Oak Cliff bar has an open door policy

Barbara's Pavilion is an escape from a world of spray tan, fake boobs and obscenely white veneers.

If you don’t scratch the surface, Dallas nightlife can leave you feeling trapped in a world of spray tan, fake boobs and obscenely white veneers (kind of like being married to Pamela Anderson). But for every fancy-pants lounge of VIP lists and $400 “bottle service,” there are also places like Barbara’s Pavilion where $400 might be the total decorating budget (think Trading Spaces - lots of painted MDF and “repurposed” decor).

Tucked away in a darkened corner of Oak Cliff is this jewel of a neighborhood bar. For years, locals called it “Open Bar” as the neon sign reading “open” was the only way to find it. But now it boasts a shiny marquee and an often-open front door that’s symbolic of the type of reception you’ll receive. So check the attitude, and get ready to talk to people aside from the ones you came with!

There’s no DJ Sass-O-Frass up in this house either, just an Internet jukebox that plays an assortment of tunes about as eclectic as the bar’s patrons. We were delighted to cue up a list ranging from Loretta Lynn’s version of “These Boots Are Made For Wallkin’” to AC/DC’s “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” (complete with an embarrassing air guitar solo with a pool cue).

And if the jukebox isn’t enough to scratch the musical itch, stop by on Mondays or Thursdays for no-holds-barred karaoke madness. The more you drink, the better you sound, right?

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Lisa Keith, verified:

I bartend here. The Pav is indeed the friendliest, no-attitude, neighborhood, everyone-welcome bar, which is why I've bartended there for 5 years. You can talk to new people or sit alone unbothered -- whatever you're in the mood for. I bartend every Friday night -- come see me!

We're open 7 days a week til 2 am. Happy hour Monday-Friday 4-8 pm.

Barbara's Pavillion 325 Centre Street Dallas, TX 75208 214-941-2145 Just Blocks From the Bishop Arts District

I-35E SOUTH toward WACO Take 12TH ST/BECKLEY AVE exit - go 0.2 mi Continue on 12th through the light at Beckley and through the light at Zang Turn RIGHT on the first street past Zang, which is S MADISON AVE - go 0.1 mi Turn LEFT at the next street, CENTRE ST - go < 0.1 mi Arrive at 325 CENTRE ST, we’re on the right

5 years ago
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