Best bars in DFW by neighborhood: The definitive drinking guide

I've been bartending in DFW for 6 years and drinking in DFW for longer. Here's the real guide.

Deep Ellum:

• The Free Man — Cajun food + jazz + cocktails. The only bar in DFW where you'll hear live jazz while eating gumbo. Source: freemandallas.com
• Dot's Hop House — 75+ taps. Beer nerd paradise. Source: dotshophouse.com
• Midnight Rambler (The Joule Hotel) — speakeasy basement bar. Best cocktails in Dallas. $15-18 drinks. Worth it. Source: midnightrambler.com

Lower Greenville:

• Old Monk — 20+ years running. Belgian beer focus, eclectic crowd. This IS Lower Greenville.
• Truck Yard — outdoor beer garden with a treehouse bar. Live music, food trucks. Source: truckyarddallas.com
• The Blind Butcher — craft cocktails + sausages. Sounds weird, works perfectly.

Uptown/Knox:

• The Ginger Man — 70+ beers, no TVs, real conversations. Since 1992.
• Happiest Hour — massive rooftop, skyline views, affordable for Uptown ($5-7 happy hour drinks).
• Javier's — cigar bar + upscale Mexican. The patio on a warm night is magic.

Bishop Arts:

• The Wild Detectives — bookshop + bar. Yes, really. Wine, beer, events. Source: thewilddetectives.com
• Boulevardier — French bistro bar. Excellent wine list and cocktails.

Fort Worth — West 7th:

• Thompson's — craft cocktails, intimate space, bartenders who care.
• Proper — rooftop bar with Fort Worth skyline views.

Fort Worth — Magnolia:

• The Bearded Lady — cocktails, eclectic vibe, great patio.
• Lola's Saloon — live music, cheap drinks, Fort Worth grit.

Sources:

• 6 years of bartending in DFW
• Bar websites for current offerings

What's your go-to bar?