and ritzy restaurants, but what if you’re not into paying $15 a drink? The good news is, for every swank saloon, there’s at least one hole-in-the-wall that the regulars swear by. And don’t let the “dive bar” label fool you, either. These pubs offer a refreshingly laid-back atmosphere and affordable drink options that are just as good as (if not better than) the ones being poured at those posh places. The next time you’re in the mood to throw a few back without putting a serious dent in your paycheck, check out a few our Dallas apartment locators’ favorite haunts below.
Feel like shooting some hoops while sipping on an Everclear bellini? Want to let your hair down and share beauty secrets with some bona fide drag queens? Believe it or not, you can check both of those things off your to-do list at the Grapevine Bar. This Oak Lawn gem’s many accolades include “Best Dive Bar”, “Best Straight Bar”, “Best Gay Bar” and “Best Happy Hour.” Order a drink off the secret, naughty list…if you dare.
Take a step back in time at this quaint South Dallas bar, where the wood-paneled walls, vinyl booths and classic light-up beer signs have been around longer than most of the patrons. Lee Harvey’s offers cheap drinks and a full-menu (order the onion rings – trust us) and live music most weekends. Hang indoors or kick back outside on their huge patio, complete with picnic benches and fire pits.
The name of this Deep Ellum treasure says it all. From the seedy “tongue-in-cheek” décor inspired by stereotypical trailer park trash, to the unique outdoor patio, complete with Astro-turf flooring and toilets-turned-patio-chairs, this is one local dive bar you simply have to experience. There’s live music most weekends and happy hour daily.
What’s a dive bar without a few pool tables, a dance floor, friendly bartenders and dirt-cheap drinks? If that sounds like heaven to you, then head over to Tradewinds Social Club. This off-the-beat-path, Oak Cliff hole-in-the-wall features live entertainment and DJs, so you can dance the night away without draining your bank account.
If it’s live local music you’re craving, Deep Ellum’s Wit’s End is the place to be. Unassuming, with just a few beers on tap and a decent selection of liquor, this is where the locals gather to take in some tunes and toss a few back. Oh, and did we mention their rooftop bar? If you love drinking under the stars but don’t feel like dressing up or dishing out boatloads of cash, give Wit’s End a whirl. You won’t be sorry!
There’s a time and a place for costly craft beer and expertly crafted cocktails. Most of the time, though, there’s just nothing like a good dive bar. Give our top five a try and let us know what you think!
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