Best Summertime Bars In North Texas

Dallas is known for its record breaking heat indexes––in 2011 alone, there were almost 100 days that saw the thermometer rise over 100 degrees. With heat like that, it's no wonder many North Texas residents despise going out in the daytime during the summer months. Luckily, the area provides plenty to do at night. When the sun ducks down below the horizon, venture out of the air conditioned house or office and grab a few drinks with friends. After all, hermits are for the beach.

Ghostbar Dallas  
2440 Victory Park Lane
Dallas, TX 75219
(214) 720-9919
www.ghostbardallas.comIf you're looking to dance the night away, order bottle service and live up a summer night in Dallas, VIP style, Ghostbar is your place. Located on atop Victory Park's W Hotel, Ghostbar is a 12,500 square foot rooftop lounge, complete with a huge main lounge, VIP area, bar, DJ booth and two decks that offer up stellar views of the city. The observation deck holds a glass-bottom that is suspend over the top of the building, while the main deck allows patrons to lounge outdoors with cocktails. This club is also steps away from the American Airline Center, so it's a great spot for those looking to grab drinks after catching the occasional summer concert the venue is known to host.

The Amsterdam Bar
831 Exposition Ave.
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 827-3433
theamsterdambar.comThis bar offers something for everyone–whether you're looking for live music, a stellar outdoor space or a group of friendly, fellow patrons to imbibe with, you're guaranteed to find it at Amsterdam Bar. The beer list is equally impressive, and brew lovers will find everything from micro-brews to Irish stouts to pear cider. Stop in on Monday nights for live jazz, and be sure to check out the huge outdoor patio, where stings of lights and lit tiki torches set the perfect summertime mood.

Related: Best Live Blues In North Texas

Buttons Addison
4701 W. Freeway
Fort Worth, TX
(817) 735-4900
www.buttonsrestaurants.comIf you're looking for a more soulful experience with delicious food, classic cocktails and "old school" live music, Buttons Addison is your spot for summertime fun. From the music to the food to the vibe, this place is all about the soul, the food and the South. Sway to the beats of smooth and soulful live jazz, blues and R&B tunes while munching on fish and gritz or sipping on a honeydew martini. If you like your food and your cocktails with a Southern twist, opt for the Chicken 'n Wobble: vodka, Granny Smith Hard Cider and cranberry cocktail.

Related: Best Single Bars In Dallas

Absinthe Lounge and Cigar Bar
1409 South Lamar Suite 008
Dallas, TX 75215
(214) 941-933
www.absinthelounge.netLooking for a nice getaway place where it's just you, your friends and the bartender (or at least, it feels that way)? Then try hanging out at the Absinthe Lounge in Downtown Dallas. Kick back in the lounge's cozy atmosphere while enjoying a nice cigar or cocktail. Absinthe also hosts music in the form of live jazz, DJs and open mic nights, or you can stop in for a wine tasting. If you're looking for a more posh experience, check out the new VIP room–it hosts bar games, including foosball and darts, a big screen TV, DJ booth and a full bar for you and up to 124 of your closest friends.

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium
111 E Fourth St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 336-7470
www.beerknurd.comSome find that the quickest (and most enjoyable) way to cool off from the relentless Texas heat is to sip on a cold glass of good beer, and there's no better place to do this than at the Flying Saucer. In addition to spirits and wine, the venue offers up more than 100 different kinds of draft and bottled beers to complement the German cuisine, but there's plenty to do here besides eat and drink. Enjoy the upstairs bar, play some board games or grab a game with pool with friends, then head out to the large outdoor patio to catch some sunshine. True brew aficionados can opt to become a member of the Flying Saucer's U.F.O Club by becoming a BeerKnurd for $18. It comes with a free t-shirt and your very own club card, which allows members to earn points and prizes for each pint.

Ivy N. Carter has been professionally writing since 1998 when she started writing for the Texas Southern University The Herald student newspaper. Since then Ivy has enjoyed writing for several magazines, newspapers, businesses and other publications throughout the country. She has a MBA is the owner of Written By INC a professional writing and editing company. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.