17 June 26 - July 2, 2025 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents Points of Pride Celebrate Pride year round at these 13 bars and restaurants BY ALEX GONZALEZ E verything is bigger in Texas, in- cluding Pride. In Dallas, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates Pride twice yearly — once in June and again in September. But in the bustling gayborhood around Ce- dar Springs and Oak Lawn, the party never ends. Throughout its many bars and restau- rants, LGBTQ+ people and those who love them are encouraged to express themselves to their fullest and wave their flags high. During Pride, these watering holes and food outposts are packed to the brim, but they remain staples to our city’s local queer and trans folk. Dallas’ summer Pride festival may have wrapped up, and the month is closing, but we’ve rounded up our favorite places to cel- ebrate Pride year-round in the gayborhood and its surrounding neighborhoods. So grab your chosen family and sit at one of these vi- brant spots. Alexandre’s 4026 Cedar Springs Road (Oak Lawn) Hangouts at Alexandre’s always prove fruit- ful. With good music, a fine menu of craft cocktails and thoughtful conversations with owner Lee Daugherty, Alexandre’s has the formula for a perfect night out. It also has a hearty food program with signature Chick- Fil-Gay nuggets and waffle fries. Those seeking entertainment, look no further than Alexandre’s regular Broadway on a Tuesday nights, or Cher-e-Oke. Barbara’s Pavilion 325 Centre St. (Oak Cliff) Located in Oak Cliff, Barbara’s Pavilion is a celebratory spot for all the misfits and the weirdos, and we say this in the most loving way possible. Inside is a color arrangement of furnishings, paintings and barstools. The vibrant space is optimal for conversing, singing karaoke and grabbing a hot dog and chips if you’ve had a little too much to drink. But the back patio, where customers frequently discuss the concert they just came from, the movie they just saw at the Texas Theatre, or that Observer article they just read, is where it’s at. Charlie’s Star Lounge 4319 Main St. (East Dallas) Though Charlie’s isn’t officially an LGBTQ+ bar, excess, eccentricity and grunge are all encouraged here. Whether you’re chopping it up with beloved bartender Big Fun, deliv- ering top-notch vocals at karaoke or dancing to a set by Dezi 5, Charlie’s is the place to let that freak flag fly and shake it like a Polaroid picture. Or, of course, rock out to some clas- sic alternative tunes. The Grapevine 2213 Butler St. (Medical District) In its original Oak Lawn location, The Grapevine brought together people from all walks of life—hipsters, professionals, social- ites and artists. In its Medical District loca- tion, which opened in 2023, the famed dive bar maintains its diverse nature to a greater extent, with more space to mingle, move and dance. And yes, those frozen Bellinis still taste incredible. Hamburger Mary’s 4123 Cedar Springs Road, No. 101 (Oak Lawn) The worlds of food and ferocity collide at Hamburger Mary’s Dallas location. Every weekend, a curated lineup of some of the city’s most fabulous drag performers deliv- ers performances of epic proportions. Noth- ing beats an afternoon of entertainment, combined with mimosas and a mac ‘n cheese burger. Oh, and don’t forget to bring cash to tip these queens. Hidden Door 5025 Bowser Ave. (Uptown) It might be five o’clock somewhere, but if you can’t wait, Hidden Door gets the fes- tivities going as early as 7 a.m. Here, the drinks are cheap, the music is always pumping and the bartenders — who quickly learn your name and drink order — are like family. Take the chats to one of the two pool tables or outside on the lush, spa- cious patio, where there is plenty of room to flirt and party it up. Or shoot the breeze over the latest sporting event or episode of Drag Race. Hunky’s Old Fashioned Hamburgers 3930 Cedar Springs Road (Oak Lawn) You can never go wrong with a simple burger and fries, and Hunky’s has some of the best diner food on the strip. If bar settings aren’t for you, sitting in a cozy booth with your closest friends makes for a more intimate ex- perience as you bond over sandwiches, shakes and more. Be sure to save room for dessert. Hunky’s strawberry cake is heavenly. JR’s 3923 Cedar Springs Road (Oak Lawn) You can dance all day on either of JR’s two levels on weekends. But on weekdays, JR’s makes for a lovely spot for lunch. Beers on tap pair well with JR’s hearty burgers, and the smell of the grill throughout the bar is a reminder of good ol’ Texan hospitality. Liquid Zoo 2506 Knight St. (Oak Lawn) If you missed Cher-E-Oke at Alexandre’s, you can catch the show again at Liquid Zoo. With a large stage and a packed bar area, you’ll undoubtedly feel like a star when you get up to perform. Or, if singing isn’t your thing, sit on the lovely antique furni- | CITY OF ATE | t Dish Don’t put those flags away just yet; there’s always Pride to celebrate in Dallas. Melissa Hennings Lauren Drewes Daniels Pull up a stool at the Grapevine. >> p18
