Top 10 Bars/Clubs of 2009: Dallas

Though the neighborhood is upscale, there's nothing pretentious about this bar. The spacious patio is the star attraction in good weather.

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.

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.

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,

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.