Dallas has long been defined by its steakhouses and Tex-Mex temples. But the city’s true soul now pours from unassuming wine bars tucked into converted warehouses, historic buildings, and neighborhood corners—where global flavors meet carefully curated bottles in spaces that feel discovered, not designed.
Leela’s Wine Bar – Uptown
$$ | (469) 505-2103 | WEBSITE
Tucked into a cozy and vibrant space that was previously a boutique shop, Leela’s Wine Bar – Uptown is one of the best spots in Dallas—a neighborhood with plenty of exciting places to eat and drink. The food mainly comes from a limited but impressive menu (your shared dishes will sometimes arrive with a dusting of parmesan), including things like Leela’s favorite platter, Greek and kale salads, and custom pizza.
But no matter what else you order, start your meal with the seasonal wine flight and a custom pizza (which is just their term for build-your-own).
The Vintage Cocktails and Kitchen
$$ | (214) 792-9944 | WEBSITE
If there’s one place in Dallas to go for cocktails and comfort food, it’s The Vintage Cocktails and Kitchen. The East Dallas location is known for the Texas Twinkies, which are bacon-wrapped jalapeños stuffed with cream cheese, and the best thing here. They also serve the more traditional Reuben sandwich, and a Lake Highlands Hottie pizza with spicy sausage and peppers (another favorite of ours), all of which are best with a craft cocktail from the bar.
Bar Eden Lounge at Paradiso
$$ | (214) 944-5865 | WEBSITE
This chic wine and cocktail lounge is nestled in a vibrant Dallas neighborhood, making it ideal for a creative drink, pre-event celebration, or simply a pause from the city’s energy. Bar Eden Lounge is classic and sophisticated, with gold and black interiors arranged so intimately around the polished bar area that you’ll likely admire your neighbor’s cocktail choice—and catch snippets of their special occasion toast—before the evening ends.
On the consistently praised menu, you’ll discover inventive cocktails paired with their perfect mood, like the espresso martini with tequila and strawberry, the highly recommended creative drinks, or a classic glass from their well-curated selection. Get the fries to snack on, a cocktail from their amazing list, and as much of the welcoming atmosphere as you can soak in.
It’s worth noting they’ve also got a relaxed, celebratory vibe throughout Paradiso, in case you want to extend the experience beyond your first drink.
Barcelona Wine Bar
$$ | (469) 862-8500 | WEBSITE
Sure, typical wine bars are pretty great, but Barcelona Wine Bar is something even better: a Spanish tapas experience. In the heart of Dallas, you’ll find plates filled with delicious Spanish tortilla and chorizo al vino, Serrano ham croquetas, machego cheese, heirloom tomato salad, and olive oil cake. It’s the perfect place to enjoy one of Dallas’s vibrant evenings, with a wine (knowledgeable servers assist with pairings) and lively atmosphere.
There are some larger options on the menu too, like steak with chimichurri sauce, chicken from the parrillada, and many vegetarian choices.
Times Ten Cellars
$$ | (214) 824-9463 | WEBSITE
There are some things you don’t want to have to search for, like parking at your cousin’s corporate retreat. But other times, the search is part of the experience. Times Ten Cellars is tucked away in a converted warehouse space in Dallas, and you’ll feel both relieved and like an insider once you arrive.
This sprawling event venue—full of exposed brick walls and long communal tables—has a focused catering menu and an extensive wine list with craft cocktails, local brews, and dozens of carefully curated wine selections. If you’re already feeling indecisive, the Italian dinner is a perfect place to start and the staff are extremely professional, helpful, and always ready to assist with pairing the right Cabernet with the artfully displayed charcuterie boards.
Blind Bishop
$$$ | (972) 863-9835 | WEBSITE
Just when you thought you knew Dallas wine bars, someone points you to an unassuming spot that feels like stepping into a different world. Blind Bishop is a realm of Old World wines, modern decor, eclectic soundscapes, and an overall sophisticated yet welcoming experience. Your first move? A glass of something affordable yet exceptional, perfectly paired with the Chilean Sea Bass.
There are plenty of Euro-food selections too, but use this for what it is—a truly excellent wine destination where you can learn, explore, and feel like you’re dining with friends.
La Stella Cucina Verace
$$$$ | (469) 663-7800 | WEBSITE
Dallas is known for its big steakhouses and trendy Tex-Mex spots, but some of its best are the ones that transport you somewhere else entirely. One of the prime examples is La Stella Cucina Verace, an Italian restaurant with a warm, intimate feel, that offers a true taste of Italy.
The kitchen works with authentic recipes to craft dishes that get flavor from every part of the tradition, so we usually focus on those, like the bone marrow risotto and the praised gnocchi, though there’s also a great wine list featuring the smooth Piccinini Family selection. It’s elegant, a little stylish (more modern villa than rustic trattoria), and an easy place where you can pop in for a special celebration, or settle in for a memorable five-star meal.
Neighborhood Cellar
$ | (214) 377-7059 | WEBSITE
A hidden gem in Oak Cliff (on the southern edge of the city), Neighborhood Cellar is a wine bar inside a cozy neighborhood space. You could head here for an afternoon of sampling hard-to-find varieties, chatting with the knowledgeable staff, and enjoying the natural light. Or you could come for happy hour deals and a curated selection of wines. Either way, don’t leave without exploring different bottles and buying something special for later.
The Alcove Coffee Company
$ | (214) 871-2200 | WEBSITE
The Alcove Coffee Company opened in a cozy converted space and there’s never been a better reason to hang out in a spot where they used to serve just coffee. The menu at this neighborhood gem is made up of delicious pizza and amazing homemade pastries and tacos, along with creative drinks like cappuccinos, cold brew, wine, or beers on tap.
It gets pretty chill, so come here with friends (grab some outdoor seating), order a bunch of vegetarian options to share, and soak it all up with great coffee and homemade pastries.
Postino Addison
$$ | (214) 731-7777 | WEBSITE
This wine bar pulls out all the stops: the welcoming space features dim lighting, clean unique interiors, and a lovely ambiance ideal for date night or girls’ night. Bring a group for Friday night visits or come with one or two other people who are down to share phenomenal sandwiches, soups of the day, and cheese boards.
Though since they offer great gluten-free options and fresh ingredients, you could just as happily stop in for a superb wine selection and fantastic cocktails with their knowledgeable, friendly staff.
Written by the Seasons
$$$ | (469) 580-1185 | WEBSITE
The wine bar scene in Dallas is evolving: these spots are sophisticated, seasonal, and often very serious about their pairings. Written by the Seasons is a welcoming, produce-focused option that’s entirely committed to fresh ingredients. If it’s a pleasant evening, there are a few patio tables outside, or Written by the Seasons offers carefully curated tasting menus, and they’ll even guide you through wine selections that complement each dish perfectly.
CiboDivino Centro
$ | (214) 214-8466 | WEBSITE
There are a lot of great Italian spots in Dallas, but CiboDivino Centro—which works just as well for a quick coffee as it does for a leisurely lunch—feels unique. Located in downtown Dallas, the cozy cafe atmosphere and market-style setup ooze with casual charm, but what really makes this place special is the authentic yet innovative Italian menu.
Rigatoni bolognese might come with fresh ingredients, penne gets served up with tomato sauce, and it all goes well with their top-notch cold brew or iced coffee. The same friendly staff are behind the welcoming service: recommending their outstanding pizza, chicken salad, and soups, preparing fluffy panini with perfect crunch during busy hours, and ensuring everything runs smoothly for events.
Avanti Restaurant
$$ | (214) 871-4955 | WEBSITE
Avanti Restaurant is tucked away in a cozy Dallas neighborhood, and despite there being no Italian flags or touristy decor leftover from typical trattorias, we still want to become regulars. This intimate 50-seat restaurant/bar offers a wonderful dining experience with outstanding service and delicious food. The menu includes classic Italian dishes, such as seafood pasta with fresh clams and mussels, and bolognese with homemade pasta.
Sit out on the patio with a date or with a small group and get a glass of wine to start while you listen to the live guitar music and plan your next course.
Odelay Tex-Mex
$$ | (972) 707-0595 | WEBSITE
Odelay Tex-Mex is one of the liveliest spots to get in Dallas, but a meal at this vibrant Tex-Mex joint is a flavor experience like no other. Billed as a family-friendly destination, Odelay serves generous portions of Mexican favorites prepared with care by the friendly and attentive staff right in the bustling dining room. And as loud as that sounds, it makes for a festive atmosphere that’s a whole lot of fun.
You’ll want to arrive early if you want a seat on the outdoor patio, but the indoor dining is a little more relaxed, with a menu of quacamole, tacos al carbon, chicken fajitas, and brisket tacos. And, if you’re interested in a spin on the classic margarita, the same kitchen makes the fajitas with melted cheese and salsa, and you can order the highly recommended taco salad.
The Wine Therapist
$ | (214) 821-9463 | WEBSITE
The Wine Therapist offers a cozy neighborhood wine experience, which means a limited but thoughtful wine selection with private service for those seeking something special, as well as live music performances on a small stage. The bar is housed in a minimalist space reminiscent of an old English pub with warm lighting and wooden accents and is a great spot for an intimate evening out or catching local entertainment during open mic nights.
