DFW's cocktail scene has exploded. Here are the bars that actually make great drinks, not just pretty ones.
The elite:
- Midnight Rambler (downtown, basement of the Joule Hotel) — Best cocktail bar in DFW. Period. Speakeasy vibes, world-class bartenders, every drink is perfect. Source: Tales of the Cocktail nominee.
- Atwater Alley (Deep Ellum) — Hidden bar with no sign. Find the alley, find the door. The Old Fashioned is life-changing.
- Black Swan Saloon (Deep Ellum) — The OG. Operating since 2010. No-frills, perfect drinks, bartenders who know their craft.
Excellent:
- The Usual (Fort Worth, Sundance Square) — Fort Worth's answer to Midnight Rambler. Elegant, creative, excellent.
- Parliament (Uptown) — Beautiful space, inventive menu, great date spot.
- High and Tight (Lower Greenville) — Barbershop-themed. The penicillin cocktail is the best version in DFW.
Best happy hours:
- Henry's Majestic (Uptown) — $6 cocktails until 7 PM
- Happiest Hour (Uptown) — Rooftop, $5 drinks, big crowd
- The Porch (Uptown) — $5 mules all day Wednesday
Source: Personal visits, bartender recommendations, Tales of the Cocktail nominations