Advertisement

foodDrinks

3 unexpected restaurants where you can find a killer cocktail

You can walk into any bar and order a whiskey coke, but not every watering hole can make a delectable Old Fashioned. I am more than happy dust off any bar stool and find some of there best cocktails in D-FW. Here are a handful that you wouldn't expect to have a badass cocktail program.

Pappas Bros. Steak House

{"type":"Restaurant","title":"Pappas Bros. Steak House","_id":909,"html":"

Advertisement
Eat Drink D-FW

The latest food and drink reviews, recipes and info on the D-FW food scene.

Or with:

","providerType":"guidelive","providerLink":"http://www.guidelive.com/oembed"}

Tucked away somewhere in the southwest part of I-35 east and Loop 12, far removed from Oak Lawn and downtown Dallas' typical haunts for quality steak houses, sits Pappas Bros. I received several e-mails encouraging me to go check out Pappas Bros and, I am glad I heeded the advice. I won't mention that the restaurant's steak is one of the best things I have ever tasted. I also will not talk about the Chocolate "Turtle" Pie, which was well worth the sugar nap that hit me later that night. What really overwhelmed me was the selection of Pappas Bros. whiskey menu.

Advertisement

The manager, Rick Turner, has forgotten more about whiskey than I will probably ever learn. The knowledge that he has to share is sure to entertain you until your table is ready to order. This spot is a mecca for whiskey lovers in the metroplex.

What I drank:

  • Whisky Mac, Monkey Shoulder scotch and Stone's Ginger Wine (sounds weird, but was really good)
  • Sazerac, rye whiskey, Peychaud's bitters and absinthe
Advertisement

Seasons 52 NorthPark

{"type":"Restaurant","title":"Seasons 52 (Dallas)","_id":180639,"html":"

","providerType":"guidelive","providerLink":"http://www.guidelive.com/oembed"}

NorthPark mall likely isn't the first place that comes to mind when going out for cocktails. However, I have found Seasons 52 to be a real life saver around the holidays. While my wife is strolling though the shopping center I can calmly sit at the piano bar listening to pop covers while sipping on some phenomenal cocktails.

Here's the tip that I have used for the last four years: your booth in the bar becomes home-base. When your partner's hands are too full, he/she can come in and drop off the spoils before heading back out. #genius

What to drink (may vary with the season):

Advertisement
  • Pumpkin Martini (seasonal)
  • Bourbon Berry Bramble

Mercat Bistro

{"type":"Restaurant","title":"Mercat Bistro","_id":372981,"html":"

Advertisement

","providerType":"guidelive","providerLink":"http://www.guidelive.com/oembed"}

Uptown residents are surely aware of this spot, but it's good enough for those in north Dallas/ Plano to also take note. Much like Pappas Bros., I will not waste time telling you about the amazing pasta cooked in a hollowed out wheel of cheese. Yes, pasta cooked in a hollowed out cheese wheel! The cocktail menu at Mercat Bistro is small but, what it lacks in size it makes up for in quality. I have stolen the idea from the Peche Mignon for more than a few parties at my house. The look of this beverage is just so simple and cool, plus the taste great too.

What I drank:

Advertisement
  • Peche Mignon, frozen ball made from mixed berries, pineapple orange juice, Creme de Violette Liqueur, champagne
  • Manhattan, Texas whiskey, vermouth, bitters

Booze News Insider Josh Hart is an amateur reviewer, but a professional drinker. He has been sipping and learning about whiskeys for a more than a decade and hopes to help you sift through the basics, to find the best bottles for you.