Many of the best bars in Dallas have been around for a long time, decades even. What makes them so special is not necessarily how pristine and perfect the bar is — when it comes to Dallas, what makes the bar special is the story the bar has to tell. This, along with the bar’s connection to the community, and consistently meeting patrons’ expectations year after year are key aspects of the bars on this list. Dallas natives have seen many bars open and close in the blink of an eye, giving these time-tested bars major respect among locals.

Photo via Truth & Alibi

1. Truth & Alibi — Deep Ellum

The secretive bar Truth & Alibi quickly became a favorite in Deep Ellum. There’s something so enjoyable about looking up the weekly entrance password on social media. The password grants entry beyond the candy shop foyer area into the swanky recesses of the bar. Everyone looks forward to keeping up with “The Deep Ellum Candy Company”, which is actually a front for the real business. Be forewarned — the bar is popular, so expect to stand if you don’t make a reservation.

2. Sons of Hermann Hall — Old East Dallas

Everyone in the Old East Dallas neighborhood knows that Sons of Hermann Hall regularly plays host to solo guitar acts. Their calendar is always full of events. The Electric Campfire Jam occurs every Thursday with happy hours on Friday and Saturday. Wednesday night is all about dancing with dance lessons offered for beginners. Good music and cold beer is always guaranteed.

3. Ship’s Lounge — Lower Greenville

This beloved dive bar located in the Lower Greenville neighborhood has changed hands a few times over the years, but its status as a Dallas icon has remained constant. You can tell from viewing historic photographs of this iconic bar that what makes the bar so nostalgic is the unchanging interior. The weathered bar stools, jukebox, cash register, and ice machine all remain intact. The newest addition to Ship's Lounge is plumbing, which is one update all of the patrons can appreciate.

4. Addison Point — Far North Dallas

Since opening their doors in 1977, Addison Point in Far North Dallas has gained notoriety for its juicy burgers and very affordable drink specials. Watch local sports games and enjoy their generous food specials, including the weekly all-you-can-eat catfish. Addison Point has trivia nights, cheap drink specials on a regular basis, and karaoke every Sunday with late-night burgers on the menu. It’s also a local favorite for birthdays and parties.

Photo via Mariano's Hacienda

5. Mariano’s Hacienda — Vickery Meadow

Mariano’s Hacienda was opened in 1971 with an SBA loan and $500 from Mariano Martinez, the owner. Martinez was part of the development of the frozen margarita machine, which has earned its place in the Smithsonian Museum in DC. There’s so much history to appreciate while sipping your handcrafted margarita in this Vickery Meadow’s hotspot.

6. Lee Harvey’s — Cedars

At Lee Harvey’s, expect to see classic wood-paneled walls with illuminated beer signs that have been around for longer than most Dallasites. The kitchen is open seven days a week with menu options that makes the bar equally as reputable as a restaurant. This is definitely a classic dive bar with a large patio featuring live music. Lee Harvey’s is a favorite among residents of Cedars for many reasons, including the fact that hot wings are half price on Wednesday and happy hour is every weekday from 3-7.

Photo via Inwood Tavern

7. Inwood Tavern — North West Dallas

In June 1964, Inwood Tavern opened their doors on the corner of Inwood and Lovers in the North West Dallas neighborhood. This is definitely an iconic Dallas bar, known for serving drinks in the classic red Solo cups and selling root beer shots. It’s a friendly bar that’s been updated in just the right places. Of course, Inwood Tavern has all of the happy hour drink specials you would expect from a neighborhood-centric bar.

8. Vernon’s Gastropub — Far North Dallas

Vernon’s Gastropub is a family-run operation that has been a gathering ground for Green Bay Packers fans for the last 30 years. The suggestion to cater to Packers fans specifically came from a part-time bartender who worked at the bar a few decades ago. Operating in the Far North neighborhood since 1986, Vernon’s Gastropub underwent a reconceptualization in 2013 and now serves craft beer and liquor in addition to food made from scratch.

Photo by the Dallas Observer

9. Lakewood Landing — Lakewood

Lakewood Landing likes to refer to itself as an upscale dive bar. The Landing is a staple of the Lakewood neighborhood, offering refreshingly simple bar food. Expect food offerings like 80% beef burgers and old-fashioned corn dogs. The bar serves sausages offered by the local area’s famous butcher shop, Rudolph’s. Lakewood Landing is a 50-year-old bar and counting, having built a name for itself by offering simple and strong beverages.

10. Milo Butterfingers — Northeast Dallas

At the corner of Greenville Avenue and SMU Boulevard, you’ll find Milo Butterfingers. The bar has been a long-standing staple of the neighborhood since 1971. You can always count on stiff cocktails, billiards, foosball, video games, and 15 HD screens for your viewing pleasure.

Milo Butterfingers was started by four locals in a different location. Ned Smith bought out his other partners and moved the bar to Northeast Dallas in 1974, renaming it Leather Balls Saloon before restoring the name Milo Butterfingers. Tom Cruise filmed “Born on the Fourth of July” at the bar in the 1980s and the influx of SMU college students gave rise to the bar’s current popularity.

The drinks offered at these bars may change, but their presence in the community remains the same. Oftentimes, you might see multiple generations at the bar on the same evening. You experience this dynamic crowd because so many people from different walks of life feel welcome, appreciated, and count on these bars for a good time.