Hangouts AND HOT SPOTS

Okay, first stop on your Great Escape, loosen your tie or let your hair down and find a hangout or hot spot that suits your budget and your taste. This is one time when it’s okay to sing the words to “Don’t Worry… Be Happy.”



Dick’s Last Resort is definitely not the last resort for the serious beer drinker. One of the original West End nightlife establishments is still one of the most popular. 1701 N. Market. 747-0001.

Looking for a place to read magazines, play pool or discuss what’s wrong with the city? Try the Stoneleigh P. The jukebox here is legendary; the crowd varies from artists to politicians. 2926 Maple. 871-2346.

Hard Rock Cafe’s owners refer to this funky shrine as the Supreme Court of Rock’n’Roll-they’ve amassed a collection of every type of rock and roll memorabilia imaginable. The burgers and people watching aren’t bad either. 2601 McKinney. 871-0007.

Sfuzzi. Sfun. Sfestive. Sfull of beautful people. This Italian food restaurant has become one of Dallas’ favorites with its frozen Bellinis and terrazzo dining area. 2504 McKinney. 871-2606.

Sam’s Cafe– attracts the bold and the beautiful, not just for star-gazing (Mariel Hemingway owns the place), but also for the meet and greet bar crowd and the ever-changing menu. 100 Crescent Court. 855-2233.

Andrew’s has established itself as a McKinney Avenue tradition with its New Orleans style menu and decor. Relax with terrific appetizers and drinks in a quiet maze of brick and wrought iron. 3301 McKinney. 220-0566.

Beau Nash, the Hotel Crescent Court’s spacious, European-style bar. draws a well-heeled crowd. Not for the fashion-timid or wallflowers, this is a place to be seen. 2215 Cedar Springs in the Hotel Crescent Court. 871-3240.

Meet the funky, the sophisticated and the socially acceptable at The Lounge in the lobby of the Inwood Theater. It’s okay to wear your dad’s tie from 1967 or your mother’s costume jewelry. Great martinis. 5460 W. Lovers Lane. 350-7834.

The term beer garden doesn’t begin to describe the lushly landscaped decks at Cardinal Puff’s But they do offer more than 50 brands of beer in one of the city’s most relaxing outdoor patios. A great place for casual drinks in the summer. 4615 Greenville. 369-1969.

Tejas Cafe Where else can you find $1 margaritas at happy hour and a dozen life-size cacti dancing on the roof? Sound strange? Not really. Tejas’ Santa Fe decor, outdoor patio and daily drink specials have drawn quite a following. 2909 McKinney. 871-2050.

What’s wrong with this picture: indoor swimming pool, astro turf, yuppies in crisply starched button-down shirts, great tunes on the jukebox and cheap drinks? Not a thing-welcome to the Greenville Avenue Country Club. No initiation fees required, just shoes and a shirt. 3619 Greenville. 826-5650.

The only true fern bar with staying power in Dallas is San Frnancisco Rose. With a recently added room featuring big-screen television, this neighborhood favorite is the perfect place for casual conversation or late-night snacks. 3024 Greenville. 826-2020.

Don’t expect anything less than great food and strong drinks at the Arcadia Bar. an off-the-wall dining and drinking establishment on Lowest Greenville Avenue. The music is great: the staff will let you hang out. 2114 Greenville. 821-1300.

Wicked strawberry daiquiris and great burgers are the hallmarks of Snuffer’s and Snuffer’s Patio. After the game, the movie or when you just want a place to call your own, Snuffer’s serves food and drink until 2:00 a.m. 3526 Greenville. 826-6850.

Dave’s is one of those places you might easily miss as you drive along Henderson. Once you’ve found it. settle in to a neighborhood bar that encourages you to have a good time with friendly service and strong drinks. 2812 Henderson. 826-4544.

When you’re beginning to feel the summer heat, check out On The Border for some of the best margaritas in town. The Border is also one of the best spots in town for people watching. 3300 Knox. 528-5900.

Desperado’s, a.k.a. Margaritaville. is the place to be for icy margaritas in the good old summertime. Don’t miss the chips and salsa that are some of the most authentic in town. 4818 Greenville. 363-1850.

Commerce Street’s Crescent City Cafe has become a favorite for homesick New Orleans transplants as well as Deep Ellum types. The muffaletta and poor boy sandwiches are to die for. 2730 Commerce. 745-1900.