One thing about North Texas, there's no shortage of great bars.
Whether you prefer high-end cocktails from a trained mixologist or a classic draft from a low-key dive bar, Lauren Drewes Daniels, senior editor for the Dallas Observer, shares some local favorites in her latest piece, "High proof, low key: The 50 best bars in Dallas right now." She joined NTX Now's Miranda Suarez and Ron Corning to talk about a few of her favorites.
Clifton Club Bar and Lounge
3333 N Fitzhugh Ave.
Drewes Daniels says her favorite part about visiting the Clifton Club is the $20 happy meal they offer during happy hour.
"It comes with one small smash burger, a small french fry, a nice house cocktail and one [cigarette]," she said. "When you go in during happy hour, almost every table in that restaurant has a happy meal on it."
Kilmac's
814 W. Davis St.
Killmac's in Oak Cliff is one of the newest bars from Feargal McKinney, who also runs The Old Monk. Drewes Daniels says she enjoys all of his bar concepts.
"He is great at customer service," she said. "Every single one of his spots, you're going to get served soon and timely."
Mike's Gemini Twin Lounge
1906 S. Hardwood St.
A little bit more on the divey side but still upscale, Drewes Daniels calls Mike's Gemini Twin Lounge one of her favorite bars in the city.
"It is just so unique and different," she said. "The bartenders always wear suits, but there's a stripper pole in the middle of the room."
Drewes Daniels says this spot also offers the best dirty martini in Dallas.
A Step Up Lounge
3720 Walnut Hill Lane
Like any classic dive bar, A Step Up Lounge is dark and filled with pool tables.
"They don't have any food there because most dive bars don't worry about food, but you can order tacos from Tacos El Metro next door and then they'll take it over to you," Drewes Daniels said.
Not to mention, they have large $5 margaritas on Wednesdays.
Barbara's Pavilion
325 Centre St.
Barbara's Pavilion, better known as Barb's, has a retro 60s vibe and hosts "epic" karaoke.
"I think we should riot if anything happens to Barb's, for sure," Drewes Daniels said.
