Tag Archives: Beer

Do Muck About

As I’ve mentioned in past reviews, I don’t like to travel outside of my bubble (that bubble usually encompasses the 3 miles around my current home). I was summoned to Addison to try out The Mucky Duck, an uber-local pub in Addison Circle … and I’ll be back. I’d say the best way to describe TMD is that it’s Cheers without the fat postman and with an Indian statue at the door.

This pub not only offers incredible daily specials, but hosts bar trivia on Wednesday nights with a stand-up comedian that looks like Jamie Kennedy as the trivia master. He doesn’t just ask straight-forward trivia questions, but he throws in some multiple choices, current events, and even “name that tune” questions. That night at TMD, I not only learned that sheep excrement is sometimes made into paper, but I also learned that french fries (and theirs are amazing) are, as odd as it sounds, delicious covered in gumbo.

Speaking of their food, on Wednesdays fish and chips are half off and not only would I get the dish again, but I’d pay full price. Another Wednesday treat we enjoyed was the Three Olives vodka that was a mere $3 after 8 p.m. Our table partook in shots of the root beer vodka (get the one without the whipped cream mixed in) and mixed drinks to go along with our fish and chips. I was hoping to order a snakebite but was the DD so had to limit myself to a couple drinks over the three-hour visit.

The wait staff at TMD was very nice and welcoming; one waiter recognized that we’d never been in and checked on us a few times throughout the evening. While a little slow, I’d say the service was pretty good.

Extras: free WiFi, lots of TVs, enclosed patio, darts, large craft beer selection

Drink strength: 4
Overall: 4.7

The Mucky Duck
www.themuckyduckaddison.com | @themuckyduckbar
5064 Addison Circle, Addison, TX | (972) 233-9362

Specials:
Monday | $3 Drafts 8 p.m. – close
Tuesday | “Loyalty Card Night” Exclusive food and drink specials for loyalty card holders 8 p.m. – close
Wednesday | 1/2 off Fish & Chips (All Day), Pub Trivia at 8 p.m. (get there by 7:30) and $3 Three Olives vodka 8 p.m. – close
Thursday | Free Taco Bar 6-8 p.m., Live Music 8-11 p.m., and $3 Crown & Down 8 p.m. – close
Saturday | Live Music 9 p.m. – 12 a.m.
Sunday | $3 Crown and Down (All Day)

Daily Happy Hour:
Monday-Thursday | 3-8 p.m.
Friday | 3 p.m. – close
Monday-Friday | 1/2 price appetizers until 8 p.m.

barcadia

I thought it was about time to write up one of my most frequented spots in Dallas… I’ve been afraid I wouldn’t do it justice – but here it goes.

Barcadia is a formerly-hipster hangout that has been invaded by the usual Dallasites. You can still find some tattooed, plaid-clad, bearded/pink-haired people, but I am afraid to say most of them have moved on … except for on a Wednesday when they return to Barcadia to play Street Fighter II and Skee Ball with a PBR in hand.

If you haven’t yet been to Barcadia and live in Dallas, shame on you. This bar has so much character and even offers free games on a Tuesday … that’s right … free 80s arcade games. They have a bevy of game choices: Astroids, Mario Brothers (both original and new), Donkey Kong Junion, Ms. Pac Man, Q*Bert, Millipede, Star Wars, Spy Hunter, Robotron, Phoenix, Joust, Galaga, Defender, Tempest, pinball, and, not to be outdone, three giant jenga sets with entertaining graffiti.

I can only think of one bad night I had at Barcadia and it wasn’t the bar’s fault at ALL. The drinks are strong, induce a fun party atmosphere, and inspire irresponsible behavior. The music is fanTAStic along with the fun bar art, TVs are HD and easily seen, and the porch is HUGE and encourages you to meet your table neighbors.

Barcadia tips: watch your feet when playing Jenga in sandals, never give the bartender a hard time but DO flirt, don’t talk to strangers in the bathroom, drink PBR

Drink strength: 4
Overall: 4.8 (I can’t give up the 5 yet!)

Barcadia
www.barcadiadallas.com
1917 North Henderson Avenue | (214) 821-7300

a capital idea

Great food? A great beer selection? Head into Capitol Pub …

We only caught the hind end of happy hour, which, as it turns out, wasn’t much of a loss. Drink “specials” wouldn’t really describe what they offer during happy hour. I can pay $4.50 a lot of places and get a stronger well than they serve. I guess yesterday I actually drank 2 of the 8 required glasses of water because water is about all that my cocktail consisted of.

The food at Capitol Pub is what one would expect from one of the people responsible for Old Monk, Idle Rich, and the like, Peter Kenny. All have great food and know how to serve it hot (mine was piping!). The pizza is pretty darn good, as is most of the menu – and all of the selections come in hearty portions. See their delightful food selections here.

There was a good number of people happy houring – most were on the enclosed porch enjoying the nice heaters and fireplace (which is always nice to gather around). The location is fantastic – we enjoyed dinner and a couple of drinks and then strolled into Veritas for a glass of vino.

I’ve always enjoyed this place because it doesn’t get too crowded on the weekends and I’ve never been disappointed with the amount of people during the week. They have darts and TVs … something for everyone. My only hangup is their meager happy hour specials. But, as I said before, head into Capitol Pub … but only if you have the capital. (not a bad pun if I do say so myself!)

Drink strength: 2.5
Overall: 4

Capitol Pub
www.capitolpubdallas.com
2401 North Henderson Avenue | (214) 887-9330

Specials:
Monday – Friday | 4-7 p.m. | $1 off all drafts, domestic bottles, and wells

libertine bar

Did you know that it’s possible to spend 7 hours in a bar and not realize it? Well, I haven’t done it in 3-1/2 years but Thursday night proved that it isn’t too difficult to do at the right bar. We ate, we drank, we laughed, and we enjoyed the Libertine Bar quite a bit.

Between the two of us, we tried every drink on the classic cocktail menu and then some – and they were good. The Dark n Stormy, Pimm’s Cup, The Bronx, etc. … all were delightfully different and intriguing (and considerably stronger than expected – watch out for the Aviator!). Matt had the pint of the week so he could have a cool pint glass, but in the end he forgot it (bust).

The staff at Libertine contributed to the fun. They were incredibly outgoing and friendly without crowding us or being annoying. The other thing that contributed to the fun was the AMAZING, nay, delicious food. If I could only have one bar’s hot wing’s for the rest of my life, it would be Libertine’s. Ordinary hot wings these were not, they were pork shanks that FELL off the bone, literally. This plate of food was what dreams are made of and I can’t wait to have them again.

When you visit, make sure you clear your schedule because, yes, it is that great!

Drink Strength: 4
Overall: 4.5

Libertine Bar
www.libertinebar.com | @libertinebar
2101 Greenville Ave | Dallas, TX 75206-7125
(214) 824-7900

Sometimes when I reflect back on all the beer I drink I feel shamed. Then I look into the glass and think about the workers in the brewery and all of their hopes and dreams. If I didn’t drink this beer, they might be out of work and their dreams would be shattered. Then I say to myself, “It is better that I drink this beer and let their dreams come true than be selfish and worry about my liver.”

Jack Handy

Dubliner

I walked into the Dubliner for only the second time ever last night and the rush of one of the more fun Sunday nights I had this year came over me. The last time I was there I was having so much fun I lost track of time and paid for it with a hangover the next day at work.

While there weren’t many people there on a Wednesday (it seemed people were more interested in Mexican food last night), the ones who were there were quality. The bartender, Kevin, was incredibly personable and entertaining. He was so entertaining I hardly noticed that my friends got there 15 minutes late (you’d think I’d expect that by now!).

The Dubliner has a chill feeling with a fire crackling beside a dart board and a really large patio. Though it’s directly on Greenville, it doesn’t feel like it’s too close to anything else and isn’t too loud. It reminded me of the dark pubs my friend Chelsea and I would spend our time in when I lived in Europe.

Make sure to try this place out on a Sunday night … and get a snakebite or half and half.

Drink Strength: 3
Price: 2

Dubliner
www.dallasdubliner.com | @dallasdub
2818 Greenville Ave | Dallas, TX 75206-6239
(214) 818-0911

Specials:
Monday | all day | $1 off draughts, domestic bottles, calls, and wells
Tuesday-Friday | 4-7 p.m. | $1 off draughts, domestic bottles, calls, and wells

in vino veritas

Move over Vino 100, take a step back, Cork … there’s a new kid in town. Veritas Wine Bar on Henderson took me by surprise. I hadn’t been in until this week and walking in on Monday night was a breathe of albeit grape heavy, but fresh air.

I arrive before the rest of my party as is usually the case, so I sidled up to the tall, heavy bar and began to peruse the menu. I decided to take a mental break and went for “what we’re pouring”. It was delightful and I decided it was my choice for the night — not to mention the fact that it was only $3.25 since it was half price wine by the glass (and that is made even better because they use the long pour!).

My group arrived and we settled into the front room next to the (real) crackling fire. Wine flowed, cheese and meats were noshed on, and great conversation ensued. The waitresses were attentive and Brooks, the owner, knew his cheeses and other wares better than the back of his hand. (You can’t go wrong with their Purple Haze or Drunken Goat.)

Don’t be fooled by the name, this bar unlike most wine bars also serves beer. I’d say this place is suitable for a date or a friendly chat, but not for a pickup scene … take your butt next door to Glo Lounge for that.

Click for the cheese, beer, and wine menus.

Selection: 4

Veritas Wine Bar
2323 N Henderson Ave, Suite 103 | Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 841-9463

Specials:
Monday | all day | 1/2 price wine by the glass
Tuesday-Friday | 4-7 p.m. | $1 off every beer, $1 off of every glass of wine ($8 a glass or less) and $2 off every glass over $8

Tuesdays, Veritas brings in Il Cane Rosso to make baked-to-order pizza. A definite MUST.

Susie is drinking Houston this weekend … At St. Arnold brewery for the last tour in this facility. I recommend getting here early and buying the bigger glass. : )

SusieDrinks

Drink well. Travel often.