http://www.backporchtavern.com Back Porch Grill & Tavern claims to be "Grapevine's own slice of Nashville with a splash of Texas flavor." That much seems true the second you walk in the doors and hear the unmistakable twang of Nashville country tunes blaring from the laptop of a DJ dressed in full cowboy garb. But the rest of the bar, with its wood-paneled walls and prairie décor, is very much a caricature of an old Texas saloon. So too is the menu, which is loaded with strong drinks, comfort food dinners and lunch options. More >>
http://www.barleyhouse.com It's no surprise that this Dallas institution is jam-packed with coeds after dark; it's a beer-pong bounce away from Southern Methodist University. However, the endless rotation of original and cover bands brings in live-show fans from across Dallas. While the kitchen does turn out food, mostly appetizers (e.g., "Totally Fried" Sampler: onion rings, stuffed red chiles, chicken strips, fried pickles and fries) and sandwiches (Barley House "Wing" Sandwich: spicy chicken breast with ranch dressing, carrots and celery), some entrées are available. The emphasis is on the musical acts and beer selection, which includes 17 drafts and more than 30 bottles. And for local historical kitsch: The Barley House is proud to advertise, "Laura Bush mentions the Barley House in her 2009 commencement speech at SMU." More >>
525 Commerce St. Fort Worth, TX 76102
817-212-4280
http://www.basshall.com Since when did downtown Fort Worth become a European transport? When the Bass Hall opened. This uniquely beautiful concert hall is like nothing else in Dallas or Fort Worth. With five levels of seating, be cautious not to sit too high in the sky (painted ceiling) or you might be airsick. More >>
2520 Rodeo Plaza Fort Worth, TX 76106
817-624-7117
http://www.billybobstexas.com Two-step through this enormous venue and see everything from the legendary to the unknown in country music. Western shirt optional, but the Western fare is recommended. Show up Thursday and Sunday nights for dance lessons. More >>
http://www.brooklynjazzcafe.com In the Southside on Lamar neighborhood hides a hot and cool club, named after New York City's hip borough. This musical haunt was awarded Best Jazz Club honors in our 2010 edition of Best of Dallas and the 2009 best brunch. Brooklyn Jazz Café is housed in a plain redbrick corner building that during the day is flooded with light through French doors. Aside from house specialties, like spicy Caribbean shrimp and oxtails, customers can enjoy swinging tunes while playing pool or sipping house cocktails in the inner bar that's lined with corrugated metal. Sundays feature the talents of Nadia Washington as well as bottomless Bloody Marys, mimosas, poinsettias and belinis. More >>
209 E. Pleasant Run Road De Soto, TX 75115
972-223-5800
http://www.buttonsrestaurant.com/#/jazz_cafe The trays on the waitresses’ arms at Buttons Jazz Café in Desoto are filled with neon blue and red cocktails as they pass through a crowd of well-dressed patrons on a Thursday night. While the dinner rush has come and gone, there are still food orders being placed in front of patrons, but everyone is there for one reason. A popular jazz band performs on the high stage that sits on the back wall directly behind the bar. And though the place is set up like a proper chain restaurant (there are other Buttons locations in Fort Worth and Addison), it doesn’t stop people from scooting the tables out of the way so they can cut a rug. More >>