TABC (Closed)

The leaves are about to turn and the weather is cooling down … and in Dallas these things mean that it’s the perfect weather to hang out on a proch, and the one porch you can always count on for a crowd is TABC. NO NO NO, not Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission – that would just be silly, the Thomas Avenue Beverage Company.

The outside section is incredibly large and has quite a bit of seating. The wait staff is somewhat slow and not incredibly reliable but what they actually bring to the table makes up for it. The drinks are somewhat strong and not too expensive and even the smell of the pizza is delightful (served until 1:45 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays!).

Since it’s tucked in the heart of the State and Allen area, you WILL see a faces that you recognize and attractive people whose eyes you will want to catch. This is a great place almost anytime and there are quite a few other bars within walking distance.

Thomas Avenue Beverage Company
www.tabcdallas.com
2901 Thomas Ave
Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 979-0452

Specials:
Tuesday | $3 wells and domestics, $4 Cabernet and chardonney (4-7 p.m.), 1/2 price wine by the bottle after 7 p.m.
Wednesday-Friday | 4-7 p.m. | $3 wells and domestics, $4 Cabernet and chardonney
Sunday | bottomless mimosas $8

Abacus

Once again, Kent Rathbun has made an impression on my taste buds.

Abacus, the long-time Dallas icon of luxurious cuisine, also makes a mean martini. The atmosphere in the bar area is formal but welcoming. The connected couches mimicing tables create a homey feel without being casual — but you must dress to impress here (though I’ve never understood what EXACTLY that term means when clubs say it).

I met a friend for a late night drink and snack on a Wednesday. Abacus has responded to the floundering economy by creating an extra happy hour (late night at that!) and added the great Wednesday night special of an extra 1/2 off of the food at the bar – which is incredibly good.

We each had a sushi roll and a martini; both were brilliant. The generous portion of sushi could have been an entire meal (for a girl at least) and was only $9 and was some of the better sushi I’ve had in a while and it wasn’t even at a Japanese restaurant. The martini: perfection.

I personally don’t think you can go wrong with one of their specialty cocktails and the waiters will ensure you order a drink that you are going to love. What great people, eh?

Overall … make this a must-try for a late dinner (especially on a Wednesday). You won’t regret it.

Abacus Restaurant
www.kentrathbun.com | Twitter
4511 Mckinney Ave
Dallas, TX 75205-4213
(214) 559-3111

Specials:
Monday-Friday | 5-7 p.m., 9 p.m.-close | $2 off beer, wines by the glass, and cocktails | 1/2 price sushi, 9pm-close
Wednesdays | 1/2 off bar food menu

If you know someone who tries to drown their sorrows, you might tell them sorrows know how to swim.

Quoted in P.S. I Love You, compiled by H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

If drinking is interfering with your work, you’re probably a heavy drinker. If work is interfering with your drinking, you’re probably an alcoholic.

Author Unknown

Quarter Bar.

I have finally figured out why it’s called Quarter Bar … it’s not named after the French Quarter (as much as they’ll try to convince you that’s the reason) but because of the quarter life crises inspiring bad decisions with the help of low lighting. …Sadly, the many nights/evenings of bad decisions couldn’t be from the drinks because they aren’t very strong.

I do recommend Quarter if you’re looking for a laid back, chill location for a happy hour; but make sure it’s on a Wednesday because the food is half price and tastes a lot better than the drinks.

For my money: Quarter Bar is better only to be seen after 10 p.m. … but even then it’s more to see the people.

The Quarter Bar
www.breadwinnerscafe.com
3301 McKinney Ave. Dallas, TX 75204
(214) 754-4941

Specials:

Monday-Friday | 4-7 p.m. | $2 wells and domestics

Nick & Sam’s Grill

I had high hopes for Nick & Sam’s Grill when I woke up Sunday morning; I went for a jog, did my laundry, and even took it easy Saturday night so I could enjoy my experience to the fullest and really sate my gluttony … and I’m so glad I did.

Upon walking into the modernly decorated restaurant (formerly Strong’s), we saw many familiar faces that were already seated enjoying the food and drink (and some beautiful faces I didn’t know but would have liked to!) – they recommended the omelette station (apparently it was the first day they had it available). It was a perfectly sunny day, ideal for enjoying a brunch on the patio. The beautifully-mixed blood orange (bottomless) mimosa hit the spot while waiting for our table.

Once seated, Olivia and I ordered our choices with much difficulty – everything on the menu sounded fantastic – and noshed on the sticky breads, pain au chocolate, and croissants while sipping our mimosas. The wait staff was on top of things to say the least. They eagerly stood by to fill our glasses back to the top and were quick to offer advice or a funny remark. I ordered a spicy bloody mary to accompany my meal and it was delightful – honestly the best I’ve had in Dallas.

Our food was out in a snap: Asian chicken salad, breakfast quesadilla, and the best grilled cheese and tomato soup I’ve had in ages – I definitely recommend! This was not your mama’s grilled cheese; the secret ingredient: pear. Brilliant. The bloody mary was the perfect complement to the sandwich.

The meal was a delight and I strongly recommend visiting … just make sure your stomach and the night ahead of you are empty!

Nick & Sam’s Grill
2816 Fairmount St
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 303-1880

Specials:
Tuesday – Friday | free appetizers at the bar (while there are no drink specials, they make up for it with other perks!)
Saturday & Sunday | bottomless mimosas $6

Updates.

I just wanted to give a shout out to all the people who have helped me do my reviews so far! You have all been incredibly helpful and the company doesn’t hurt.

Last night I ran into a reader who said they went to that bar because of my review … love it. Anytime you can work it in, mention me! Maybe we can get to a point where some specials are only available through my blog — it’s win/win!

This morning I was looking at the places where my traffic is coming from …most of my traffic has come from the US (what a shock!); however, I was quite surprised to find the following:

Japan – 1 visit
Germany – 1 visit
Chile – 1 visit
Canada – 1 visit
Belgium – 4 visits!
Brazil – 7 visits!!!

I’d really be interested to know why people in these countries have been reading my blog about happy hours in DALLAS, TX, USA!!! So – if any of you are reading this, I would love to come do a review in your country … simply pay for me to get there.

Once again, thanks to everyone who has contributed — stay tuned for some fun, new reviews next week.

vodka and kisses – Susie