BY LILY KRAMLICH-TAYLOR- Dallasites 101
There’s something about a secret bar that’s exciting and intriguing…stick the word ‘speakeasy’ on a bar description, and you’re set for all the Millennials to come rushing in to experience it. And while Dallas doesn’t have the most bustling speakeasy scene, there are some hidden gems scattered around the city that are definitely worth the visit or two!
JETTISON
JETTISON
We love Houndstooth and its three beautiful coffee shops it has around Dallas.But coffee isn’t the only thing Houndstooth is good at making – they are pros at craft cocktails too! You can find those inside Jettison, a tiny offshoot to the right of Houndstooth Sylvan Thirty. Just one room with seating for maybe 15 people, it’s an intimate atmosphere.
The door isn’t marked and is blacked out, so you might think you’re about to step inside a utility closet or empty space, but don’t hesitate as what lies beyond, is so worth the adventure!
SYLVAN THIRTY | DIRECTIONS
MIDNIGHT RAMBLER
MIDNIGHT RAMBLER
Midnight Rambler is hands down one of our favorite bars in Dallas. Located in the basement of the Joule, you can find this cocktail lounge to the left when you walk in, across from Americano. Just take the stairs down and follow the corridor and you’ll step back in time to the era of prohibition and jazz club vibes. The cocktails are always amazing and rumor has it, that Leon Bridges has performed pop up shows with no prior notice!
DOWNTOWN DALLAS | DIRECTIONS
PONY TAIL
PONY TAIL
Harlowe MXM brought a three-in-one concept with a rooftop bar, beautiful mid-century modern restaurant and a cocktail lounge with a rotating theme. The cocktail lounge called Trick Pony, has a new trick up its sleeve! Last last fall, it opened a bar within its bar – Pony Tail – an amaro bar hidden behind a mirrored wall. You’ll find a dark room with no seats and no menu, just drinks derived from the Italian herbal liquer known as Amaro! But even if you don’t like Amaro, it’s worth the experience!
DEEP ELLUM | DIRECTIONS
ATWATER ALLEY
ATWATER ALLEY
Atwater Alley might be the most elusive and unknown speakeasy on this list. Its Henry Majestic’s hidden bar only accessible through the alley. Don’t be timid when walking down the alley – it might be dark and questionable, but once you spot the bouncer, you’ll know you found the entrance! Inside you’ll find a two-story French-influenced bar, dimly light with fabulous cocktails!
KNOX-HENDERSON | DIRECTIONS
BLACK SWAN SALOON
BLACK SWAN SALOON
True Deep Ellum fans know that Black Swan Saloon is the real speakeasy of the neighborhood, although the club Truth and Alibi gets all the attention! Black Swan Saloon has been around for years. It sits right on Elm St in the heart of all the hustle and bustle of weekend nights, but is so easily missed. It’s sort of like trying to find Diagon Alley!
To find it for the first time, use Google Maps as their door is unmarked. Upon entering, don’t search for a cocktail menu. You won’t find one. Be bold and tell the bartender exactly what you want, or what type of liquor and style you like and you’ll receive a curated drink!
DEEP ELLUM | DIRECTIONS
BOURBON & BANTER
BOURBON & BANTER
The Statler’s renovation and reopening was nothing short of grand, so you might already know they have their own speak easy. This one is the most “authentic” in terms of how you enter. You can’t just walk in – you have to find the phone booth and type in the password. If correct, the door will open for you!
DOWNTOWN DALLAS | DIRECTIONS
HIGH & TIGHT
HIGH & TIGHT
Barbershop by day, speakeasy by night, High & Tight is one of our favorite bars. You can enter either from the barbershop side on Main St, walking through a door hidden against the back wall or you can look for a light above a door at the very end of a parking lot on Elm St. Once inside, you’ll find lively music on the weekends that will keep you dancing and sipping craft cocktails all night long! And if you get tired of cocktails, you can try their vapored shots!
DEEP ELLUM | DIRECTIONS
AKAI
AKAI
The sushi restaurant, Musume, across from the Dallas Symphony made a recent addition to its restaurant: a secret bar known as Akai. To get in? An Instagram post by Musume touts that you must eat dinner there! And then after your meal, you’ll be transported to the red-lit sultry lounge through the kitchen. However, an article by GuideLive states that anyone can enter upon finding the side door on Crockett Ave on the street – the Japanese symbol and bouncer will give it away!
ARTS DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS
ABV ESTABLISHMENT
ABV ESTABLISHMENT
Restauranter Sameer Patel has officially taken over Greenville Ave! ABV Establishment is one of its newest concepts after a successful Feed Company and Leela’s Wine Bar. In fact, you’ll find ABV Establishment right above Leela’s with an entrance up the stairs in the back, or via the side door to the wine of the wine bistro. It has the same sort of French vibe, except with the white substituted out for the black and browns to create that speak easy vibe. Head there on a Thursday for Jazz Nights from 8 til 11 pm.
LOWEST GREENVILLE | DIRECTIONS
Published on 2019-05-20 16:19:01
