When in Dallas (Vol. 1)
Good evening everyone =)
It's a cold, rainy night here in Dallas with nothing better to do rather than stay in and keep warm. Being fairly new to Steemit, I kept exploring options of ideas to blog about besides sports. As my wife and I were running errands throughout the day, I received the daily text messages from friends and family upon activities/places to do in Dallas. As I was replying to roughly around the third text, it dawned upon me that I am quite antiquated with fun things to do in the Dallas metroplex. I am by no means a self-proclaimed expert Dallasite, but I know enough to have a good time and felt it would be excellent content to share with the Steemit community. Throughout this series I will cover the different neighborhoods to visit, restaurants/local eats, events, and last but not least -- bars/nightlife. With that being said, let's dive into my go-to neighborhood.
Welcome to The Deep
(Photo credit: Fine Art America, Stephanie Johnson)
Deep Ellum is by far my favorite neighborhood for fun, whether it be exploring random streets for art murials (in the day and night), people watching, concerts, eating local bites, and of course bar crawling -- Deep Ellum has it all. This neighborhood likes to boast its rugged personality, non-existent dress code, and grunge-rustic theme (unlike it's counterpart neighborhood of Uptown, which I will cover later on in this series). This is a very laid-back, sip on craft-whiskey/craft-beer, wear your favorite-jeans-and flannel-with-slightly-beat-up-boots, enjoy the moment type of neighborhood. All personalities are welcomed, as long as you don't stir up trouble, because trouble will be properly handled. Let's cover the survival necessities -- food and drink.
Eats
Uncle Uber's
When in need of a serious burger fix in the Deep, look no further -- Uncle Uber's is your go-to stop. With a menu featuring a vast array of sandwiches, sides, sauces, a secret menu (try to discover it when glancing at the chalk board) and most importantly their main feature the burger, Uber's is a strong favorite of mine. My usual go-to order is the double with the works, hand-cut fries, and of course an extra side of the secret sauce. I have yet to try everything on the menu, but there is no doubt that they will not disappoint with whatever you choose to order. The only downside of Uber's is that they are not open late, they close at midnight.
Serious Pizza
Pizza and late-night? No problem. Serious Pizza is a heavyweight contender local favorite. The primary style of pizza served is New York style, with the smallest size pie at 18 inches, and the largest at a whopping 30 inch. They serve calzones (which is awesome by the way), and salads. However, the pizza is the main attraction (hence the name, seriously). If going late at night, try to beat the bar zombies and go around 1-1:30 AM, if not, be prepared to wait in line. Give them a try, you will not regret it.
The Pharmacy
Whats better than ice cream? Getting chocolate wasted. The Pharmacy is a bar who serves virgin and alcoholic milk-shakes. New to the neighborhood, locals have shown love to the new boozy-creamy addition. Portraying a vintage, eclectic aesthetic atmosphere, The Pharmacy is definitely a unique experience. Most importantly, the shakes do not disappoint, whether it be virgin or alcoholic.
Nightlife/Bars
Dots
This is by far my favorite go-to bar, usually my first stop of the night. Known to locals for the drink menu boasting, over 100 craft beers on tap and strong cocktails, Dot's is a watering hole for many. This bar is very unique, offering two counterparts -- an indoor lounging area and outdoor courtyard. The indoor component is the stereotypical bar, possessing the main bar and seating areas. The outdoor courtyard is where the magic happens. Usually the first thing many newcomers acknowledge is the beautiful chandelier, the glass art displaying local sports teams, and bar games (such as corn hole and giant jenga). Dot's is a must, when in the deep.
Hide
When in need of a good old-fashioned, or a craft cocktail -- Hide does not disappoint. Named one of the best cocktail bars of 2017 by the Dallas Observer, this bar delivers cocktails with a kick. The atmosphere is a bit more loungey than the typical deep ellum bars, but that is not a bad thing. Stop by here for a more laid back, quieter Deep Ellum experience. Order an old-fashioned or negroni, you will not be disappointed.
Green Room
Views and brews? The Green Room has you covered. Featuring a two story bar, the first level being an indoor bar, and the second being a rooftop bar with a great view of the Deep Ellum strip. The bar menu is nothing out of the ordinary, however the atmosphere and great music is the unique reason why locals have made this bar a local staple. Trust the locals, and do as they do when in the Deep.
This is only a few places in the Deep, but I attempted to cover a few of my personal favorites. I am well aware there are plenty of places not mentioned above, please feel free to leave suggested places in the comments below, as well as experiences/favorite memories whilst in Deep Ellum.