The history of Dallas after dark is a study in evolving styles and trends. From the Roaring Twenties until its post-WWII decline, Deep Ellum, east of downtown, was a celebrated capital of vaudeville, blues and jazz. Popular from the late 1940s to the mid-1960s, the Big “D” Jamboree was a country and rock-and-roll extravaganza held at the Sportatorium arena. The ’70s saw the rise of a thriving commercial music scene and legendary clubs like Mother Blues, followed by ’80s dance temples such as the Starck Club, the Studio 54 of Dallas. Music came back to Deep Ellum in the late ’80s, only to lapse again in the late ’90s.
In the mid-2000s, the action went sky-high at clubs like Ghostbar at the W Dallas-Victory hotel, while this decade saw another renaissance for Deep Ellum, transformed by clubs like the legendary Trees into a now-flourishing entertainment district.
Today, delegates have nightlife options galore, including surprises like Frisco-based Satisfaction/The International Rolling Stones Show. As executive producer and front man Chris LeGrand explains, the group, celebrating its 15th anniversary this year as the world’s leading Stones tribute band and a rocking local (and national) option for private events, exemplifies the Metroplex “variety” show.
“The Metroplex delivers nighttime entertainment for every taste and preference, seven nights a week,” says LeGrand, a most convincing Mick Jagger. “From Deep Ellum and Greenville Avenue to the Uptown and Arts Districts, Dallas offers dozens of clubs and performing arts theaters. In Fort Worth, it’s real country music at Billy Bob’s Texas and the Stockyards District, and in the wider Metroplex, everything from tequila bars to intimate music venues.”
To borrow from the Arlington CVB, “whether you want to dress up or scoot a boot,” the stage is set for nighttime magic across the Metroplex.
Everybody’s Gotta Go
Speaking of the Stones, Midnight Rambler is a new subterranean cocktail lounge fit for rock stars at The Joule Hotel, one of many hits on the Dallas nightlife scene.
“Whether it’s enjoying live, local music in Deep Ellum, taking in a skyline view on a rooftop bar, watching an action-packed professional sports event or seeing a Broadway show, play or art exhibition in the largest urban arts district in the nation, there is an experience for everyone’s unique taste in our city,” says Phillip Jones, president and CEO of the Dallas CVB.
Founded in 1971 in Pasadena, Texas, Gilley’s was featured in the 1980 movie Urban Cowboy. Rebuilt in Dallas in 2003 after a fire, the club is hugely popular for events.
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Other diverse choices include dine-arounds in the new Trinity Groves district, and drinks at Bar Belmont atop the Belmont Hotel.
Fort Worth offers an equally diverse range of options, from foot-stompin’ fun at Billy Bob’s Texas, the world’s largest honky-tonk, to cool jazz at downtown’s globally ranked Scat Jazz Lounge and live music at the rooftop Capital Bar in the West 7th Street District. Billed as the city’s “most eclectic neighborhood,” Near Southside draws include live music at Shipping & Receiving Bar and Live Oak Music Hall and Lounge, plus a host of restaurants, distilleries and breweries.
With anticipation high for the early 2016 opening of the multifunctional Irving Music Factory entertainment complex, the city of Irving, halfway between Dallas and Fort Worth and with superb connectivity to both cities and DFW International Airport, is a prime coordinate for post-agenda socializing.
“The same killer location that makes Irving a great destination by day for meetings also makes it a great choice by night,” says Maura Allen Gast, executive director of the Irving CVB.
Live music hot spots include The Ranch at Las Colinas and Cool River Las Colinas, while The Cellar is renowned for its outdoor patio by the Mandalay Canal, and the lobby bars at Omni Mandalay and Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas are ideal for old-school mixers.
With $5 billion in new developments currently under way, Frisco’s star continues to rise, distinct nightlife options included.
“From live music venues to wine bars, Frisco truly is a great place to unwind after a long day,” says Marla Roe, executive director of the Frisco CVB.
With its “Food, Moonshine, Life” slogan and “Hillbilly Mixology” menu, Mash’d is one surefire kickstarter. Others include Dodie’s Live and TruFire.
Happy Hours
Arlington’s latest meeting planner guide includes the “After 5” menu of local venues for “lighting up the night,” including music clubs, karaoke bars and more. Open until 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays (midnight other nights), Alley Cats Entertainment Center offers dining, drinking and experiences such as laser tag and rock climbing. Groups can go for the extensive tequila selection at Blue Mesa Grill, martinis at Piranha Killer Sushi, wines at The Melting Pot Fondue Restaurant and beers at Humperdink’s Restaurant & Brew Pub. Sing-alongs at Louie Louie’s Dueling Piano Bar and comedy at Arlington Improv & Black Dog Pizza round out the night.
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Ever-evolving Plano offers easy access to nighttime pursuits.
“Plano is known for being a ‘walkable’ city,” says Mark Thompson, director of newly rebranded Visit Plano. “Our guests can easily connect to dozens of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, which is a convenient asset for groups and meeting planners.”
One ready example is the “Night Out” itinerary at the Shops at Legacy. After happy hour at Cru Wine Bar, unique dining concepts include RA Sushi, Mexican Sugar and Jasper’s. Blue Martini Lounge and Sambuca 360 offer live music and dancing, with nightcap choices including Ringo’s Pub and The Ginger Man.
From private dining at Winewood Grill to live music and dancing at clubs including Tolbert’s, Main Street LIVE and the Glass Cactus, historic Grapevine offers classic Texas-style diversions.
“Grapevine is not short on nightlife options,” says Brady Closson, director of convention sales for the Grapevine CVB. “Groups can enjoy an Old West dinner theater, live performances on historical stages, dinner cruises on Lake Grapevine and much more.”
In Mesquite, flavorsome as its name, nightlife draws include Rodeo City Music Hall, where performances are “a little bit country, a little bit rock ’n’ roll, a little bit gospel,” and the 8-Second Club at Mesquite Arena, home of Mesquite ProRodeo.
