One of the true tests of a city is, in my opinion, great jazz. Along with excellent markets, fabulous architecture, and great food— jazz is a marker of a city I’ll return to again and again.
In Dallas it’s possible to go to a different venue for live music every night of the week making Dallas one of the best cities for jazz and other music of all genres. I continue to be amazed at the number of extremely talented musicians in this city. Since the 1920s, Dallas has been a hub for great musicians of all genres and thankfully, the tradition continues. I’d go so far as to say that some of the best musicians in the world are in Dallas, Texas.
In most large metropolitan areas a night out listening to live music could get rather expensive. In Dallas, it’s still affordable. Just.
Table 13, Addison
Table 13 The owners have created a 1960s Vegas vibe with plush quilted leather booths and acts like Melani Skybell, Henry Munoz and Marc Toussaint Combo. The menu has some traditional retro offerings including cocktails like the Scorpion, Zombie, Manhattan, and Brandy Alexander. Dine on Steak Diane, Chicken Cordon Bleu and Shrimp Scampi (an old favorite of mine). Table 13 is a unique dining and listening experience.
I went on a Thursday night and the place was packed, but the crowd thinned out around 10:00 pm. making it perfect for enjoying the music with fewer distractions.
Go for dinner with a date, or just go to the bar and hang out while romantic ballads and jazz classics fill the air with sounds that will take you back to the days of the Ratpack.
Chocolate Secrets
Chocolate Secrets, located on the edge of Highland Park (almost in Oak Lawn), is a cozy little cafe offering wine by the glass or bottle, handmade Belgian chocolates, coffees, and desserts. It’s a romantic spot for a date night, or a small intimate group.
Chocolate Secrets has added paninis and a cheese plate to their menu. Stick to the chocolate, coffee, and wine. They’ve also expanded. The new room is large, with lots of tables, but not much personality. I prefer the original rooms which are still there. However, the night I was there the musicians played in the new space. So, go for the wine, chocolate, and music. Great combo I think!
Balcony Club
The Balcony Club, located above the Lakewood Theater in East Dallas, is a long-time favorite attracting an all ages crowd. On weekends there’s usually a bridal party or two, and always plenty of neighborhood locals. It attracts the famous and the not-so-famous, but it’s always friendly.
Recently updated and remodeled: the stage has been moved away from the entrance and some groovy tables and booths have been added – good for getting cozy. The new stage is consistent with the art deco architecture of the space and looks great.
The website posts a calendar, but seriously, just go. It’s one of the coolest venues in Dallas, and they are open seven nights a week. Any night at the Balcony Club is a good night.
Reveler’s Hall, Bishop Arts District
Reveler’s Hall is a fun venue located in the historic Bishop Arts District in Oak Cliff. When the weather is nice the storefront opens up and the place become an outdoor covered lounge. Pretty cool. You’ll see people outside crowding the sidewalk on those nights.
Shelley Carrol is there every Wednesday plus other great jazz music from all over the world.
Reveler’s Hall serves with wine, beer, craft cocktails and small plates. Check it out. Just know you should UBER or LYFT or whatever your ride of choice is, because parking is impossible in Bishop Arts.
Stoney’s Wine Lounge
Max Naseck Trio at Stoney’s Wine Lounge
updated: 2025
Stoney’s Wine Lounge is a cozy neighborhood wine bar with live music on Saturday nights. Currently under new ownership, if you’re a long time patron you’ll still recognize the same warm interior. The biggest difference is that you need to make a reservation. There is an option for those of us who are not so attached to our calendars…a large community table near the entrance open for seating as available.
Stoney’s was founded by Stone Savage and his wife Diane, both key members of the Dallas jazz scene for decades. The music is not exclusively jazz anymore, but it’s still one of the best small wine and music venues in Dallas. I love the comfortable sofas scattered around and the variety of tables to accommodate couples or larger groups.
Stoney’s offers wine by the glass, bottle, or to take home. I also like that they serve small plates to pair with the wine. There’s an easygoing atmosphere and good wine selection, which makes Stoney’s one of my favorites.
Scat Jazz Lounge
Shelley Carol at Scat Jazz Lounge, Ft. Worth
Scat Jazz Lounge is located in Fort Worth (about thirty minutes from downtown Dallas). If you are in the area and want more of a big city feeling (think NYC or LA), but off the grid club experience, Scat is the place to go. I like the retro vibe, the small room, and the speakeasy atmosphere. Go with friends, go solo, or take a date.
Top local players
If you’ve never heard Shelley Carol romancing the saxophone you are missing out. Shelley was the band leader for the Duke Ellington Orchestra and is an icon on the jazz scene. I recently discovered that he also plays flute and sings. One of the most talented and accessible musicians anywhere.
Another important detail about the Scat: you can’t find it! That’s right, the entrance is in a small alley and then you have to take an elevator to the main entrance. The hipster in you will love it. Be sure to check the calendar as they are not open every night and some nights there is a cover charge. If the Scat Lounge were in Dallas, I’d be a regular.
Shelley Carol with Jackie, Max Gerl and Todd Parsnow.
The Freeman
Located in the Deep Ellum neighborhood near downtown Dallas, The Freeman has live jazz every night starting at 7pm. This is a great place to catch a variety of styles of music and some of the country’s best musicians. I recently saw guitar virtuoso Todd Parsnow there with Shelley Carol, and once again was blown away by the talent in Dallas, Texas. Todd toured with Grammy winner, Roy Hargrove. Shelley toured with Cheryl Crow and many others. Do check the calendar because the Freeman hosts musicians from all over the world and it’s a chance to see some amazing talent in a really intimate venue.
The atmosphere is ultra-casual and the stage is right up front. For the best seats get there early and sit at the bar or the tables on the side near the stage. Jazz, Swing, and Dixieland daily from 7:00 – 10:00 p.m.
The Freeman has a full kitchen and dining room serving traditional New Orleans-style cajun recipes.
Eddie V’s Jazz in Plano
Eddie V’s, photo courtesy of Melanie Skybell
This place bills itself a jazz lounge with live music seven nights a week. Dallas jazz singer and pianist Melanie Skybell clued me into EddieV.
Happy Hour is usually very busy, and folks often drink cosmos or martinis with the appetizers on the happy hour menu. Later the lounge turns into a plush dinner spot. If you fancy dancing in front of the band or just chilling and listening, you’ll be right at home at Eddie V’s. By-the-way, Eddie V’s has locations across the country. Check it out.
10 Bells Tavern
Currently closed Undetermined if they will reopen at this time.
8 Bells Alehouse is located near Fair Park and has a very warm and casual vibe, much like a European pub. This is the sister restaurant of 10 Bells Tavern in Oak Cliff, The new owners have added a kitchen serving up really good pub food, and the prices are easy on the wallet. The same great patio out back also benefits from some updating.
