123 BEST OF DALLAS® 2026 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER CONTENTS | READERS’ CHOICE | SHOPPING & SERVICES | FOOD & DRINK | SPORTS & RECREATION | ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT legend Shelley Carrol takes to Revelers Hall to jam out with some sax-focused jazz. At first you may think that jazz isn’t jazz with- out a trumpet, trombone or tuba, but Carrol is a true maestro. He’s had a longstanding Wednesday night residency at the New Or- leans-inspired bar, so the night is typically populated by regulars who truly appreciate a good show. Go out on a school night, tip your musicians and get comfy. Carrol will take you for a ride. BEST MONTHLY PARTY Soy Darks 4319 Main St., Dallas instagram.com/soy_darks___ As rugged individualism is forced upon us these days, we’re all seemingly craving community. For goth and cumbia music lov- ers in DFW, that has become a lot easier to find thanks to Soy Darks. The pop-up party takes over Charlie’s Star Lounge in East Dallas on the first Saturday of every month and is led by DJ Ari Villa, who, on her own, can fill the room with her naturally warm inclusiveness. That’s precisely why it’s the best party in town — Soy Darks, at its core, is for everyone, and would be remiss to not invite the whole city. BEST PLACE TO COUNTRY DANCE Round-Up Saloon 3912 Cedar Spring Rd., Dallas instagram.com/roundupsaloondallas Yes, this is one of the best bars on the Cedar Springs Strip in general, but before the go-go boys hit the platforms, before Charli xcx songs consume the room and before the dance floor turns into a sparkly, southern disco, there’s country dancing. Nearly every night of the week from 8 - 10 p.m., professional dance instructors are clomping their boots on the wood for beginner- friendly lessons on how to Texas two-step, country waltz and more. The best part? Lessons are completely free. Afterward, the country music keeps strumming long enough for you to find your dance partner until about midnight when things switch over. It’s the perfect reflection of Dallas’ big urban cowboy energy, really. BEST KARAOKE SPOT Barbara’s Pavillion 325 Centre St., Dallas facebook.com/barbaras.pavillion Karaoke at Barbara’s Pavillion — known as “Barb’s” by regulars — is very much an “if you know, you know,” favorite in Dallas nightlife. Karaoke happens every Thursday and Sunday, but what makes belting it out at this Oak Cliff haunt more special than other karaoke setups in the city is the inclusive sense of community. Even if you’re just fully slaughtering a big ballad that your lungs have no business even attempting, you’ll find a small but encouraging room of friendly pa- trons cheering you on. Karaoke is meant to be fun, y’know, and if you’re doing it at Barb’s, it’s going to be delightful every time. BEST BAR TO RUN INTO YOUR EX Double Wide 3510 Commerce St., Dallas doublewidedallas.com If you know there’s a chance you’re going to run into your ex on a night out, you want it to be somewhere that makes a frozen White Russian with Yoo-hoo chocolate milk — does the concept of a “comfort cocktail” exist? Plus, after a certain point in the night, the pa- tio becomes a collective black hole of sorts anyway, so no one will even remember seeing you sharing a cigarette with your worst mis- take if you decide to rekindle. Cheers! BEST BAR TO FIND A ................ Cosmo’s 1212 Skillman St., Dallas cosmosloungedallas.com To start, everything at Cosmo’s is a double. So if you find yourself two drinks deep, eyeing someone across the circular bar, know that you’re actually four drinks deep and Cosmo’s cannot be held liable for what you wake up Photo by Alison McLean Cosmo’s