16 July 17 - 23, 2025 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents local music scene. Whether it’s during an open mic or a show featuring a national tour- ing act, you can sit back and soak in the music while getting cracked out on something off their Java menu. Depending on what you plan to order, you might consider bringing a pair of boxing gloves too. Consisting of a 16-ounce drip coffee mixed with two shots of espresso just for fun, Opening Bell’s Black Eye packs a punch that might knock you on your feet. If you’re not down for coffee, you can always grab a beer or a glass of wine and order something tasty off the food menu, like a sandwich, soup or salad. Parliament 2418 Allen St. 469-804-4321 parliamentdallas.com Stepping inside Parliament is like traveling back in time to the barrooms and clubs of the early 1900s. With one of the best happy hours in town, Parliament sports a sophisticated se- lection of craft cocktails, like the Ramos Gin Fizz and over 100 others. Nestled in the State Thomas Historical District, this Uptown spot is brought to us by Dallas’ drink king Eddie “Lucky” Campbell. Parliament went up in the footprint of the old Four Lounge space on Al- len Street. Campbell described his vision for Parliament as a “progressive cocktail lounge,” with a mad-scientist style of drink-making. Campbell and his staff have lived up to that vision ever since. Pegasus City Brewery Downtown 1508 Commerce St. 972-366-7722 www.pegasuscitybrewery.com Peticolas helped raise Dallas’ craft beer scene from JV to varsity when it intro- duced us all to Velvet Hammer over a de- cade ago; it’s a smooth imperial red ale with a 9% ABV — a soft touch with a big punch and so very yummy. The small locally owned brewery in an industrial building in West Dallas is known for its English, Irish and Scottish style brews, all made on-site. The split-level taproom is a great place to catch soccer games; Peticolas shows every- thing from Champions League to regional Mexican matches, and it’s a semi-official home for FC Dallas fans who don’t want to drive to Frisco. If there aren’t any games on, start your own by playing foosball, ping pong or shuffleboard upstairs. Peticolas Brewing Co. 1301 Pace St. 214-234-7600 www.peticolasbrewing.com Peticolas had been putting its beer in cans for only six months when the pandemic ar- rived and forced its taproom’s closure. Sud- denly those four-packs became the brewery’s lifeline, and loyal customers lined up their cars, bikes and running shoes to pick up curbside beer to go. As grateful as we were to pound Velvet Hammers in our own homes, it’s wonderful that the split- level taproom is finally back open. There’s no better place in town to catch soccer games; Peticolas shows everything from Champions League to regional Mexican matches, and it’s a semi-official home for FC Dallas fans who don’t want to drive to Frisco. If there aren’t any games on, start your own by playing foosball, pingpong or shuffleboard upstairs. Poor David’s Pub 1313 Botham Jean Blvd. 214-565-1295 www.poordavidspub.com From a huge bar to a spacious sitting area and a damn-fine lineup of country, folk and acoustic acts, things are looking up at Poor David’s Pub. The place has been trucking along in the Dallas music scene since 1977. It started with a guy named Da- vid Card, the owner, also known as the Da- vid of Poor David’s. He’s been there for it all, as acts like Townes Van Zandt, Guy Clark, Mickey Newbury and so many oth- ers passed through Dallas to play his stage. The Dixie Chicks, now the Chicks, also played their first show in Dallas at Card’s club. Going through a few iterations, once a club on McKinney Avenue, and then in Lower Greenville, Poor David’s has be- come a staple of the local music scene at its current spot off Botham Jean Boule- vard. Rayo Bar & Lounge (new) 841 Exposition Ave. www.rayodallas.com Rayo is the final stop before walking into the State Fair, or the first stop after. We don’t offer that as a warning, rather an emergency lever in case you get dragged to the fairgrounds one day against your will; tell ‘em you’ll meet ‘em outside. Rayo is a great bar with stellar bar food. You’ve likely never met a grilled cheese like the one here, and the play on the Filet o’ Fish and McRib will haunt you at night (one of those good-type of hauntings). The drinks are well crafted and strong, if not a bit dangerous at times (they have a Fernet, te- quila and mezcal night for scary cheap). Service is attentive. The space can wear a lot of moods, from live music to DJ sets; neighborhood spot to a brunch scene on the weekend. It’s whatever you need it to be, which, honestly, is the kind of bar we all need. Revelers Hall 412 N. Bishop Ave. 972-982-2661 www.revelershall.com In a corner of Bishop Arts, Revelers Hall is a time capsule from 1920s New Orleans. The venue’s house band, a big band led by Kevin Butler, entertains patrons with the energy of Mardi Gras, creating a mood so festive it just dares you to take your top off to collect imaginary beads. Don’t try it. Do try the items on the menu, which include flat- breads, cheese boards and charcuterie. The lively, bombastic sounds of brass will invite you to dance well down the street. Revelers Hall is also a favored joint of legends Shelley Carroll and Liz Mikel. It’s not for people looking to enjoy a boring, quiet beer. You can stay home for that. RL’s Blues Palace II 3100 Grand Ave. www.facebook.com/RLBluesPalace2 This storied institution has live blues music every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s come and gone a few times over, but remains Dallas staple for blues music. “Pure grown folks fun,” per their Facebook page, best describes it. The venue offers offers a genuine blue shows with a lively crowd. They sell beer, but it’s BYOB and often people bring food as well. Watch their Facebook page for updates. Rodeo Cold (new) 3826 Ross Ave. www.rodeo-cold.com East Dallas newcomer Rodeo Cold heralds a new generation of dive bars. The Western- themed spot glows on Ross Avenue, but if you miss it, just look for the cowboy-hat- wearing doorman posted on a barstool out front. Inside its red glow, the essentials are all covered: a pool table, bartenders who’ll soon enough know your usual and fine de- cor that includes a beer-chugging bass fish. Arcade games buzz, Ella Langley’s gritty vo- cals hum in the speakers and neon-signed booths are ready for your “Cowgirl Era” snapshot. Glitter-filled shareable drinks pay homage to the queen of country — Ms. Dolly Parton herself. Sneak past the judg- mental glare of a taxidermy deer to the Adult Playground, a massive patio with room for line dancing, chicken shit bingo (yes, with actual chickens) and frosty Frio Grande margaritas. Keep it truly Texas with a frozen, vodka-spiked Dr Pepper and Wrangler Danglers, deep-fried beef balls served with ranch for dunking. Round-Up Saloon 3912 Cedar Springs Rd. 214-522-9611 www.roundupsaloon.com Notorious for being one of the most spacious gay bars in town, Round-Up Saloon has sev- eral rooms, multiple bars, and a two-story outdoor patio; although the bar’s selling point is really its tremendous hardwood dance floor, in the middle of the main room. The bar is saturated with a western theme, and has several large, framed photos of male cowboys doing cowboy-type things. Along with karaoke, trivia and drag shows, the bar hosts two-stepping and western swing dance lessons every week. The friendly bar staff say that Round-Up is a place for gay, straight and transgendered people of every orientation. Even Lady Gaga made an ap- pearance at Round-Up Saloon in 2011, after her “Born This Way” tour, as an act of sup- port for the gay community. Roy G’s 4001 Cedar Springs Rd. 214-272-7127 www.roygs.com Who’s interested in a threesome? Come on, get your mind out of the gutter. We’re talking about the threesome deals at Roy G’s, the gayborhood’s vibrant, rainbow- themed diner bar. For a few bucks, you can get the Taste the Rainbow threesome, which includes a shot of Three Olives, a shot of lemonade and some Skittles. A bolder option is the Needle to the Heart; a shot of Jameson cold brew, a shot of Red Bull and chocolate espresso beans. At Roy G’s, you can decompress with some liba- tions without breaking the bank. Not to mention, food items like the pickle brined chicken sandwich and the Snookie’s burger are pretty damn good. Saint Valentine 4800 Bryan St. 214-484-8140 www.saintvalentinedtx.com This bar in East Dallas has an old soul. From two experienced barkeeps — original mixol- ogist Gabe Sanchez, previously of Black Swan in Deep Ellum, and Ryan Payne — this is a slinky black dress with an attitude of in- difference. Sip a cocktail like the Big Booty Trudy or order a boilermaker from the Churched Up beer section of the menu. The bar food is obnoxiously good. James Beard- nominated chef Misti Norris just perma- nently planted her RainbowCat pop-up in the kitchen. Keep an eye out for specials like dollar wings on Wednesday. We should have just led with dollar wings, huh? Sandaga 813 813 Exposition Ave. 214-616-0802 www.sandaga813.com Across the street from Fair Park is the lounge-y Sandaga, a destination for music Kathy Tran Revelers Hall is a time capsule from 1920s New Orleans with live music and drinks. Top 100 Bars from p15
