Hi all,
We are coming from Chicago for a wedding in Dallas in a couple of weeks and wanted to find a nice bar or lounge to go out on Friday night. It is our first time in Dallas so we don't really know anything about the nightlife. We are staying at Hilton Analole (not sure if renting a car yet-so we might need to take taxis). We are looking for an upscale lounge or bar where we can sit and have drinks - maybe even the bar section at an upscale restaurant. Someplace that people consider trendy right now where it would be a good place to people watch. We are not interested in any place that has a line to get into. We are a couple in our mid-30s so we would like a place that attracts people in their late 20s or 30s. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

You REALLY need to rent a car. Dallas is pretty spread out, and the cab fares get outrageous very quickly. Expect to pay at least $50 for a cab one way from DFW Airport! The Anatole is a gorgeous hotel, but there's really nothing in the immediate area at all.

ChristieP thanks for the suggestion. I was debating if we need a car or if we can make due with cabs. Are there affordable shuttles from the airport that would cut the cost?

I have heard that you generally do need to rent a car in Dallas but our time is short and we are not doing too much. We are flying in Friday evening and leaving Sunday morning. We are would need to drive to/from the airport on those days and probably go out somewhere on Friday. On Saturday not sure what we are doing yet but the wedding and reception is at the Anatole. The other cost consideration is that parking is 17 a night at the hotel. Probably will rent a car though because it might be easier than relying on cabs.

If the wedding is at the Anatole, and you want to have drinks Friday night, I think cabbing it sounds fine. Yes, it will be about $50 to/from the airport. Super Shuttle can be cheaper, but I dont think its worth it to have to share. Maybe the hotel has something?

The Rattlesnake Bar at the Ritz Carlton is next to Fearing's restaurant, and there is also is a really nice outdoor bar area if the weather is good. There are other nice places in walking distance of the Ritz, including Hotel Zaza with Dragonfly Bar, Ocean Prime restaurant which also has fantastic outdoor bar, or Nobu at the Crescent.

The trendiest place to go "out out" is on Henderson Ave, which is a bit farther taxi from the hotel, and places are soooo crowded with lines etc. I am mid-30's also and think an evening at the Ritz would be perfect!

If its going on the Friday you are there, you may want to consider the Friday Night Flights event at Nana at the Anatole before you head out. Its a great deal for $20, with 3 wine tastings/snacks, and a really nice view of downtown. Its a very upscale pricey restaurant, so I was super impressed by the value when I went. On below link, click Events:

http://www.nanarestaurant.com/

Thanks for the suggestions beckytx! I quickly scanned the reviews and the bars you suggested sound like what I was envisioning. We will probably hit one of those spots for dinner and drinks on Friday.