Why: Because you'll probably want a drink or two before the 8 p.m. screening of 1977 horror classic Suspiria tonight. In fact, you may need one afterward too -- and the Texas Theatre's bar is one of just a few in North Oak Cliff that stays open (at least, on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights) until 2 a.m.

As you no doubt know, the Texas Theatre, a pet cause of the Oak Cliff Foundation, reopened in December. Even before the official reopening, it was already an occasional destination for film buffs eager to see classic and foreign-language films on the big screen; now it offers a couple different film screenings and other events (such as burlesque performances) daily.

But apparently word has yet to reach the masses that the bar, new but designed to fit seamlessly with the decor of the restored 1930s theater, is open daily even to patrons without a movie ticket, as there was but a handful of drinkers there last night. Bar manager Del Perez has opted to focus on higher quality refreshment, for the most part; the two draft beers on tap these days are Left Hand Milk Stout and Anchor Porter ($5 without the discount), and wells include Monopolowa vodka and Gordon's gin -- no McCormick's here. If you're not in the market for a cocktail like the signature Aviation ($8 or $7 during happy hour, with Aviation gin, Luxardo Maraschino, Rothman & Winter Crème de Violette and fresh lemon), you can get a can of Pearl beer.