Arlington has added a few amenities that might coordinate well with pre- or post-game Rangers activities. We're building off this list we created last year with a couple new spots that add a little character to central Arlington -- if used car lots weren't enough character in the first place.
See also: -- New Gut Bombs at Rangers' Stadium
The Capital Bar (400 E. South S.) is a spinoff of the Fort Worth spot. They're raising the garage doors for the first time on Opening Day and, in all, this spot has fantastic potential. This live music venue sits back on a quiet street with two walls that are completely retractable, allowing a gentle spring-baseball breeze to waft through your golden hair. There's no food, just drinks. However, FreeBirds, Twisted Root, Flying Fish, J. Gilligan's, and Fuzzy's are all within waddling distance.
Digg's Taco Shop (445 S. Pecan St.) opened in the middle of College Park, which is UTA's ode to an actual college scene. It's a wee little bit weird (for me) to sip margaritas while literally looking into college dorm rooms, but the atmosphere is still pretty cool. It's very open and the tequila-heavy bar has both indoor and outdoor seating. There's a good amount of parking just across the street. Just around the corner from Digg's is a new GRIP Mediterranean Grill, like the one in University Park.
Blaze's Sports Grill (593 S. Pecan St.) Who's Blaze? Oh, he's the UTA mascot. C'mon! You should know that already! They just opened as a sort of anchor tenant at UTA College Park. The menu is wing heavy, along with burgers, Cajun food and the like. On Opening Day Blaze himself, plus UTA cheerleaders and band will make their way over for a little grand opening celebration. If that doesn't entertain you (seriously?) then there are more than 40 TV's (in color), live bands, fire pits, an arcade and more.
A second Hooligan's (310 E. Abram St.) opened last year just behind Twisted Root. It's decked out in dark wood and stone and it feels like you're walking into a cave, but in a this-cave-has-style sort of way. There's a small cigar-smoking type room and a little bit of a shared patio with Twisted Root. Try a pour of TX whiskey out of Fort Worth on ice.
Grease Monkey's (1253 Main St.) has ample patio space, a bar that spills out onto the sidewalk and greasy burgers to go with. The giant TV screen in the middle of the dining room is a focal spot. Great thing is they usually run a shuttle to games on weekends ($7 to ride), but always call in advance to confirm (817-665-5454).
Old School Pizza and Suds (603 W. Abram St.) opened last year and is owned by ex-Marines. In a converted old house, it has some charm, the pizza is thick and gooey, the beer is cold and they have more than 35 different flavors on the tap wall. There's a cool patio in back, which draws in a mix of college kids and a neighborhood crowd.
The Arlington Twisted Root (310 E. Abram St) location has a trailer-park theme, with an entire (small) '70s RV serving as a backdrop for the bar. The garage doors open up to a patio area, which are great when the weather is pleasant.
At Flying Fish (300 E. Abram St.), the walls are lined with photos of random customers showing off red fish and trout they snagged down along the Texas coastline. It conjures mixed emotions for me: jealousy and pride. They offer up some pretty strong 'ritas in addition to beer and the patio is about as big as the dining room inside.
Babe's Chicken Dinner House (230 N. Center St.) is always a winner winner chicken dinner. It's usually packed, but if you don't mind waiting a bit and feel the need to eat your weight in mashed potatoes and biscuits, this is your spot. BYOB always makes everything nicer too.
Mellow Mushroom (200 N. Center St.) is two doors down from Babe's. People have reported that it lacks the same vibe as the other Mellow Mushrooms around the country, or even state. It has more of a hipster-hippie weird thing going. Gooey cheesy pizza is alive and well here, none the less.
Fish Bone Grill (816 N. Collins) is a small, easy-to-miss spot in the shadow of Jerry's World. The Mexican-influenced seafood is usually fresh, spicy and pretty affordable. Service is quick and friendly, as well. It's so easy to miss, most of the crowd does, which makes it great for a good pre-game bite.
