August Events OPENERS

TREASURES FROM CHINA AT THE DMA



It’s no secret that Chinese art is not one of the major strengths of the Dallas Museum of Art collection. This must have very much been on everybody’s mind last fall when Lady Stewart, manager of the British Rail Pension Funds Art Collection, stopped off at the museum to meet director Harry Parker and to discuss the pension fund’s lending policies.

As a result of their conversation, this month the museum’s modest collection of Chinese objects will be augmented by a fine group of Chinese porcelain and works of art from the fund’s collection, described by experts as one of the best assembled during the past decade.

Among the works coming to the museum on extended loan are nine superb bronzes dating from the 11th to the 1st centuries B.C.; a crisply decorated ritual wine vessel and a pair of rectangular incense burners, all of the Shang Dynasty; four especially fine carved jades; and a 14th-century lacquer dish that neatly complements the museum’s own 16th-century lacquer box and cover.

Ceramics are particularly well represented in the collection. Classic Song Dynasty wares are represented, and there are several examples of blue and white and of underglaze red ware, including a famous ewer that is related to large underglaze red basins in the collections of both the Metropolitan and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The rarest is a 14th-century wine jar painted with figures from a Yuan drama.

But perhaps the most popular work will prove to be the 27-inch Tang Dynasty horse, one of those marvelous ceramic steeds that stands legs gathered closely together, full of power and grace. Tang horses rank among the finest equine depictions in all art.

The collection was installed in about mid-July in the museum’s third-floor galleries, where it will remain for many months to come, a fine example of the pension fund’s generosity and Harry Parker’s shrewdness. The Dallas Museum of Art is at 1717 N. Har-wood. Hours are Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10-5; Thur 10-9; Sun noon-5. For information call 922-0220.

-Ken Barrow



DSO PERFORMS IN THE PARKS



The Dallas Symphony main subscription series doesn’t start until September, but music-lovers who hanker to hear the orchestra can take advantage of the DSO’s popular park concerts starting later this month. Featuring light classics and orchestral “pops,” the series, this year dubbed “Sites and Sounds of Summer 1985,” opens August at 8 pm at Northaven Park,3800 North Haven. The symphony performs again Augu at 8 pm at North HamptonPark, 3710 North Hampton;August 30 at 8:30 pm at OldCity Park, 1717 Gano; andAugust 31 at 8:30 pm at LeePark, 3400 Turtle Creek. Further performances in theseries are scheduled throughmid-October at various cityparks and open-air sites.Free. 565-9100.

-Wayne Lee Gay



HANDS-ON WHODUNITS



Murder-mystery buffs can play Holmes away from home at the Murder Mystery Weekends August 9-11 at the Plaza of the Americas Hotel and The Adolphus Hotel. It’s a little more complicated than “Clue,” but if you’re bored with guessing that it was Col. Mustard in the drawing room with a knife, try discovering a corpse in the Grand Ballroom during a cocktail reception and working your way through an entire hotel for clues.

Guests at the Plaza of the Americas will assume new identities and become part of the plot during “Mystery at the Plaza,” which will be produced in conjunction with the New Arts Theatre. The weekend sleuths will be helped through their ordeal with a cocktail party on Friday night, breakfast, afternoon tea and a formal banquet on Saturday and brunch on Sunday. The cost is $495 for two, including a room for two nights. For more information on the murder-mystery weekends at Plaza of the Americas, call 747-2222.

The script for the murder-mystery weekend at The Adolphus was written by mystery novelist Joan Lowery Nixon, a recent recipient of the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Award. She researched the hotel and its staff extensively to develop her plot. Sold Out!, a Houston-based firm, will provide actors, props and a director to oversee the enactment of her plot. Guests will be treated to a cocktail reception and dinner on Friday, breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner on Saturday and a champagne brunch on Sunday. The price is $495 for double occupancy and $325 for single occupancy. For information call 742-8200 locally, (800) 441-0574 in Texas or (800) 221-9083, U.S.

-Laura Jacobus



D’s Openers include this month’s theater, music, film, sports, art, dance, enlightenment and recreation events, as well as a list of the top nightlife establishments in Dallas. These listings are updated and supplemented each month. They have nothing whatsoever to do with paid advertising.

All events listings should be addressed to the Openers editor and must be received at least two months before publication.

Credit card notations: MC/MasterCard, V/Visa, AE/American Express, DC/Diners Club, CB/Carte Blanche. “All credit cards” indicates that all five cards are accepted.



ART



Spanish Still Life in the Golden Age. Late in the 16th century, a number of Spanish artists turned their attention from saints and sinners to ripe fruit and vegetables, plump game and lush bouquets of flowers. Through Aug 4 in the Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun noon-6. (817)332-8451.

Christi Pate: Past Seeing. By altering the gallery’s interior with tall, curving walls, brilliantly colored panels and reflected light, the artist has produced a shimmering environment of mystery and delight. Through Aug 8 at DW Gallery, 3200 Main Street. Tue-Sat 11-5, 939-0045.

Richard Payne. A Houston architect turns his camera on Dallas architecture, capturing, in 14 color prints, both the ideal and real, the visible and invisible urban environment. Through Aug 16 at Good, Haas & Fulton Architects, 300 LTV Center, 2001 Ross Ave. Fri 3-5. 979-0028.

Jean Marnat. Subtle gradations of color are juxtaposed with harsh lines to evoke a sense of infinite space in the paintings of this French artist, being shown for the first time in the U.S. Through Aug 17 at Campanile Gallery, second level, LTV Center, 2001 Ross. Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 11-4. 754-0810.

Fran Di Giacomo and Bryan Greer. Wildfowl, painted by Di Giacomo and carved by Greer, are the subject of this show. Aug 15-24 at Thrasher Gallery, 1929 W. Parker Rd. Mon-Sat 10-6. 596-9199.

Watercolors from Nature. A selection of 37 works inspired by nature, painted by members of the Southwest Watercolor Society and chosen by a panel of artists and teachers. Through Aug 25 at the Dallas Museum of Natural History in Fair Park. Mon-Sat 9-5, Sun noon-5, 421-2169.

Renaissance Drawings. From the great Biblioteca Ambrosiana in Milan comes this impressive selection of original drawings by Pisanello, da Vinci, Raphael, Durer, Holbein, Bruegel and other greats. Through Aug 25 in the Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun noon-6. (817)332-8451.

Book of Days. Photographers throughout the state submitted 1,343 photographs from which three distinguished |urors selected 56 of the very best for this show. Through Sept 1 at Allen Street Gallery, 4401 Commerce St, Wed-Fri noon-5, Sat 10-4, Sun 1-5. 821-8260.



Monotypes at Amon Carter



American artist Maurice Prendergast had a special love for holidays, picnics, circuses and celebrations of all kinds. He depicted them frequently in his colorful paintings and in a series of about 200 monotypes made between 1891 and 1902. These one-of-a-kind prints were made by painting on glass or copper, then pulling a single impression on paper. The exhibit of 55 of these works currently at Fort Worth’s Amon Carter Museum has been selected from one of the newest museums in the country, the Terra Museum of American Art in Evanston, III., created to house the stunning collection assembled by Daniel J. Terra. July 12-Sept 8 at the Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5; Sun 1-5:30. (817) 738-1933.



Galder’s Animals. A perfect summer show tor kids-and for adults who can still see with kids’ eyes – brings together the witty sketches and sculptures of zoo and circus animals by mobilist Alexander Calder Through Sept 1 at Fort Worth Art Museum, 1309 Montgomery St. Tue 10-9, Wed-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. (817)738-9215.

“Primitivlism” in 20th Century Art. The most interesting – and controversial – exhibit in years examines the links between tribal art of Africa, the South Seas and pre-Columbian America and the art of Picasso, Bran-cusi, Klee, Moore and other early modern masters. Through Sept 1 at the Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood. Tue, Fri, Sat 10-5, Thurs 10-9, Sun noon-5. 922-0220.

Alexander Liberman. During the Forties, Liberman, an editorial director of Conde-Nast publications, became convinced that a heroic era in art was passing away, so he set out with his camera to photograph it in studios throughout France and New York. Through Sept 1 at the Fort Worth Art Museum. 1309 Montgomery St. Tue 10-9, Wed-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5. (817) 738-9215.



Mydans Exhibit



Over the past half century, veteran Time-Life photojournalist Carl Mydans has photographed almost everywhere, from Mussolini’s Italy to wartime Finland and China to Korea and Vietnam. The exhibit at the Amon Carter Museum features 150 of his most memorable images, including this photo, Korean War Refugees Flight from Seoul (1951). Through Sept 1 at the Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie, Fort Worth. Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1-5:30. (817)738-1933.



American Anthem. From a gold nugget to an iron horse, from Custer’s jacket to FDR’s microphone, the Smithsonian Institution sends this exhibit of national songs and symbols to Dallas’ new Arts District, with love. Through Oct 31 in the Pavillion at LTV Center, 2001 Ross Ave. Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 10-5, Thurs 10-8, Sun noon-5. 979-6100.

Sid Richardson Collection. Here’s a prime collection of Remingtons and Russells in a prime location, amid the restored 19th-century splendors of Fort Worth’s Sundance Square. Permanent show at 309 Main St. Tue-Fri 10-5, Sat 11-6, Sun 1-5. (817)332-6554.

THEATER



A… My Name Is Alice. This successful off-Broadway revue about today’s women includes songs and sketches written by more than 20 authors. Aug 20-Sept 15 at Theater Three, the Quadrangle, 2800 Routh. Tue-Sat at 8:15 pm, Sun at 2:30 & 7 pm. Tickets $14.50 Fri & Sat; $13.50 Sun; $12.50 Tue-Thur. 871-3300.

Dallas Summer Musicals. Through Aug 4: A Chorus Line. August 6-18: Dancin’. Performances at the Music Hall, Fair Park, First and Parry. Tue-Sat at 8:15 pm, Sat & Sun matinees at 2:30 pm, Tickets $35-$5; available at Rainbow-Ticketmaster outlets and the State Fair box office. 787-2000, 692-7200.

Greater Tuna. Joe Sears and Jason Williams’ sidesplitting satire of very-small-town (Tuna, Texas) life, with two men performing a score of roles and the fastest Velcro quick changes you’ll ever see. Aug 15-Sept 8 at Dallas Repertory Theatre, NorthPark Center (outside Joske’s), Park Lane at N Central Expwy. Tue-Sat at 8:15 pm, Sun at 3 pm & 7 pm. Tickets $14 Fri & Sat; $12.50 Sun; $11-$9.50 Tue-Thur. 369-8966.

Gypsy. Mama Rose and her dutiful daughters seek out fame and fortune in this masterpiece of the American musical theater, with a book by Arthur Laurents and music and lyrics by. respectively, Jule Styne and Stephen Sondheim, including the popular songs “If Mama Was Married” and “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.” Through Aug 10 at Dallas Repertory Theatre, NorthPark Center (outside Joske’s), Park Lane at N Central Expwy. Tue-Sat at 8:15 pm, Sun at 3 pm & 7 pm. Tickets $14 Fri & Sat; $12.50 Sun; $11 -$9.50 Tue-Thur. 369-8966.

Hello Dolly. Casa Manana’s Fort Worth Summer Musicals concludes its 27th season with this pop favorite, which will star another pop favorite, Casa’s own Ruta Lee, in the title role. July 29-Aug 10 at Casa Manana, 3101 West Lancaster at University Drive, Fort Worth. Mon-Fri at 8:15 pm, Sat at 2 & 8:15 pm. Tickets $14.50 Fri & Sat evening; $13.50 Tue-Thur; $12.50 Mon; $10.50 Sat matinee (817)332-6221.

Painting Churches. A new play about a woman in her early 30s who returns to her family’s Beacon Hill home in Boston to paint portraits of her parents. In the process, her relationship with them is revealed and altered, often in funny ways. Through Aug 11 at Theater Three, the Quadrangle, 2800 Routh. Tue-Sat at 8:15 pm, Sun at 2:30 & 7 pm. Tickets $14 50 Fri & Sat; $12.50 Tue-Thur; $13.50 Sun. 871-3300.

Shakespeare Festival of Dallas. Much Ado About Nothing, a romantic comedy, plays on odd-numbered dates in July and even-numbered dates in Aug through Aug 4. Shogun Macbeth, a stylized rendition of the fa-mous tragedy about greed, set in feudal Japan, plays on even-numbered dates in July and odd-numbered dates in Aug through Aug 3. No performances on Mondays. Gates open at 7:15 pm; performances begin at 8:15 at the Band Shell, Fair Park. Stadium seating; coolers and picnic baskets encouraged. Free. 987-1993.

What I Did Last Summer. This quick and charming play by modern mannerist A.R. Gurney is about 14-year-old Charlie, brooding through an East Coast vacation during World War II. and the problems he’s having figuring out who he’s supposed to be. His angst is our delight. Through Aug 11 at New Arts Theater, 702 Ross at Market in the West End Warehouse District. Wed-Fri at 8 pm, Sat at 5 & 9 pm, Sun at 2:30 pm. Tickets $13.50 Sat at 9; $11.50 Fri; $9 50 Wed, Thur, Sat at 5 & Sun. 761-9064.



MUSIC



Public Opera of Dallas. Thaddeus Motyka directs a new art-deco production of Donizetti’s comic masterpiece Don Pasquale, with John Burrows conducting, Thomas Hammons in the title role and a cast including Carroll Freeman. Nicole Philobosian and Edward Coker. July 26, 27 & 31 and Aug 2 & 3 at 8 pm; July 28 & Aug 4 at 2:30 pm at the Plaza Theatre, Snider Plaza Tickets $26.50-$7. 231-6566.



Marionettes and Music



The Fine Arts Chamber Players, well-known to local music-lovers for their “Basically Beethoven” festival every July and their performances at the Dallas Museum of Art during the rest of the year, join Kathy Burk’s Marionettes this month for a musical program aimed at a family audience including very young children. The musicians and puppeteers will interpret music of Stravinsky and Sea Shanties of Arnold in a performance designed to introduce chamber music to young listeners in an appealing fashion. Aug 17 & 24 at 11 am at the Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N Harwood. Free. 559-2176, 922-0220.



FILM



The Arms Race Within. The Dallas chapter of Women’s Action for Nuclear Disarmament sponsors the worldwide premier of this Dallas-produced documentary film. Aug 6 at the Inwood Theatre. 5458 W. Lovers Lane. 8 pm. Tickets sold as tax-exempt donations. $10-$100, available at the door.

University of Texas at Dallas. Aug 2: The Egg And I at 7:30 and 9:30 pm. Aug 7: The Turning Pant at 7:30 and Sleeping Beauty at 9:30. Aug 9: The Two Mrs. Car-rolls at 7:30. Aug 14: Sweet Smell of Success at 730. Aug 16: Of Mice and Men at 7:30 and 9:30. Aug 21: La Strada at 7:30 and 9:30. Aug 23: Notorious at 7:30 and 9:15. All films shown at Kusch Auditorium. Founders North Building, UTD. Adults $2 each; under 18 or 65 or older. $1 each; UTD students 50￠.

Granada Theatre. Aug 1: Seventeen at 5:00, 7:15 and 9:30 pm. Aug 2-3: It Came From Outer Space at 7:15, Sat matinee at 3:45; Creature From The Black Lagoon at 5:30 and 9:00, Sat matinee at 2. Aug 4-5: It’s a Wonderful Life at 5 and 9:45, You Can’t Take It With You at 7.30, Sat matinee at 2:45. Aug 6-7: Stranger Than Paradise at 5 and 9:15, My Dinner With Andre at 7. Aug 8: A Night at the Adonis at 5:30, 7:15 and 9. Aug 9-10: Modern Romance at 7:15, Sat matinee at 3:15, Choose Me at 5 and 9:15, Sat matinee at 1. Aug 11-14: Animals are Beautiful People at 5:30, 7:30 and 9:30, Sun matinees at 1:30 and 3:30. Aug 15: Paris, Texas at 6:30 and 9:15.



ENLIGHTENMENT



Allen Ginsberg. Paris Records presents the legendary poet-singer in one performance only, Aug 16 at Liberty Hall, 2111 Commerce St. 10 pm. Tickets $8.50 at the door. 272-6489.

East Africa Exhibit. The Dallas Museum of Natural History presents photos and specimens to illustrate the abundant but threatened wildlife of East Africa. A free film entitled Elephants and Hippos of Africa will be shown on weekend afternoons at 1, 2, 3 and 4 pm. Museum hours: Mon-Sat 9-5, Sun noon-5. The museum is located in Fair Park; admission and parking are free.

Doctor’s Night. Dallas neurologist David Sperry answers questions about drugs, treatment and personal issues related to epilepsy. Aug 6 from 7-8 pm. Dallas Epilepsy Association, 8625 King George Dr. #345. 634-8421.

150 Years of Fort Worth. This 2,000-square-foot exhibit sponsored by the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History traces the city’s development from its beginning as a frontier outpost in 1849 through its rowdy cattle town era in the 1880s to its maturity-first as a railroading center and later as a leader in the aerospace industry. Open daily from 9 am-7 pm at the Fire Station No. 1 on the corner of Second and Commerce streets in downtown Fort Worth. Free.

Dallas Public Library. Aug 1,8 & 15: Modeling workshop for ages 8-adult at the Highland Hills Library at 6 pm each evening. Call 225-7321. Aug 3. Color workshop for selecting your wardrobe at the Preston Royal Library at 2 pm. Call 363-5479. Aug 21-23: Learn how to use the library to do research, at the Central Library. Call 749-4100. Aug 28: A celebration commemorating Women’s Suffrage at the Central Library. Call Liz Floras at 979-0406 for more information.

Children’s Classes. The Adolphus Hotel will sponsor a cooking class for 8-12-year-olds Aug 6 & 7 from 10 am-1 pm in the hotel’s kitchen. On Aug 13 & 14, a class in dinner party etiquette will be offered for children 10-15 years old. On Tuesday, the class will be held from 10 am-1 pm; the Wednesday class at 7 pm includes a dinner party for the family. Call 742-8200, ext. 220 for information.



RECREATION



Art Sunday. J.C. Penney and The Dallas Morning News will sponsor festivals in recognition and support of local arts communities. Aug 4 in the J.C. Penney store at Collin Creek Mall in Plano. Aug 18 outside the store at the Irving Mall, located at the northwest corner of Highway 183 and Belt Line Road, 12:30-5 pm. Free.

Recreation Activity Hotline. Information on city-wide activities at Dallas parks and recreation facilities is available 24 hours a day. 670-7070.

Labor Day Festival and Chill Cookoff. The National Kidney Foundation of Texas will sponsor a cookoff on Aug 31 at Circle R Ranch in Roanoke, 7 miles west of Lewisville on I-35 East. Entry fee $15 payable to the Kidney Foundation, 13500 Midway Rd, Ste 101, Dallas 75244. Admission $2, $1 for children 4-12, children under 4 free. Call 934-8057 for map to Circle R.

Six Flags Over Texas. Aug 2: Kool & the Gang. Aug 9: New Addition. Aug 16: Heart. Aug 23: John Waite. All shows at 9 pm in the theme park’s festival concert area. Admission to the show is $3; admission to Six Flags is $14.95, $7.95 for children under 42 inches tall. No additional show fee for children 5 and under. (817) 640-8900.

SPORTS



High School All-Stars. The Whataburger Texas High School All-Star Football Game features north vs. south Texas high school athletes. Aug 1 at Texas Stadium. 7:30 pm. $2 tickets available at all Dallas/Fort Worth Whataburger stores; $4 at the game. Part of the proceeds will benefit injured high school athletes.

Mesquite Championship Rodeo. Bronc riding, calf roping, barrel racing, steer wrestling and more. Each weekend through Sept 30 at the Mesquite Rodeo arena, I-635 at Military Pkwy, Mesquite. Fri & Sat at 8:30 pm. Tickets $7 for box seats, $5 for grandstand seats, $3 for children 12 and under. 285-8777.

Texas Rangers. Arlington Stadium. Tickets $8.50-$5 for reserved seats, $3.75 for general admission, $2.25 for children 13 and under; available at Rainbow-Ticketmaster outlets, Sears stores and Arlington Stadium ticket office. Home games start at 7:35 pm unless otherwise noted. Metro 273-5100.

Aug 6-8 vs Milwaukee

9-11 vs Baltimore (Sun at 6:05 pm)

12-14 vs Toronto

30-31 vs Kansas City



NIGHTLIFE ENTERTAINMENT/DANCING



Acapulco Bar. Acapulco’s popularity proves that Upper Greenville is alive and well. Here’s a great bar for the over-21 partier: three blackjack tables with dealers, a waitress who offers tequila shots out of her holster, lots of color on the walls and even more colorful characters on the dance floor. (5111 Greenville. 692-9856. Tue-Fri 4 pm-2 am, Sat 7 pm-2 am. Closed Sun & Mon. Cover Tue-Thur$1, Fri after 7 & Sat $3. All credit cards.)

Belle Starr. The famous lady outlaw would have felt in good company at this country/western hangout. With an extensive bar from which beer flows copiously, a large dance floor and live country music, the cowboys and cowgirls who frequent this club are kept satisfied (the place is packed on weekends). Round up some visiting Yankees and take them to Belle Starr for some good, two-steppin’, honky-tonkin’ Texas nightlife. (7724 N Central Expwy near Southwestern. 750-4787. Mon 8 pm-2 am, Tue-Thur 7 pm-2 am, Fri & Sat 7 pm-2 am, Sun 4 pm-2 am. All credit cards.)

Boardwalk Beach Club. This place is a pleasant (if fast-paced) mixture of opposites. The club’s drawing card is Fifties and Sixties music, but patrons are mostly under-30 singles. Space has been cleared for a dance floor next to the South Seas mural on one wall, but strangely enough, hardly anyone dances. Drinks are pretty solid here, but the snail-like service may hamper your enjoyment of them. (6332 La Vista. 823-5340. Thur 7 pm-2 am, Fri & Sat 5 pm-2 am. Closed Sun-Wed. MC, V, AE.)

Bowley & Wilson’s. If you’re looking for a place to have your church social, don’t come here. Not a place for the faint of heart or timid of ear, Bowley and Wilson dish-out hysterical music and humor that landed them in jail on one occasion. If you’re looking for a reasonably priced, humor-filled evening, Bowley & Wilson and the Blue Bathroom Humor Band are for you. Light food, including pizza, is prepared by their Peruvian chef, Juan Ortega. You can win free drinks by being a good sport when they ask you to join in the act. Win free Kami-kazies by successfully singing, “Old Ben Lucas” in front of the audience. (4714 Greenville Ave. 692-6470. Tue-Sat 7:30 pm-2 am. Show starts at 9:30.)

Cafe Dallas. Cafe Dallas sports ceiling fans, slick art posters, obligatory potted plants and smiling waitresses bedecked in slinky red dresses. The club’s circular, casino-like layout seems conducive to just about any sort of bar behavior, from frenzied dancing on the split-level dance floor to intimate whispering on the cushioned couches that line the walls. (5500 Greenville. 9870066. Mon-Fri 4 pm-2 am, Sat & Sun 7 pm-2 am. MC, V, AE.)

Callaghan’s Saloon. This West End bar is the best place in town to pretend you’re Irish. You show up, stare at the green walls, watch all the people singing to corny Irish songs played by live Irish bands, drink a few inexpensive beers (there’s also a good selection of imported ones) and suddenly you think you’ve belonged here all your life. (1701 N Market at Ross. 761-9355. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat noon-2 am, Sun 4-10 pm. No cover. AE, DC, CB.)

Comedy Comer. The only full-time club in town devoted to stand-up comedy keeps rolling along. It’s a great place to see hot new comedy talent from around the country. During each show, you see the nightclub’s own house comedian, a feature comedian and then the main comedian. And at amateur night on Tuesdays, you get to watch anyone from local sportscasters to corporate lawyers try out their acts. (8202 Park Lane at Greenville. 361-7461. Sets begin Sun-Thur at 9 pm, Fri & Sat at 8:45 & 10:45 pm. Reservations recommended on weekends. Cover: $5.50 Sun & Tue- Thur, $3.50 Mon, $8 Fri, $9 Sat. MC, V, AE.)

Confetti. Look what’s happened to Dallas’ meat market: It went upscale. No more wild-looking waitresses in nasty outfits. No more best-body contests. No more teen-ager-looking types. Now sleekly redesigned for the young office crowd, the club still throws a good party. (5201 Matilda off Lovers Lane. 369-6969, 369-6977. Mon-Thur 5 pm-2 am, Fri 5 pm-4 am, Sat 7 pm-4 am, Sun 6 pm-2 am. Cover Mon-Thur after 9 $1, Fri & Sat S3, Sun $2. All credit cards.)

Cotton Candy Club. An old. Harlem-era jazz and rhythm and blues club, the Cotton Candy appeals to an older South Dallas crowd, and the atmosphere is reminiscent of a time when clubs were big and fancy south of the river. (2532 Martin Luther King Blvd. 428-5034. Tue-Sat 4 pm-2 am. Closed Sun & Mon. Cover on weekends. No credit cards.)

Court Five. This place could be one of your great discoveries. A hole in the wall hidden among the North Dallas apartment complexes, this little bar attracts non-swingle-style partiers who have a roaring great time dancing to such decent little rock ’n’ roll bands as the Vinyl Tops and Silent Partners. There’s a large outdoor patio, hilarious photos on the wall of the owner with his friends and even bad pool tables in the back. (7108 Holly Hill. 363-0174. Mon-Fri 5 pm-2 am. Sal & Sun 7 pm-2 am. MC. V. AE.)

Dick’s Last Resort. The charm of this newest nightspot in downtowns West End district comes from the owner himself. In this charmingly hectic, casual atmosphere, where everyone sits at long tables, presides loud-mouthed Dick-he teases you, roars happily at you from across the bar and puts together a terrific combination of drinks with a hefty chicken-ribs-crabs menu. Dixieland-style jazz groups nightly. (1701 N Market, at the corner of Ross and Record Streets. 747-0001 Mon-Thur 11:30 am midnight. Fri & Sat 11:30 am-2 am. Sun 5 pm-midnight.)

Ellington’s. Pay a stiff cover, waltz in on gilded spike heels or new Italian-leather shoes and what do you find? Another Upper Greenville dance club. Ellington’s is trying to prove that the SYs (Swinging Yuppies) will come to a bar that has live music every night. You’ll find good bands but the same hustle atmosphere that pervades North Dallas. (The Corner Shopping Center. 8021 Walnut Hill. 369-8445 Tue-Sat 5 pm-2 am. Closed Sun MC. V. AE Cover: S3 Tue-Thur, $5 Fri & Sat.)

Fast and Cool. This latest Shannon Wynne creation, located in the old Nick’s Uptown building, is a dance club with naked light bulbs hanging down from the ceiling and female dancers in cages The diverse dance tunes include everything from the Animals to the Eurythmics to Motown hits. (3606 Greenville. 827-5544. Tue-Sun 7 pm-2 am. Cover. $3 Thur-Sat. MC. V. AE.)

Figaro’s. Another shot has been fired in the Addison nightclub wars. On the Addison strip oft Belt Line, this high-tech bar presents live music from dance bands each night, along with large-screen TVs, cool-looking people and serious cover charges. The clientele averages in the early 30s. (5290 Belt Line, Suite 150. 960-1856. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun 11:30 am-2 am. All credit cards.)

500 Cafe. Everyone likes to think they’re part of the eclectic crowd, but you can find the real thing at the 500 Cafe. A combination of the city’s intelligentsia, New Wavers and Deep Ellumites, this little bar near Fair Park offers live entertainment Thursday through Saturday and such unusual delights as poetry readings and short films during the week. (408 Exposition Ave. 821 -4623 Tues & Wed 11-11. Thur & Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat 6 pm-2 am. Closed Sun & Mon. AS only)

4500 McKinney. Following a few false starts, this intimate supper club now seems to work. There’s probably too much pink (from napkins to spotlights), but the food is good, and the entertainment- regional and national performers of jazz, blues, pop and show tunes -has been outstanding. If you don’t want dinner, you can pay the cover charge at the door and sip drinks while enjoying the show. (4500 McKinney at Armstrong. 522-5818. Tue-Sun 7 pm-2 am; shows at 9 & 11 pm. Cover $8 Tue- Thur. $10 Fri-Sun. All credit cards.)

Four Seasons Ballroom. This place offers big-band music for ballroom dancing. A strict dress code is enforced: dresses for the ladies and coats and ties for the gentlemen. Only setups, beer and soft drinks are served, except on Fridays, when food is available. Cover varies, and free dance lessons are offered. (4930 Military Pkwy. 349-0390. Wed 8:45- 11:45 pm, Fri 9 pm-12:30 am No credit cards.)

Gershwin’s Bar & drill. No one can discover a nightspot taster than the North Dallas single. This new Upper Greenville restaurant features two bars-and both are constantly packed. If you don’t like the bar closest to the door, you can simply work your way over to the one beside a grand piano that appears to be built on top of a scaffolding. Most of the crowd is at the bar waiting for a table, so if you’re going to hustle someone, you’d better hurry. (8442 Walnut Hill at Greenville. 373-7171. Sun-Thur 11:30 am-midnight, Fri & Sat 11:30 am-1 am. No cover. MC. V. AE. DC.)

The Golden Parachute. Who misses elan, the private Greenville Avenue disco that closed last year? Now there’s a better imitation in Far North Dallas. The only problem is that the membership costs $200 per year. Once inside, you’re in your typical elegant disco with sensual people (these places never change). But there is a nice veranda where you can cool off outside if your hormones get too hot. (5505 Belt Line 233-9499. Mon-Fri 3 pm-2 am Sat 7 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. All credit cards.)

In Cahoots. Like a randy phoenix rising from the remains of the old Papagayo. this multilevel, chromed-out fleshpot is Babylon revisited in NorthPark East. What has the Me Generation come to? The obligatory video here is a mix of cartoons, rock and Selfdance-you can watch your celluloid self writhing on the dance floor, in case there’s any doubt about your reality. The waitresses are scantily clad, the drinks are strong and the after-work buffet ranks with the best in Dallas. (NorthPark East, 8796 N Central Expwy. 692-5412 Mon-Thur 5:30 pm-2 am. Fri & Sat 7:30 pm-3:30 am. Sun 7:30 pm-2 am. All credit cards.)

Jazba at Ratcllffe’s. If we mention this place too loudly, will we have trouble getting a table when we want one? This small, elegant jazz bar in Ratcliffe’s seafood restaurant has what we like: clean lines, smooth music, Southern comfort and probably the most cushy chairs you’ll find in any bar in Dallas. (1901 McKinney 748-7480. Tue-Sat 8 pm-1 am; live music beginning at 9 pm. Closed Sun & Mon. Weekend cover: $5. All credit cards.)

Jazz City. There are nightclubs galore that offer a sprinkling of jazz, but until now. none has tried so diligently to recreate New Orleans’ French Quarter atmosphere. Here, on far Lower Greenville, you’ll find a place that serves New Orleans food and drinks, and it plays pure, straight jazz Every major jazz group in the area comes through, so you can get a taste of just about all Dallas has to offer (1518 Greenville, south of Ross. 823-7474. Mon-Thur 11 am-midnight. Fri 11-2, Sat 4 pm-2 Live music Thur-Sat. Cover vanes depending on act. MC, V. AE )

Longhom Ballroom. The Longhorn hasn’t changed much since the last time you were there It still offers only beer and setups and one of the best country/ western dance floors in Dallas Owner Dewey Groom has made his place synonymous with country music and a lasting source of local pride. (216 Corinth at Industrial. 428-3128 Wed& Thur 7 pm-1 am, Fri & Sat 7 pm-2 am. Sun 5-11:30 pm. All credit cards.)

Memphis. This is the best live music bar in Far North Dallas if you like large jazz ensembles, and everybody seems to The little Addison bar is usually packed with jazz buffs listening to regulars such as Clairvoyance. Emerald City and Eddie Harrison and the Shortcuts. (Quorum Plaza. 5000 Belt Line. Suite 500. 386-9517 Mon-Fri 4 pm-2 am. Sat & Sun 7 pm-2 am Cover: $3-$5. All credit cards)

Mistral. This lavish dance and supper club is the product of a search across Europe to find all the elements of the perfect nightclub. The results: extravagant lighting, an enormous video screen, a state-of-the-art sound system, a Japanese chef and prominent entertainers who appear about once a month. (Loews Ana-tole Hotel. 2201 Stemmons Frwy. 760-9000. Mon-Thur 7 pm-2 am. Fri 5 pm-2 am. Sat 7 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. All credit cards)

Nairobi Room. Are you adrift from reality, are you in touch with your true self, or are you just sticking safety pins through your ears because everyone else is doing it? Find out here, at the most well-known New Wave and punk bar in the city Sometimes the Nairobi Room is a parody of itself: A lot of people there try exceedingly hard to make themselves look too cool. During the day, no doubt, they wear business suits. But, hey, dress any way you want and they’ll let you in (Beer and wine only. BYOB. 2914 Harry Hines, in the Town House Motor Lodge. 748-9567. Open Todays a week. 7 pm-2 am. Bands and cover charge are sporadic. No credit cards.)

No Whar But Texas. This place may be the most laid-back of the big country/western bars. No one seems to care if you can’t dance or drawl. But you’ll still find great North Dallas cowboys and cowgirls on and around the huge dance floor. (The Corner Shopping Center. 9840 N Central Expwy. 369-3866. Mon-Fri 5 pm-2 am. Sat 7 pm-2 am. Sun 6 pm-2 am. Cover varies. MC. V. AE. DC.)

Packard’s. This Old Town dance club, which takes its name from the classic automobile, is flashy, large and swingles-soaked. Packard’s features a wide-open dance floor, lots of fluorescent colors and pop music mixed with Fifties and Sixties tunes. (Old Town, 5500 Greenville at Lovers Lane. 361-9517. Mon-Thur 4:30 pm-2 am. Fri 4:30 pm-3 am, Sat 8 pm-3 am, Sun 7 pm-2 am. Cover: $1 Mon-Thur, $3 Fri & Sat alter 7 pm. MC. V. AE.)

Poor David’s Pub. In a city where live music clubs close quicker than real estate deals. Poor David’s has been hanging on for eight years. It’s still the leader in blues artists, progressive-country singers, and the top touring folk singers. (1924 Greenville. 821-9891. Mon & Wed-Sat 4 pm-2 am. Tue 6 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. Cover varies. No credit cards.)

Popsicle Toes. Go here to listen to the live and lively jazz, funk and rock ’n’ roll, not just to hear it. Granted, you’ll have trouble hearing anything else, but that’s okay, because the music is great. Don’t be disap-pointed, though; Popsicle Toes isn’t a place to be “seen,” although this jazz-oriented club attracts a spirited, sincere-looking dance crowd. (5627 Dyer. 361-0477 Tue-Sun 8 pm-2 am. Closed Mon. Cover: $2.50 Tue-Thur. $5 Fri & Sat. $4 Sun. MC. V, AE.)

Prohibition Room. Return with us now to this old Prohibition-style bar. Through a tunnel, down in the basement, you’ll find great atmosphere: hardwood floors, a bar made from old buildings, jazz, blues, old Sinatra tunes on the jukebox, pool tables. It’s a tremendous after-work place, and it features good live acts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. (703 McKinney in the Brewery. 954-4407 Mon-Sat 4 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. All credit cards.)

The Railhead. The one Greenville Avenue showroom that never changes has good – but never flashy – pop acts. The crowd seems to be getting older. (6919 Twin Hills. 3694700. Daily 5 pm-2 am. Cover Fri-Mon $3. All credit cards)

Ravels. This cavernous singles bar may remind you of a bad 1967 sci-fi movie version of “The Future” Track lights cut through the smoky blackness, beaming down like searchlights from a spaceship. Music video screens are everywhere. The well drinks are expensive, and the service can be slow, even when the room is mostly empty. Ravel’s is also part restaurant, offering a limited and pricey menu (The Registry Hotel. 15201 Dallas Pkwy. 386-6000. Mon-Sat 5 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. All credit cards.)

Razz Ma’ Tazz. The nightclub assault continues in the West End district of downtown Dallas. The latest, Razz Ma’ Tazz, offers one of the most intriguing interiors we’ve seen in a while: a combination of a Havana show room from the Fifties and a plain old Sixties rock ’n’ roll hang out. The live music you get, though, ranges from rock to R&B to dance-styled pop. Good local bands, ornate bar; hamburgers and sandwiches also available. (1714 Market. 748-7112. Mon-Fri 11 pm-2 am. Sat 6 pm-2 am. Sun 4-9 pm. MC, V. AE.)

Rick’s Casablanca. At first glance, you may think you’ve come to one of those old-fashioned tropical bars (with perhaps the best ceiling fans in Dallas). But Rick’s is quickly becoming one of the best small clubs to hear good bands, from reggae to rhythm and blues. The place is often crowded early in the week, since Robert Lee Kolb and Local Heroes perform Monday through Wednesday nights. (1919 Greenville. 824-6509. Mon-Fri 5 pm-2 am, Sat & Sun 6 pm-2 am. Cover varies. MC, V. AE.)

RMR’s Fast Times. You’ll love this place-if you’re under 19. The ultimate teen bar in the Dallas area, this converted skating rink is pure bedlam on Saturday nights, with nearly 1,000 teeny-boppers packed on the dance floor. There’s also a “juice” bar that serves nonalcoholic drinks such as “virgin pina coladas.” (2609 Oakland, Garland. 278-8843, and 1600 NY Ave, Arlington. 261-9659. Tue & Thur 8-midnight, Fri & Sat 8 pm-1 am. Cover: $4 Tue & Thur, $5 Fri & Sat. No credit cards.)

Rusty Pelican. The large bar in this restaurant can best be described as having a California surf motif: lots of plants, wood and surfing pictures. There’s dancing to pop-music bands every night except Monday and mind-boggling beach drinks. (14655 Dallas Pkwy. 980-8950. Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2:30 am, Sat 4:30 pm-2:30 am. Sun 5 pm-midnight. All credit cards.)

The Saloon. This is the best bluegrass bar in Dallas. It may be the only bluegrass bar in Dallas. But it sometimes books bands that have never heard of bluegrass. Oh well, you can still eat decent nachos, occasionally watch some of the regulars do mountain clogging (a kind of dance), drink lots of beer and act like hillbillies in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. (2818 Greenville. 823-6550. Mon-Fri 3 pm-2 am. Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun noon-2 am. Sun jam sessions begin at noon. MC, V, AE.)

South Fork. The perfect North Dallas bar for someone who’s too scared to talk at a North Dallas bar – because you can look at 35 video monitors on the walls that play more than 1,000 music videos. Frequented by the 20s crowd, this is your basic brain-numbing experience. (7402 Greenville. 369-8265. Wed-Sat 6 pm-2 am, Sun 6:30 pm-2 am. AE ,V, MC.)

Starck Club. You waited three years for the high-tech, beautiful-people’s bar to open, and now you want to go there. Here’s what you should know. First: the $10 weekend cover – and that’s only if they let you inside. Second: the most decadent bathroom lounges in town. Third: the sunken dance floor, down a flight of stairs. Fourth: the variety of people, from gays to straights to Nuevo Wavo to models to just normal Joe Blows (the place is huge enough to accommodate all types). Best time: Saturday night, when it becomes incredibly packed. Despite the hype, it’s still the hottest chichi nightclub in the city. (703 McKinney in the Brewery. 720-0130. Thur 5 pm-2 am, Fri 5 pm-4 am, Sat 9 pm-4 am, Sun 9 pm-2 am. Closed Mon. Tue & Wed. Cover: $5 Thur & Sun after 9 pm; $10 Fri after 9 pm & Sat.MC, V, AE, DC.)

Strictly Tabu. One of the longest-lasting jazz clubs in Dallas (with the best pizza you’ll ever find at a jazz club), Strictly Tabu continues to present, in its dark, badly decorated interior, some of the best contemporary jazz in town. Groups play every night, the most regular being Jeanette Brantley and Clockwork, which plays with such a unique style that it often takes a survey in the middle of a performance asking people what they think they’re listening to. (4111 Lomo Alto at Lemmon. 528-5200. Tue-Sun 6 pm-2 am. V, MC, AE.)

Studebaker’a. This latest offering in nostalgic dance bars with car themes gets its name from the bright red Studebaker at one end of the dance floor. The disc jockey favors hits from the fabulous Fifties and Sixties (Studebaker’s doesn’t play any music recorded after 1969), and the waitresses wear poodle skirts and saddle oxfords. It all makes for a boppin’ good time. (North-Park East, 8788 N Central Expwy. 696-2475. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am. Sat 5 pm-2 am. Dress code after 4 pm. MC. V, AE.)

Studio Sixty-Seven. The hottest disco in South Dallas, Studio Sixty-Seven is regularly packed, with everyone wanting to dance. Dance music is new and varied, not filled with the old disc jockey favorites. Membership required to buy liquor. (3939 S Polk. 374-1200. Wed-Fri 5 pm-2 am, Thur 6 pm-2 am, Sat 8 pm-3 am, Sun 8 pm-2 am. No credit cards.)

Top of the Dome. If you want to meet the tourist who comes to Dallas, come here. All the wide-eyed visitors, from small-town vacationers to conventioneers and traveling businessmen, mingle up here in the ball. Spectrum, a top 40 group, plays six nights a week. There’s a small dance floor, and the windows still provide the best view of downtown. (Hyatt Regency’s Reunion Tower on Reunion Blvd. 651-1234. Mon-Fri 2 pm-1:30 am, Sat noon-1:30 am. Sun noon-midnight. AE. DC, MC, V.)

Venetian Room. The old king of the Dallas showroom supper clubs, the Venetian Room still consistently brings in the most recognizable names in pop-jazz-comedy acts. The posh, elegant place, with its frescoes on the walls and tuxedoed waiters, might be intimidating to some, but the dress code has been loosened (you can gel by without tie or fancy dress), the cover charge ranges from $12-$20, and you don’t have to buy the full-course dinner (which starts at $20) to come to the show. (Fairmont Hotel. Ross and Akard. 720-2020. Mon-Sat, two shows nightly at 9 pm and 11 pm. MC, V, AE, DC.)

Village Country Club. Pull out all the old jokes about the people from the Village Apartments, and you’ve got the makeup of this club, right? Wrong. Local bands appear here, and the crowd doesn’t trade business cards or astrological signs. They just hang loose and appreciate the music. (8308 Southwestern. 361-9866. Mon-Wed 4 pm-midnight, Thur & Fri 4 pm-2 am, Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun 11 am-midnight. Live music Thur-Sat. MC, V, AE.)

Zebo’s. This is a wide-open pop-music dance bar that’s unpretentious and has a low cover charge -an increasingly rare find. Zebo’s real forte, however, is its Rockabilly Wednesday, which features live bands and pumped-in rock ’n’ roll. (5975 E Northwest Hwy. 361-4272. Tue-Fri 5 pm-2 am, Sat & Sun 7 pm-2 am. Closed Mon. MC, V, AE.)



NIGHTLIFE DRINKING

Andrew’s. This pleasant bar/restaurant is reminiscent of New Orleans with its small courtyard and abundance of old bricK and son lighting. Try one of the wacky, po-tent drink selections and let the good times roll. (3301 McKinney. 521-6535; 14930 Midway, 385-1613; 7557 Greenville. 363-1910. Daily 11:15 am-2 am. All credil cards.)

Balboa Cafe. Is one of Dallas’ oldest fern bars withering on the vine? On recent visits, we’ve found sparse crowds and slow service, but the thoughtful mix of blues and novelty numbers on the jukebox can still lift the spirits. (3604 Oak Lawn. 521-1068. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat & Sun 10 am-2am. AE, V, MC, DC.)

Biff’s. When you look out Biffs windows and see the lush foliage of Old Vickery Park, even the traffic on Greenville Avenue somehow seems peaceful. The combination nachos here are a civic treasure, but the drinks are only average. (7402 Greenville. 696-1952. Sun-Thur 11 am-midnight. Fri & Sat 11 am-1 am. MC, V, AE.)

Cactus. Are you ready to get down in Richardson? At the end of the work day, it seems that everyone who must drive Central all the way from downtown stops here to unwind. By Friday, the place is a madhouse, with Richardson residents packed two deep at the bar talking mortgages and landscaping and sex, like all good suburbanites. (13929 N Central Expwy, Richardson. 234-1055 Daily 11 am-2am. All credit cards.)

Cardinal Puffs. The relaxed atmosphere of Cardinal Puff’s remains as perennial as the grass without ever coming off as themey. Sit down, relax and have a pitcher of cold beer with olives and a snack off of the limited but consistent menu. Beware of limited parking, however, you may be in tor a short hike down Greenville. (4615 Greenville. 369-1969 Daily 11 40am-2am. MC. V.AE. DC)

Chelsea Corner. In the block where upper McKinney Avenue runs into Highland Park, there is the perfect club to blend the two cultures, A quiet, candle-on-the-table place, with little sandwich or quiche dinners and all kinds of colorful fruit drinks, and a guitarist playing folk-pop songs on an elevated stage, Chelsea Corner is great for a peaceful moment before you hit the fast lane, or a way to unwind if you’re coming off it. (4830 McKinney. 522-3501. Mon-Sat 11:15-2 am. Sun 5 pm-2 am. Live music Tue-Sat. MC, V. AE. DC.)

Dave & Butter’s. “There’s nothing quite like it” is Dave & Busters slogan, and they’re not kidding. The place is enormous, but the brass and dark wood decor adds a degree of sophistication. Head for the umpteen pool tables lining the walls; try shuffleboard, darts, Pente or backgammon; or just sip a cool one at the large bar on the main floor. (10727 Composite, near Walnut Hill at Stemmons Frwy. 353-0649. Mon- Thur 11 am-1 am.Fri 11 am-2 am. Sat noon-2 am, Sun noon-midnight. All credit cards.)

The Den. The great all-time dark bar of Dallas is the place to go for your after-work liaison. You can barely see past your own table, and the bartender pours doubles all night at single-drink prices. (The Stoneleigh Hotel. 2927 Maple. 871-7111. Mon-Fri 11 am- 10:30 pm. Closed Sat & Sun AE. DC. V. MC.)

Greenville Avenue Country Club. Take one step in side the door of this low-key, easygoing place, and the name “country club” takes on a new meaning. Drinks are served inside the “clubhouse.” where the surroundings are warm and comfortable. But the only big shots at this country club are the ones poured into your glass. (3619 Greenville. 826-5650. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun noon-2 am. MC. V, AE.)

Greenville Bar and Grill. This no-frills bar still remains the centerpiece of the Lower Greenville crowd. After you hit all the funky nightspots on the strip, you always seem to head back over to the Bar and Grill for one last drink or hamburger. Hal Baker’s Gloomchasers continues with his Dixieland music on Sundays and Thursdays. (2821 Greenville. 823-6691. Mon-Sat 11:30 am-2 am. Sun noon-2 am. AE only.)

Joe Miller’s. This is a perfect late-afternoon bar for friendly conversation: It’s easy on the background music, soft on the lights and hard on the sledgehammer drinks that, along with the regular media crowd, have helped build Joe’s substantial reputation. But watch that third drink. (3531 McKinney. 521-2261 Mon-Fri noon-2 am, Sat 6 pm-2 am. Closed Sun. MC, V, AE.)

Knox Street Ice House. Formerly the Quiet Man. a hangout for the Sixties crowd, this tiny bar is now the newest preppy haven in Dallas. It serves only inexpensive beer from a bar made of stacked beer cases. Come and learn the latest SMU gossip. (3120 Knox. No phone. Mon-Fri 3 pm-2 am, Sat & Sun noon-2 am. No credit cards.)

Knox Street Pub. Over the years, this neighborhood bar has worn very, very well. It’s a slice of the Sixties (popular with Woodstock veterans and the work shirt-and-jeans set), but it attracts other folks as well. And although Knox Street has its cadre of regulars, there’s no cliquish spirit here. The menu is limited, but the fare is reasonably priced and substantial. (3230 Knox. 526-9476. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun 4 pm-midmght. No credit cards.)

La Cave. When you’re in the mood to linger over a bottle of good wine, La Cave is a great place to go. The bistro atmosphere is relaxed, unhurried and conducive to conversation. Appetizers and meals are offered, but the real value is the selection of foreign and domestic wines found in the walk-in wine cellar. (2926 N Henderson, 826-2190; 2019 N Lamar, 871-2072. Weekdays 11:30 am-11 pm., Fri & Sat 11:30-midnight. Closed Sun. All credit cards)

The Library. This quiet bar filled with soft couches, just down the hall from the lobby of the Melrose Hotel, is the place where seductions begin. Spacious and pleasant, with good lighting (hotel bars are notorious for bad track lighting), it’s a place where you can meet for what is called a “non-committal” drink before making your next move. (Melrose Hotel, Oak Lawn at Cedar Springs. 521-5151. Daily 11 am-2 am. All credit cards.)

The Lounge. This semi-art deco. semi-high-tech retreat in the lobby of the Inwood Theater is separated from the movies and moviegoers by a wall of water and its own outside door. But the Lounge is sans ceiling, which allows patrons to share the view of the ocean-motif mural that floats high above the theater lobby. (5460 W Lovers Lane. 350-7834 Sun-Thur 5 pm-1 am, Fri & Sat 5 pm-2 am. AE. DC. CB)

Mariano’s. If nachos and frozen margantas are your passion, this is the place for you. Mariano’s remodeled bar is a bright, airy place to enjoy some of the best Tex-Mex munchies in town. The chips and hot sauce are exemplary, and the margaritas are so famous that the mix is available for sale. (Old Town, 5500 Greenville. 691-3888 Sun- Thur 11:30 am-11 pm, Fri & Sat 11 30 am-midnight. MC. V. AE.)

Mimi’t. This place never changes, and boy are we glad. When we last checked, Mimi’s had 105 brands of beer from 24 countries. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the ones from Africa, or maybe Honduras. Mimi’s is the place to go to kick back. (5111 Greenville. 696-1993. Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2 am. Sat & Sun noon-2 am MC. V, AE.)

The Palm Bar. If you’re downtown, few places are as nice as this for a drink after work. If you’re not downtown, it’s worth the trip. The decor is elegant but not pompous, the drinks are excellent and reasonably priced, and the service is flawless. If you work late, beware – this place closes at 7 pm. (Adolphus Hotel, 1321 Commerce. 742-8200. Mon-Fri 11 am-7 pm. All credit cards )

Peabody’s. Big bars, we’ve come to realize, are usually loud and impersonal. And institutional drinking can leave a patron feeling like little more than another Miller Lite along the wall or a faceless Seven and Seven at table 33. Peabody’s. while fairly roomy, is not of that genre. We spent a lengthy lunch chatting to our heart’s content at a corner table, and our friendly waitress never faltered in bringing our ice-cold beers. The comfortable couches and tables lend a relaxing ambience in the evening as well. (4216 Oak Lawn. 559-3160. Mon-Thur 11 am-1 am. Fri & Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun noon-midnight. MC, V. AE. DC)

San Francisco Rose. When you’re relaxing at San Francisco Rose, it’s easy to feel as if you’re in someone’s living room rather than in a Lower Greenville bar. Seating consists of cozy groupings of easy chairs and overstuffed Victorian sofas, and whether you’re alone or with a group, this arrangement lends itself to the cause. But if you’re looking for a place for an intimate conversation with a companion, you may be out of luck here. (3024 Greenville. 826-2020. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun noon-2 am. All credit cards.)

SRO. SRO as in “standing room only,” which is becoming the case at this ever-so-black, ever-so-chichi nightclub trimmed in (did you guess?) pink neon. There’s a wide assortment of drinks, an unusual assortment of food and the standard assortment of 30ish trendies who are doing more following than setting. (2900 McKinney 748-5014. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am, Sun 5 pm-2 am. MC. V, AE. DC.)

St. Martin’s. What could be better for an intimate late-night rendezvous than sharing a bottle of good wine and a cheese-and-fruit or paté board in this quiet, relaxing Lower Greenville Avenue bistro? The atmosphere is romantic, with uncrowded candlelit tables, fresh red carnations, crisp white tablecloths and soft classical music; the service is pleasant. (3020 Greenville. 826-0940. Mon-Fri 11 am-2:30 pm & 5-11 pm, Fri & Sat 11 am-3 pm & 5 pm-1 am,Sun 5-11 pm; Sun brunch: 11-3. All credit cards)

Stoneleigh P. This is an artist’s bar. And a businessman’s bar. And a construction worker’s bar. And a housewife’s night-out-on-the-town bar. And just about anyone’s bar. There are no pretenses here, just a lot of open space with room to “do your own thing.” There’s a great jukebox, a varied selection of magazines and always an interesting assortment of people. (2926 Maple. 871-2346. Mon-Thur 11 am-1 am, Fri & Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun noon-midnight. AE.)

Victory Feed Store. This deli/bar has an odd but appealing mixture of country and class. Wooden walls, a wooden floor and a hometown atmosphere are combined with burgundy vinyl booths and slick black table-tops in what turns out to be a very pleasant watering hole. Vickery has good drinks, great deli/snack food and some of the friendliest service in town. (6918 Greenville. 363-9198. Mon 6 am-midnight. Tue-Fri 6 am-2 am. Sat 8 am-2 am. Sun 8 am-midnight MC. V, AE.)

The Wine Press. This is the perfect place to go on a rainy night – or any time you’re looking for romance, intimacy and spirits. The Wine Press is decorated with wine bottles from floor to ceiling on almost every wall. The atmosphere is low-key and elegantly casual; the service, friendly but not hovering; the wine selection, extensive-to say the least. (4217 Oak Lawn. 522-8720 Daily 11 am-2 am. All credit cards.)

Zanzibar. A fresh face on the burger-spattered strip of Lower Greenville Avenue. Zanzibar offers drinks and good deli food in a colorful cafe setting. The decor -neon, glass bricks and pink-and-green walls-is odd enough to work. And even though Zanzibar looks cosmopolitan, it has a neighborhood bar feel to it that leads to discussions among perfect strangers from table to table. (2912 Greenville. 828-2250. Mon 6 pm-midnight. Tue-Sat 11:30 am-2 am. Sun 10:30 am-midnight: Sun brunch: 10:30-3 AE.)

FORT WORTH NIGHTLIFE



Billy Bob’s Texas. This huge country/western club in the Fort Worth Stockyards has a lot going for it: two restaurants, 42 bar stations, a real bull-riding arena and several shops. It’s bigger than Gilley’s, more citified than the Longhorn Ballroom and is a “must-see” if you’re in Fort Worth. (2520 N Commerce in the Stockyards. Metro 429-5979. Mon-Sat 9:30 am-2 am, Sun noon-2 am. MC, V. AE.)

The Blue Bird. Even when the band’s not playing, you’ll feel like dancing at The Blue Bird: The jukebox is the best in Fort Worth. But then, the patrons of this near-South Side club don’t want that to get around; they know a good thing when they’ve found it. The club is packed nearly every weekend with regulars dancing to the infectious music of Robert Ealey and the Bluesblasters. This is rhythm and blues at its finest, but sssshhh! (5636 Wellesley. (817) 732-6243. Fri & Sat 7 pm-2 am. No credit cards.)

Caravan of Dreams. Caravan of Dreams, which covers three floors of a chic Sundance Square building, has excellent live jazz/blues (and a bar) on the first floor, a theater with movies and live drama (and a bar) on the second floor and an outdoor patio with a cactus garden (and a bar) on the roof. (312 Houston. (817)877-3000. Tue-Thur 4 pm-midnight, Fri & Sat 4 pm-1 am. Closed Sun & Mon. Cover for shows only. MC, V, AE.)

Chateau Club. So you thought that John Dillinger had bit the big one. Wrong. He’s just been hiding out at the Chateau Club, an obscure establishment connected to the Jacksboro Highway via a winding driveway and lots of cover. The history of this club is just as obscure as its location, but the only thing you really need to know is that for the past few months it’s been one of the few bright lights on the Fort Worth live music scene. Although the club’s in the building’s basement and the dance floor is small, we’re just glad that local R&B has a place to rock (Wednesday, Friday and Saturday). Good luck finding this one. (5409 Jacksboro Highway. (817) 624-0597. Daily, except Sunday, 12 pm-2 am. MC. V.)

Cheers. Don’t expect Ted Danson or Shelley Long to be in this club’s crowd: This Confetti-like dancery is a far cry from the sophisticated wit of TV’s Boston bar. Female bartenders wear flesh-colored tights, skimpy leotards and baseball hats, and there’s enough paper confetti around to make you want to save a tree. By the looks of the crowd on the Tuesday night we visited, this is a good place for single women: The ratio of guys to gals was about 10 to 1. (6773 Camp Bowie. (817) 735-8814. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat & Sun 4 pm-2 am. All credit cards)

The Hop. In three words, the Hop is warm, woody and wonderful. It has the air of a typical college hangout (it’s just one block from TCU), but lacks the cutesy crowd or trendy atmosphere. A stage tucked in the corner features national and local bands, with music ranging from folk to reggae, rock to country. Although all the food is good, none of it can surpass the pizza. (2905 W Berry. (817)923-7281. Mon-Sat 11 am-2am, Sun 4 pm-1 am. All credit cards)

The Plckln’ Parlour. Just up the road from the popular White Elephant Saloon is a club that is unusually devoid of the hordes of Yankees who invade this touristy area each weekend. The reason? They take their beer drink-in’ and two-steppin’ seriously here, folks. Those who cant get their feet to move to the one-two, one-two-three beat get lost in the shuffle. There’s no room on the dance floor for lessons, either. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll never go back to rock ’n’ roll. (103 W Exchange in the stockyards. (817) 624-2592. Tue-Sat 6 pm-1:30 am. Closed Sun & Mon. No credit cards.)

The White Elephant Saloon. In 1887, Luke Short, then the owner of the White Elephant, shot it out with a former U.S. marshal. Today, the Elephant has country/ western music six nights a week and lots of tourists trying desperately to learn the two-step. (106 E Exchange. (817) 624-8273 Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun noon-8 pm. Happy hour: Mon-Fri 11 am-7 pm. MC, V, AE.)