While Texas is adored for its barbecue, chicken fried steak, and Tex-Mex cuisine, don’t overlook the state’s signature drinks while you’re in Dallas. Give happy hour some Texas flair: here are the best bars and restaurants to sip a margarita or a Mezcal cocktail when you're in town.
Read MoreWhere to Sip Margaritas and Mezcal in Dallas
Meso Maya
For a fresh take on your margarita order, order the avocado marg at Meso Maya. It’s made with Casa Noble Crystal, fresh muddled avocado, and freshly squeezed pineapple and lime juices.. You’ll feel like you’re on vacation while you sip your drink on the patio, set underneath romantic white string lights.
Smoky Rose
Smoky Rose is a neighborhood spot place known for its no-nonsense barbecue, its big patio, and its small batch cocktails. To keep things (slightly) lighter, try the brisket nachos or the smokehouse potato chips to share andorder a Butterfly cocktail: Herradura Silver tequila, lemongrass simple syrup, Damiana (an herbal aphrodisiac dating back to the Mayans), fresh pineapple, and lime juice.
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Public School 214
Public School 214 has a sports and gastropub kind of vibe to it, so if you want to grab a craft beer from the rotating draft list and a burger, this is your spot to belly up. Since it’s Texas, though, you might want to try something a little more exciting than your typical brew. Order a Morning in Oaxaca, which uses cold-brewed coffee as well as orange juice and tequila.
Salum
For an upscale dinner and drinks complete with white tablecloths, head to chef Abraham Salum’s restaurant Salum for a Mezcalito. The smoky cocktail is made with mezcal and spicy Ancho Reyes liqueur, so it packs a bit of a punch. Fun fact: it’s garnished with Sal de Guisano sprinkled on an orange slice, which is a popular way to enjoy orange slices in Mexico.
El Bolero
El Bolero’s patio is simply stunning, and there’s plenty of umbrellas to provide shade, making it an ideal brunching spot; or kick back after work with one of the excellent margaritas and some tacos al pastor.
Streets Fine Chicken
Sometimes it’s good to just keep things simple. At Street’s Fine Chicken, you’ll find the ambiance has a clean, country kitchen feel to it. Needless to say, this place isn’t for the poultry-averse. Order your bird “French Fried,” brined in lemon, sea salt and French herbs; or “Roasted & Toasted” with crispy skin. To complement your chicken, sip on the Ancho Del Rey, a spicy mix of Tequila Cabeza, lime juice and smoked ancho syrup.
Ten 50 BBQ
This industrial looking, barbecue-focused eatery is the go-to place for Hill Country-style (cooked directly over coals) hickory-smoked brisket and ribs. You can choose from a variety of classic sides, like a five-cheese mac and cheese and corn on the cob, and, of course, beer and cocktails. Try the mango margarita, a blend of Patrón Silver tequila, Cointreau, mango, Ten50’s own sweet & sour mix, and garnished with basil and a lime.
Uchi
The arrival of Tyson Cole’s sushi empire came not a moment too soon when it (finally) opened its doors in Summer 2015. Dallas’ newest 5-star restaurant is one of the hottest tables in town, and for good reason - dishes like foie gras nigiri are enough to keep anyone coming back.
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The Water Grill
If you’re craving seafood in Dallas, make your way to Water Grill Dallas. The menu boasts a bevy of raw bar options — think half a dozen oysters for yourself or a chilled shellfish platter to share — as well as margaritas. Try the Margarita Verde made with cucumber, basil and jalapeño, or the Lone Star, made with silver tequila and mezcal, agave syrup, lime, coriander, and sweet yellow and jalapeño peppers. The ancho chile salted rims add an extra dose of spice to your drink order. victor
Victor Tangos
Order a Green with Agave cocktail from bartender Andrew Stofko at Victor Tangos. It’s a combination of mezcal, Crème de Poire, agave, lime, and an arugula garnish, an ingredient likely seen more often in a salad than in a cocktail. In this case, the final product is slightly creamy and meant to refresh.