From trendy cocktail lounges to lively dance clubs, there’s always somewhere to celebrate a girls night out.
10 terrific spots to spend an evening in Downtown Dallas
After the sun goes down, downtown Dallas heats up with a dizzying array of nighttime diversions to keep night owls entertained until the wee hours. From uber-hip lounges to neighborhood pubs and intimate live music venues, downtown Dallas has it all and more.
If your idea of a night out involves good music, then you’ll want to check out Opening Bell Coffee, one of the best free live music venues in the city— or City Tavern, a cozy neighborhood pub featuring everything from jazz to rock.
For a more Americana experience, The Rodeo Bar offers a classic Texas vibe with live music and a lineup of food and booze to match.
Fancy a hand-crafted drink in a posh setting? Then head to Midnight Rambler, a sexy subterranean drinking den in the ultra-chic Joule hotel. There’s also The Mitchell, a handsome drinking haunt where gin concoctions elevated into an art form.
Whether it’s a date night, a casual get together with friends or just a place to chill out after work, here are ten of the best places to hit around the downtown area.
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House of Blues Dallas
Downtown
Photo courtesy of House of Blues Dallas
Located in Victory Park, this legendary music mecca is one of the city’s premier venues for a wide variety of major musical acts. In fact, Billboard magazine rated the Dallas location as the fourth most popular music club in the country. Which is not surprising since its main performance hall is large enough to take a crowd, yet intimate enough to allow music-loves to get close and personal with their favorite artists. Everyone from Alice Cooper to George Clinton have passed through its doors, and in addition to concerts, HOB hosts a bi-weekly Local Vocals showcase in the Foundation Room lounge where you can also enjoy cocktails and bites.
Recommended for Downtown Dallas’ Best Nightlife because: The House of Blues is a popular place to catch touring bands and new talent.
Ilene’s expert tip: Note that valet is only available for Foundation Room members, but there are parking lots and garages in the area where you can reserve spots in advance. You can find that information on the website under FAQs-general venue.
City Tavern
Downtown
Photo courtesy of City Tavern
If you’re looking for a spot with loads of character, then City Tavern will be a perfect fit for you. This friendly neighborhood pub attracts a wide mix of people who come to chill out with a drink and chow down on good grub. Best of all, it’s the place to always catch some type of televised sports action. Expect to find a short list of cocktails and a slew of craft beer on tap as well as bar snacks, salads and sandwiches ranging from wings and barbacoa nachos to burgers, and fish & chips. Keep an eye on Facebook for special events.
Recommended for Downtown Dallas’ Best Nightlife because: City Tavern is where to go when you want a laid-back atmosphere with reasonably priced food and booze.
Ilene’s expert tip: The Tavern offers Happy Hour from 4-7 p.m., weekdays. More specials are listed on the website.
Nightlife
Once the sun sets, there’s no shortage of adventures in Dallas. From live music to cocktails on the rooftops, make sure your Dallas plans include a night out.
Dallas has numerous scenic views for you to enjoy while sipping your favorite drink. Head to the Gallery Rooftop Lounge in the Cedars/ Southside neighborhood. The picturesque views of Downtown, rooftop infinity pool and art themed cocktails, make this the perfect nightlife hotspot. Or admire a perfect view at the buzzworthy HG Sply Co. in Lower Greenville. This restaurant features an upstairs patio that offers one of the best nighttime hangout spots. Start with any of the delicious and nutritious vegan options, then try one of their inventive cocktails.
Sweat It Out on the Dance Floor
If lacing up your dancing shoes sounds like the perfect night out, there’s plenty of bars for you to show off your moves. Start at Cafe Salsera in Deep Ellum. The restaurant turns into a dance party every weekend and you can expect all the best Latin hits to be on repeat. Or if line-dancing is more your style, then head to the Cowboys Red River. This West Dallas spot is known for its great live music and massive dance floor to show off your best two-step moves.
From house shows to major tour stops and every gig in between, Dallas has endless opportunities to see local luminaries and music superstars. Jam to the best upcoming bands, who perform daily, at Adair’s Saloon in Deep Ellum. Or make plans for a show at the Granada Theater in Lower Greenville. Thanks to its intimate feel, great acoustics and never-ending showcase of local and national artists, this a prime spot for seeing live music.
Sneak Into a Speakeasy
From secret passwords to hidden entrances, Dallas’ speakeasies offer various surprises for a fun night out. Hidden in plain sight, Midnight Rambler in Downtown is a gorgeous cocktail bar, serving up drinks with exotic ingredients – perfect for elevating your nightlife experience. If you’re looking for a speakeasy with a little more flair, head to High & Tight in Deep Ellum. Disguised as a barbershop, this bar has more than a stylish new hairdo waiting for you inside. No matter if it’s a lively atmosphere or a good drink you crave, High & Tight delivers on every level.
Head to the Dallas Comedy Club in Deep Ellum. The comedy hotspot hosts improv, sketch and stand up comedy shows, so there’s always something great on the lineup. Or laugh out loud at the Hyena’s Comedy Club. Come early to check out the shops and restaurants at Mockingbird Station, before heading to the club with a cocktail in hand.
Pride and Party: Dallas’s Premier LGBTQ+ Nightclub Scene
Uncover Dallas’s leading LGBTQ+ nightclub scene, guided by a selection of the finest dance clubs and events.
- Station 4
- The Round-Up Saloon
- Sue Ellen’s
- The Hidden Door
Dallas offers a diverse and vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife experience.
Whether you’re looking to dance the night away, enjoy a drag show, or simply socialize with friends, these premier LGBTQ+ clubs and events are sure to leave you wanting more.
Dancing Lessons in Dallas: Get Started or Hone Your Skills
Whether you’re a dance enthusiast seeking to refine your skills or a novice keen to learn, Dallas provides a range of dance classes and workshops tailored to your needs. From salsa and hip hop to country line dancing, there’s no shortage of opportunities to expand your dance repertoire and perfect your moves.
So, lace up your dancing shoes and get ready to explore the exciting world of dance in Dallas!
Salsa Dance Classes: Step by Step
Master the steps of salsa dancing with top-rated dance classes in Dallas, such as Salsa Dallas, Salsa Heat, and Salsa Con Fuego. These classes offer step-by-step instruction, helping you improve your coordination, boost your confidence, and connect with new friends who share your passion for dance.
- Salsabysal Dance Studio: This dance studio offers a variety of salsa dance classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced. They also offer private lessons and group classes.
- Salsa Dallas: This dance studio offers a variety of salsa dance classes, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes. They also offer social dancing nights and workshops.
- Social Dance Connection: This dance studio offers a variety of Latin dance classes, including salsa, bachata, and merengue. They also offer social dancing nights and workshops.
With a lively and energetic atmosphere, these salsa dance classes will have you moving and grooving in no time!
Hip Hop Workshops for Beginners and Advanced Dancers
Improve your hip hop dance skills with free dance lessons in the form of workshops for beginners and advanced dancers in Dallas. From learning the basics to perfecting advanced moves, these workshops offer an exciting and engaging way to enhance your dance abilities.
- SimplyTheBestDance: This dance studio offers hip hop dance classes for all levels, as well as other styles like house and waacking. They also offer private lessons and group classes.
- Mojo Dance Studio: This dance studio offers hip hop dance classes for all levels, as well as other styles like krumping and popping. They also offer private lessons and group classes.
With expert instruction and a supportive environment, you’ll be busting out impressive moves on the dance floor in no time!
Country Line Dancing: From Basics to Pro Moves
Learn the basics or perfect your moves with country line dancing classes in Dallas. With a variety of classes available, you can explore this fun and energetic dance style at your own pace.
- 410 Line Dancers: This dance studio offers line dancing lessons for all levels, from beginner to advanced. They also offer private lessons and group classes.
- Studio 22: This dance studio offers line dancing lessons for all levels, as well as other styles like country western and ballroom. They also offer private lessons and group classes.
- Cowboys Red River: This dance hall offers line dancing lessons for all levels. They also have a dance floor where you can practice your new moves.
Whether you’re looking to improve your technique or discover new moves, these country line dancing classes will help you achieve your dance goals and have a blast in the process!
Summary
Dallas offers a rich and diverse nightlife scene, with a wide variety of dance clubs and bars catering to every taste and preference. From the trendy hotspots of Uptown to the historic heart of Deep Ellum, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.
So, whether you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, enjoy a night out with friends or simply experience the electric energy of Dallas after dark, this guide has got you covered.
Whether you live in a downtown Dallas apartment or reside in a loft in Addison, dope nightclubs are just around the corner. Hit the dance floor at one one these many dance clubs and dive into the dazzling world of Dallas nightlife.
