The Anvil Pub in Deep Ellum Closes Shop

After 11 years, an iconic bar in Deep Ellum has served its last drink. The English-style pub opened in 2010 filling in a void for regulars who needed a regular bar.

By Lauren Drewes Daniels

November 2, 2021

The Anvil Pub in Deep Ellum sold its last round on Halloween. Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

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After 11 years, an iconic bar in Deep Ellum has served its last drink. The English-style pub opened in 2010 as a place that was anti-schtick in a town with stacks of it. It displayed that attitude best with its brunch specials collectively called “F*ckbrunch,” which included bloody mary’s garnished with bacon cheeseburger sliders, onion rings and potatoes, among other things.

Originally opened by Patrick Bridges and his sons Joshua and Jeremy, the bar was charismatic and gritty.

Their bloody mary, pictured below, won a Best of Dallas in 2017 and 2018.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Anvil Pub Deep Ellum (@anvilpubdeepellumtx)

Alas, on Halloween they posted to their Facebook account that “all good things must come to an end…”

On their last day of business they invited everyone to have a last shot of Jameson with the whole crew. The comments section then got busy with customers frustrated at having missed that chance for one last drink.

Based on comments from Anvil, it appears that they couldn’t work out terms on rent with their landlord after COVID. Two broken HVAC units added to the strain.

We reached out to the owners to see if they have any plans and will update if we hear back.

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Lauren Drewes Daniels is the food editor of the Dallas Observer. She started working as a freelance writer in 2013 and became editor in 2021. She covers Dallas' evolving dining scene, the many openings and closings as well as trends and breaking news. She oversees annual lists including Top 100 Bars and Top 100 Restaurants and contributes to the Best of Dallas. If you have a tip about an amazing pastry, pie or taco, let her know.

Contact: Lauren Drewes Daniels

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