Southern Methodist University
- Nightlife

Al-Amir

Al-Amir is not only able to showcase excellent Lebanese food, but it also has a great nightlife scene. The building itself seems like a maze because there are several different dance areas above and below the main entrance. There is a DJ that plays multicultural dance music, and at 9:30 p.m., there are authentic Middle Eastern belly dancers. Upon entering the club, you will notice a fountain as well as a gazebo, where you can eat and partake in the hookah experience. You must be eighteen to be admitted and of-age to drink. There is a cover charge if you are 21.

Greenville Ave. Public House

Public House offers a relaxed atmosphere for the bargoer who wants a break from trendy nightclubs. Live music is common, and the most popular part of public house is its second floor patio wth full bar and amazing view of downtown Dallas. The venue is 18 and up during the week.

Homebar

Home Bar is run by the owners of the former Green Elephant, which was an SMU favorite. For large parties, you can rent out the entire venue of Homebar. This can be free, or cost up to $500, depending on the day, time, and type of party. There are two bars, lounge areas, and an outdoor stage with seating. While a lot of students miss the Green Elephant, Homebar is beginning to fill that void.

Lost Society

This trendy new lounge is located on lower Greenville. The venue is two stories. Students who want to dance stay on the first floor, while those interested in sitting back and relaxing go to the upstairs patio which looks out over the Dallas skyline. The full service bar and pumping music downstairs keep the club upbeat, while the large, white beds on the second floor help to set a social atmosphere.

M Street Bar

This bar is always open to 18 and up and it is easy to get to. It has an upstairs balcony and a downstairs patio. The club takes car of its drinkers by having both an indoor and outdoor bar. M Street’s signature drink is its $2 frozen margarita. You will definitely see other SMU students here, but M Street also caters to an older crowd.

Margarita Ranch

Margarita Ranch is Mockingbird Station’s other college moneymaker. The bar/restaurant is located on the ground level near Chaucer’s. Quiet and charming on the inside, Margarita Ranch is a great place to just sit down with friends and enjoy different types of margaritas. Margarita Ranch is preferred for late night because of the free chips and salsa. There is also an outdoor patio area. The dress code is hip and trendy, but casual in the sense that nice jeans can be worn. Just recently, Margarita Ranch lowered the age to 18 for admission; however, you must still be of-age to drink.

The San Francisco Rose

For a more chill and laid-back atmosphere, the “Rose” is the place to be. Your chances of getting the evil eye for wearing jeans and a T-shirt are much lower here than at other bars. The setting is comfortable: there is a jukebox, an old telephone booth, big screen televisions, and several pictures adorning the walls. There is also an outdoor patio. You must be 21 to drink and make it past the bouncer.

Speakeasy

This bar caters to SMU students. The drinks are cheap, the music is good, and the bar is small enough to be cozy but not packed. If students aren’t into dancing or lounging on the patio, the bar also houses three pool tables for additional enterntainment.

Trinity Hall

For the traditional Irish experience, students head to Trinity Hall for beers, whiskey, and great Irish food. Trinity Hall offers nightly entertainment like pub quizzes, poker nights, and live music. Every Tuesday is Tasting Tuesday. Throughout the month, you can sip different whiskies, wines, and beers, depending on the week. They also offer PPV rugby and soccer matches.

Curtain Club/Liquid Lounge

Curtain Club and Liquid Lounge are well-known for live music. Local musicians and regional bands frequent both venues. If you enjoy kicking back and chilling out to live music, this is the place for you. Wear comfortable shoes because you will be standing the entire time. The calendar of performers is listed online. The doors open at 9 p.m. for anyone under 21. There is a small charge of $3 unless there is a big concert, then the fee is a bit higher. Other music venues that are 18-and-over: Across the Street Bar, the Granada, Lakeview Theater, Trees.