Nightlife

Love Thy Neighbor

Dinner. Drinks. Limited Heat Exposure.

So. 108 degrees. We did it. Now, you could hide in your freezer until September, but you’re not the hibernating type. So here, the top one-stop restaurant/bar combos in Big D, where you can escape from A/C to mister and back in seconds flat.

LAKEWOOD

Matt’s Rancho → The Balcony Club

The Combination: A Mexican fiesta that rolls into a martini-fueled late night. Start with some Bob Armstrong Dip and end with a Manhattan in a low-lit jazz lounge. Because nothing keeps you cool like queso and whiskey.
The Route: Exit Matt’s. Take two steps right and follow the sound of a piano up the stairs. Your time outside of A/C: mercifully short.

HENDERSON

Neighborhood Services → Capitol Pub

The Combination: A Henderson power duo. This means Chicken Fried Chicken and Waffles in a room lined with T-ball trophies, followed by a shot of whiskey in what feels like a church pew booth. Amen.
The Route: Option one: walk around the pub’s patio. Option two: hop the adjoining wall. Either way, a shower of mist awaits you.

MCKINNEY AVENUE

Sfuzzi → Renfield’s Corner

The Combination: You’re enjoying thin-crust pizza (and Sinatra) in a velvet lounge, then posting up at the pub’s rooftop for a Summer Beer (with vodka and lemonade) and fans. Your cooling weapons of choice.
The Route: There’s a black gate that connects the two brick patios, so no need to hit the streets. Your reward: the Dirk and Jet of people-watching spots.

UPTOWN

Ocean Prime → Dee Lincoln’s

The Combination: It starts with Chilean sea bass by a grand piano. Then to a two-story wine bar that’s overflowing with bubbles and Jennifer Aniston types.
The Route: Problem. There’s a store between these two places. Get a cab for the 50-foot trek (obviously). Your reward: A/C and a plethora of cougars in their natural climate.