18 January 11 - 17, 2024 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents Choice Awards, Beyond the Bar has estab- lished itself as a beacon of innovation in the world of nonalcoholic libations. Its crowning achievement, the Italian Spritz, blends bittersweet orange and nuanced rhubarb with the delicate tartness of Lyre’s Classico Prosecco. Beyond the Bar transcends the traditional boundaries of beverage establishments; it’s more than just a bottle shop. Here, you can indulge in an array of alcohol-free spirits to elevate your at-home mocktail endeavors. But the venue also boasts an inviting events space and tasting room, inviting patrons to in- dulge in the world of alcohol-free delights. There’s even a mobile dry bar – an oppor- tunity for you and your friends to savor in- novative creations in the comfort of your home. Community Beer Co. 3110 Commonwealth Drive While Dallas undeniably has a penchant for breweries, these establishments might not be your first thought if you’re embrac- ing sobriety. However, for enthusiasts of the beer scene who appreciate the taste sans the alcohol kick, Community Beer Company is a beacon of inclusion. A standout choice is the Nada, a 12-ounce pour packed with the crisp, citrusy notes of an IPA, but with minimal alcohol con- tent. Nada is also waistline-friendly with a mere five grams of carbs and a lean 25 cal- ories (about 2 minutes of running). The brewery also extends its nonalcoholic of- ferings to include a Hazy IPA, a Pilsner and a bock version, ensuring there’s a re- freshing choice for every palate. Double D’s 1404 N. Riverfront Blvd. Double D’s tagline is “All the Love,” which includes an expansive menu catering to a spectrum of discerning tastes. For those on the nonalcoholic journey, the mocktail se- lection offers libations such as the Eastside Story, Boogie Night, Disco Party, Footloose and Soul Planes, sans the alcohol. Priced at $9 each, these concoctions use Lyre’s nonal- coholic spirits and promise an experience that transcends traditional imbibing. Electric Shuffle 2615 Elm St. Electric Shuffle, the high-tech shuffle- board bar in Deep Ellum, has two main- stay mocktails on its menu. The refreshing Hibiscus No-Jito is a mojito riff that merges hibiscus ginger beer with simple syrup, lime and mint. The Texas Sunset skips the usual tequila, calling for pineap- ple juice, orange juice, lime grenadine and Topo Chico. We love the games and whole vibe here. Hugo’s Invitados 5240 N. O’Connor Blvd., Irving Rondel Zero, a nonalcoholic cava, might not make a grand entrance on Hugo’s Invitados wine list, but fret not. This Mexican restau- rant keeps Rondel Zero in its arsenal to di- versify its cocktail menu and create an inclusive ambiance. Witness the alchemy at the bar as fresh-squeezed lemonades or cold-pressed juices are seamlessly inter- twined with a zero-proof sparkling wine, of- fering a beverage that will rival any cocktail on the menu. Nondrinkers are advised to ask a bartender to convert any cocktail into a mocktail, and their wish will be granted. Malai Kitchen Various LocationsWith locations in Dallas, Southlake and Fort Worth, Malai Kitchen highlights a different side of Southeast Asian cuisine, one inspired by the owner’s exten- sive travels through Thailand and Vietnam. When it comes to mocktails, Malai Kitchen looks to sugar cane stalks for its regular non- alcoholic offering, serving fresh-pressed sugarcane juice spiked with ginger and lime. Miss Angeline’s 125 E. Oak St., Denton At the heart of Denton’s vibrant cocktail scene, Miss Angeline’s has embraced the art of mocktails since its inception in 2019. The bar boasts an impressive array of 36 taps, 30 dedicated to cocktails and beer and the re- maining six fulfilling a commitment to offer- ing nonalcoholic alternatives. These mocktails are not your run-of-the-mill con- coctions; each one is crafted to embody the sophistication of a cocktail without the af- termath of a hangover. Try the French 86, with Clean Co. zero-proof gin with rasp- berry, lemon and sparkling water. The Cran- berry Spritz is a refreshing fusion of Clean Co. zero-proof apple vodka, cranberry juice, simple syrup and soda water. For an espresso martini alternative, Lyre’s Coffee Liqueur with Golden Boy brew and cream provides a delectable caffeine kick. Mean- while, the PiNo Colada transforms the Clean Co. rum into a tropical delight, accentuated by pineapple, almond and lime. At Miss An- geline’s, the mocktail experience is nothing short of a celebration of flavor and ingenuity. Monarch 1401 Elm St. Perched on the 49th floor of The National Building in downtown Dallas, Monarch offers panoramic views that will make your jaw drop. In addition to an expansive cocktail menu, Monarch embraces a philosophy of flavor and balance in its alcohol-free concoctions, which change seasonally. Current offerings include the Grapefruit Goddess, Purple Reign and Pas- sionfruit, each priced at $10. Niwa Japanese BBQ 2939 Main St. Niwa Japanese BBQ offers a fun and authen- tic yakiniku with in-table, smoke-free grills. What makes it even better is the array of alco- hol-free drink options for those opting out of spirits. There is no distinct mocktail menu, but the skilled mixologists at Niwa are more than happy to transform any of their signa- ture cocktails into a delightful nonalcoholic counterpart. A crowd-pleaser is the Lavender Fields, with lavender-infused honey, grape- fruit, lemon and effervescent bubbles crowned with a twist of lemon peel. Alterna- tively, indulge in the house-crafted Matcha Lemonade, which harmonizes with the array of meats Niwa has to offer. Paradiso 308 N. Bishop Ave. Paradiso, in the Bishop Arts District, cre- ates its mocktails with freshly squeezed juices and house-made syrups, so when you’re trying the Silent Dove, which has grapefruit juice, soda, lime and simple syrup, you know it’s going to be good. An- other favorite is On the Road Again, made with an American malt spirit-free whiskey, lemon, cold-pressed ginger syrup and maraska cherry. In addition to the plentiful mocktails, the atmosphere offers some magic. From a gold-lined bar with vines hanging from light fixtures to a huge seat- ing area lined with plants and trees outside, Paradiso is the perfect paradise to sip on a drink with friends in tow. The People’s Last Stand 5319 E. Mockingbird Lane The bartenders at People’s Last Stand spend a lot of time concocting diverse types of cock- tails each month, which means each time you visit they are likely to have new drinks to try. While the place does not have a dedicated mocktail menu, the crew can create almost any drink on the cocktail menu sans liquor. Try the Pineapple Purple Sky without the booze, which has freshly made hibiscus- pineapple-peach syrup, or the Palm Tree Dreams, with spicy mango if you want an ex- tra kick to your sip. You can also create a mocktail of your own by letting the bartend- ers know what you like, which makes this a great spot to test your creative abilities. Strangeways 2429 N. Fitzhugh Ave. The beloved East Dallas bar Strangeways has etched its place in the hearts of locals seeking a laid-back atmosphere. For those opting for a sober rendezvous, the menu boasts enticing alternatives. Dive into a re- freshing Cucumber Cooler or savor the trop- ical vibes of a Pineapple Upside Down. You can also delve into the unique profile of Malta or explore the ever-changing rotating selection of alcohol-free beers. XOXO Dining Room 3121 Ross Ave. If you’re into channeling your best Elle Woods and paying homage to everything pink, XOXO Dining Room is the place to grab a nonalcoholic beverage with your friends. For something sweet and aromatic, the Up- town Virgin has lime, fresh strawberry and simple syrup infused with rosemary. Fruit lovers may want to try the Berry Crazy or the PG Passion. The Berry Crazy has blackber- ries, citrus, mint and simple syrup, and the PG Passion has passion fruit, lime, agave and ginger beer. This spot is open until 2 a.m. Thursday through Saturday, so if you’re out with friends and are getting a little tired, you could go for the XO Espresso, which includes cold brew, vanilla simple, half and half and cinnamon, to get you through the rest of the night. Dress up in your best cocktail (mock- tail) attire and be sure to make a reservation because this place fills up quickly. ▼ OPENINGS WEST DALLAS REDO HENRY’S MAJESTIC FINDS A BIG NEW HOME IN WEST DALLAS. BY LAUREN DREWES DANIELS H enry’s Majestic was a popular res- taurant and brunch spot in Uptown since opening in 2004. In 2022, the building it occupied was sold by the owners and the restaurant, along with the speakeasy out back, Atwater Alley, had to find a new home. This year the restaurant landed a nice lo- cation in West Dallas. Henry’s Majestic 2.0 Courtesy of Miss Angeline’s There are six zero-proof cocktails on tap at Miss Angeline’s in Denton. Molly Wolchansky City of Ate from p17 Paradiso has a robust NA menu.
