12 Best Nightlife in Dallas, Dallas and Fort Worth

Locals love the view of Downtown Dallas from the outdoor patio at the Belmont Hotel's BarBelmont.

Club Dada hosts eccentric touring and local acts, including the Beatles cover band Hard Night's Day.

For country music and two-stepping, try Cowboys Red River.

Curtain Club and Liquid Lounge are two distinct clubs inside a shared building. Live musical acts, including acoustic, rock, and country, play here Thursday through Sunday.

Gilley's Dallas is a giant honky-tonk with live music (mostly country), a 10,000-square-foot dance floor, and a mechanical bull. It's just south of Downtown.

House of Blues is an intimate venue that hosts touring musical acts and serves dressed-up Southern-style fare.

Officially it's the Lakewood, but most everyone calls it The Landing. There's nothing fancy here, just friendly folks having a good time, surrounded by lots of smoke.

Some say the vibe at Lee Harvey's is more Austin than Dallas, and they mean it as a compliment. Regulars love gathering in the yard of this laid-back, unpretentious dive.

Ozona Grill and Bar has a large, tree-shaded patio where SMU students kick back after class.

Open in some form since 1977, Poor David's Pub is one of Dallas's longest-running live-music venues. It's just south of Downtown.

The Dubliner is a rowdy Irish pub in which to hoist pints or throw darts.

Trinity Hall draws crowds seeking an authentic Irish experience; there's a good beer selection and live music, and service is exceptional.