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12 best dive bars in Dallas

12 best dive bars in Dallas

A peek inside Lee Harvey’s, which has been a Dallas staple for over 50 years. (Lee Harvey’s)

By Joey Held

January 30, 2025

Dallas has no shortage of establishments that follow the dive bar mantra of offering good times, reasonable prices, and plenty of great stories.

Taking a dive is usually associated with negative things, like profits falling or someone intentionally losing a match. But dives aren’t all bad; look at the many dive bars in Dallas that provide a terrific time, whether you’re spending the night or just stopping by for a quick visit.

We’ve put together our 12 favorite dive bars in Dallas. They showcase a nice variety of environments, entertainment, and beverages, but there’s one thing in common: You’ll be treated well inside. Let’s start bar hopping!

1. Milo Butterfingers

5645 SMU Blvd, Dallas, TX 75206

Ned Smith and three friends opened Milo Butterfingers in 1971. No one can quite agree where the wacky name came from, but the popular theory is the group was discussing a klutz they knew named Milo while one of the friends was eating a Butterfinger. Whether or not that’s true, it’s a pretty catchy name—though, for a few years, the bar went by Dr. Beard’s Leather Balls Saloon and was frequented by local rugby players. The bar was acquired last year by a pair of SMU graduates (and regulars), and it’s still a quality spot for sports, movies, and TV shows. Keen eyes may spot Milo’s, with its walls full of kitschy art, in episodes of “Walker, Texas Ranger.” Regular happy hours abound during the week, but check out Sunday Funday for an all-day happy hour.  

2. Mike’s Gemini Twin

1906 S Harwood St, Dallas, TX 75215

Mike’s Gemini Twin is a relatively recent addition to Dallas, opening in February 2019 as a collaboration between Braindead Brewing’s Sam Wynne and Pasha Heidari of Bowen House. Yet, it almost immediately jumped right into the dive bar scene with style. What will you notice first as you walk in? Perhaps the checkered floor, dimly lit by the lights above. Or maybe the wall of mirrors will catch your eye (and your reflection, as mirrors do). You may also see a stripper pole secured by a velvet rope near the booths. That’s a remnant from a prior tenant, but it’s still a fun addition. Whatever you glimpse, be sure to grab a hot dog.

3. Inwood Tavern

7717 Inwood Rd, Dallas, TX 75209

The oldest continuously operating bar in Dallas, the Inwood Tavern has been slinging cold drinks since 1964. And unlike many bars that have very limited happy hours, Inwood Tavern celebrates theirs for a whopping eight hours—from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day—with cheap domestics and wells and $1 off everything else. After 7 p.m., the specials get slightly more limited, but good nightly deals remain, including $4 wells on Tuesday karaoke nights.

4. Ships Lounge

1613 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

Meanwhile, Ship’s Lounge is the oldest of the dive bars in Dallas. It opened its doors (or hull) in 1947 before a brief closure in 2015 and re-opening in 2016. The re-opening saw a few additions, such as wood flooring, a new backroom, and extra seating in the “captain’s cabin” upstairs. Yet the general vibe of dive bar meets submarine remains, and it’s glorious. Thankfully, if you get seasick like me, you won’t have to worry about nausea. Unless you have a few too many beers, but that just sounds like a good night out. 

5. The Goat

7248 Gaston Ave, Dallas, TX 75214

Formerly The Office Club, before transforming into Lota’s Goat for a couple of decades, The Goat has been entertaining patrons for over 40 years. You don’t have to bleat to enter the establishment, though you will likely be singing something at the top of your lungs by the end of the night. There’s regular live entertainment, whether karaoke performers, acoustic tunes, blues jams, or local bands rocking the stage. You can also bring in food from any of the good eateries nearby and munch while enjoying the songs. And with hours of 7 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday to Saturday (noon to 2 a.m. on Sunday), you’ll see a whole variety of crowds.

12 best dive bars in Dallas - Courier Texas

Originally named after The Pontiac GTO—the “GOAT” of cars—The Goat eventually adopted the animal as its mascot. (The Goat)

6. The Old Crow

1911 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206

You won’t find anything wildly fancy at The Old Crow on Greenville. Between a pair of pool tables, two dart boards, and a jukebox, you have all the essentials for a good night out. Of course, the friendly staff and solid pours don’t hurt, either. On certain nights, you can partake in a little late-night karaoke (Wednesday) or sing your hearts out to throwback hits from the 70s, 80s, and 90s (Thursday).

7. Lakewood Landing

5818 Live Oak, Dallas, TX 75214

Lakewood Landing claims to be Dallas’s “one and only upscale dive,” and … well, that’s a pretty accurate descriptor. What other dive bar offers specials like a crawfish étouffée? Or, you can go with a classic like jalapeño poppers—you’ll be satisfied either way. The outside patio is dog friendly, the kitchen is open until 1 a.m., and the pool table inside all make for great opportunities for deep conversations long into the night.

8. Fireplace Lounge

3122 Samuell Blvd, Dallas, TX 75223

As a Chicago Bears fan—thank you for your pity—it feels like a betrayal to recommend Dallas’s official bar for the Green Bay Packers. And yet, Fireplace Lounge is such a cozy good time that it’s worth checking out, though Bears fans may want to skip Sunday game days unless you enjoy some playful banter. The beverages come quickly and are ice cold, the live music shows rock, and the people are down to earth and always willing to share a good story or two.

9.  Lee Harvey’s

1807 Gould St, Dallas, TX 75215

The neon bar beer signs hanging on the walls of Lee Harvey’s offer a quirky, retro vibe. In fact, some of the logos are older than the bar itself, which recently celebrated a half-century of existence. No small feat! Weekend entertainment, ranging from live bands to radio spins, keeps the atmosphere popping. However, the best action might be outside on the spacious picnic tables, the perfect venue to bring a large group and create a new memory.  

12 best dive bars in Dallas

The Lee Harvey’s sign is a charming indicator of the character inside. (Lee Harvey’s)

10. Cosmo’s

1212 Skillman Dr, Dallas, TX 75206

When Debra Peña and her brother Gerald Stogsdill decided to open a bar in the Lakewood area, they wanted to keep a distinctly old-school vibe. That means vintage furniture, retro lights, and an eccentric yet welcoming environment. The result is Cosmo’s, which is celebrating 25 years in business this year. Over the years, Cosmo’s also added tasty Vietnamese food to its offerings, promoting bartender Jackson Tran to the bar’s head foodie. The Saint Bernard is a must-order cocktail for gin fans, while the Ribeye Pho perfectly blends Vietnamese and Texan cuisine.   

11. Adair’s Saloon

2625 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226

With a Sunday to Friday happy hour from 2 to 8 p.m., you have plenty of time to settle in at Adair’s Saloon in Deep Ellum, which regularly has live shows that are a honky-tonk hoot. Grab a burger or grilled ham and cheese sandwich and a drink, and saddle up to one of the weathered tables, a reminder of the good adventures previous patrons have had inside. The walls are also covered with those memories since visitors can use the provided markers to decorate the establishment. It’s funny; we were yelled at for drawing on the walls as children. Here, it’s encouraged!

12. Double Wide

3510 Commerce, Dallas, TX 75226 

We love a bar with playful cocktail names, and the Yoo-Hoo Yee-Haw and HurriTANG are highlights from the Double Wide menu. Of course, names only go so far; thankfully, Double Wide knows how to pour a stiff, tasty drink. Live music decks the halls every Friday and Saturday (and sometimes other days), and accouterments like a light fixture disco ball and buck heads peeking out from the walls feel right at home. If a Double Wide visit sounds like too much, you can also check out “the little sister that Elvis warned you about,” Single Wide.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.12 best dive bars in Dallas - Courier Texas12 best dive bars in Dallas - Courier Texas

CATEGORIES: FOOD and DRINK

Author

  • Joey Held

    Joey Held is a writer and author and the founder of Fun Fact Friyay. He’s regularly planning travel adventures and encourages exploring new places with curiosity and kindness.

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