ECLECTIC

There are times when coat and tie won’t do. That’s when it’s time to consider the not-so-standard options for a fun night on the town. Creative dressing is encouraged.



Bohemians beware! The rest of Dallas has discovered your funky little State bar. The martinis here are awesome, and the crowd delights in the unusual. 3611 Parry. 821-9246.

Zanzibar continues to improve with age. The neon lights, brick walls and ever-so-skinny aisle make this neighborhood bar seem cosmopolitan yet friendly. Great for late-night munchies. 2912 Greenville. 828-2550.

Bar of Soap is not a champagne and caviar kind of place. But. hey, it’s fun to check out the artwork from local artists in this hip spot in East Dallas. 3615 Parry. 823-6617.

Club Clearview has withstood the test of time, and now it’s considered the cornerstone bar of Deep Ellum. Modern music, weird clothes, unbelievable hair. 2806 Elm. 939-0006.

“Performance art” is the term used to describe what happens nightly at Club Dada. The young and not-so young can enjoy Dada’s jazz and modern music and pretty outdoor patio. Not for the button-down crowd. 2720 Elm. 744-3232.

8.0. Veteran club owner meets veteran restaurateur. Dallas hankers for return of one of its favorite bars. Great new menu. Great old and new music. You’ll never want to leave. In The Quadrangle, 2800 Routh St. 979-0880.

MTV can’t hold a candle to the Video Bar in Deep Ellum, a popular hangout for the nouveau music crowd. 2610 Elm St. 939-9113.

People flock to the Empire just to check out the ornate decor. Don’t miss the crowd watching, either. Both are equally elegant. 2424 Swiss Ave. 828-1879.

Rhythm Room-it may sound like a treatment for those who can’t carry a tune, but it’s really a very casual indoor/outdoor beer garden. The mostly jazz musical acts bring in the crowds, and they adore the place. 5627 Dyer. 890-0944.

Tommy’s. Only open when live entertainment is in town to pack the place. Check local listings for Tommy’s latest draw. You won’t be disappointed. 2727 Canton. 747-6336.

A small, friendly crowd gathers nightly at Art Bar to sip wine, listen to recorded music and view the latest pieces from Deep Ellum artists. 2803 Main. 939-0077.

The Starck Club changed the Dallas nightlife scene forever when it introduced its ever-changing dress code, uni-sex bathrooms and sunken (we’re talking Grand Canyon) dance floor. The artsy, beautiful and chic still love this place. New addition: The Lizzard Lounge adjacent to the Starck Club allows revelers to have a serious conversation away from the livelier dance music in the main club. 703 McKinney. 720-0130.