Explore Dallas | Best Cocktail Bars
Hey guys! As most of you know, even before my big move back to Dallas, I loved exploring all the city has to offer. Last year, although I neglected this blog, I got to experience so many new, dope places — and not just in Texas, haha. My only regret was not being more open in sharing it with you all! Especially when I ended up answering several DMs on Snap and Insta on where, what, and how I found stuff I was doing 😂. So, here we are!
First up, cocktails in Dallas! I love me a good craft cocktail and 2018 was the year for just that in Dallas. After checking out A TON of bars this last year (old and new) I came down with the best of the best, which I still frequent today.
(Note: I am a whiskey and mezcal drinker. But trust, if they can master these cocktails — they can do anything!)
Las Almas Rotas
Back in 2017, I heard of Dallas’ first mezcaleria, Las Almas Rotas, located near Fair Park. It was fairly new at the time, as was mezcal to Dallas. I was (and am) a whiskey girl, but also enjoy tequila. So when I got to try and learn about mezcal at the Maker’s Mark house in Dallas (crazy story for another time haha) — I HAD to go!
My first experience was great and hasn’t changed since (reminder it’s 2019, ya’ll; that’s impressive). Will say this place is a bit pricey, but the cocktails and food are worth it. I actually didn’t find out about the food until after a few months of going…lol. I guess I was too distracted by the legit drinks, I never looked around, haha. It wasn’t until I attended a friend’s catered birthday party in their back bar that I was like, damn… this place is 🔥. For food, I recommend their carnitas tacos (pork) or the al pastor (pork) quesadillas — pineapples included. Sooo good! Their gauc is BOMB as well. 😋
It’s located in Exposition Park on Parry Avenue. There is a few other bars surrounding it, if you wanna hop around, but none compare to what you get at Las Almas Rotas. Also, although I throughly enjoy their cocktails — you GOTTA sip the mezcal straight your first time (if not always! 😉). I suggest starting with a mezcal flight to see what you like and go from there. I will ‘casually’ note they were voted “Best Margarita in Dallas” last year by D Magazine. Anddd National Margarita Day is this Friday, February 22nd, so… make good choices.
(And FYI, special pricing of their award-winning margs will be available all weekend!)
Hours: Sunday and Wednesday from 5 P.M. to midnight / Thursday through Saturday from 5 P.M. to 2 A.M.
Tiny Victories opened up a year ago, and I have been a fan since. Located in Oak Cliff, this spot has a great atmosphere, craft cocktail menu, and friendly bartenders. Tell ‘em what you like and they gotchu. They also host events throughout the week, like Trivia Night and [Bitchy] BINGO and monthly movie series with shot and cocktail specials! Bonus: they also have an Honor Roll Program 😁
Tiny Victories is where I found my [current] favorite cocktail: The “Final” Word. Not on the menu but The “Last” Word is (as well as other cocktails like: Back Dat Cass Up, Blu-Tang Clan, Bidi Bidi Bom Bom, Grandmaster Razz, and you know, classics).
I liked the Last Word, but I’m not really big on gin, so I asked the bartender if they could sub the gin with mezcal (…catching on a theme here? haha) Next thing I hear is: “Oh, so ‘The FINAL word’! […followed by other sweet-ass recommendations]” — I MEANNN 🙌. This place is a great go-to with your close group of friends. It’s been mine since!
They seat about 40 drinkers (patio not included) and are open six days a week.
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 4 P.M. to 2 A.M. and 2 P.M. to 2 A.M. on Saturday - Sunday
Did I save the best for last? Maybe… haha. This low-key spot is hidden in a dark corner at Silvan Thirty in Bishop Arts (Oak Cliff). OK, real quick — if you haven’t been to this area, check it out! You will find everything from said cocktails to a wine-centric Italian restaurant, tacos, ramen, crepes, coffee, juice bar — and even a place to live (lol, this and more surrounds the Sylvan Thirty Apartments).
But, this is about Jettison, so:
Jettison is next to—er, I guess “linked with” Houndstooth Coffee. Yet, not may people know of it. It’s off Houndstooth Coffee's patio, but since their sign is small and only on during opening hours (after 4 P.M.), not many know it’s there. Which is a good thing! Jettison is an intimate, dimly-lit bar — perfect for a date or a low-key night. Or to just to try great MF cocktails. 👌🏻
Your bartenders? Two. George and Andrew are amazing mixologists and truthfully, cool ass people. Oh, and cooks if you count tamale night on Wednesdays ($2/each, ya’ll — see you there!)
True Story: I went to this bar after a recommendation from one of my best friends, Ryan. It was his favorite bar and since I had just moved back to Dallas — had to try. My first time there, I went without Ryan, but George and Andrew were so hospitable, helpful and friendly, my drunk ass felt comfortable enough to tell them my personal life story 😂…AND, SWEAR, it is the most honest, genuine advice I’ve received from [then] strangers. Seriously, those who know me know I keep my personal life VERY private. But these two were so cool they made me feel that comfortable my first time there. Still my favorite bartenders in Dallas today.
Alright, I’m not saying make them your new therapists. Point is they are great, friendly people and you don’t get that a lot in bars in Dallas.
(Side note: I GAVE YOU CREDIT, RYAN. IT’S MY BAR NOW 👊🏻)
Jettison’s menu offers cocktails with everything from sherry to mezcal. My go-to here is the Red Headed Oaxacan (Agave Penicillin, Reposado, Mezcal, Ginger-Honey, Lemon, Mist of Islay Scotch) because… mezcal. But honestly, everything I’ve tried has been amazing. They are masters of their craft, so don’t be shy and let them know what you like. The two also always tinker with ingredients to make their own creations which never disappoint.
Also want to point out, George Kaiho was picked as this year’s BEST bartender in Dallas. So, I’m not sitting here making shit up. I have experienced it and hope y’all do as well! Tell them Nancy sent y’all! …and save me a seat lol.
Hours: 4 P.M. to midnight, Tuesdays - Saturdays
WORTH MENTIONING:
Armoury, D.E. (Deep Ellum) — recommend: ‘Bonnie & Clyde’
Small Brewpub (Oak Cliff) — recommend: ‘New Hat’
HIDE (Deep Ellum) — recommend: anything with absinthe
Midnight Rambler (Downtown) — recommend: finding and going
That’s it for this one. If you have any other recommendations let me know below!
I’ll have more soon. Until then… cheers!
💋NT
