Next to the Sea Breeze Fish Market and Grill in Plano, this speakeasy has tin ceilings and gorgeous cocktails, and you’ll need the password to get in. It may be Plano’s most luxe bar and possibly its most customized as well. The menu is inspired by Prohibition-era cocktails, with a solid wine list and small bites available.

There aren’t a lot of speakeasies in Dallas and the small club gets a new addition with this spot inside Renny’s in Preston Forest Village. Access is by reservation on Wednesday and Thursday evenings and you’ll have to find the hidden entrance and solve a riddle to get in. So, you’ve got to really want it. The drinks are light twists on classic cocktails and it’s got a secret menu that’s exclusive to the speakeasy.

Enjoy a little taste of Miami (and live music) inside this small bar that serves tapas and hosts live music. In-the-know guests will find the secret door between it and Nonna. Order from the sophisticated cocktail menu and pair it with sharable dishes of Italian-inspired bites focused on pizza, grilled bites that lean towards seafood, and antipasta from the shared Nonna kitchen.

The West Village gets a hot bar from the owner of nearby Namo. This European-inspired spot has some cocktails with unlikely sources of inspiration. Try the Beets Me, inspired by a beet salad with Champagne vinaigrette, or the Eau De Ranch, which takes a Ranch Water and utilizes coconut washed tequila, kiwi, and soda.

As long as you abide by the “no assholes” rule, you’ll love this cocktail bar in East Dallas from Gabe Sanchez, the guy behind Black Swan, and Ryan Payne, who opened Tiny Victories. They’re two of the most respected bartenders in town and a trip through this menu will tell you everything you need to know about why.

Looking for a great patio or a family-friendly spot to have a few drinks? This South Dallas spot is it. There are pre-made batch cocktails that hit on the basics (margarita, old fashioned, and a twist on a vodka soda using coconut water) and some clever, original options. It also serves Small Beer Works beers and has a smattering of beer mixes that combine with prickly pear lemonade and grapefruit soda for a smooth drink. And the kitchen has bar basics, including pizza and sandwiches. 

Yes, this is a lunch spot with great sandwiches, but it’s also got a mean aperitivo hour in the evenings from 3 to 7 p.m. Stop in for sharable plates, glasses of natural wine, local and specialty beers, and batch cocktails. 

Get to Surf Camp while it is there — this rooftop spot from Nick Badovinus is only around for a year, and whether or not it is open is weather-dependent. On a nice day, pop in for a frozen daiquiri or a frose (just a few among the long menu of frozen drinks), cans of craft beer or Peticolas on draft, and a selection of celebratory light white, sparkling, and rose wines. There’s also a light food menu.