The Best Bars for Foodies in Dallas

by The OpenTable Team

Updated February 26, 2020

The bustling city of Dallas has been the heartbeat of Texas's diverse and exciting cultural scene for decades, and the best bars in Dallas deliver all of the Lone Star State's good charm and hospitality. Mixing a thriving business and corporate scene with the influences of a diverse group of residents, Dallas has developed a nighttime scene that's all its own. But, where are the Dallas locals and the city's visitors going to spend their weeknights and weekends? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. Here, we've pulled data from the people in the know to develop a list of the finest bars in all of Dallas. From upscale clubs to down-home honky-tonks, the bars of Dallas deliver great food, great vibes, and great drinks. Find a Texas-sized good time at one (or more) of the spots on this list.

Thirsty Lion - Euless, TX

4.2

4.2 (555)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW) Corridor

About the restaurant

The Dallas-area installment of this nationwide chain of gastropubs is in nearby Euless. It's a perfect spot for thirsty or hungry travelers who may require some refreshment after a trip to or from nearby Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. The Thirsty Lion is a comfortable, friendly pub that's a great spot for a casual hangout with friends. Go during a Dallas sporting event and chow down on some of the Lion's bacon-wrapped barbecue prawns. Don't miss their signature flight of local beers, a selection of brews from some of the best breweries in Texas. With great beers and great times, the Thirsty Lion is one of the best bars in Dallas.

Top review

Ashleigh

Dined on Nov 8, 2024

For the first visit, it was incredible! I was blown away with the atmosphere the multi faceted array of delicious cocktails and foods. This was by far the best place I have had here! I will definitely return soon!

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Experience

New Year's Eve Prix Fixe Menus

Experience

Daily Happy Hour 3-6 pm

Experience

Late Night Happy Hour

Vidorra - Dallas

4.3

4.3 (465)

$30 and under

Mexican

Deep Ellum

About the restaurant

This Mexican restaurant in the heart of Downtown Dallas offers up one of the most pleasant atmospheres in the entire city. Stylish and teeming with life and color, Vidorra is an exciting spot for an evening out in the middle of the city. Stop in during the weekday happy hours for drink specials and half-off appetizers. There's also a lively patio atmosphere in good weather, with patrons enjoying cold Mexican beers and selections from the extensive tequila menu in the sunshine. For those that want a little movement with their night out, their "Salsa Wednesdays" feature a free beginner's salsa lesson.

Top review

Brenda

Dined on Dec 8, 2024

Our waiter was so cool and chill, only reason I gave 4 stars was because the hostesses took forever to sit us at a table that was open since we had walked in right next to the door.

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Experience

Margarita Monday

Experience

Tacos and Tequila Tuesdays

Experience

Happy Hour

940's Kitchen & Cocktails

4.6

4.6 (811)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Denton

About the restaurant

Cocktails are in the name and on the top of the list for visitors to 940's. It's one of the best bars in Dallas. The list of cocktails at this Denton hot spot is long and distinguished. There are even cocktail "taps" for a unique pouring treat. Patrons can grab a flight of cocktails, with favorites like Old Fashioneds and Sangria on the menu. Other traditional cocktails include the "Careless Whisper" with gin and grapefruit and the "Duke of Gordon" with blended scotch and orange bitters. 940's lush and stylish ambiance makes it an excellent choice for an engaging night out with friends.

Top review

Michael

Dined on Dec 17, 2024

Heather creates some great drinks. She and her drinks are keepers.

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Popular dish

940 Burger

Popular dish

Tenderloin Grilled Cheese

Arthur's Steakhouse

4.8

4.8 (1342)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

North Dallas

About the restaurant

Arthur's is the place for the complete nightlife experience. For dinner, Arthur's offers a menu of traditional steakhouse and seafood favorites. The restaurant provides a one-of-a-kind style, with the retro dining room surrounded by colorful aquariums and dominated by high ceilings. The wine list and cocktail selections are excellent, and Arthur's features a lively atmosphere with music and dancing. It's an excellent option for an extended night out.

Top review

Cynthia

Dined 6 days ago

We came to celebrate my birthday and this place did NOT disappoint. Service at dinner was impeccable, the food was outstanding and they even did a little something special for me in honor of my birthday. Ended the evening on the bar side. Here, waitstaff was great and the live music was great. I wish we’d discovered this place sooner.

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Popular dish

Filet Mignon

Kenny's Wood Fired Grill

4.9

4.9 (8277)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

North Dallas

About the restaurant

The flames of the wood-fired grill at Kenny's offer an exquisite backdrop for a relaxed night out. Kenny's is a casual, fun restaurant in the Addison Walk shopping mall in North Dallas. Grab some dinner from the grill at Kenny's to start with. There are classic steakhouse options like chops and ribs alongside appetizers like "adult mac and cheese" with smoked gouda and ham. To drink, go for a classic cocktail or a choice from Kenny's fine wine list.

Top review

Ashley

Dined today

The steak here is GREAT and the service is outstanding! I will always choose this location to celebrate any occasion. We celebrated my fiancé’s birthday and though we declined the dessert menu, our waitress brought us a single cupcake with a hand written card and $25 gift card! What a treat! Thank you, Kenny’s, for always making us feel like such valued customers.

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Scout - The Statler Dallas

4.1

4.1 (121)

$30 and under

American

Downtown

About the restaurant

There's plenty of options to enjoy the night at Scout at the Statler. This massive, 12,000-square foot space at the opulent hotel has plenty of good-time options. It's one of the biggest and best bars in Dallas. Visitors can opt for pool, ping-pong, or bowling. There are also live music performances and DJs to entertain the crowds. It's an ideal spot to go with a group of friends for a high-energy night out. Grab a pitcher of a fine local beer from Shiner Bock or Deep Ellum to go along with the game night. Patrons can also go for group-sized cocktails of sangria, mules, or the "pack leader" with tequila and Cointreau.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on May 12, 2024

Nice experience for a good Saturday outing. We ended up not dining at the scout but rather had drinks and played games. It was not crowded due to the time we arrived. Perfect Sunday meet up spot.

STIRR Dallas

4.0

4 (849)

$30 and under

American

Deep Ellum

About the restaurant

STIRR is a local favorite hot spot in the middle of the Dallas Deep Ellum neighborhood. It's a great summertime destination, with a lively patio full of an after-work crowd enjoying beers and a great view of the city's skyline. STIRR is also perfect for a large group outing, with large-serving cocktail servings of blueberry mojitos and sangria. Don't forget about dinner at STIRR, too. They're known for their excellent burgers. Try their Kobe beef burger or the smash burger with house Dijon dressing.

Top review

Doug

Dined 2 days ago

It was a remarkable restaurant for Christmas Eve dinner, where the chef crafted exquisite dishes with inspiring creativity in every presentation.

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4.5

4.5 (467)

$50 and over

Tapas / Small Plates

Knox / Henderson

About the restaurant

For arresting ambiance in Dallas, Felix Culpa is the place to go. The lively interior of this Vickery Place restaurant is decorated with pop art from the 20th century, giving it a relaxed and modern vibe. It's an ideal backdrop for a night out with a loved one or a group of friends. Order one of the restaurant's namesake cocktails, made with Grey Goose vodka, raspberries, and prosecco. Look for the Felix Culpa happy hours, with half-priced appetizers and specials on house wines and beer.

Top review

brittney

Dined on Dec 19, 2024

I dine at this establishment often. I really enjoy the food and the servers are some of my favorite people. It is a little bit pricey but it’s very cute for a nice date night.

The Henry - Dallas

4.7

4.7 (2944)

$30 and under

American

Dallas-Ft. Worth (DFW) Corridor

About the restaurant

A young and hip crowd provides the atmosphere at The Henry. On weeknights and weekends, this upscale spot (one of the best bars in Dallas) close to the American Airlines Center is full of revelers. Visitors should make their way to the Henry's rooftop for a local brew or one of their specialty cocktails. Try the spicy "Devil's in the Details" with shishito peppers and vodka or the "Southern City Mischief" with bourbon and house marmalade.

Top review

John

Dined 2 days ago

First time and great experience. Great drinks, food, atmosphere and service!

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Popular dish

Braised Short Rib

Popular dish

Korean Prime Skirt Steak

Popular dish

Short Rib Potstickers

Hugo's Invitados - Las Colinas

4.4

4.4 (698)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Irving

About the restaurant

Hugo's Invitados is a buzzy Mexican restaurant with a lush interior. With plenty of plant life and greenery on the wall, the interior decor reflects the earthy food on the menu. Hugo's specializes in healthy and hearty Mexican cuisine, with a menu of authentic food drawn from the land to the south of Texas. Tortillas are house-made, and dishes include organic and all-natural ingredients. Local favorites include the wagyu carne asada and the pan-seared diver scallops with Trufa. Choose from one of the superb tequilas on Hugo's menu, or go for a traditional margarita. There's plenty of entertainment to be had here on a weekend or weekday night.

Top review

Jorge

Dined on Dec 15, 2024

Went in for my wife’s birthday everything was delicious. Our server Alex was awesome very knowledgeable on the menu and Abel to explain everything we asked for. My wife had the salmon and loved it. I had the Cochinita Pibil and the flavor was mind blowing!!!

KAI Restaurant & Lounge

4.5

4.5 (1757)

$31 to $50

Pan-Asian

Plano

About the restaurant

Kai is the place to go to admire the work of the chefs. The open wok kitchen at the heart of this hip restaurant delivers a must-feel vibe to visitors enjoying the creative fusion cuisine. At night, Kai becomes an exciting spot with a diverse crowd enjoying plenty of sake, light Japanese lagers, and creative cocktails. Be sure to try one of the Japanese highballs, crafted cocktails with Japanese whiskey and soda water.

Top review

AngelaVIP

Dined today

Ken and Oscar were fantastic tonight! The food was absolutely delicious, and we felt so well taken care of. We highly recommend this place for a date night—its ambiance was truly lovely.

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Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa

4.6

4.6 (1440)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Uptown

About the restaurant

The Dragonfly is an intimate nightlife experience in the ornate Hotel ZaZa. Full of style and upscale decor, the Dragonfly draws a crowd of young professionals and locals to sip and chat. It's also an excellent spot to enjoy people watching while having a drink or two. Enjoy one of the restaurant's signature cocktails, like its trademark Dragonfly Old Fashioned or a skinny margarita, or one of the local craft beers.

Top review

CindyVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Beautiful restaurant, excellent menu, delicious food but a so so waitress. Would definitely go back again!

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