15 Best Bars in Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas

Visiting Fort Worth and not seeing Billy Bob's isn't quite as bad as going to Paris and skipping the Eiffel Tower—but it's close. Built in an old cattle-pen building, the world's largest honky-tonk is a vast place—the almost 3 acres of indoor space include several bars, pool tables, a Western store, an arcade, a huge dance floor (in lieu of a disco ball, there's a spinning rhinestone-studded saddle), a stage that draws some of country's top acts, and a bull-riding ring (contests are usually held on Friday and Saturday nights).

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.

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

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.

If the college scene is your scene, try a TCU favorite, the Library.

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.

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

Cowtown's best Western-style watering hole may be the White Elephant Saloon, a legendary Wild West bar with live country music seven nights a week.