The best things to do after dinner in Dallas take advantage of the fact that this is one of the liveliest cities in Texas. While there’s plenty to see and do during the day, the fun is just getting started after dinner. Whether you love interactive theater and ghost tours or are looking for stunning city views and fancy cocktails, you’ll find plenty to do in this southern city.

Grab a delicious dinner and then head out for innovative beverages, exciting shows, and amazing live music so you can fully take advantage of the exciting nightlife Dallas has to offer.

  • 1

    Reunion Tower GeO-Deck

    Catch the best 360-degree city views from this observation deck

    Reunion Tower GeO-Deck
    • Couples
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    The Reunion Tower GeO-deck is an observation deck situated 470 feet in the air, offering amazing panoramic views of downtown Dallas and its surrounding neighbourhoods. Located in Dallas West End, just steps away from Dealey Plaza and Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, this tower is centrally located and easy to get to from anywhere downtown, with ample street parking and parking garages nearby.

    Once you take the elevator to the top, make sure to take advantage of their photo kiosk that sends your pictures to you for free via e-mail. With interactive screens inside and a secure outdoor deck you can walk out to, there are plenty of ways to experience great views of the Dallas skyline.

    Location: 300 Reunion Blvd E, Dallas, TX 75207, USA

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 1.30 pm to 7.30 pm, Friday–Saturday from 1 pm to 9.30 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 8.30 pm

    Phone: +1 214-712-7040

    Map
  • 2

    Majestic Theater

    Enjoy live entertainment at this upscale performance venue

    Majestic Theater
    • Nightlife

    The Majestic Theater is one of the most historic performing arts venues in Texas. Located on Elm Street in the Dallas Downtown Historic district, this theater is halfway between Pacific Plaza and Main Street Garden Park and is a great place to go to see a show year-round.

    From concerts and comedy shows to art events and musicals, their calendar is jelly packed with live entertainment all year long. With a capacity of 1,704 and plush red velvet chairs, the Majestic is known for having great views and comfortable seats for the whole audience.

    Location: 1925 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75201, USA

    Open: Showtimes from 7 pm

    Phone: +1 214-670-3687

    Map
  • 3

    Happiest Hour

    Grab a cocktail with a view at this patio bar and lounge

    Happiest Hour
    • Food
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    Happiest Hour is a hip bar and restaurant that features a rooftop lounge with stunning views of downtown and 4 full-service bars throughout the indoor/outdoor venue. Located at the corner of Olive St and Harry Hines Blvd in Dallas’ popular Victory Park neighbourhood, this patio bar and lounge is a favorite spot for locals to unwind and enjoy beautiful views of the city.

    If you don’t want to look for street parking, pull up to the front door and take advantage of their complimentary valet parking on Thursday to Sunday nights. Happiest Hour does not take reservations so make sure to get there early if you’re looking for a prime seat.

    Location: 2616 Olive St, Dallas, TX 75201, USA

    Open: Monday–Wednesday from 4 pm to 12 am, Thursday–Friday from 4 pm to 2 am, Saturday from 11 am to 2 am, Sunday from 11 am to 12 am

    Phone: +1 972-528-0067

    Map
  • 4

    The Dinner Detective

    Take part in an interactive murder mystery show

    The Dinner Detective
    • Families
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    The Dinner Detective is a dinner theater that features interactive comedic murder mystery shows on weekends and select vacations in Dallas. Situated in the Main Street District, this theater is on Pacific Ave halfway between N Akard St and N Ervay St, just 1 block north of Eye, a giant eyeball sculpture.

    In addition to an interactive show, you’ll enjoy a 4-course plated dinner with menu highlights including Texas honey and sage glazed chicken breast, bourbon cherry bouchons, and vegan surf and turf. While there is a cast of actors at The Dinner Detective, audience members can and do often participate and there is a prize package for the audience member who comes closest to solving the crime.

    Location: 1600 Pacific Ave, Dallas, TX 75201, USA

    Phone: +1 866-496-0535

    Map
  • 5

    Haunted Ghost Tour

    Experience the spooky side of Dallas on a haunted walking tour

    Haunted Ghost Tour
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife

    Dallas is one of the most popular cities for haunted ghost tours in the U.S.. It’s hardly surprising, given the city’s rich history featuring notorious murders like the JFK assassination and aging properties that were built during the Wild West era.

    There are a handful of tour companies to choose from, like Nightly Spirits and Dallas Terrors, who offer nightly walking tours and haunted pub crawls through Dallas’ downtown historic district. Sign up in advance for a tour and enjoy 2-2.5 hours of ghost stories while you roam the streets of Dallas with ghost hunters who are experts in the spooky history of one of the largest cities in Texas.

  • 6

    Dallas Comedy Club

    Prepare to laugh the night away

    Dallas Comedy Club
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Nightlife

    Dallas Comedy Club is a lively entertainment venue in the popular Deep Ellum neighbourhood in downtown Dallas. In addition to improv and comedy classes, Dallas Comedy Club has a busy calendar of entertainment 5 days a week including improv, sketch, storytelling, and family shows to keep you laughing all night long.

    If you’re feeling adventurous, head to the comedy club during prime time on Wednesday or Sunday night for one of their open mic nights or late on Wednesday night or on Sunday afternoon for an open jelly. Grab a drink at the bar if you’re heading there after dinner or come hungry and enjoy delicious dishes like tacos and stir fry at their popular restaurant.

    Location: 3036 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75226, USA

    Open: Wednesday–Thursday from 5 pm to 12 am, Friday from 5 pm to 1 am, Saturday from 11 am to 1 am, Sunday from 11 am to 11 pm, (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

    Phone: +1 214-814-1980

    Map
  • 7

    House of Blues Dallas

    Spend the night listening to live music at this popular music venue

    House of Blues Dallas
    • Nightlife

    House of Blues Dallas is a popular restaurant and live music venue that features amazing food and high-energy rock and blues performances from some of the best musicians in the country. Located on the corner of Broom St and Lamar St, this live music venue is conveniently located near popular attractions like the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Dallas World Aquarium.

    If you’re interested in seeing a show at the House of Blues, buy a ticket online in advance or head to the box office, which opens 2 hours prior to any event. Parking can also be purchased with your ticket, or you can park close by at one of the public parking lots behind the venue.

    Location: 2200 N Lamar St, Dallas, TX 75202, USA

    Open: Daily from 5 pm to 11 pm

    Phone: +1 214-978-2584

    Map
  • 8

    Lower Greenville

    Spend the night exploring this neighbourhood’s lively nightlife

    Lower Greenville
    • Nightlife

    Lower Greenville is a charming neighbourhood in downtown Dallas that comes alive at night as people head there to enjoy some of the city’s best bars and restaurants. Situated between the Vickery Place and Lakewood Heights neighbourhoods, the center of Lower Greenville features dozens of bars and restaurants close together, making it easy to hop from one place to the next while you’re out and about.

    Some highlights in Lower Greenville include the Granada Theater, which is a bustling live music venue; Swizzle, known as the only tiki bar in Dallas; and Truck Yard, a complex featuring a wide variety of food trucks and bars with plenty of seating and live music on the weekends.

    Map

    photo by Gavinmulloy77 (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

  • 9

    Bishop Arts District

    Check out great bars and shops in this chic neighbourhood

    Bishop Arts District
    • Nightlife
    • Shoppers

    Bishop Arts District is a trendy neighbourhood known for its colorful street art, unique boutique fashion stores, and upscale cocktail bars and restaurants. Located southwest of the city centre, between the Kesselet and Wynnewood North neighbourhoods, Bishop Arts District is a local favorite spot to spend a few hours out on the town.

    With over 60 shops, bars, galleries, and restaurants, there are plenty of unique places to stop in. Some highlights include Paradiso, a modern Mediterranean restaurant with a central courtyard; Emporium Pies, a pie shop housed in a quaint cottage with a few dine-in tables; and Botanist, a posh cocktail bar with small plates and board games.

    Map

    photo by Renelibrary (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 10

    Oak Lawn

    Discover some of the most popular nightclubs in this upscale neighbourhood

    Oak Lawn
    • Nightlife

    Oak Lawn is a diverse neighbourhood centered around Cedar Springs Road, a street that has dozens of lively bars and nightclubs. Located just 2 miles north of downtown Dallas, Oak Lawn is a progressive neighbourhood that has a great mix of public parks and upscale bars.

    On warm evenings, take a stroll along Turtle Creek or through Oak Lawn Park and enjoy the beautiful weather. If you’re looking for a lively bar or restaurant to enjoy, head to Woody’s, a bar known for its live entertainment and sports bar vibes. There’s also Round-Up Sedan, a country-western bar with nightly line dancing, or Station 4, a massive nightclub with 15 drink stations, a theater, and a large patio.

    Map
Victoria Zelefsky | Contributing Writer