News
Sep 3, 2013
[UPDATED] Top 10 Best Bars in Downtown Arlington
We may be biased, but Downtown Arlington has some of the best bars around. With everything from craft beers to live music to late night munchies, you can definitely find a place to call home once it hits 5 o'clock.
Keep in mind, not all of these places are exclusively for drinking. Some of them may just offer a frosted mug (we're looking at you Fuzzy's) and some of them might be a good choice for hanging out with your under 21 or non-drinker friends. We'll feature half of them this week and update the other half next week.
So let the countdown begin -- in no particular order, of course.
Owners Richard and Jennifer Chavez know all about the bar scene. Richard started out as a bar back in his teenage years and was a manager at a night club by the age of 21. Formerly on S Cooper, Mavericks made the move to Main St. and was able to provide customers a smoke-free environment. It might not be much on the outside, but inside the long bar top is surely the focus. Make sure you stop by for daily happy hour specials and the 12-hour smoked brisket nachos are a MUST.
Always up for some sort of 'best burger' award or contest, Twisted Root is a fun, laid back place to hang with friends or even bring the kids. Their specialties are burgers, pickle flavors, and fun condiment combinations but they also have a bar in what appears to be a run down RV (no sight of Walter White -- yet). Grab a PBR and set up either in the bar inside or on the patio.
3. Capital Bar
Ah, yes. Fort Worth's number one backyard bar is now right here in Downtown Arlington. Built from an old Goodyear garage, Capital Bar has everything you need. With options to sit outside or inside, or in the garage, bar hoppers are sure to find their fit. And with live music every week, it is a top destination for night life.
Another place known mainly for their awesome burgers, Grease Monkey is an ideal spot to hang out after work or school. It's a great place to chill with under age or non-drinker friends with seating outside and a bar that is located half inside and half out. Greg Gardner and the Grease Monkey gang caught Downtown's attention with their free First Fridays summer concert series. Free music and tasty brews and burgers, what more could you ask for?
With Executive Chef William Keller as their 'Culinary Anarchist" Blaze's Sports Grill definitely kicks it up a notch on the typical bar food. But unfortunately, we're not here to talk about the food (click here to see our review). We're here to mention their extensive daily drink specials, slew of flat screen TVs, live music and HUGE patio. We can't wait until the cooler weather comes so we can enjoy the outdoor fire pits.
Open since 1979, J. Gilligan's is a staple in the Arlington community. The bar and grill is divided in to two separate areas, a smoking area in the bar and non-smoking area within the restaurant. This allows for a more family-friendly atmosphere so anyone can enjoy their famous Irish Nachos. Recently, Chet Garner from PBS' Daytripper came out to highlight the Irish Nachos and the Travel Channel has also featured the cheesy goodness as a top bar food. Make sure you stop by and grab the shuttle before the next Cowboys home game, it sure beats paying the costly parking fee!
Known as the "Cheers" of Arlington, Hooligan's is the go-to place for their extensive list of craft beers. Every week a new brew is featured and patrons can take home a free, branded pint glass. If you're not into beer, they also have a cocktail menu and snacks for you to munch on. Hooligan's is non-smoking but they do have a smoking room with a fireplace, and a beautiful paseo overlooking Abram St.
So it might not be a traditional bar by any means, but Fuzzy's is one of the original places to pop up on Abram St. Known for their delicious tacos, Fuzzy's is also a favorite choice for their frosted beer goblet. They just recently came out with the California Heat Taco. Available for a limited time only, the taco is loaded with grilled or tempura shrimp, bacon, California Avocado, feta cheese, shredded cheese, pico de gallo, and siracha lime sauce. Which cold one will you pick to go with this new tasty creation?
Each Mellow Mushroom is unique and unlike any other in the franchise. Our very own Mellow in Downtown Arlington has the same hippie, psychedelic feel as the others but this one has one of the coolest bars we've ever seen. With glowing blue neon lights and a lava lamp chandelier, guests can enjoy an impressive list of beers or cocktails. If you're really in to beer, you can join their beer club and keep track of your new favorites.
Unfortunately, J.R. Bentley's had a fire in late July and will be shut down until the damage is repaired. We didn't want to leave them off the list since they have been a local favorite. They have been voted best hamburger by UT Arlington students in 2009, 2010 and 2011 and have other traditional choices like fried pickles. We hope to see J.R. Bentley's up and running soon.