Things Enjoyed
Here are a few things that we enjoy in Dallas…
The Cavern
For those of you that aren’t Frank Sinatra fans, shame on you.  For all the rest of us, you will not want to miss this.  Every Sunday evening Ricki Derek, a lounge singer ala Frank Sinatra performs Sinatra standards.  But don’t get it confused Ricki Derek is the real deal and if you’ve never seen him perform, he is amazing.  Now let’s get started on the vibe and venue.  The Cavern, is a venue named after the Liverpool club where Brian Epstein first stumbled in and discovered The Beatles in 1961.
Not much else needs to be said.  It’s a dark dive with nooks crannies and laid back vibe.  You don’t want to miss this.  Order a Jack Daniels on the rocks with a splash of water, it was Sinatra’s drink.  No need to dress to impress either, this Sunday crowd is laid back but have some respect and leave the flip-flops at home.  You wouldn’t want to look like a “clyde†or like you came from “dullsvilleâ€.
http://www.rickiderek.com
1914 Lower Greenville Dallas, TX 75206
Phone: (214) 828-1914
Fax: (214) 827-3330
Up Hours: Sun-Sat: 6pm-2am
Down Hours: Wed-Sat: 6pm-2am
The Cavern MySpace
Half Price Books
Half Price Books was started in Dallas in 1972 in a converted laundry mat.  Today the company is in 16 states and growing.  You can always find something interesting at Half Price Books and let’s face it, why pay $19.95 when you can find the same book for $3.00.  Not to mention they also have an amazing record/CD and DVD collection.  What’s to lose?  Make sure you visit the Northwest Highway with attached coffee shop and more square footage than a “Sam’s Club†full of books.
Northwest Highway
5803 E. Northwest Hwy.
Dallas, TX 75231
Store Hours
9 a.m. – 11 p.m. Every Day
Phone
214-379-8000
Black Forest Coffee
Monday – Thursday 8:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday 8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Sunday 9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Cafe Madrid
Cafe Madrid, Dallas, TX
Whether you order Sangria (a blend of fruit juices and Spanish red wine over ice) by the glass or by the jug make sure you try it here before anywhere else.  Cafe Madrid has been a Dallas staple for over 18 years and counting…the tapas are amazing as well!  The patio gets busy in the spring and summer and make sure to check their event calendar so you can catch some live music as well.
Cafe Madrid
4501 Travis St
Dallas, Texas 75205
214.528.1731
There’s a new location in Bishop Arts District as well…see website for details and location
Hours: Â Monday thru Thursday 5:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Friday & Saturday from 11:30 am to 12:30 am
http://www.cafe-madrid-dallas.com
Cafe Madrid4501 Travis StDallas, Texas 75205214.528.1731Friday & Saturday from 11:30 am to 12:30 am
Inwood Theatre
Hands down the best place to watch a movie in Dallas.  Built in 1947 and recently renovated the building looks untouched since the 40′s.  The best part about Inwood Theatre is Inwood Lounge next door.  The lounge looks as if it were frozen in 1952, from the red vinyl chairs to the old school bar setup.  After your movie stop in and have a martini with your date.  Keep on the lookout for movie nerds and young Spielberg’s who haunt the joint especially on special screenings of indie and cult classics.
http://www.landmarktheatres.com/Market/Dallas/InwoodTheatre.htm
5458 West Lovers Lane at Inwood
Dallas, TX 75209
(214) 764-9106
Bar Belmont
I’m not sure why every to do item here recently has to do with drinking and a view but what the “hayâ€â€¦The best views of downtown Dallas and the Trinity River Corridor may be in the must unlikely location; “high above Oak Cliff on a landscaped stone bluff†which looks more “old Hollywood†than Dallas.  Bar Belmont is connected to the boutique hotel, Belmont which is a “historic restoration of architect Charles Stevens Dilbeck’s original vision†with a modern twist.
Lounge on that patio for some amazing views or hang out in the interior lounge on the couch and sip one of their infamous cocktails such as the “Belmontini†or have a glass of Spanish Cava to match the Spanish inspired architecture.  Whatever you do don’t forget to order something to nosh on from the connected restaurant, Smoke which is known for its “from-scratch†creations and exciting food menu.  Bar Belmont is a most do for locals and tourists alike!
