Written by Delaney Kilpatrick
So, it’s been a long week and you need to let loose and relax. I think we all know that means it’s time to grab a drink. Denton is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and save a little cash. Whether you’re looking for a good old-fashioned dive bar experience or a swanky, hipster-filled cocktail bar, Denton has you covered. Here are our top 5 favorite Denton spots to drink the stress away.
Cool Beans
A true Denton classic, right on Fry Street near the UNT Campus, Cool Beans is the best spot for cheap drinks. If you’re craving that dive bar feeling and a welcoming atmosphere this is without a doubt the place to be. Feel free to brush up on your pool playing and dart throwing skills while you watch a game or two on one of the many TV’s, or work on your tan outside on the large outdoor patio. There is also an outdoor bar on the patio so you can bring your dog pals (pooches must be 21 and up to drink). If you’re interested in checking out this iconic Denton bar, make sure to drop in during happy hour from 2-7pm for some badass drink deals.
East Side
Grab your man buns and throw on a flannel before you head to East Side. This hipster paradise has over 80 beers on tap, over 130 different kinds of bourbon and whiskey, and some really great bartenders. East Side has darts, a huge outdoor patio, and best of all it’s right next door to the Austin Street Truck Stop (aka the holy grail of Denton’s food trucks). So while you’re trying some tasty brews, go grab some delicious food from one, or all (we won’t judge you), of the food trucks. Oh, and did we mention that if your lovely locks need a trim, you can often find the Bearded Lady parked at East Side? Its true, Denton’s favorite barber on wheels can be found next to the food trucks behind East Side.
The Labb
Alright sports fans don’t worry, we haven’t forgotten about you. The Labb is the best spot for cheering on your favorite team. They also have pool, a small outdoor patio and live music, but all of those things come second to football, am I right? But really, the Labb has a lot to offer from great drink deals, to trivia nights, and game day specials. In a sea of hipster bars, The Labb is a great getaway for sports fans.
Harvest House
If you’re looking for good beer, live music, and a little more upscale atmosphere than your typical college bar, check out Harvest House. Pick a beer from the huge selection and head out to the beer garden, maybe you can even snag a spot on one of the outdoor couches near a fire pit. On most evenings you can catch local or traveling bands playing some sweet tunes. You should also check out Harvest House’s specialty cocktails, a lot of them feature their freshly squeezed juices that you don’t want to miss out on (seriously, its really good).
Paschall Bar
In one of the oldest buildings in Denton you’ll find a small, swanky little cocktail bar. Paschall’s is different than all of the other Denton bars, with floor to ceiling bookshelves, a mounted buffalo’s head, and chessboards you’ll forget you’re in little old Denton, Texas. Paschall’s is somewhat of a hidden gem in DFW, but we promise you big city folk will fall in love. While it isn’t the cheapest bar in Denton, the drinks are ~amazing~ and definitely worth it if you feel like spending some extra cash. If Paschall Bar isn’t sophisticated enough already, it’s owned by the band Midlake, which I’m sure will give you extra bragging rights. Another Paschall perk is the amazing view of the Denton Square it offers, so you can sip fancy cocktails and gaze out the windows while thinking about important things.
So which are you planning to spend your "Thirsty Thursday" sipping away the day?
