Keeping Tabs: Eastbound & Down Icehouse

Eastbound and Down Icehouse, opened in early May on Ross Avenue, has a relaxed country-dive vibe and an admirable appreciation for the 1977 Burt Reynolds’ film Smokey and the Bandit. In fact, the first thing you’ll notice when you approach from the parking lot is a mural on one side of the building—an impressive homage to the stagecoach scene painted on Snowman’s truck.

The Atmosphere: Eastbound and Down is laid back and low key. There’s a front porch, with window that peeks through to the bar, and a back patio, with wooden picnic benches. Inside, the walls (a combination of red paint and splinter-tastic wood) are arrayed with metal beer signs, taxidermy, and Trans Am hoods. (There’s at least one sign that says “Trans Am Parking Only.”) Turned-up TVs flash sports and patrons watch from the bar, high and low tables, and comfy couches.

What to Order: Shots, beer, and whiskey. (I don’t recommend consuming all of those in that order). Though the bartender hinted at a cocktail menu in the works, no one seemed to notice its current absence. On a recent weeknight, there were 19 beers on draft, including Deep Ellum IPA, Lakewood’s Temptress, and good old Shiner Bock. On that same weeknight, I noticed a guy in a backward ball cap ordering Fireball shots while the waitress was pouring Jameson shots for another party. I think it’s just the kind of place where a shot feels like the right decision, you know?

It’s just the kind of place where a shot feels like the right decision, you know?

Who’s There: The red-haired, doe-eyed bartender told me she also works at a bar in Deep Ellum and that, by comparison, Eastbound and Down is super chill. When she wasn’t pouring shots, she was busy introducing herself to and checking on the customers, most of whom appeared to be men in their 30s—some dude-bros in ball caps and flip flops; others with big, bushy beards. There were a few groups of slightly older folks (think late 40s, early 50s), and very few (OK, zero) groups of ladies.

What I Didn’t Like: Dead animals are my least-favorite décor. At Eastbound, a menagerie of birds, fish, bobcats, and assorted hoofed creatures watch you from the walls with lifeless, beady little eyes. (Yes, I get that the taxidermy look is part of the theme. I still hate it.)

What I Did Like: Dallas can always use a comfortable, country-ish hangout where nothing is too fancy or taken too seriously. I’ll take a shot at a place like this over a 50-ingredient cocktail at an upscale lounge any day of the week.