Finally, there are no carpools to drive and no bedtimes to adhere to. Your time is your own — so why are you sitting at home on a Wednesday night when you no longer have to wait until the weekend to go out? You could be relaxing at a wine bar, escaping to a speakeasy (yeah, they’re back in style) or discovering a trendy lounge. And lucky for you, the Dallas area offers all that and more. Here are five of the best places to enjoy a night out.
Trova Wine + Market
4004 Villanova St., Dallas | trovawine.com
Whether you’re a connoisseur or novice, this stylish wine shop and bar nestled in The Plaza at Preston Center makes for a cozy evening’s diversion. The chef-curated menu features small plates, sandwiches, gourmet cheeses and charcuterie, all designed to mix with whatever’s in your glass. That means no hard decisions — just a mellow yet chic outing, whether you’re with a group of friends or your significant other, or on your own. Trova also offers wine classes.
Speakeasy at The Wilfred
4017 Preston Road, Suite 530, Plano | instagram.com/thewilfredplano
Everyone likes to feel part of something cool, and getting into a speakeasy is an inherently cool way to start any evening, especially if your friends have no idea where you’re going. Once you get the code to this self-described neighborhood cocktail lounge, enjoy craft beverages and shots with a splash of sophistication (including $10 bumps of caviar) in a laid-back atmosphere.
The old-school-meets-new-school cocktail menu is crowdsourced from some of the area’s coolest haunts, including contributions from Midnight Rambler, Tiny Victories and the now-closed Black Swan Saloon. Anyone can get in, but you will need to check out the speakeasy’s Instagram or join the email list to find out how. Or, says owner Ryan Oruch, just knock.
The Lounge Here
9028 Garland Road, Dallas | theloungehere.com
Slow down time in this Marfa-inspired spot for drinks and small bites, with cozy, diner-style seating that’s ideal for a couple’s night out. The menu features new twists on classic dishes, such as the chicken-fried rib-eye or the pimento cheese appetizer, and The Lounge Here has dinner and drink specials on Wednesday and Thursday nights. This spot opens at 4 p.m. but gets busy by 5:30, so early birds are rewarded with the best seats in the house.
The Library at the Warwick Melrose Hotel
3015 Oak Lawn Ave., Dallas | warwickhotels.com/warwick-melrose-dallas
This lounge at the bottom of the 100-year-old Warwick Melrose is perfect for date night, a night with the girls or meeting friends, and it’s been recognized by publications from The Wall Street Journal to Playboy magazine.
The atmosphere is MCM with a dash of Southern Living: think wood-paneled walls, dim lighting and live piano. Drinks are on the upscale side, and the sophisticated clientele looks for quality over quantity in a relaxed, jazzy ambience.
Salt Tequila Bar at Texican Court
501 W. Las Colinas Blvd., Irving | texicancourt.com
If you’re looking to branch out past the craft beer or wine scenes, check out Salt Tequila Bar at Texican Court, a Las Colinas boutique hotel. Try a tequila flight from the spot’s large selection of craft tequilas or one of the signature margaritas. When you’re ready for some serious eats, take the party inside (or outside) at the Texican’s Two Mules Cantina. Finish your night off with some s’mores — available for purchase at the Texican Court front desk — around Salt’s fire pit.
A beginner’s guide to going out as a grown-up
Looking for more spots that will suit your style? Check out the destination’s website first, but Google listings are great for finding out a restaurant or bar’s busy times. The later the rush hour, the younger the crowd. Also, pop in to check out the music. If it’s from an era you love and at a volume you enjoy, it will probably appeal to a crowd that’s your speed. Lastly, notice the seating situation. Is it sparse? Leave that to the young people and find a restaurant or lounge with ample, comfortable seats.