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Top 10 Bars/Clubs of 2009: Dallas
From the archives: December 14, 2009
Low-key consumption is the 2009 trend. The bar business saw a flurry of pub openings--mostly in the suburbs, where foreclosures must be driving homeowners to drink. The City remained fairly quiet on the opening front. But since shopping, dining and drinking remain quasi sports in Dallas there's no sign that establishments will go empty though bar tabs may shrink and happy hour specials may prove the biggest draws. Now, in no particular order, find the 10 best bars and clubs in Dallas this year. (Photo courtesy of Bandera Bar)
Report AbuseThe Top 10
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Bandera Bar
Read Reviews1924 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206 (map)
The bar’s reason for being is to showcase ‘RED Dirt’ music, which could loosely be described as a mix of country, blues and rock. Check out pitcher-night Mondays when domestic pitchers are $5, specialty beers $6.
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Patio Grill
Write a Review3403 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204 (map)
Though the neighborhood is upscale, there’s nothing pretentious about this bar. The spacious patio is the star attraction in good weather.
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Last Chance Saloon
Read Reviews1410 K Ave, Plano, TX 75074 (map)
The menu is basic bar food but the beer is cold and the atmosphere feels like the stage set of TV show "Bonanza". Surprisingly the owners are transplanted New Yorkers. Stop in Midweek or Friday to hear some of the best country artists in the DFW area.
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The Lemon Bar
Write a Review3699 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204 (map)
Located in hip West Village, this bar has refreshingly traditional aspirations; it’s a sports bar. Televisions are for game viewing, the only distraction being the Go-Go dancers Thu.-Sat. nights. Live music Wednesdays and $2 domestic drafts most weekdays also draw crowds.
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Rugby House
Write a Review8604 Preston Rd, Plano, TX 75024 (map)
Expect typical fish-and-chip fare in an English pub atmosphere. On tap are no fewer than 18 international beers in addition to bottled brews. The kitchen serves until 1:30am every night. Even premium liquor is a bargain during Last Call Countdown Sun.-Th. from 11pm-2am,
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Sambuca 360
Read Reviews7200 Bishop Rd, Plano, TX 75024 (map)
Dallas-based chain opens its first Plano location in the Shops at Legacy. The club features live music nightly and a lively bar scene. Happy hour Mon.-Fri. from 4:30pm-6:30pm draws a thirty-something singles mix with half-off drinks and appetizers.
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The Holy Grail Pub
Read Reviews8240 Preston Rd, Plano, TX 75024 (map)
Booze hounds believe they’ve found the ultimate pub with 30 drafts and 100 bottled beers. The place has a pedigree: owner Brian worked at Henderson’s The Old Monk before going solo. Weekly happy hour from 3pm-7pm features $1-off drafts and $3 Texas beers.
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McSwiggan's Irish Pub
Write a Review6910 Windhaven Pkwy, the Colony, TX 75056 (map)
Billed as the ‘unofficial Boston pub of Dallas’, this is the place in Dallas to find authentic New England clam chowder. Sundays are devoted to watching New England Patriots’ games. Win or lose there are $2 domestics, 60-cent wings and $1-off New England beers.
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Deux
Read Reviews5321 E Mockingbird Ln, Dallas, TX 75206 (map)
Although mainly a special event and catering operation located in Mockingbird Station, this unassuming bar next to Trinity Hall is open to the public Th.-Sat. with happy hour specials from 4pm-9pm. The plush interior and call-ahead philosophy aim for an upscale crowd.
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The Alcove
Write a Review2907 State St, Dallas, TX 75204 (map)
This is a State-Thomas neighborhood wine bar where you can hang out or take your bottle to go. Specialty beers are available next to the wide selection of international wines. Catered appetizers are billed as better than the average cheese-board.
