While the stars at night may shine “big and bright deep in the heart of Texas,” the bright lights of Dallas’ nightlife haunts never seem to go out. Here, there’s so much popping off after hours that you’ll never be in danger of doing the same thing twice. From starring in your own version of Night at the Museum, to dining on decadent dishes, to hoofing it at a honky-tonk, we collected the best options for whatever style of Saturday you crave. With our list as your guide, planning a night to remember will be as easy as ordering a Lone Star from the bar.
Fun Things to Do in Dallas at Night
Attractions & Shows
Thursdays on Tap at the Perot Museum
By day, the Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a place to discover dinosaur skeletons and learn about DNA. However, every Thursday night, they offer a chance to get a hard tea alongside your views of a T-rex. We’re talking about their Thursdays on Tap series, an adult-only event happening four times a month that lets you experience the museum after hours. Besides the draw of the exhibits themselves, they also bring in food trucks, drinks, live music, and outdoor games.
The Dallas Comedy Club
Get in some LOLs IRL by seeing a show at the Dallas Comedy Club. Located in the hip Deep Ellum neighborhood, this haven for the ha-has sends stand-ups to the stage at least five nights a week. And, these aren’t just amateurs taking the mic either — the majority of the acts they feature have usually racked up at least one Comedy Central or Tonight Show credit. Since it stays open until midnight as well, it’s perfect for the evenings when you want to end the night on a funny note.
Medieval Times Dallas
Be the king and queen’s noble guests for a night — literally — by booking a seat for dinner and a joust at the Dallas outpost of Medieval Times. After you make your way into the show’s castle-style building, they will wine and dine you like a royal with a four-course feast and rounds of alcohol. You and your crew can then cheer on the dueling knights in a show filled with sword fighting, horse riding, and falconry. After some mead or ale, any illusions that this event is for kids only will vanish as though hit with Merlin’s wand.
Places to Eat
Sister Sempre Trattoria
Walking into this favorite foodie spot, you will discover a pink, floral, European cafe oasis in the middle of the busy Knox-Henderson district. Carb-load for the rest of the night by starting your meal with some of their za’atar focaccia and follow it up with one of their amazing pasta dishes, such as the pesto fusilli or clams vongole. Don’t miss out on the cocktails either, especially the perfectly-named (and perfect combination of vodka and fruit flavors), the Girl Dinner. Should you want to extend your stay at Sister a little longer, there’s an option on the menu to rent the Airbnb located above the restaurant.
Petra and the Beast
When it comes to food industry accolades, there are not many that farm-to-table restaurant, Petra and the Beast, hasn’t received. Constantly lauded as one of the best places to dine in Dallas by publications whose palates you trust, this is where to go for a meal on a celebratory night out. Every dish accentuates the fresh, seasonal ingredients they use, from the herb-marinated and smoked Texas beef belly to the shrimp and herb dumplings. When you dine with a big group with a big appetite, go for their large menu item of pounds of pig served in multiple ways, including a caraway and dill weed brined pork loin and pig ears pressed with chili.
Revolver Taco Lounge
A night out in Texas isn’t complete without a nightcap of some tasty, finger-licking tacos. And, nothing hits that tortilla sweet spot quite like the dishes served up at Revolver Taco Lounge’s Deep Ellum location. Since it’s open till 10pm every Thursday through Saturday, you can grab some Michoacán-style tacos topped with eggs and chorizo, wagyu beef, or lobster and shrimp after the bar crawl ends. Plus, after you sober up, you can even go back for seconds the next morning at their amazing Sunday brunch buffet.
Dancing & Drinking
Cowboys Red River
Bust out that Stetson and your biggest belt buckle for a night on the dance floor at Cowboys Red River. While there, you can two-step your heart out to the sounds of country, Americana, and bluegrass played with a passion by the venue’s house band. And, even if you’re cursed with two left feet, you’ll have no reason to fear the beat, as Cowboys offers dance lessons every Wednesday through Saturday. Spend an hour learning to swing and boot scoot from their professionals, and you’ll lead the line in no time.
Cosmo’s Bar & Lounge
Take all the elements of a retro dive bar, then add some funky 60s vibes and a menu full of bánh mìs, and you get the unique drinking destination that is Cosmo’s. You’ll feel instantly comfortable among the retro touches in this no-nonsense space’s decor, such as their old-school jukebox and faux fireplace. This is the kind of spot where you can either start, or end, your night out with a classic Old Fashioned or Moscow Mule. To enhance the eclectic atmosphere, peruse the bar’s VHS collection, which is on display for Blockbuster-style browsing as you down your drink.
Sons of Hermann Hall
Sons of Hermann Hall isn’t just a place to practice your swing dancing, it’s also an iconic Dallas institution. Built in 1911, it holds the dual titles of oldest free-standing wood structure and oldest bar located within the city limits. You can shuffle your way into a piece of history at one of their weekly dance nights, or frequently occurring Roaring Twenties themed parties. If the Jazz Age isn’t your jam, the venue also hosts performances from a variety of local and nationally touring musicians every month.
Live Near These Fun Things to Do at Night in Dallas
If you want to make the nightlife in Dallas part of your everyday life, hit up our expert agents for the lowdown on scoring an apartment in the city. Whether you want to live around the corner from the coolest cocktail bars, or a short distance from an old-school dive, AptAmigo’s team can help pinpoint the best location for your own unique lifestyle.
