The Gambler on the Road series is live! This time around, Michael’s on a trip to Dallas, discovering the city’s most popular bars.
As someone who grew up in Hudson, NJ, my idea of the perfect bar night usually involves cozy corners, chatty bartenders who remember your drink, and a soundtrack of timeless rock or smoky jazz. I thought it was something that could not have been matched anywhere outside my East Coast comfort zone.
Then Dallas happened.
A friend, a proud Texan, once told me, “You can’t say you’ve experienced Dallas without exploring its bar scene.” I’ll admit, I was skeptical – could a city known for cowboy hats and barbecue really deliver the nightlife I’d love? Turns out, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
So, keep on reading as I share all my favorite bars in Dallas.
Bars I tried during my trip to Dallas
- Midnight Rambler: Best cocktails I had in Dallas
- Adair’s Saloon: Classic dive bar with live country tunes
- The Rustic: Amazing outdoor setup, but the long waits can kill the mood
- Waterproof: Rooftop drinks with a killer view, though service can be hit-or-miss
- Cosmo’s: Quirky retro bar
Getting to Dallas is simple with direct flights taking about four hours. However, the city’s size might catch you off guard – unlike the compact streets of Hoboken or Jersey City, exploring here often means relying on Uber or a rental car. Navigating the heat is another thing to keep in mind. Staying hydrated is a must, especially in the summer months. And don’t be surprised if strangers strike up a conversation – Texans are naturally friendly, and chatting at bars can lead to some of the best local recommendations.
Now, let’s explore the Dallas bars that left a lasting impression.
Midnight Rambler – Craft cocktails & unique menu
Nestled in the basement of The Joule Hotel, Midnight Rambler is an underground cocktail bar with a cool, unique vibe. The golden lighting and retro checkerboard tiles give it an intimate, speakeasy feel that’s both stylish and inviting. The drink menu is where this spot really shines. Their “Pancho & Lefty,” a smoky mezcal cocktail with a citrus twist, was a standout – crafted with care and just the right amount of heat. Watching the bartenders mix drinks here is half the fun; they treat every pour like an art form!
What makes Midnight Rambler special isn’t just the cocktails, though – it’s the atmosphere. Low conversations hum in the background, laughter drifts from tucked-away corners, and the whole place feels like a secret you’d only share with close friends. It’s the place you go when you want to lean in, talk quietly, and drink slowly.
Adair’s Saloon – Classic dive bar with live country music
While wandering through the streets of Dallas’ Deep Ellum neighborhood, I found myself surrounded by murals, busy venues, and the unmistakable hum of live music drifting out onto the sidewalks. As I took in the scene, I suddenly remembered a friend once raving about a dive bar in this very area. “You can’t visit Dallas without grabbing a burger and a beer at Adair’s,” they’d said.
Sure enough, a neon sign and the sound of that classic country guitar led me to the unassuming entrance. Inside, Adair’s felt like a world of its own. The walls were covered in layers of Sharpie graffiti and concert posters, each a piece of history left behind by countless patrons. It wasn’t long before I spotted an empty marker near the register, and of course, I added my own small doodle to the mix.
The cheeseburger here? The rumors don’t lie; it’s a greasy, delicious masterpiece. And when paired with a Lone Star beer (needed to feel like a true Texan), it was the kind of simple delight that reminded me of why unpretentious food and drink will always have my heart. Adair’s isn’t polished, and that’s its charm. It’s a place where you can laugh loudly, sing along to live music and leave your mark – literally – on its storied walls. Very different from Hoboken bars, have to say!
The Rustic – My favorite outdoor bar in Dallas
The Rustic, located in Dallas’ Uptown neighborhood, offers a spacious outdoor setting that feels like a lively backyard gathering. During my visit, I settled into a spot with a clear view of the stage and ordered a Revolver Blood & Honey wheat ale, a local favorite known for its refreshing qualities. As the band began their set, the crowd – families, couples, and friends – clapped and swayed to the music with an energy I rarely see back home. The menu features Southern-inspired dishes, and I opted for the queso served with warm tortilla chips. The queso’s rich and creamy texture complemented the crispy chips, making for a satisfying snack.
In summary, while The Rustic has a lively outdoor setup with great live music, the long waiting times make it harder to enjoy. If you’re planning a visit, try going during off-peak hours to avoid the crowds and make the most of the experience.
Waterproof – Amazing rooftop bar
As I exited the elevator at Waterproof atop The Statler Hotel, one word came to mind – breathtaking. The open-air rooftop sprawled out before me, with the Dallas skyline glittering in the background. Soft beats played from the live DJ tucked near the bar, and the faint clink of cocktail glasses completed the vibe.
I was struck by the pool that stretched across one section of the rooftop. Now, I wasn’t going to jump in, but watching couples perched poolside with spritzes in hand made it clear – this is where Dallas comes to unwind in style. I ordered the grapefruit spritz, which was highly recommended. Bright, zesty, and just fizzy enough, it felt like the drink equivalent of summer. That said, the service can be hit-or-miss here. On busier nights, it might take a while to catch a server’s attention, so patience is a must.
Cosmo’s – The weird yet fun hideaway
Cosmo’s in Dallas aims for a unique, retro feel with its neon lights and old-school booths, but it doesn’t quite hold up against the city’s more vibrant bars. The place has a nostalgic touch with its jukebox that’s still in use, which some might find charming. However, the overall bar felt a bit quiet and disconnected, even though the patrons were diverse, ranging from artists to locals.
While the service was friendly and the drinks like the old-fashioned were made well, the atmosphere at Cosmo’s didn’t inspire a return visit, especially when compared to livelier spots like Midnight Rambler, known for its excellent cocktails, or Adair’s, which always seems to be buzzing with energy. It might be worth a look for those interested in a quieter, quirky spot, but it’s not at the top of my list for a repeat visit.
How Hudson, NJ locals might feel right at home (or not)
Reflecting on Dallas’ bar scene, I can’t help but notice how it feels both familiar and completely different from Hudson’s local spots. Exploring these spaces made me appreciate the unique quirks of each city.
- More Open Space: Bars in Dallas often have sprawling patios. It’s a welcome change from our cozier, space-conscious East Coast spots. It feels like a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively.
- Friendlier Strangers: Texans will strike up a conversation at the bar without a second thought. For someone like me, who is used to the more reserved people back home, it was both surprising and refreshing.
- Live Music Everywhere: This part gave me major FOMO for Jersey bars. Live music isn’t just common – it’s the norm.
Food pairings and local flavors you can’t miss
A quick word to the wise: don’t skip the bar eats. Dallas knows how to bring its food game, even at its watering holes – they even compare to some of the best NJ restaurants I’ve visited. My picks?
- Adair’s Saloon’s Cheeseburger
- The Rustic’s Queso & Chips
Tips for Hudson travelers in Dallas
If you’re heading to Dallas, here are a few Hudson-specific tips I learned the hard way:
- Uber Is Your Best Friend: Dallas is super-sprawling, and walking between bars isn’t nearly as feasible as it is back home.
- Check Bar Hours: Some bars close earlier than anticipated on weekdays. I was caught off guard a couple of times.
- Hydrate and Stay Cool: If you’re visiting during the summer, trust me, you’ll thank yourself for keeping a water bottle handy.
What I learned about bars in Dallas
Dallas’ bar scene surprised me in the best way. From rooftop views and live music to dive bars full of character, every spot felt like a piece of the city’s story. What stood out most were the wide-open patios and airy layouts, a refreshing change from the tightly packed bars I’m used to back in Jersey. Pair that with welcoming locals and a relaxed pace, Dallas becomes a great place for a perfect night out.
