Best Bars With History In DFW
The DFW area is full of rich history. From the Arts District to the Fort Worth Stockyards, there are so many areas and neighborhoods that are full of stories to tell about this metroplex. Many of the institutions where you can find some of this rich history preserved are at various bars. From their architecture to the photos of celebrities that visited years ago, these bars have tried to preserve the rich history of their neighborhood.
Sons of Hermann Hall
3414 Elm St.
Dallas, TX 75226
(214) 747-4422
www.sonsofhermann.com
This music venue and event space that also houses three full-service bars has been a Dallas institution since 1911. The venue was originally built by four local lodges of a fraternal order and is still an active home for two lodges. The members of the lodges are dedicated to helping the community through service. When you visit the venue, there is an opportunity to view some of the artifacts that have been preserved from members of the four lodges that originally built the venue. Of course, as a music venue, dance hall and bar, there is also lots of entertainment available.
The Granada Theater
3524 Greenville Ave.
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 824-9933
www.granadatheater.com
The Granada Theater was built in 1946, during the Golden Age of Hollywood. It was originally built as a 700-seat, first-run movie theater. The design of the theater is indicative of the time period in which it was built with an Art Deco design on the exterior with influence from ancient cultures in the interior. The theater has been renovated various times and is now one of the premiere music venues and bars in the DFW area. It has kept some of the original features while updating and adding modern touches as well.
Milo Butterfingers
5645 SMU Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 368-9212
www.milobutterfingers.com
Originally founded 1971 as a honky-tonk, in a different location, this local burger joint and bar has become a local favorite as a college bar. The building that the bar now occupies is an old house that was moved into the location in 1942 and converted into a sign company. This has now been a neighborhood favorite for over 40 years. Many of the staff employed here have been with the bar for over 15 years, which shows that this is an institution that people enjoy being involved with.
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T&P Tavern
221 W. Lancaster Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 885-8878
www.tptavern.com
The T&P Tavern was originally built as a diner and newsstand in the 1930s and was then called The Tower's Diner. The diner was built as part of the historical T&P Railway Station which now serves as the last stop on the west-bound Trinity Railway Express. The tavern has been preserved with care and, although renovated many times, still hints of the original architecture and style. Many celebrities and even Presidents have passed through this historic location, including The King himself, whom the tavern's peanut butter, banana and bacon martini is named after.
White Elephant Saloon
106 E. Exchange Ave.
Fort Worth, TX 76164
(817) 624-8273
www.whiteelephantsaloon.com
Located in Hell's Half Acre in Fort Worth since the 1890s, the White Elephant moved to the historic Fort Worth Stockyards in the 1970s and has since become one of Fort Worth's premiere tourist attractions. If you are looking for a place with Wild West history, this is the place to go. Said to be the host to a famous gunfight between Sheriff Longhair Jim Courtright and White Elephant owner, Luke Short, the bar is said to still be haunted by spirits from the old west and Longhair, one of Fort Worth's most corrupt lawmen.
Kelsi Gerwell is a freelance writer covering all things Dallas-Fort Worth. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
