Yes, why yes I did and I went on a serious mission to locate the BEST we have to offer in the North Texas area.
Trey with Celebrity Chef Keith B. Hicks
If you’re one of the 5 million-plus people we reach every month through social media, event happenings, my radio and television podcast show then you’re aware of this fact. BUT I always like to state the obvious.
I’ve tried each one of these BLOODYS! Trust me, I have tried literally hundreds of Bloodys in the last decade. It was all tasted & tested and approved by Trey’s Chow Down and Drink With Trey
If you love brunch then chances are you love a great Bloody Mary.
I drank Bloody Mary’s between Texas, Florida, California, Washington, New York, even in Jamaica and Mexico. I drink them quite often and have been asked at least 100 times this year or more, “Trey, who has the best Bloody Mary in North Texas?”
Bloody Mary’s are a staple in the national and the Texas brunch scene. It’s a favorite among the cocktail lovers of all ages the young drinkers and the old.
But first, I want to discuss the history of the Bloody Mary because it still blows my mind how it was conceived and created. Just as simple as someone mixing a drink and giving it a name after one long night of drinking. I still laugh at this because so many awesome deals can transpire over cocktails.
The history of the Bloody Mary is simple. It’s only 100 years old.
In FACT, next year is the 100th anniversaryof the creation of the Bloody Mary.
If you are one of the three million folks we reach every month then you know about what we’ve accomplished at Trey’s Chow Down Brands. The last seven years has been a wild ride and we are gaining ground every day.
One of my favorite things to do is grab a glass of whiskey, vodka, or any craft spirit, while I sip and socialize with friends. Five years ago one of my followers suggested I create a drinking side to Trey’s Chow Down because they loved following my travels and or nightly debauchery.
Three years ago we introduced the“Drink With Trey”side of our business and it’s been so rewarding. It’s a bit more raw, edgy, and crazy at times but a lot of fun!
We visit restaurants, distilleries, dinner clubs, bars, night clubs, event centers, and socializing events to locate some of the best spirits, food, and fun for all to enjoy.
The distillery business has changed so much that I decided a year ago to evaluate and locate some of the best spirits and distilleries in North Texas.
Back in the day when someone heard the word distillery what you thought of was a big place that produced spirits. A place where liquor is manufactured. It was generally known as a big factory where they created, produced, bottled, and shipped out tasty spirits. We’re talking vodka, whiskey, gin, bourbon, and any other spirit that one might enjoy. The distilleries used to be off the beaten path kind of hidden. Most of them were extremely large and not only needed lots of room but couldn’t be in the middle of the city or didn’t want to be. They were all about business, production, and shipping.
As most of you know those days are long gone in Texas. If you didn’t know this, then you’re either living under a rock, locked in prison, or live so far out in the country that this doesn’t matter to you anyway.
Craft distilleries have become a large part of the overall drinking experience. They have evolved into a perfect destination of exciting entertainment.
They offer educational tours, live entertainment, cocktail parties, gift shops, food, and plenty of craft cocktails to be enjoyed by everyone. The *NEW* generation craft distilleries work diligently at creating the perfect atmosphere for enjoying a cocktail and socializing with folks.
Drinking has become much more than just ripping a top off a bottle, taking a shot of something, or using a mixer to wash it down. People desire better experiences nowadays and long for the perfect destination to make that special occasion happen.
TX Whiskey Ranch With Trey
That’s why so many craft distilleries have popped up all over Texas. People basically have been asking for it and their prayers have been answered.
I’ve spent a couple of years visiting distilleries all of North Texas and I wanted to share my findings with my fellow drinkers, socialites, and entertainment seekers.
I want everyone to enjoy some great food, tasty cocktails, creative chefs, and mixologists all while laughing and having a fantastic Texas-sized time.
Life is about having fun, enjoying your family and friends, and locating the best experiences as possible to enjoy. I would suggest that you share these findings with your friends and visit all of these distilleries to have some fun.
Leonard Firestone and Troy Robertson founded the Firestone & Robertson Distilling Co., the first craft bourbon and whiskey distillery in North Texas. I’m in LOVE with TX Whiskey. I can’t possibly calculate how much of this whiskey I’ve drank at both the old facility and the new one. TX Whiskey Ranch is an unbelievable place. It is the largest distillery in DFW by size and the entertainment area, which even includes its own golf course. The place is unbelievably beautiful and has everything one desires for a drinking and socializing destination in the DFW area. If you are looking for the experience of the perfect spirit then head over to TX Whiskey Ranch.
Deep Ellum Distillery was founded by John Reardon, who also founded Deep Ellum Brewery. They have some amazing vodka that I’ve had plenty of. The master distiller Reade Huddleston spent over a year in Europe learning how to master the distilling process. He has created some amazing vodka flavors at Deep Ellum. They have several different flavors of vodka they create. You can also enjoy some of Aaron Wangs incredibly tasty craft cocktails. The distillery offers a large entertainment area, games, a stage for live entertainment, a merch area, and plenty of fun. If you enjoy vodka and are looking for fun times then head over to Deep Ellum! I had fun with the DEEP Ellum team on our Podcast TV show. Check it out when you get a chance you will enjoy it.
Born in Muleshoe, Texas and raised in Fort Worth, BlackEyed has an incredible story. It is the only vodka born and bred from black eye peas. Owners, distillers, and distributors, Todd Gregory and Scott Billings, have created magic with their brand of vodka. They have one of the most unique vodka products on the market today. It has its own flavor profile and makes the most incredible bloody Mary. The distillery is extremely beautiful and was built in a 100-year-old firehouse. It’s a two-story distillery with a big old school bar and entertainment area on the second floor. They offer tours, live entertainment, and lots of fun. Head over and experience the enjoyment!
Blackland Distillery owner, Markus Kypreos, and head distiller, Ezra Cox, have done an amazing job at creating a sophisticated upscale environment at the Blackland taproom. I’ve visited the taproom twice and I really have to say how much I enjoy the atmosphere and cocktails. The staff is super friendly and knowledgeable when you’re wanting to discover what Blackland is all about. They offer vodka, gin, bourbon, and a vast array of craft cocktails. The taproom is a classy low-key place where you can sit at the horseshoe-shaped bar, or in one of the booths, or the big comfortable chairs. I really enjoy this place and spirits. When you get a chance, put them on your list for a visit!
The Duckworth brand vodka is a flavorful vodka and fairly new to the DFW vodka scene. Owner, Lee Fugua, will happily tell his vodka is an artisanal sipping vodka in unique flavors. He would be correct! It is some, dare I say it, delicious vodka made from 100% sugarcane with flavors like Duckworth original, French Oak Barrel, and Truffle. It is truly a sipping vodka. You can create a craft cocktail or martini that tastes like MORE because you’ll definitely be saying, “Thanks can I have one more please”? The distillery is a cozy little place just off Lemon Ave in Dallas where you can find Lee discussing his vodka and telling stories from his wine days. It’s always fun with a vibrant atmosphere. When you have time check out Duckworth and have some joy. Just be sure and check their hours before heading over to visit them.
The Witherspoon branded whiskey to me is very smooth and easy to drink. It’s a craft branded whiskey prepared in small batches. It was created in 2011 by Quentin Witherspoon with his co-founders Natasha and Ryan DeHart. The distillery is beautiful and has tasting areas for craft cocktails, a gorgeous outdoor area that is kid-friendly, and they offer live entertainment. Like most distilleries, they offer tours and will happily discuss anything about the smooth craft spirits. I’ve only visited this place once but I fell in love with the Weatherspoon brand. This is a must-visit place on your DFW distillery tour.
They DO NOT have a distillery in the DFW area, but they are working on having one soon. Noble Wolf Vodka is a very flavorful vodka and fairly new to the DFW vodka scene. Owner, Bryce Cottrell, developed Noble Wolf Vodka while attending the University Of Texas. He will tell you, ” The Noble Wolf brand is the first premium grade alcoholic spirit to be uniquely and attentively produced from 100% pure and natural Florida grapefruits resulting in a refreshing and gluten-free vodka. ” I LOVE the taste of this vodka! To me it’s very smooth and oh so refreshing with a hint of grapefruit. The best thing about this vodka is there is no after taste, it’s just SMOOTH! I had a chance to spend some time interviewing Bryce for my national T.V. and radio podcast on Trey’s Chow Down LIVE. You can watch this episode below.
I hope you go enjoy some of these awesome craft spirits and have some fun, maybe get into some debauchery like Drink With Trey.If you check one of these places out, make sure to share your experience with us! Until next time, Live, Eat, Drink, Laugh, & Love!
Grilled Atlantic Salmon: granny smith apples, bitter greens, lobster caramel
Back in the 1920s, ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s, long before there was any social media platforms, entertainment facilities, and organized bar events we had luxurious dinner clubs.
These clubs had first-class service where the staff catered to every customer’s need. No matter what they needed, the staff and the dinner club would make it happen.
I know this because my family-owned restaurants and two meat companies in the Dallas/Fort Worth area at that timeframe. My granddad, along with his sales staff, would make sales calls on dinner clubs and gambling halls offering all kinds of meat products. I heard all the stories about how vibrant, interesting, and classy those clubs were back in the day.
My granddad and grandma would visit these places in the evening time, socializing with clients and their customers. It was a different time and place back then, and at times I wish as a society we still had some of those values.
Lobster Potstickers: soy-ginger dipping sauce
If you’re one of the three million or so folks we reach every month then you how much I love to socialize, listen to great music, and slingback some cocktails. They say the apple doesn’t far from the tree and my case that is true.
I’m passionate about locating the very best food and drink experiences in Texas for everyone to enjoy. That means when I get a call, or I hear about a new place, I always make time to visit and see what it’s all about.
When I heard there was a new dinner club in Dallas I wondered if it would be a true dinner club or one of those places that just called themselves a dinner club.
As we were riding up the elevator to the dinner club I was getting excited about the possibility of certifying this place as one of the only true dinner clubs in DFW for our followers.
I’m happy to say I was extremely excited by the time the doors opened on the elevator.
Roof Top Bar and lounge area
The Clover Clubis everything you could imagine and more. It’s a vibrant club with fantastic music, delicious chef-driven, flavor-packed menu, with a classy retro feel. I’m in love with the 1950’s vibe and the 2019 sound.
Chef Anthony believes in using only farm fresh vegetables and ingredients to achieve bold flavor profiles in every dish.
Eddie “Lucky” Campbell, who also owns the Parliament and the Standard Pour, partnered with Chef Anthony Van Camp to create dinner club magic in Dallas.
Season of Summer: Citrus infused vodka, lemon verbena, watermelon, yuzu, sea salt, soda…
They have an entertainment director onboard as well. They organize the big band entertainment to ensure they keep the first-class standards that makes the Clover Club truly an original in Dallas.
After you eat and listen to some amazing music, or if you just want to take a little break, you can head upstairs to the rooftop bar and lounge area.
I truly enjoyed the rooftop it has amazing views of the Dallas area. You can grab some cocktails and take a seat on some comfortable patio furniture. If you like the bar area you can sit there too, or stand and gaze over the city of Dallas while you enjoy the beautiful evening in Texas.
I’m excited and thrilled to say I’m in love with The Clover Club. The offer real dinner and music experiences for everyone who walks through their doors. All I can say is: ” Clover Club is a place where one can eat, drink, and listen to some amazing music in a vibrant atmosphere. It’s truly a Dallas original and I’m glad they decided to create this beautiful place for everyone to enjoy.”
I couldn’t be more excited for the Dog Haus craft causal chain to open their new location in Arlington this Saturday August 3rd.
I’ve long been a BIG fan of the Dog Haus concept and everything they offer dog and burger lovers. The menu is creative and the chow is always prepared fresh and loaded with flavors. All the dogs have a nice snap when you bite them and the burgers are always succulent and delicious.
The Dog Haus Old Town Dog; smoked bacon wrapped dog, caramelized onions, pickled jalapeños, chipotle aioli, cotija cheese.
Dog Haus– the craft casual concept known for its gourmet all beef hot dogs, handcrafted sausages, humanely raised Black Angus beef burgers, one-of-a-kind fried chicken sandwich, and local craft beers on tap – will celebrate the grand opening of Texas’ second Dog Haus Biergarten location in Arlington on Aug. 3.
Located at 4000 Bagpiper Way, Ste. 110, in Arlington Highlands, this will be Franchisee Ron Ryan’s second Dog Haus Biergarten location. To commemorate its arrival, Dog Haus is inviting locals to swing by for a FREE Haus Dog on Saturday, Aug. 3.
“We couldn’t be more excited to expand in Dallas-Fort Worth and can’t wait to introduce the people of Arlington to our all beef Haus Dogs, handcrafted proprietary Haus Sausages and Black Angus beef burgers,” Ryan said. “Our first Texas location in Richardson has experienced great success and I have no doubt that Arlington will be any different. We’ve assembled an awesome team and, in addition to the great food, we have a gorgeous Biergarten featuring a wide array of American craft beer from some of the top local, regional and national brewers. We are excited to open our doors and welcome the community to our beautiful new restaurant.”
As part of its introduction to the community and its surroundings, guests can stop by from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on opening day to enjoy a *FREE Haus Dog from a selection of Dog Haus’ seven signature hot dog creations, featuring all beef handcrafted dogs, created by Würstmacher Adam Gertler, and premium toppings, served on grilled King’s Hawaiian rolls. Options include fan favorites like Sooo Cali, with wild arugula, avocado, tomato, crispy fried onions and spicy basil aioli; Scott Baioli, featuring a smoked bacon wrapped dog, cheddar cheese sauce, caramelized onions, garlic aioli; and Chili Idol,with Haus chili, cheddar cheese and onions. *Guests must download and scan the Dog Haus appto receive a FREE Haus Dog.
Dibs on Victory Park Makes Highly-Anticipated Debut
New refined concept is set to celebrate its grand opening on April 26-27
– Dibs on Victory might have a familiar ring to it thanks to the fact that it has been named one of Dallas’ “Most Anticipated New Restaurants of 2017, 2018 and 2019.” But it’s now open and ready to rock and roll.
So, highly-anticipated is far from an understatement. This & That Co. – the folks that brought you neighborhood staples like High Fives, The Whippersnapper, Tiny Victories and Ferris Wheelers – are excited to bring its newest concept, Dibs, to Victory Park.
The new multi-level restaurant, located across from the W Hotel, will celebrate its official grand opening on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27. Doors will open for dinner and drinks at 4 p.m. and the party starts at 10 p.m. with DJs playing until 2 a.m.
Last year, our Drink With Trey “BEST BARS & NIGHTCLUBS LIST” received over 1000 re-shares and 121,000 reads! We just had to make a BEST LIST for 2019 for our Texas sports fans too.
It’s here! It’s time! Are you ready sports fans?
Every year the Super Bowl puts excitement in the air for sports lovers, partygoers, drinking buddies, and heck even folks who love to watch the super bowl just for the commercials.
If you follow Drink With Trey, Trey’s Chow Down, or Trey Chapman, then you know how much we love to have a good time. You can’t threaten us with a great party because in most cases we are the PARTY. We’ve been partying, watching sports, slinging back drinks, listening to live music, and chowing down all over Texas in 2018. We wanted to offer our suggestions for the BEST PICKS to watch the SUPER BOWL or any sporting event for that matter in the DFW area.
Our picks have a large number of TVs, great music, awesome chow, seductive bar bites, and great service folks that pride them selves on great customer service. It’s all about having a great experience with lots of fun. Buckle-up buttercup! It’s fix’in to get crazy!
The Tipsy Alchemist’s sole purpose is to blow your mind with elevated cocktails through science, art & technique in a sexy, colorful, social lounge setting. Tipsy is always fun and it’s a destination just waiting for you. I’m so THANKFUL to the management at The Tipsy Alchemist for creating this new cocktail. The (Drink With Trey ) if you want an amazing drink then head over to Tipsy in Dallas and say you want to “Drink With Trey!” Thank you Aaron and Scuba and the great staff at The Tipsy Alchemist who took the time to create this drink!
Rez as the locals like to call it has plenty of TV’s with a big menu and great chef-driven brunch items. I love the Texas-size patio and they have so many TVs! The only way to miss anything is to close your eyes. The NEW bunch menu is killer. It is just packed with great creations. On Super Bowl Sunday they will have brunch until 3 PM and 2.00 Mimosa’s. The staff is friendly with big smiles and just love to sling those cocktails. So get there early and have some fun for Trey. Check out Reservoir’s new location at Texas Music Factory coming soon!
On Super Bowl Sunday they will have brunch until 3 PM and 2.00 Mimosa’s. Check out this video: Reservoir fun
I love this place! My favorite spot is on the patio looking out at the beautiful buildings of Dallas. They have a wonderful bite menu and why not considering they’re the sister of Saint Ann’s Restaurant. The staff is always upbeat and friendly with big smiles. They are hosting a big watch party downstairs and on the front lawn. They have a VIP party upstairs. Not sure about the cost of VIP though. I do know, they will have $5 dollars off appetizers and beer tower specials. I dare you to try “Everything But The Kitchen Sink.” This dish is what I call A Spectacular Foodie Rock Star! If you love sundaes, then I double dog dare you to try this dish. Head on over to the Happiest Hour and turn it up like Trey!
They will have a VIP party, $5 dollars off appetizers and beer tower specials. Check out this video: Happiest Video
TXR as the locals like to call it has one of the biggest TV screens in the DFW area, if not the biggest with incredible color. They have amazing sound throughout the club and a wonderful staff that is super friendly. They also have fantastic bathrooms, which is important if it’s crowded. They have an amazing menu that is chef-driven and the chef offers some award-winning items that you will love. Oh baby, the “Trash CanNachos” are OMG… I just dare you to get this amazing dish. Tap this link and view videoMake plans for TXR tell’em Trey sent you.
What can I say about my boyz at Deep Ellum? It’s just an AWESOME place with fantastic one-of-a-kind cocktails created by professional mixologists. They have booths, tall tables, bar seats, and a Texas-size TV screen. They offer wonderful Deep Ellum Distillery products like Apple Cinnamon Vodka, Pickle Flavor Vodka, and of course the regular Deep Ellum Vodka. I dare you to try the “Apple Pie Drink” you CAN NOT have just one. I guarantee it or my name isn’t Drink With Trey!
D.E.D. special: Happy hour all day on Sunday. $5 DED Vodka, $6 infusions, and $7 specialty cocktails. Head over to D.E.D. it’s just bad azz! D.E.D. Tasting Room Video.
Whiskey, let’s say that again, WHISKEY. You see how that just rolls off your tongue? The locals call it Whiskey. I like to call it my fun house. Whiskey Garden has long been one of my favorite places for just about anything fun related. Awesome staff, award-winning tacos from Chef Tuck, great cocktails and of course tons of fun. Just stay out of the pool it’s cold as a well-diggers butt this time of year! Oh, and it’s covered, lol! Reservoir across the street is a sister club so feel free to walk back and forth.
Specials: Free buffet starting at 4 by Tailfeather’s Wing Truck. at Whiskey until they run out of food. We know they won’t run out of drinks. Love my W-H-I-S-K-E-Y staff!
The Box! The Big Deal! The Beast in Dallas! This place is packed with TVs, pool tables, private suites, great staff, a big patio, and awesome food. Let’s just say The Owners Box is a destination, not a stop off. You have a chef-driven menu and 6 other restaurants on Lamar to choose from if you get hungry. They also have 2 other big patios if you just want to stroll around and get away for a few. Oh yeah, I forgot one of the most important factors. You can carry your drinks anywhere on Lamar. Just stroll around sipping, drinking, and laughing like you own the place. Like a BOSS! If you need a room, the Omni is there too. Heck, drinking at the Owners you’ve already won (even if your team didn’t). I love the pretzel and loaded fries just DELICIOUS! Head over to the Owners Box.
What? What? What did you? That’s what folks normally say when you try and describe Texas Live to someone who has never been before. I like to call it an “Entertainment Mecca” everything you need for a real Texas party. T.L. has a complete and crazy line up of places to sling back drinks, watch the big game, or Chow down on some incredibly delicious food. It’s so big it needs it’s own zip code, lol! They are having great specials Super bowl Sunday look at this deal:
Sunday, February 3rd for the Big Game Bash and enter for a chance to WIN the ultimate tailgate package! Package includes a 65″ TV, tailgate tent, cooler, and two chairs. Enter here → http://bit.ly/2SeAxG9
Head on over to Texas Live and have a Texas-size time like Drink With Trey does! Check out this video
Bottle Blonde, or B.B. as I Iike to call it, has an awesome upstairs outdoor patio setting. The downstairs is killer too but I love the upstairs. The first time I was there I fell in love with the vibrant upbeat atmosphere upstairs. The cars flying by on the expressway makes for some fun games. They have a fantastic friendly staff and a wonderful menu full of great tasty creations and bites. They have lots of TVs and plenty of room for Super Bowl Sunday.
They will have two 24-foot projection wall TV’s which will be awesome to watch the big game. Head over to B.B. have a have a drink on the upstairs patio for Trey. Watch this video!
Bar 2909 or just 2909 as the locals like to call it. I call it my outdoor headquarters for all that’s fun. 2909 has an amazing outdoor area with games, lots of seating, a fireplace, big heaters, and great sound. They have plenty of bar space so you can get your drinks easily without any issues. They have a wonderful Chef driven menu from Cork & Pig Tavern and it’s full of tasty creations. Its filled with great eats. They have one of my favorite sandwiches, the “French Dip”. This is so good you will order two one for later. Great cocktails, lots of room for lounging and having fun in the sun, or under a heater. Head over to Bar 2909 and have some good times. Watch this video!
V.T. is what I call it and it’s a great place for fun and debauchery of all types. They have two floors of greatness. Outdoor games of all types, great cocktails, and an awesome staff that loves to have fun. You can hang out upstairs and look down two different streets. Here you can take in the vibrant upbeat atmosphere. They have some big TV’s with a great sound all over V.T. I love the upstairs section outside in fresh Texas air. They have great seating areas with plenty of stand up and stretch room. V.T. as also been an all-time favorite of mine and is a great place to watch sporting events. Love me some V.T. baby! What this Video!
If you’re in the McKinney area for Super Bowl Sunday or any sporting event you need to head on over to the wonderful End Zone. The powerhouse of sports entertainment, or as I would say, the place for some bad azz fun with great staff. E.Z. has plenty of room with great bar food. They have some awesome cocktails too! They say, “It doesn’t matter if you like the classic, soulful, shaken, or stirred, you will get an amazing cocktail from E.Z.”. They’re having some great deals on Super Bowl Sunday.
The biggest game in all of the sports, free beer hour, free appetizer samplers, prizes, $200 being given away…I mean, what else do ya need!?!? Head on over to E.Z. and tell’em Big Trey sent you.
Here’s the deal. Mad Hatter isn’t a big sports club, a party palace, or a gigantic bar. It’s plain and simply one of the BEST little bars in Texas, PERIOD! When I tell you it’s the BEST because I truly mean it. The place reminds me of CHEERS. It just can’t get any better than the little Cozy Mad Hatter. The owner and staff are truly amazing and so friendly. They pride themselves on great customer service as well as serving perfect cocktails and cold beer. You get good times and plenty of conversation whether you want it or not. If you in the mood to try an award-winning cozy little joint in Fort Worth where everyone knows your name then head over to the wonderful Mad Hatter. Tell them Trey sent you. Mad Hatter still my NUMBER #1 VOTE of the BEST BARS in Texas, PERIOD!
Up 90 is a fantastic little sports bar located in the new hip area of Fort Worth in what I like to call the Magnolia Arts District. Known for friendly fun folks and a great staff you call see all your sports games and enjoy some great company. I think they enjoy every sport known to man at Upper 90 it’s a real sportsman paradise. Super bowl Sunday is no different it will be a Texas size day!
Party kicks off at 5PM Free Food, Drink Specials, Super Bowl Squares, Live Music and more. Head over to Upper 90 and enjoy the fantastic sports vibe and wonderful staff! Check out this video!
Please have an awesome time and remember to TIP your staff well! Be polite and don’t drive drunk. It never ends well for anyone especially you.
Everyone knows I love to socialize, party with friends, throw back some great shots and throw down some good times. For years people have said, “Nothing good ever happens after midnight.” I always say, “They’re wrong, dead wrong!” Almost every single memory worth remembering happens after midnight For Me!
Trey & Chad
The things that happen, the things I see people do-heck, the things I do after midnight might scare the average person, but not me! I always tell my friends all aboard the Trey Train and let’s go for a ride. Leave your troubles at the door step, get on, put a smile on, and let’s ride. The way I see it, you can sleep when you’re laying in the pine box. Who in the heck wants to grow up anyway? Not me. The way I figure it, you only have one life to live, and you better live it full throttle with no regrets. Get busy living folks!
“Club Pilikia Dallas”
I’ve listed my favorite places to throw back, throw down some cold ones, sling some shots, drink some whiskey, and tell some lies. All my top picks are PERFECT go-toplaces you need to check out. I would know, after all, I’ve been drinking, partying, listening to live music, cutting up, throwing down and swapping stories my whole life. I can promise you these places are awesome. I’ve spent a full year partying, visiting bars, saloons, pubs, clubs, and watering holes all around the Fort Worth and Dallas area and now I’m fixing to spring it on you like a drunk man on a pogo stick!
So listen up buttercups and get ready to jump on the “Drink With Trey” train. We will have some fun, get into some debauchery, live a little, laugh a lot, and have one hell of a time. Oh yeah and the real fun kicks in around midnight, so get on the “Drink With Trey” train and let’s ride this bad boy till the end of the line.
Fred’s is a hamburger joint by nature, but has live music seven days a week, and the beer is always cold. Fantastic outdoor space, great drinks, and great food with a super cozy atmosphere. I love starting my evenings at Fred’s. Be sure to try the “Calf Fries”!
2909 is a fantastic party spot during the day, afternoon, evening and night. Colorful decor, excellent sound, great TV, picturesque surroundings, wonderful staff, and it’s mostly outdoors. I love the big open, colorful outdoor bar area and the big fire place. The vibe here is upbeat, and the fun never stops. If you want to enjoy some lazy days, great afternoons, or long cozy nights, Bar 2909 is your bet.
“Whiskey Garden” Slinging Tunes!
Whiskey Garden 7th Street, (regulars call it, ‘WHISKEY!'”), Fort Worth;
Whiskey is a truly amazing work of art. Cool artistic surroundings here. From the gas pump faucets, tire sinks, whiskey bottle light fixtures, and creative decorations to its incredible outdoor area that comes complete with a swimming pool. That’s correct, a swimming pool with underwater seats for pool drinking! Fantastic outdoor setting with semi-private tables and a massive wooden deck. Whiskey has plenty of bar space to quickly grab cocktails while still leaving lots of space open for socializing. Bring your suit, your fun times, and head to Whiskey Garden to throw down.
The park is outdoors with a small dimly lit indoor area that is ideal for relaxing. Beautiful old trees adorn the entire Lola’s Trailer Park. The outdoor stage is visible from anywhere, and the outdoor bar puts out nothing but good vibes. The live music is always impressive and sounds great, the staff is awesome, and the drinks are always flowing. Complete with BBQ, food truck parking, and outdoor games- I love Lola’s, and all the awesome bands that play here year round.
Pilikia is one of the hottest spots in Texas. This tiki bar is truly amazing and worth the drive from anywhere in Texas. Once you enter, you immediately get transported to the tiki party of your dreams. The atmosphere is completely tiki worthy from the skull walls, colorful, extravagant furniture, tiki hanging lights, and the big and cozy patio. They offer creative and extravagant cocktails that honor the tiki mid-century culture.
Reservoir is the best SPORTS bar in the Fort Worth-Dallas area, nothing else comes even close. Lots of T.V’s, a great patio, incredible vibes, big open spaces to enjoy watching sports, awesome service, new food menu, and plenty of spirits. If you’re looking for a sports bar with fun vibes and a banging atmosphere, then hit up Reservoir because that’s going to be your bar.
The atmosphere at the indoor/outdoor Local is always popping. They have big windows that open up and a large outdoor bar. This combination brings the outdoors inside and the inside outdoors. It has a vibrant, up beat vibe and a cozy feel. They have games, great cocktails, wonderful staff, and love slinging drinks and creating good times.
I’m going to tell you now if you haven’t had the Tipsy experience, then you haven’t lived. The Tipsy’s sole purpose is to blow your mind with elevated cocktails through science. They create magic at Tipsy- slinging smoking, creative, and colorful cocktails! When I say smoking, I literally mean smoking cocktails that will blow your mind! This place is a classy, energetic lounge that extends from the creative, craft cocktail bar downstairs to a beautiful Champagne Room upstairs. The Tipsy Alchemist is AWESOME!
Five-Sixty, in the Glass Ball over looking Dallas;
“Sky High Drinking” at its best in this beautiful cocktail lounge that offers 360-degree views of Dallas and beyond. The service is fantastic, the cocktails are strong and creative, and the views are simply incredible for socializing, lounging or closing that next big deal. I love Five-Sixty and the staff!
This bar is full of old school stories and tales of yester year. When you walk down the stairs and enter off of Exchange Ave, you’ll find a cozy bar, with amazing interior and a vibrant atmosphere. Being a classic, The Basement Bar is truly like no other and offers various types of entertainment and is open seven days a week.
You WILL NOT find another place like Button’s anywhere on this planet. Every time I enter Button’s my knees start twitching, and my feet start stomping. They always have the best Blues and Jazz music around. The sound is incredible and will have you dancing, the award-winning soul food will have you wanting to shake the chef’s hand, and a friendly, wonderful staff makes you want to kick back and stay a while. At Button’s you want to dance, wiggle, sing, and bust a move- old school style. I love me some Button’s!
It’s hard for me to explain the Durty Crow. All I can say is it’s down-home cozy, and everyone is your friend there. They have big garage doors that open so that the outside can come inside. They have live music sometimes, which is always good. The staff is friendly, and the customers love to sit and tell Fort Worth’s biggest stories. The vibe is friendly, cool, and always welcoming. It’s kind of like your local hometown bar. I love getting Durty at the Crow.
Known for its nightly music acts, Keys Lounge is a Fort Worth staple. Great Blues, extremely down-home cozy atmosphere, and wonderfully friendly staff. Keys Lounge is always hopping and has some of the best Blues tunes in Texas. If you want to get Bluesy with friends that feel like family, Keys Lounge is the place. They have the key to the blues.
The best way to describe Oscar’s Pub is that it has authentic, feel-good bar vibes where everyone knows your name. Oscar’s is just a wonderfully friendly place with an incredibly knowledgeable staff and loyal regulars. If you want to relax and crack some jokes, then head to Oscar’s Pub and have a ball.
If you want to talk about a cozy little down-home bar, then my friends, Mad Hatter wins hands down. It’s a small, dark and narrow building full of stories and charm. I swear every time I enter this bar, I just want to plop down on a stool and start telling stories because here, everyone is your friend. They have to be! It’s too cozy not to be. If you truly want comfortable in a Cheers sort of way, Mad Hatter is your bar.
The Lazy Moose is everything most bars hope to be. It is extremely cozy, with a relaxed atmosphere and wonderful peeps. “The Moose,” as I call it, has done a masterful job at creating a wonderfully inviting place where the food is delicious, and the cocktails are perfect! They have living room style chairs, tall tables and there is even a piano in the bar. I really can’t explain it, you just need hurry on up to slow on down and get Lazy at the moose. Trust me, you will thank me!
Saint Rocco’s Bar has a fantastic view of the Dallas skyline from the Trinity Groves development. The bar itself is beautiful, colorful, and very cozy. The east side of the bar is entirely open, and you have amazing views of Dallas and the new Trinity Groves Bridge. They have a lot of couches set up like a living room with coffee tables. I’m going to say at least 15 different “living room” seating options, not including the extra chairs. They also have large H.D. T.V. screens projected on the back walls for sports games and events. It’s a large, cozy, atmosphere that you can feel very comfortable in and socialize for hours. Every time I get there, I hate leaving and always end up hang out a little longer than planned. The staff is friendly and great at slinging cocktails. And if you’re hungry; they have some great Italian pizza and a small menu from Saint Rocco’s downstairs. If you’re near Dallas, Fort Worth or Austin be sure and hit up Saint Rocco’s Roof Top Bar. Check out their Facebook page for updates and make sure it’s not closed for a private party that evening!
“Mags” is famous for its live music and good times. They offer a large variety of music on any given night. The sound is always on point, and the bands are always great. Most evenings they feature 2 or 3 acts, some acoustic, which are always great and some full band. They have fantastic service and slang those cocktails like Dale Junior races his cars- fast and smooth! They have a chef who whips up a great menu, and specials that change every month! “Mags” has lots of shows, and all of them are good. I can’t remember ever having a bad time at Magnolia Motor Lounge! When you get there, throw the door open and tell ’em Trey sent you!
If you are wondering where to go to smoke some great cigars, drink some incredible cocktails, and look at some awesome cars- I will tell you; Javier’s, of course. Javier’s is a Dallas institution, one of which that has a bar, cigar bar, and that also serves excellent continental Mexico City cuisine. The decor is traditional Mexico chic with big chairs and vibrant furniture, and on the floor, there are handmade clay tiles that complete that old school Mexico atmosphere. The customers are always looking sharp, and the service is first class amazing, and on any given day or evening you can see all kinds of unbelievable cars lining the parking lot. Lambo’s, Hot Rods, Bentleys, Custom Porches, you name it- Javier’s has it. I love Javier’s and all it offers to help you escape with a cigar and a smile!
Silver Leaf is tucked away in the Sundance Square Development in Downtown, Fort Worth. “The Leaf” as I like to call it has an incredible selection of cigars and spirits. The atmosphere is upscale and downright chic. It still doesn’t matter if you dressed in jeans, a suit, or a tux, it is all the same here- it’s cowtown! They have great furniture, TV’s, classy decor and excellent service! If you wanna smoke a great cigar, stop in and the cigar aficionado will fix you up! They have great cocktails and slang ’em with the best! They know cigars and good times at “The Leaf!” Tell ‘ em Trey sent you!
Well, my drinking buddies, I hope you enjoyed my picks because I sure have this last year and will continue to for years to come! Holler at me if you see me at any of these “Drink With Trey”favorites. Let’s do a shot, have some fun and snap a selfie!
If you’re like me I feel it is hard to beat a FANTASTIC patio to kick it on while you enjoy a cocktail, eat or socialize with friends. If you look up the word patio on Wikipedia, it defines it as: (an outdoor space used for dining or recreation that adjoins a residence and is typically paved). That may be the Wikipedia definition, but truthfully patios are so much more than this.
In today’s times’ people search high and low, far and wide, and go to endless lengths to create amazing patios. Patios in most cases are an extension of how one perceives socializing, cooking, partying, or spending time with family and friends to look.
Restaurants, bars, nightclubs, and event venues are no exception to this rule. They know if they can create a fantastic outdoor atmosphere that it will attract people who love the outdoor way of life. When you are in the sunshine or under the moonlight, everything is always fresh, and vibrant! To me, drinks and food always taste better outside. It just feels a lot better, and you do not feel confined. Being outside has a freshness to it that can’t be emulated any other way than being outside.
In the last year, I have spent much time outside looking for great patios that you can have some have fun, eat, socialize, play games, listen to music, drink, and feel alive. I wanted to share these favorite places with you in hopes you will have as much fun as I have had kicking it and slinging the good times. My choices may not have the word “patio” in their name, but if they are on this list, it has a patio for sure.
Way back in the day long before we had BBQ joints we had a little thing called prohibition. Do you remember this little government debacle? What prohibition did do was generate a greater need for more alcohol. We had all kinds of hidden illegal “speak easy’s” bars and clubs. It was a massive failure for the government.
Back then every joint was cozy, off the beaten path, and had lots of drank for the dranking. So when I heard that a place called Barrel & Bones was coming to cowtown and it was influenced by prohibition, well I got all kinds of excited. Then, when I found out the name and they had smoked meats, BBQ, cool cocktails, and had a vast collection of specialty whiskey & craft beers… Well, let’s just say I was happier than a cow with a fresh salt lick.
Already open in The ColonyI couldn’t wait for them to open the NEW location in Fort Worth so I could see what it was all about.
They have a variety of fine cuts of beef, chicken, and pork as well as smoked sausages for you to choose from. The dishes are masterfully crafted by Chef Eric O’Connor.
Barrel & Boneshas an unbelievable amount of whiskey and delicious food available. They have whiskey from Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Scotland, Kansas, Oregon, Japan, and Colorado just to name a few. If you where to count the number of states or countries they have whiskey from it would be around 30. The flavor profiles are creative and scream TEXAS. I’m in love with their appetizer menu. I don’t care if you get the onion ring tower, The Texas Bourbon Beans, Mac-N-Cheese, Loaded Bake Potato Salad or the big phat smoked chicken wings because ALL are delish. They have these fresh fried ” Pablano Corn Fritters” that are just stupid good! Where talking the “Flavor Rodeo” baby!
The BBQ smoked meats are packed with flavor and they have a Texas-sized selection. They have names like “Texas Brisket”, “Texas Jalapeno Sausage”, “Carolina Pulled Pork” or “American Kobe Beef Spare Ribs.” They even have fresh house made sauces for you to try. I saw 8 different sauces just waiting to be lapped up. They have names like ” Texas Traditional”, “Texas Sweet and Spicy”, “Carolina”, “Memphis”, “Asian Sweet Chili”, “Alabama”, “Buffalo”, and of course the one sauce that bares their name sake the “B-N-B Special.
The atmosphere is cozy, inviting, and comes along with great service. This place is a down-home Texas feel. You can sit at the bar and look at the vast array of whiskey and beer while chowing down on some delicious BBQ or those stupid good “Pablano Corn Fritters.” If you are sitting with someone and they want you to try your fritters, you tell them, “Trey said ‘No sir, not today my friend not today. You get your own!”
Barrel & Bones is a fantastic concept with something for everyone. You don’t have to be a drinker to enjoy the delicious menu options. You can just make the trip to chow down. You better take a wheelbarrow with you cause if you’re anything like me you’ll eat till you can’t walk. Be prepared because you will need a ride out of there.
Barrel & Bones Craft Bar and Smokehouseis a Trey’s Chow Down approved deliciousness destination that is not to be missed. If you love BBQ, Whiskey, Craft Beers, and smoked meats you have what I like to call the quadfecta. Just get to Barrel & Bones and tell’em Trey sent you.
My writings, blogs, travel post, ranch happenings, and delicious food posts don’t include negativity or negative connotations. I’m always upbeat and I tell jokes. I live, laugh, love, eat, drink, and travel to the best of life. However, I felt it necessary to write about a dark topic; suicide, death, my mother, and Anthony Bourdain.
This subject is close to my heart. The day I saw the news about Anthony Bourdain taking his own life, it had me thinking deeply.
Anthony Bourdain Chef, Story Teller, Traveler, TV Host
When I read Bourdain took his own life I hopefully believed it was “fake news” or a prank. I spent an hour researching the event and came to the
realization that is was true… and I just couldn’t believe it.
I have never met him, and I do not know him on a personal level. I watched his shows and loved the level of honesty about travels, cooking, people, kitchens, and political views. Throughout my research about Bourdain’s life, I found that he has stated his suicidal thoughts before, and has wrestled with demons his entire life. I felt an empty space in my heart for the way he must have felt for years.
There are a lot of parallels between Bourdain and my wonderful mom, Carol.
My mother Carol Cartwright Chapman was lively and an honest woman with a compassionate heart the size of Texas. She was so lovely that people would stop just to stare at her beauty and talk to the incredible woman with the big smile. I know folks say this all the time but it was true EVERYONE LOVED her, and if you didn’t, it’s because you never had a chance to talk with her.
Carol loved to help people, in fact, I think she wore a permanent candy striper uniform because she volunteered at the children’s hospital so often. Traveling made her so happy. She adored to tell stories, have great grand meals, loved cocktails, and enjoyed parties.
Carol Chapman: Mom, Volunteer, Travler, Socializer, Lover
I believe it is important to be transparent about these issues because someone else out there might be able to relate.
Just like Bourdain, she had demons that ate her up daily. I’m not exactly sure why, but I think she drank and did drugs for the same reasons Bourdain did the same things. He has been honest about these issues in interviews. My mother Carol would regularly say to me, “Trey, if something happens to me don’t spend all the money and take care of yourself!” I would always say, “Mom WTF are you talking about? You’re incredibly beautiful, everyone loves you, and you live a charmed life. Nothing will happen to you, ever!” She would smile and tell me, “You just never know Trey.”
Today, and every day, I say to myself, what the f@#k was I thinking? Why did I not see the signs? They were there all along every time she told me that. After her death, I found out she tried to commit suicide two times before and she wasn’t successful. She had been taken to the hospital and no one told me. You don’t think I didn’t feel like someone hit me in the head with a steel pipe?
At first, you go through the angry stage, the “Why?” stage, then the forgiving stage, then back to the “Why” stage. You end up staying at this stage. It’s something that will eat at your daily thoughts because you want to know the answer to the questions; Why did she do it? Why didn’t she ask for help? The same thoughts came up when I heard that Bourdain had committed suicide.
The answer to that question is… they don’t even know what’s wrong. I’m pretty confident that no one really knows why they do it, and especially the ones committing suicide!
I am sure people never thought Anthony Bourdain would do this. He seemed happy, he was successful, rich. He was traveling and eating around the world on an extremely successful television show and won some of the biggest awards and worldwide accolades.
Good day drinking buddies and coffee connoisseurs,
Ampersand dogs are welcome too.
Drink With Treyhas visited a lot of coffee houses, and I’ve visited a lot of bars… but I haven’t visited a coffeehouse-bar combination. That is exactly what Ampersand is. It’s a coffeehouse by day, and transforms into a bar club in the night. It is literally business up front, party in the back.
Ampersand has locations in Dallas and Fort Worth to enjoy. Ampersand Fort Worthis located just off of the booming West 7th area. The have all kinds of coffee options from air roasted coffee, craft coffee, and coffee cocktails. The options are fresh, creative, and deliciously perfect. Cocktail infused coffee drinks are simply a win.
Corey Mobley and Crew!
The building has a contemporary modern style. It’s clean, beautiful, and complete with an outdoor patio. There is plenty space for chatting with friends, studying or grabbing a quick coffee-moment with yourself. The overall setup is so clever. I’ve never seen anything like it. Just imagine a nice sunny morning, strolling down to Ampersand and having a nice cup of coffee on the porch. You can smell the fresh air already!
Ampersandoffers so many items that the other local coffee shops don’t. This includes nitrogen infused cold brew (on tap), cold brew frappes, and smoothies. They air roast their very own coffee beans. The Lavender Vanilla latte and the Vietnamese iced coffee have definitely been getting some traction here in the last couple of months. Perfect drinks for this lovely weather we have been having lately.
I definitely want to highlight that they have a coffee infused cocktail menu as well. I bet you’re interested now! You got to head over there ASAP and get one of these drinks.
If you choose to visit in the evening… Oh boy, get ready to have a great time. Ampersand Fort Worthis fully complete with incredible music, great cocktails and a party atmosphere. The bartenders are awesome and the customer service is superb. Be sure and say hello to ROCK STAR Corey Mobley if he’s on tap!
Ampersandis Fort Worth’s freshest stop to fuel your caffeine need and have a refreshing cocktail beverage. Head over there today and tell’em Trey sent ya!
The rock rolls again folks! Some years back in Keller, Texas, a place opened for business named Bronson Rock. Over the years they’ve added space, live full band performance shows, and good food. They’ve seen some hard times with a business partnership, but not any more. Those times are LONG GONE!
The new owner Sam Dalton is no stranger to the restaurant and bar business he’s been very successful with other ventures. Sam and the new Operations Director Dan Carr are excited about the new management, new staff, new delicious menu, and new operations. I’ve visited several times since the new owners took over and the rock is rolling full steam ahead.
“Romaine Caesar Salad”
Dan Carr prides him self on excellent customer service and strives to make each experience perfect at Bronson Rock. In a recent interview with VoyageDallas.com, Dann said this about his career choice in the restaurant business.
“One day ten years ago, I was honest with myself and acknowledged that although I never planned to make a career in the restaurant industry, there was no denying it; I loved it. As of now I have been in the service industry 25 years. I have worked almost every position that this industry has to offer. Through that I feel it has given me a great understanding and respect for this business. I have a genuine love for guest satisfaction. Nothing pleases me more than hearing about what a wonderful experience someone has in my establishment. When I was a bartender, I always strove to be the best, fastest, and friendliest bartender each customer had ever met. As a manager and now co-owner of an establishment, I love the fact that I carry on my shoulders the responsibility for the entire customer experience.”
