But I Just Like Music

The Kessler Theater, located in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of South Dallas, is probably Dallas’ newest venue – that is, if you go by most recent opening date. If you’re not one of those people, then the Kessler theater may be one of Dallas’ oldest concert venues, having originally opened in 1942.

Half dive bar, half music venue, Reno’s Chop Shop has been keeping people entertained and hydrated since they opened in Deep Ellum. Reno’s features live music several nights a week, and is known for their very cheap drinks.

American Airlines Center, located in the upscale neighborhood (if you want to call it that) of Victory Park, is Dallas’ largest music venue. Normally reserved for sporting events like Mavericks and Stars games, the American Airlines Center (also known as the ACC) does play host to many a national touring act.

I almost feel dirty calling Verizon Theater a Dallas music venue – because it’s not. Located in Grand Prarie (about 30 minutes outside of downtown Dallas), The Verizon Theater is typically reserved for only the nations largest pop and rock acts.

The Sons of Hermann Hall, located in Deep Ellum, is barely a music venue. Yes, they have a stage. Yes, they have live music. But they so rarely book shows that it’s hardly on our radar. Which is a shame, because the building is fantastic, and the venue has quite a bit of character. Occasionally, The Sons of Hermann Hall will book a true indie gem – like The Apples in Stereo on 2008 and Local Natives in 2010.

The Cavern, modeled after the Liverpool club where The Beatles once played, is one of Lower Greenville’s few legitimate live music venues. The Cavern is a two-story facility. Upstairs, which is more of a bar then anything else, frequently has DJ sets. Downstairs, where the bands actually play, features a small stage and limited seating.

The Prophet Bar has been alive, dead and born again. A Deep Ellum bar “where the prophets go to drink”, this live music venue seeks to serve Dallasites who have a love for art and music. The Prophet Bar is home to shows from rock to hip hop and back to Americana, all performed on a small, intimate stage in a comfortable, inspiring place.

The Door is an all ages venue in Deep Ellum. Laid back and unpretentious, this enormous club hosts shows from indie, hard rock and punk bands. The Door is a free thinkin’ and free wheelin’ place and a home for anyone who loves to rock.

The Bone, quite simply, has the best view of downtown Dallas – even better then the renowned views at The Belmont Hotel. The Bone is a two story bar – the ground floor is fairly standard, with a long bar, small stage, and some pool tables in an adjacent room. The rooftop patio is what really sets this venue apart from other Deep Ellum music haunts. The upstairs patio features a full-service bar, small stage, and large seating area.

City Tavern is an oasis in Dallas’ otherwise almost deserted downtown. More a bar then a music venue, The City Tavern is popular among a young professional, but unpretentious crowd.