12 February 5 - 11, 2026 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER Classified | MusiC | dish | Culture | unfair Park | Contents DFW’s Best Punk Venues Punk will never die, especially if these places have a say. BY VERA “VELMA” HERNANDEZ, DAVID FLETCHER, ALYSSA FIELDS B eer, studs and chaos — these are the first things that come to mind when you think of punk shows. But there are a few other things to consider. Bar prices, parking, age restrictions and mosh protocol are other important aspects of the punk show experience. The good news is that all the greatest ven- ues that book punk artists have crystal-clear rules; the bad news is that the greatest punk shows are rarely in venues and more com- monly staged out of abandoned warehouses, or dimly lit basements or wherever else a high-decibel, no-rules party can rage on. But the best place to meet someone who knows someone else who can get you on an invite list to all the underground shows is at the more mainstream, but still grungy, venues in Dallas. Three Links 2704 Elm St. Nicknamed “HQ,” the Deep Ellum bar has drink specials that are such a great deal that you’ll be able to buy plenty of merch. The Three Links stage is at a perfect height, not low enough to fuck up your shins, not tall enough to cause major damage just in case you stage dive at the wrong time. Be sure to check out the vending machines in the bar’s bath- rooms; they’re stocked with sex toys, because you don’t know when the mood will strike. Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios 411 E. Sycamore St., Denton With several stages, including an outdoor theatre, Rubber Gloves — known by its best patrons as simply “Gloves” — hosts some of the craziest midweek punk shows. Do note that after a gory 2024, Rubber Gloves re- vamped their moshing policy and will hap- pily escort aggressive patrons to the parking lot. The venue offers the stage to dozens of local bands, especially experimental ones, but it also scores a good number of sell-out shows for nationally recognized artists. Club Dada 2720 Elm St. Dada’s stage is a bit low, so you can expect some bruised shins if you stand at the front. The long-standing venue’s multilevel back patio is huge, with plenty of seating in front of a large stage. If you’re lucky, you can catch two shows on the same night. Tulips 112 St. Louis Ave., Fort Worth Tulips is a more polished space, sure, but it can still be punk. The stage is pretty high, and sometimes there’s a barrier, but it only makes it more fun to throw yourself off it. The huge back patio is an awesome place to kick back between sets. Nestled into Cow Town, Tulips is a must for the small but mighty punk com- munity that sticks out like a sore thumb in Fort Worth, and they like it that way. Caves Lounge 900 W. Division St., Arlington Arlington may not be the first place that comes to mind when North Texans think of punk, but that is a rookie mistake. Caves Lounge, which backs up to an auto shop off Division Street, is known for living up to its name with its cave- like atmosphere and modest stage. It’s the kind of place where up-and-coming punk bands can host record release parties for small crowds and still feel well-supported. GROWL Records 509 E. Abram St., Arlington Punk music has a longstanding tradition of turning any space into a performance space, and nowhere is that history better seen than at GROWL Records in Arlington. The record store is not large, and the stage is level with the ground, but what the venue lacks in produc- tion, it more than makes up for in authenticity. Deep Ellum Art Co. 3200 Commerce St. This spot hosts acts you won’t see else- where. The floor is massive, giving plenty of space for slamming, dancing, all that jazz. The stage is pretty low, so even though it’s a big room, the shows still feel intimate. The outdoor area is massive and sometimes has food vendors in case you need a quick bite before heading home. Ridglea Room 3309 Winthrop Ave., Fort Worth Located in the historical Ridglea Theater in Fort Worth is the restored Ridglea Room. While the theater may host bigger acts com- ing through Fort Worth, the Ridglea Room serves as a smaller space for punk bands to play as big and as loud as they want. Double Wide 3510 Commerce St. No surprise, a trailer-themed bar with the slogan “Drinks that hit harder than Dad” makes the perfect spot for a rowdy punk show. Double Wide has drinks you won’t find elsewhere and decor you would find in your uncle’s trailer. Double Wide is one of the few Deep Ellum spots that allows moshing, and, better yet, books bands that encourage it. TX Tea Room 2815 Main St., Suite B The TX Tea Room is the newest addition to Dallas’ punk scene. The venue, which opened about a year ago, blends a backwoods coun- try-meets-punk vibe. There are pool tables, hot dogs, cheap drinks and a stage that fea- tures artists nearly every night. The space is intimate, dirty in a good way and best of all, new enough to not be overcrowded, for now. If you haven’t been yet, go before the rest of Dallas discovers this is the place to be. Reno’s Chop Shop 210 N. Crowdus St. They say that rock is dead, but if they’ve ever been to Reno’s, they would know that’s far from true. As bras hang from the ceiling and cigars sit behind the bar for purchase, you can sip a cheap drink as a thunderous riff echoes off the dark walls. This is where you can catch progressive metal, shoegaze, ska- leaning punk and just about everything else under the wider rock umbrella. Ruins 2653 Commerce St. Connected to the Mexican restaurant, the music space in Ruins is actually called “The Limbo Room.” This place feels like a ware- house show in the best way. It’s not tiny, but it’s not so big that you’ll be fighting your way to the front the entire time. The walls are adorned with some of the sickest art ever (we’re really keen on the giant Virgin Mary mural on stage left). It’s just a rectangular room with a bar facing you as soon as you en- ter, and great drink options and prices. The music area doesn’t interfere with the restau- rant and vice versa, but it’s nice to have easy access to the excellent menu. Visit www. dallasobserver.com for the full list of out favorite punk venues. Vera “Velma” Hernandez ▼ Music Club Dada has thrown endless punk shows through the decades, so no wonder it’s one of the best.
