70 September 19 - 25, 2024 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER CONTENTS | READERS’ PICKS | SHOPPING & SERVICES | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT | FOOD & DRINK | SPORTS & RECREATION couches and chairs, Barbara’s Pavillion makes for happy queer refuge — especially on groovy karaoke nights. Drinks that won’t break the bank and bar snacks to absorb your gin and tonics are also a delight. Not to mention, the back patio makes for a cozy spot for you and your besties to discuss that cool indie film you saw at the Texas Theatre a few blocks away. This little dive bar may be small, but it sure feels like home. 325 Centre St. 214-941-2145, facebook.com/barbaras.pavillion Best Gamer Spot Cheat Code Lounge Yes, we know the speakeasy trend is be- ginning to get played out, but Cheat Code Lounge is a true speakeasy in every sense of the word. Through a staircase or eleva- tor at Station 4, and then another trek downstairs, guests of the popular queer nightlife destination will discover a haven of arcade games. As Dallas’ gayborhood continues to evolve, the famed strip meets the needs of LGBTQ+ people seeking to heal their inner child — through games, contests, and pure fun. Drinks are avail- able at the nearby bar, but Cheat Code Lounge also makes for a nice space for our sober brothers, sisters and non-binary siblings. 3911 Cedar Springs Road 214-526-7171, cheatcodelounge.com Best Suburban Beer Garden Katy Trail Ice House Outpost In the middle of a sprawling concrete jungle in Plano sits a little oasis called the Katy Trail Icehouse Outpost. Many Dal- lasites are familiar with the bar and grill’s flagship location along the Katy Trail in Dallas on Routh Street, but its satellite lo- cation in Plano is well worth the stop if you find yourself north of the PGBT. Like the flagship, the outpost is a casual beer garden with plenty of drinks to choose from and a delicious menu to boot. Unlike the little ice house along the trail, the suburban Katy Trail Ice House Outpost has plenty of room to grow, so it is. The Outpost is expanding its patio by 6,000 square feet, enough room for 300 more guests, a tiki bar, outdoor bathrooms, 22 trees, a new fire pit and two walk-in coolers for the kitchen that should all be complete by the end of October. 4700 W. Park Blvd. 972-599-9000, katyoutpost.com Best Movie Theater Texas Theatre As movie theaters have come and (mostly) gone in recent times, Texas Theatre re- mains strong. With exciting series, presen- tations of major releases and indie films, as well as magical festivals, the Texas Theatre is the ultimate film buff destination in Dal- las. Just last year, the venue was the site of a major red carpet premiere, with The Iron Claw. More than 90 years since its opening, Texas Theatre continues to make history. 231 Jefferson Blvd. 214-948-1546, thetexastheatre.com Best Country Song Matt Hillyer, “Moving Away” A couple of years ago, Matt Hillyer’s long- time honky-tonk group Eleven Hundred Springs called it quits, but that by no means brought Hillyer’s honky-tonking to an end. He teamed with local label State Fair Re- cords to release the excellent Glorieta in 2023 and the stellar Bright Skyline this year. The swinging, standout track from the latest LP, “Moving Away,” is a funny, classic coun- try gem that fits nicely into Hillyer’s catalog. Besides, not many tunes with the lyric “they know it ain’t right to let the dog take a shit on my lawn,” can get away with it like this one does. Jenni Cholula Cheat Code Lounge // BEST GAMER SPOT
