If you’ve read any of my other Dallas posts like bars to take your dogs to, or the best rooftops, you’ve probably noticed that I love hanging out on a patio sipping on a drink. This post is dedicated to all of the great cocktail bars I’ve come across in Dallas. Some feature unique infusions, some have amazing views, and others have perfected the classics. These are all worth a visit, maybe just not all at once!
Upside West Village at the Canopy by Hilton
Looking over uptown and straight towards downtown Dallas, this hidden gem is one of the best views in Dallas. While I didn’t include it in my Best Rooftops in Dallas post, the view definitely deserves a mention because it is phenomenal. This indoor-outdoor bar features fun cocktails named after famous actresses and tons of sharable plates worth trying.
I went around happy hour with a friend and we tried the cheese plate, Gulf Crab Lettuce Wraps, Guajillo BBQ Gulf Shrimp, and Spicy Chicken Bravas, and between the two of us, we tried almost all of the non-whiskey cocktails. Each item that was brought out had more color than the last, and one was more delicious than the last. While they don’t do happy hour, if you’re looking for a fun spot with a great view this is your place.
Upside West Village Happy Hour
None.
The Tipsy Alchemist
On the border of Uptown and Harwood, the Tipsy Alchemist sits right next to Ocean Prime across the street from The Crescent. It’s a dark swanky bar with a cool luxurious feel. Up at the bar, you’ll notice a few contraptions that help the bartenders serve up unusually elevated cocktails. One drink winds its way through a tube up over the bar and around the whole room falling directly into a strategically placed glass. Another drink called The Edison is served in a lightbulb instead of a glass. The drinks here are a bit higher priced than usual, but it’s worth the show and style they come with.
Tipsy Alchemist Happy Hour
Everyday: 6-8pm
Parliament
This staple in the State and Allen neighborhood has been a go-to for those in uptown for years. It was one of the places I frequented when I lived in uptown and wanted to pretend I was a little more sophisticated than I was at 23.
It’s unmistakable with the large chandelier hanging in the center of the small establishment. They have a tiny patio out front but unmistakably delicious classic cocktails.
Parliment Happy Hour
M: All Night, T-F: 5-8
HIDE
HIDE is a cool fun bar and restaurant in Deep Ellum. I’ve been there for drinks, but they really caught my eye around Christmastime with their enthusiastic decorations and unique Christmasy cocktails. They refresh their signature cocktail menu twice a year categorizing the drinks by their flavor profile. At the center of their cocktails are the freshest ingredients, many of which grow in the center of their U-shaped bar in their very own herb garden.
HIDE Happy Hour
Su-F: 5-7
Black Swan Saloon
This is one of the more laid back spots on this list, but it had to be mentioned. Black Swan Saloon is a cool spot in Deep Ellum with hardly a sign to note the entrance and no cocktail menu. I came across this unique spot a while ago while out with a friend and we immediately loved the concept.
You can order a simple drink, but if you’re up for something fun, tell the bartender what flavor profile you like and your preferred liquor and you’ll end up with a wonderful cocktail. Between their seasonal infused liquors and the bartender’s mood, you never know what you’ll end up with.
Black Swan Saloon Happy Hour
None.
ABV Establishment
This hidden cocktail bar on Greenville is a cool chic place to enjoy a relaxing cocktail on date night. When we went, we were the only ones inside, so I think we missed some of the intended atmosphere. ABV Establishment has a speakeasy-esque vibe, so we just figured that no one could find the place. Even though we were specifically looking for it, we walked by the door three times.
For your reference, it is above Leela’s wine bar, and the door is to the right of the patio if you are looking at the building. It’s been around for about a year, and the cocktails were fantastic. I had a Basil Smash, and Mob Ties, and Kale went with an Old Fashion. Each one was fantastic in its own right.
My one complaint is that when we went, on Thursday after 8pm, there was no live music as advertised, though that was why we chose that specific day and time. Even though we were there for an hour and more people came in after us, no one came out to play.
ABV Establishment Happy Hour
T-Th: 6-8pm, F-S: 5-8pm
