If you are a curious bar hopper or someone who’s just looking for a casual night out, the type of bar you visit sets the tone for your entire evening. From cozy dives to upscale cocktail lounges, each bar offers a unique experience, ambiance, and vibe.
Let’s take a closer look at the wide variety of bars out there, so you know exactly what to expect when you walk through those swinging doors.
Sports Bars
The most relaxing kind of spot for game day fans, sports bars are all about big-screen TVs, pub food, and a lively crowd. So, if you’re there to support your team, enjoy some friendly competition, or bond with like-minded sports pals, this type of bar delivers excitement.
Sports bars often offer a wide selection of beers on tap, wings, burgers, and other crowd-pleasing favorites. The atmosphere can range from laid-back to electrifying depending on the game. If you’re ever in Euless, Office on Trinity is a great example of a sports bar Euless residents rave about.
Vibe: High energy, competitive, and loud.
Best For: Watching sports with friends, casual nights out.
Dive Bars
Ah, the beloved dive bar! Known for their gritty charm, dive bars are often a local favorite. With cheap drinks, worn-out booths, and bartenders who know the regulars by name, these unpretentious establishments offer a simple and laid-back experience.
Don’t expect fancy cocktails or extensive food menus here; instead, dive bars are all about strong drinks, a jukebox, and possibly a pool table or dartboard.
Vibe: Casual, low-key, and full of character.
Best For: Affordable drinks, a no-frills night out, and people-watching.
Cocktail Lounges
If you’re in the mood for a refined evening with expertly crafted drinks, head to a cocktail lounge. These bars pride themselves on their high-quality cocktails, often mixed by professional bartenders or even “mixologists.” Expect dim lighting, plush seating, and a sophisticated atmosphere that invites you to sit back and savor each sip. Many cocktail lounges also offer small plates or gourmet appetizers, making them ideal for an upscale night out.
Vibe: Sophisticated, intimate, and stylish.
Best For: Date nights, business meetings, or any time you want to feel classy.
Tiki Bars
Looking for a tropical escape without leaving the city? Tiki bars serve up exotic cocktails (often in quirky mugs) that feature rum, tropical fruits, and island vibes. These bars are typically decorated with bamboo furniture, tiki statues, and colorful lights, transporting you to a beachy paradise no matter the weather outside. It’s all about the laid-back, vacation-like feel, making it perfect for a fun, themed night out.
Vibe: Tropical, fun, and lighthearted.
Best For: Creative cocktails, parties with a theme, and a laid-back vibe.
Wine Bars
Wine lovers, this one’s for you! Wine bars specialize in offering an extensive list of wines, often with options by the glass or bottle. This is for classic old-money individuals who want to have the time of their lives or friends who just enjoy sipping a good vintage, wine bars offer a relaxed, cultured environment where you can savor every drop. Many also offer charcuterie boards, cheese plates, and light snacks to pair with your vino, making them ideal for a quiet evening with friends or a romantic date.
Vibe: Relaxed, elegant, and sophisticated.
Best For: Wine tasting, intimate gatherings, date nights.
Karaoke Bars
If you’ve ever dreamed of belting out your favorite tunes in front of a crowd, a karaoke bar is where you belong. These bars are all about fun, encouraging patrons to take the stage and sing their hearts out. If you are a newbie performer or just having fun, karaoke bars create a lively, inclusive atmosphere where everyone can get involved. Most offer both private karaoke rooms and public stages, so you can choose your level of exposure.
Vibe: Fun, loud, and interactive.
Best For: Singing with friends, birthday parties, and letting loose.
Gastropubs
Gastropubs combine the casual atmosphere of a bar with the high-quality food of a restaurant. These venues are perfect for those who love to eat and drink, offering craft beers, wines, and expertly curated food menus. Often, the focus is on using local ingredients and creating gourmet versions of traditional pub food, making gastropubs a great spot for foodies.
Vibe: Relaxed yet upscale, food-focused.
Best For: Dinner and drinks, foodie nights out, casual dates.
Rooftop Bars
Who doesn’t love a great view? Rooftop bars offer a combination of good drinks and spectacular scenery, often located atop hotels or high-rise buildings. No matter it’s city lights or a beachfront sunset, the view becomes a central part of the experience. Rooftop bars tend to have a trendy, cosmopolitan feel, making them a popular choice for after-work drinks or weekend outings.
Vibe: Trendy, chic, and scenic.
Best For: Sundowners, Instagram-worthy moments, special occasions.
Speakeasies
Inspired by the Prohibition era, speakeasies are hidden, secretive bars that often require a password or special entrance to get in. The vibe is exclusive and mysterious, with dim lighting and vintage décor adding to the ambiance. Speakeasies specialize in handcrafted cocktails, making them a great choice for anyone who enjoys a bit of history and a well-made drink.
Vibe: Secretive, vintage, and exclusive.
Best For: Unique nights out, trying creative cocktails, feeling like you’re in on a secret.
Live Music Venues
These bars double as music venues, featuring live performances from local bands, up-and-coming artists, and sometimes well-known musicians. The music ranges from rock to jazz to blues, depending on the venue, making it a haven for music lovers. With great acoustics and often a laid-back atmosphere, live music bars are perfect for a night of entertainment, drinks, and dancing.
Vibe: Vibrant, artistic, and full of energy.
Best For: Live performances, dancing, and a night of entertainment.
Beer Gardens
If you love a good craft beer in an outdoor setting, beer gardens are for you. Originating in Germany, beer gardens feature long communal tables and a wide selection of draft beers. They’re often set in parks or courtyards, with plenty of space for socializing. The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, making beer gardens a great place to meet new people or hang out with friends over a cold pint.
Vibe: Outdoorsy, social, and casual.
Best For: Day drinking, group outings, casual meetups.
LGBTQ+ Bars
These bars are safe, inclusive spaces for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies. They come in all shapes and sizes, from cozy lounges to high-energy dance clubs. With a welcoming vibe and a strong sense of community, LGBTQ+ bars are great places to meet people and have a fun night out. Many also host themed events, drag shows, and other performances.
Vibe: Welcoming, inclusive, and often lively.
Best For: Meeting new friends, dancing, celebrating diversity.
Hotel Bars
Hotel bars are convenient spots for travelers looking to unwind after a long day. These bars often offer a mix of tourists and locals, creating a unique blend of people. Hotel bars tend to be on the quieter side, making them perfect for a relaxed drink or meeting someone for a quick catch-up.
Conclusion
From dive bars to speakeasies and everything in between, there’s a type of bar for every mood and occasion. The variety of bars in Texas offers something for everyone if you’re after a casual drink, a lively night of karaoke, or an upscale cocktail experience. For sports enthusiasts, there’s no better place to be than Office on Trinity, one of the best bars in Texas and a local favorite for those seeking a fun, energetic atmosphere.
No matter what type of bar you choose, the most important thing is to enjoy the company, the drinks, and the experience!