Where to Find the Best Bar Food in Dallas — From Upscale Spots to Classic Dives

This globally-inspired bar from Krio’s Dan Bui opened in Bishop Arts in 2021. The menu consists of classic cocktails originating from all over the world — order a Pisco Sour from Peru, an English Pimm’s Cup, or Singapore Sling. The Rugged Flower is a favorite “Atlas Original” with sotol and tamarind. The bites menu features lots of great things to try. Don’t miss the Italian meatballs, German pretzel bites, and Vietnamese pho. There’s also a Cuban sandwich, Greek gyro, carnitas tacos, and more to fill you up.

Filled with intriguing paintings and taxidermy, Atlas also features a speakeasy-style bar accessed by a “secret” door in the back.

A Pan-Asian hideaway on Hall Street, this intimate cocktail lounge and restaurant just updated its menu with fresh new bites from executive chef Ashkan Moeinearaghi. But first, start with the Alice Mule cocktail. It’s a refreshing tequila, mango, Thai chili, ginger beer, and lime concoction.

Next, you must try the Pu Pu Platter — it comes with a rotating mix of bites including steamed buns, pork ribs, sushi, spicy fried chicken, and more depending on the day. Another favorite is the Dragon Roll with spicy tuna, tempura shrimp, avocado, and jalapeño. Lastly, save room for the Key Lime Pie with strawberry whip cream.

Also, there is a private back room that groups can book with karaoke and a disco ball if you want to make a whole night out of it.

Another cocktail-forward bar, this Lower Greenville spot from the owners of Rye Dallas offers a menu of bites that can make a fun dinner. It was also just nominated for Best New U.S. Cocktail Bar in the 2022 Spirited Awards. For drinks, you can opt for familiar to adventurous beverages. The Call Me Trinidaddy is a favorite rum cocktail with banana and egg white. For a more exciting experience, take a look at the R-Oaxaca-Fort — a blue cheese mezcal and house mole liqueur drink with a white chocolate cricket garnish.

As for food, start with the Oyster Not Oyster or charcuterie. The Chicken 65 is another favorite — it’s two pieces of naan, each with rum brined chicken thigh and curry 65. And if you’re feeling fancy, the Candelabra dessert (three cakes of angostura bitter chocolate) served in an actual candlestick holder is a showstopper.

Situated in a historic Victorian-style house in Uptown, this cocktail bar is a Dallas favorite for drinks and dinner. When ordering cocktails, you really can’t go wrong as the bartenders here are pros, but a few stand out such as the Bandido (tequila, poblano liqueur, Topo Chico, etc.), Heave Ho with Japanese whisky, and 90s Baby with vodka, cranberry gin, and more. Seasonal drinks also come out every so often so keep an eye out for what is new. For food, don’t miss the ahi tuna tacos, steak tartare, and cacio e pepe.

One of the most upscale bars you can go to in Dallas, The Mansion Bar at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek is a stunner. Live music also takes place at the spot all year (except for summer) if you really want to impress a date. A must-try cocktail is The Mansion G&T (with house-made tonic). You’ll also find a Texas margarita and signature Mansion Manhattan.

If you’re looking to spend dinner at the bar, there is a menu full of “Teasers and Pleasers” including wagyu beef sliders, a burger, shrimp taco, truffle fries, and more.

This Oaxacan-style Mexican bar in Deep Ellum is great for margaritas and live music, but did you also know that they have a killer food menu? And the kitchen is open until 2 am if you’re out a bit later in the neighborhood.

Cocktails at Ruins are agave spirit-forward. Some favorites include the Azteca 666 with mezcal and tequila, Strangelove with mezcal and pomegranate brandy, and frozen Paloma. As for bites, the tacos are the way to go. Get crispy chicken tinga, barbacoa, or pastor with a side of elotes.

This cocktail bar at The Union comes from the same minds behind HIDE (which should be reopening in Lower Greenville soon). The two-story spot makes excellent craft cocktails created with house-made tonics and ingredients. The cocktail menu is categorized by ABV levels so no matter if you want no alcohol or the most alcohol, Royal 38 has you covered.

The dinner menu includes some great dishes such as lobster corn fritters, chicken schnitzel, and chili sauced ribs.

An iconic bar at Dallas’ historic Warwick Melrose hotel, The Library is a cozy spot for drinks, dinner, and live piano music. The classic setup still has a timeless aesthetic, complete with shelves stocked with literature (naturally). Make sure to try The Walk Down Melrose Lane (an Aviation twist) or Rosa’s Margarita. Spending dinner at the bar? The smoked brisket sandwich, burger, and Chef’s charcuterie board are all good options.

This favorite Lakewood dive bar is a go-to spot for specialty cocktails, killer Vietnamese bites, and pizza. Opened in 2000 by brother and sister Gerald Stogsdill and Debra Peña, the bar has remained a staple in Dallas for a no-frills bar experience. Chef Jackson Tran added Vietnamese food to the menu some time ago and it’s definitely spiced up the usual martinis and pizza combo. Make sure to try the pho, egg rolls, and kimchi tater tots.

Last year, this subterranean cocktail lounge at The Joule hotel revamped its cocktail and bar food program. Created by Gabe Sanchez (formerly Black Swan Saloon), the drinks menu features four different kinds of Old Fashioneds, an Oaxaca Awaits mezcal cocktail, The When Harry Met Meghan (a hibiscus gin drink), and more. For food, the CBD Provisions burger is still available (of course), as well as hummus, a patty melt, loaded fries, and more.