Dallas Nightlife

A bar that couldn't be more Texan if it tried, Double Wide is famous for its Western-themed cocktails and icy cold beer. Unsurprisingly for a bar that promises 'drinks that hit harder than yer dad', there's no shortage of hard liquor – including favorites such as bourbon whisky.

A low-key bar named after the city's most infamous son, Lee Harvey's is a burger and beer joint much-loved by its loyal and longstanding clientele. Don't let that put you off though – those who step inside the old house in which it sits are guaranteed a warm welcome and some delicious locally brewed ale.

Located in the hipster heartland of McKinney Avenue, Quarter Bar is a laid back affair decked out with fairy lights and possessed of an open roof deck that is heaven on sultry summer nights. Open until 2am at weekends, it also has an excellent wine list and very good-looking staff.

A favorite with Dallas' resident hipsters, the vibe at Avenu Lounge is more Austin boho than big money Big D – but minus any irritating pretensions. Offering bottle as well as bar service, drinks don't come cheap but taste darn good. Don your glad rags before heading out – Texas might be casual but at Avenu, it's glamor all the way.

Want to learn how to do the Texas Two-Step? This is your best bet. There's a huge dancefloor for practising your steps and plenty of country music to do it to, although the DJs do occasionally venture into club tunes instead. For non-dancers, there's a mechanical bull to ride.

One of the biggest clubs in Dallas, the Lizard Lounge is spread over two floors and multiple rooms. The main room has two dance floors, while the back room has a more chilled out vibe. Paying extra for VIP admission gives you access to the less crowded balcony and a birdseye view of the action below.

It isn't actually in Dallas but Billy Bob's is well worth the 30-mile drive to Fort Worth for the bullriding alone. A rare venue that combines 32 bars with a rodeo and a dance floor, Billy Bob's also pulls in some of the biggest names in country music and has a Texan-style restaurant on site too.

It might be part of a franchise but this Brewery District live music spot pulls in the heavy hitters and has its own restaurant to boot. Past performers include Usher, Snoop Dogg, Katy Perry and B.B. King. If you like your live music in the morning, the Sunday Gospel Brunch is very popular.

Home to the Dallas Opera, the striking Winspear Opera House is open all year round and features a revolving roster of shows. Not all of it is opera either – the Winspear's repertoire also includes Broadway shows, dance performances, lectures and concerts.