United States Texas Dallas-Ft Worth Dallas-Ft Worth Guide Things To Do Essentials Restaurants Nightlife Events All Dallas-Ft Worth The 9 Best Bars in Deep Ellum, Dallas By Justine Harrington Justine Harrington Twitter University of Arkansas Justine Harrington is a TripSavvy writer based in Austin, Texas, where she covers topics spanning travel, food & drink, lifestyle, culture, social advocacy, and the outdoors. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 01/30/20 Share Pin Email A go-to destination during the 1920s era of jazz and blues, Dallas’s Deep Ellum neighborhood is still the loud, pounding heart of the city’s music scene. In fact, there are over 30 live music venues here alone. Fittingly, Deep Ellum is also chock-full of excellent bars, ranging from cozy neighborhood watering holes to kitschy themed bars and upscale haunts. Here’s where to get your drink on in this booze-soaked, culture-drenched, music-heavy ‘hood. 01 of 09 HIDE Courtesy of Hide View Map Address 1928 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX 75206, USA Get directions Web Visit website This swanky establishment is just as well-known for its friendly ambiance as it is for its epic cocktails; the bar staff, with its attentive service and personalized recommendations, will make you feel like family. Stop by during their weekly Spirited Socialism event (held every Tuesday) for a $5 shot of a high-end spirit, or head to their awesome happy hour (Sunday through Friday, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.) for half-priced small bites and $6-8 cocktails. 02 of 09 Adair’s Saloon View Map Address 2624 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226-1402, USA Get directions Phone +1 214-939-9900 Web Visit website This intimate, endearingly gritty honky-tonk first opened its doors in the 1960s, and ever since then, Adair’s Saloon has been a beacon for the dive bar crowd. From the excellent burgers and local craft brews to the graffiti-covered walls and rollicking live country acts, Adair’s is a timeless treasure that feels a world away from the glitz and glamor of other Dallas bars. 03 of 09 The Twilite Lounge View Map Address 2640 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226-1422, USA Get directions Phone +1 214-741-2121 Web Visit website The Twilite Lounge is a New Orleans-inspired haunt that’s unlike any other bar in Deep Ellum. With its French Quarter-style courtyard, plush décor, chandeliers, dark paneling, and blood-red leather booths, the Twilite Lounge is a cut above your average dive bar. With an enticing mix of Big Easy-themed cocktails like the Nola Pimm’s, House Sazerac, and the Black and Stormy, you certainly won’t go thirsty 04 of 09 Black Swan Saloon View Map Address 2708 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226-1424, USA Get directions Phone +1 214-749-4848 Web Visit website Nestled on Elm Street, this unsuspecting speakeasy is pitch-dark and about as roomy as a New York City studio apartment—and it's where you go to shoot the breeze with other regulars and let the bartenders whip you up something special. Cocktails here are made with farm-fresh ingredients, house-made syrups, and crazy-cool infusions like a four-pepper tequila. Chill out to the sounds of live country and blues, or play vintage arcade games like Ms. Pac-Man and Donkey Kong while you sip your artfully constructed (and undeniably delicious) drinks. Continue to 5 of 9 below. 05 of 09 Armoury D.E. Courtesy of Amoury D.E. View Map Address 2714 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226, USA Get directions Phone +1 972-803-5151 Web Visit website At Armoury D.E., visitors can catch weekly free shows with all the best up-and-coming North Texas acts. While you watch, stay fortified on innovative cocktails and refined, Hungarian-themed bar snacks (think meatballs served with garlic-parm aioli and a truly decadent charcuterie plate). Add to the list a recently revamped sound system, and there’s no wonder music and cocktail lovers are always swarming around this hotspot. 06 of 09 Dot’s Hop House & Cocktail Courtyard View Map Address 2645 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226-1403, USA Get directions Phone +1 214-230-3687 Web Visit website Dot’s Hop House & Cocktail Courtyard is the prime spot for chilling out with a beer under the stars. The sprawling, open-air courtyard is the centerpiece, with its quirky stained glass, twinkly lights, local artwork, and massive outdoor chandelier—but the drinks (and food) are pretty special, too. There are over 100 beers on tap as well as a few craft cocktails; soak up the booze with tasty bar fare like duck fat fries and chips and queso. 07 of 09 Shoals Sound & Service View Map Address 2614 Elm St #110, Dallas, TX 75226-1422, USA Get directions Phone +1 469-677-0176 Web Visit website This retro-modern cocktail den quickly became a buzzy Deep Ellum hangout after it opened in 2017, thanks to its soulful vibes and classics-driven drink menu (the mint juleps, French 75s, daiquiris, and Sidecars flow like water here). Come hungry—the food menu at Shoals runs the gamut from signature empanadas to fried plantains. The Nitty Gritty, their house-made bologna sandwich, has been deemed by many to be one of the best dishes in Dallas. Yes, really. 08 of 09 Double Wide Bar View Map Address 3510 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226, USA Get directions Phone +1 469-872-0191 Web Visit website A bar with a trailer park theme? In fancy-pants Dallas? You may have to see it to believe it, but Double Wide Bar exists, and it’s easily one of the most distinctive, fun bars in the city (much less in Deep Ellum). Belly up to the bar and order one of their most popular (and hilariously named) cocktails—the Yoohoo Yeehaw, the Old Timer (billed as a “grumpier, no B.S. version of an Old Fashioned”), and the Twisted Tang (a margarita “only a gringo could love”) are all solid choices. Continue to 9 of 9 below. 09 of 09 Ruins Courtesy of Ruins View Map Address 2653 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75226, USA Get directions Phone +1 972-707-0607 Web Visit website Ruins has been attracting craft cocktail lovers ever since it opened in 2018. The bar specializes in mezcal-infused drinks as well as regional Oaxacan- and South American-influenced cuisine. Try delectable dishes like Fideo (soup with tomato, black garlic, vermicelli noodles, cilantro, avocado, and chilcostle dried pepper) or Roasted Chayote Salad (slow-roasted squash with caramelized mezcal onions and pomegranate) alongside their collection of agave- and cane-based spirits. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit