Time Out Tavern

In a day and age when it’s hard to find an authentic sports bar, the Time Out Tavern (affectionately known as the TOT) holds true to the name and delivers a respite from the hustle and bustle of Dallas life.  From the walls plastered with old sports headlines from newspapers and sports memorabilia to the pool, shuffleboard, and video games, the TOT really gives men’s men a place to get away and relax like they did back in the day … but women are welcome, too – but only if they know which teams are in the Final Four!

Here is what they have to say about their establishment: “…the bar with a heart. Since 1988, the TimeOut has provided the ideal social venue for armchair quarterbacks, political hacks and feminist rabble-rousers… we also happen to be a great place to come as you are, hang out and enjoy. Your secret is safe with us… just get over here & have some fun….please, don’t screw the place up.”

The drinks are pretty strong but you need to articulate when you’re speaking to the bartender; we ordered 4 drinks and of those, 3 weren’t correct.  We couldn’t get mad, though … he was dressed like a referee and we were afraid we’d get a yellow card.  They also are good for a quick quip.

After 5, the businessmen trickle in and begin bickering about their (least) favorite sports teams and players.  Though it gets a little rowdy, they keep to themselves and won’t bother your game of CLASSIC Big Buck Hunter.

Just don’t call the place … they’re entirely too busy to talk to you.

Drink strength: 3.75
Overall: 4

Time Out Tavern
www.totdfw.com
5101 West Lovers Lane | (214) 956-9552

Specials:
Monday-Friday | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. | $2.75 most beers, $4.50 wells

state and allen

A spring day in Texas begs for a refreshing drink on a patio with big sunglasses.  My friend and I had a free afternoon and decided to find an early happy hour – State and Allen was our choice.  We chose it because they have an amazing selection of food, an extended happy hour, and a great patio.  The early happy hour allowed us to escape just before the suits hit the watering hole after work.

We immediately ordered vodka lemonades which we sadly had to add Splenda and
lemons to; the vodka, however, was generously poured.  Our waitress brought us drink after drink and plate of food after plate of food (not quickly, but she got the job done).  After much ado, we decided on tenderloin sliders and BBQ pizza – both were incredible.

The wrap-around patio provided a great showcase for watching the creatures of the State and Thomas area – both people and animals.  Speaking of, their patio is pet friendly and there are some really cute mutts.  The wait staff with even bring a water bowl for them!

With the 80s rock music and the lemonade vodkas flowing, we greatly enjoyed our time at State and Allen.

Drink strength: 4 
Overall: 4

State & Allen Lounge‎
stateandallen.com
2400 Allen Street | (214) 239-1994‎

Specials:
Monday-Friday | 3-7 p.m. | $3 wells, $2 domestics
Tuesday-Saturday | 10 p.m. – 12 a.m. | $3 wells, $2 domestics
Sunday | 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. | $2.50 mimosas, $3 bloody marys, screwdrivers, and greyhounds

What contemptible scoundrel has stolen the cork to my lunch?

WC Fields

iron cactus

When Iron Cactus says they have the biggest happy hour in Texas, they aren’t kidding – I think their only rival would be The Oasis on Lake Travis!  Three patios and an inside bar area comprise the happy hour wonderland that is Iron Cactus.  Their drink options include wells, domestics, and margaritas for incredibly reasonable prices … along with half-price appetizers to keep you from floating away. 

While the wait staff is friendly, the service here leaves a little something to be desired but the slow service gives you time to watch the wait staff on the street level patio chasing the pigeons away.  Make sure you ask for chips because your waiter may not bring them automatically and if you ask for an extra lime or ketchup … you better be prepared to wait.

Watch the clock because they won’t give you a last call for happy hour; but you may be able to convince your server to double up your last drink to make the happy hour a little longer.

Drink strength: 3.5 
Overall: 3

Iron Cactus Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar
www.ironcactus.com
1520 Main Street | (214) 749-4766

Specials:
Monday-Friday 4-7 p.m. and Monday-Saturday 11 p.m. – close | $3.00 house wines, wells, beers, small margs (rocks or frozen), mexican martinis, Texas tea, 1/2 price appetizers (available throughout the restaurant and not just in the bar!)

Between the 101 proof breath and the occasional drool, some interesting words fall from your mouth.

Sera, “Leaving Las Vegas”

my main squeeze

The Grape has gotten a lot of attention for its burgers … but it’s sooooo much more than an amazing burger that is so good that it is only sold two days a week and caused the restaurant to hire an extra hand in the kitchen to prepare.

Their happy hour is brilliant; you can get cheap drinks while paying next to nothing for the amazing food they serve (especially compared to their regular prices).  We took part in wells, martinis, fries, the cheese plate, the mini brat burgers, and plenty of sunshine.  Try the fries, you won’t be sorry … but make sure you have a piece of gum to chew after!

Their drinks were strong enough to give us quite a fun feeling and the need to partake in more rounds of appetizers.  The dirty martini could have been been shaken for a few more minutes but was overall superbly mixed.  The drinks became successively stronger as we sat.

The patio at The Grape is very nice other than its proximity to the street – it’s slightly loud during “rush hour”.  Take a pair of sunglasses and speak a little louder and you’ll be set.  Sit in the bar, which has an incredibly cool with an old-timey feel; they keep the doors open so you can still feel the nice breeze without the noise.

The wait staff is incredible.  Each and every one of them cater to your any need and in a snappy way … and with a smile.  I haven’t ever had anything but an amazing (if not exemplary) customer service experience here.  The chef will even walk around and chat when the kitchen isn’t slammed.  The best thing about The Grape’s happy hour: they make sure you know when it’s last call.

Their brunch is also quite a pip; the wounded yellowbird is addicting and the food is amazing.  It’s worth getting out of bed after a night out to have a meal here.

Drink strength: 4
Overall: 5 (just FYI … I think this is my first 5!)

 

The Grape Restaurant
www.thegraperestaurant.com
2802 Greenville Ave | (214) 828-1981

Specials:
Monday-Friday | 4:30-7 p.m. | $2 domestics, $3 wells, $5 glasses of wine, select appetizers under $6
Sunday | 10:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. | $6 Wounded Yellowbird and bloody marys, $4 mimosas

milo butterfingers

Milo’s is a famous place in Dallas … it’s been open for almost 40 years and has garnered quite a following.  The regulars can be seen most nights hanging out eating cheese fries and nursing beers.  The waiters and waitresses like to give everyone a hard time but only to sweeten the experience that is Milo Butterfingers.  Also, most people who have been here more than twice have an epic story about the place; ask someone who looks seasoned and you’ll be sure to hear a great allegory or two.

The run-down building is an ideal place to grab a chill drink, play some games (they have fooseball, pool, video games, and multiple dart boards), and gorge on typical bar food.  The patio is fantastic in the summer … it’s somewhat hidden by ivy and signs and has plenty of seats and a bar.  Complete with TVs, this is a man’s man kind of place where girls are welcome … even if it comes with some looks from said guys.  

Milo’s get quite crowded with SMU students early on Thursdays and then the kickball teams take over later in the evening.  Monday nights are a good time at Milo’s along with many holidays … these people never break when there’s a potential party.

Drink strength: 4 
Overall: 4.5

Milo Butterfingers
5645 Yale Blvd | (214) 368-9212

Specials:
Monday | all day | $6 pitchers 
Tuesday | all day | $2 wells 
Wednesday | all day | $2 pints 
Sunday | all day | $1 off pitchers, $0.50 off bottled beers and liquor

EVERY DAY | 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. | $1 off pitchers, $0.50 off bottled beers and liquor