When you want to dance the night away, Dallas is a city with excellent nightlife and clubs. We’ve done the hard work and compiled the definitive list of the top five clubs in Dallas. Whether you want to dance to pop favorites, mingle with the beautiful people, rock out to techno or chill out to jazz, we’ve got a club for you.
Hot Spot #1: Lizard Lounge
A longtime Dallas staple, don’t let the name fool you – there aren’t any lounge lizards here. Instead, Lizard Lounge is a high-energy dance club that features pulsating electronic dance music. On the weekends, internationally famous guest DJs take over the booth, spinning dance hits late into the night. Lizard Lounge attracts an eclectic, alternative crowd in their mid-20s to mid-30s. Everyone is welcome, and everyone always has a great time.
Be sure to check the Lizard Lounge website for special themed nights, such as a fetish ball or Goth night. You can also get tickets in advance for the most popular guest DJs. When you need a break from the dancing frenzy, head to the rooftop deck for some fresh air.
2424 Swiss Ave
$5-15
Thursday to Sunday, 9pm-4am
Hot Spot #2: Round-Up Saloon
For 2-steppin’, tight denim, 10-gallon hats and the best Country Western music in the Big D, head to Round-Up Saloon, a gay-friendly Country Western bar and club. No matter which way you swing, you’ll be dancing all night to the great country western hits.
Round-Up Saloon is really several bars in one to accommodate the large crowds. There’s also a large game room with pool, air hockey and video games and a double deck patio in the back for smokers. Practice your line dancing with free dance lessons on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday nights at 8:30pm. There’s also a “best in karaoke” sing-off six nights a week, Sunday to Friday.
While Round-Up is mostly country music, on Friday and Saturday nights starting at 1am and all night on Sunday you can dance to Top 40 hits with some retro dance mixed tossed in for good measure (La Bouche anyone?). Round Up also has great drink specials. There’s Margarita Madness on Mondays and 22-oz. drafts for three bucks every day. And Friday and Saturdays include a special “Howdy Hour.”
3912 Cedar Springs Rd
No Cover
Monday to Friday, 3 pm – 2 am; Saturday to Sunday, 12 pm – 2 am
Hot Spot #3: Candle Room
A Dallas Uptown staple, this members-only club features an elegant, classy interior with high vaulted ceilings, big chandeliers and inviting lounge tables. Start the night off down the street at Old Monk, Vickery Park or Victor Tangos, and then stroll over here to get your groove on. Be sure to visit Candle Room on Wednesdays for a great mainstream mashup DJ that will keep you on your toes all night.
Candle Room is a private, members-only club, so to get in without a membership, arrive early (before 11 pm), know someone on the inside (if you’re staying at a Dallas hotel, try having the concierge call to get you on the list) or have extra money to burn. Drinks are expensive (get ready to shell out $9 for Shiner Boch and $15 for a martini) and bottle service is even pricier (although the cocktail waitresses will deliver your bottles with sparklers).
Be sure to dress for the occasion and the strict, upscale dress code. Ladies wear cocktail dress and men rock a suit jacket (sans tie).
5039 Willis Ave
Members Only
Wednesday to Saturday, 9pm-2am
Hot Spot #4: Station 4 (S4)
For the biggest, flashiest, loudest dance club in Dallas, look no further than Station 4, which the locals affectionately call S4. This gay-friendly club has long been a popular spot for gay and straight folks alike to let loose, have fun and dance the night away, and you can always spot at least one bachelorette party going wild on the dance floor. If you arrive at the right time (usually before midnight), you’ll get free admission. S4 also has great drink prices; you’ll only have to pay $4 for a strong rum and coke.
Get here early and watch the entertaining Drag Show upstairs in the Rose Room where experts and newbies alike strut their stuff. While the party starts off with techno music, between midnight and 1am the DJ shifts to top 40 hits. That’s when the crowd really goes wild, and the party doesn’t stop until 4am (although drinks stop being served at 2am).
3911 Cedar Springs Road
$5-15
Wednesday to Sunday, 9pm-late
Hot Spot #5: Balcony Club
When you need a break from all-night dance madness, head to the art deco Balcony Club, the best jazz club in Dallas. Located above the historic Lakewood Theatre, this romantic and intimate venue always draws a big crowd for its live jazz shows. Get there early to snag a coveted booth or cocktail table before it’s standing room only.
At Balcony Club, it’s all about the cool jazz and strong martinis. While the crowd trends towards the older side — guests range from young 20-somethings to mid-40’s professionals — everyone’s here for the music. Sip on delicious martinis, including the popular chocolate martini, and enjoy the club’s totally laid back, chill vibe. Don’t miss the weekly happy hour every Monday to Friday from 5pm to 8pm, for $2 off every drink.
1825 Abrams Rd
No cover.
Open Daily, 5pm to 2am
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