11 December 5 - 11, 2024 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER | CONTENTS | UNFAIR PARK | SCHUTZE | FEATURE | NIGHT+DAY | CULTURE | MOVIES | DISH | MUSIC | CLASSIFIED | 10 Best Dive Bars in Dallas Here are 10 Dallas classics from Lakewood Landing to Ship’s Lounge. BY AAREN PRODY I n-laws and immediate family in town? Cheap drinks and sticky floors are the only way to cope. Primed for that one aunt’s horrible cooking, inevitable political discourse and *gestures broadly* to everything else, here’s your list of the best dive bars in Dallas. If you need more options, check out our list of Top 100 Bars in Dallas. Lakewood Landing 5818 Live Oak St. Lakewood Landing has held steady as Dallas’ “one and only upscale dive” for over 50 years. Upscale means one thing everywhere else, but at this dive, it means the corndogs are house- battered. You see the vision when you settle into this dimly lit bar with a lauded jukebox and worn details. If you thought the charm stopped there, wait until you see the menu. The drinks are cheap and almost all the food is under $10, including “the” burger and the award-winning Philly cheesesteak. You see? The Grapevine 2213 Butler St. Wine bar turned dive bar? You don’t hear that every day. The Grapevine opened as a spot for vino on Maple Avenue in 1996, but quickly evolved into a come-as-you-are dive when the regulars demanded something stronger. Despite the bar’s loyal following, the land beneath it was purchased and it was dozed, forcing relocation. Now, two miles from the original location, most of The Grapevine’s original art, nameplates and soft lights decorate this bigger space, equipped with a two-story patio, grandma couches, pool tables and outdoor courtyards. Double Wide 3510 Commerce St. At Dallas’ favorite little ol’ trailer park, the drinks hit harder than dad, they say. Since 2003, Double Wide has served the coldest beer and stiff concoctions like the Yoo-Hoo Yee-Haw and HurriTANG, which could, perhaps, evoke those deeply buried child- hood memories. Live music, at least every Friday and Saturday, ranges from rock to country, plus karaoke and other events from time to time. Lee Harvey’s 1807 Gould St. Don’t be afraid, just go on in. Asked about the reference to the assassin’s name, the original owner, Timm Zbylut, told us “It’s just Lee Harvey’s.” (No Oswald.) OK. This quirky dive bar has been making us ponder what we thought we knew for more than 20 years. There’s a large outdoor space with plenty of picnic tables and often live music on the porch. The burgers and wings are great; the onion rings are epic. Charlie’s Star Lounge 4319 Main St. The outskirts of Deep Ellum is the place to be kind and unwind, as per the motto at Charlie’s Star Lounge. They host themed nights, a beloved Friday night karaoke and a colorful kitchen sink for patrons. “Big Fun” and crew sling libations behind the bar like the must-try Cherry-Lime-Yay, a frozen cherry limeade with vodka. The catch? The bathroom sinks are not sex-proof. Cosmo’s 1212 Skillman St. Owners Gerald and Debra always wanted to own their own retro dive bar where they could keep things interesting and old school in the Lakewood Area. Cosmo’s, with its ‘70s vintage furniture and groovy lights, does just that. Microsoft Word was definitely used to create the menu, but their fresh, classic cocktails and eclectic variety of food prove worthy. Allegedly, this dive has some of the best pho in Dallas thanks to executive chef Jackson Tran’s family recipe. Also on the menu: Stoner Wings and much more (but try the pho anyway). Party tip: this spot is within walking distance of Lakewood Land- ing if you want a twofer one night. Adair’s Saloon 2624 Commerce St. All-day happy hour, free pool on Mondays and live country music? Yes. Adair’s Saloon has been open since 1963. Seven nights a week, Dallas’ upcoming artists and other Texas talent appear on the stage. If they don’t, the regulars will get the damn jukebox playing the sounds of legends like Bob Wills or Hank Williams. Graffiti and art cover about every square inch of the walls and in- clude photo memorabilia of famous and not- famous folk who have passed through the bar, including the blown-up photo of some guy named Elvis Presley taken back in 1955. If their walls could talk, there’d be unbeliev- able lore. Ships Lounge 1613 Greenville Ave. Ships knows who it is. This small bar at the lowest of Lower Greenville has all the small but important things, like a ciggie machine, a pool table no matter how awkwardly placed and a padded bar front so your forearms don’t get those weird indentations. You may be list- ing (nautical pun) by the end of the night here, but to do otherwise would be an insult to one of the oldest dark bars in Dallas. Mike’s Gemini Twin Lounge 1906 S. Harwood St. What do bar top hot dog rollers and stripper poles have in common? They’re both con- versation pieces for a night at Mike’s Gemini Twin Lounge. The standout name of this dive tucked away near Old City Park is a nod to an old drive-in theater that used to be parked along Central Expressway. There are meal deals: Mike’s Seventh Heaven gets you a Wagyu hot dog and martini for $14. Yum! Fireplace Lounge 3122 Samuell Blvd. FLo is so random. Squeezed between a golf course and Interstate 30 in Old East Dallas, it’s a Packers’ haunt. Look for random bon- fires in the back and maybe a potluck on the pool table. There’s karaoke, a jukebox and plenty of opportunity to make a new friend who may offer unsolicited advice. At Fire- place Lounge, the drinks are cheap and strong. | CITY OF ATE | t Dish Susie Oszustowicz Mike’s Gemini Twin Lounge serves wagyu hot dogs and martinis for $14. >> p12 1713 N Market St. - Dallas - TX 214. 468. 4729 Reserve a Table at TheLiamsSteakhouse.com in Dallas’ NOW OPEN
