Where Is Taylor??? A Night Out in Dallas, Fort Worth & Arlington

Your Go-To Insider’s Guide to Vegan Food, Cocktails & Nightlife Across DFW

Intro

People always ask where I go out in Dallas. The real answer? Depends on the day.

Sometimes I’m drinking mezcal in Fort Worth. Other times I’m eating vegan pasta in Uptown. And every now and then, I end up at a club I swore I’d never go to.

This guide is dedicated to the nightlife version of that question. From pre-game dinners to rooftop cocktails to places I somehow left at 2:00 AM—these are the real spots I actually go to (and return to).

This isn’t a generic DFW roundup. It’s a curated list of 31+ places across Arlington, Fort Worth, and Dallas that have earned a spot in my rotation.

Each location includes what I ordered, what it cost, if it was worth it, and what kind of night it turned into. I break everything down by section (Arlington, Fort Worth, Dallas) and then by location. Some places are where you start. Some are where you spiral. You’ll see.

Each stop includes Taylor’s Travel Tips (because I’m helpful) and a Vibe Scale based on the night—though some numbers may have shifted since I posted.

If you're tapping in from IG Stories:

I’m posting this blog live as I go—updating it in real time as I reveal each location on Instagram Stories. We’re currently at Location 11, and you can catch up here in the Dallas day-in-the-life ("DITL") highlight: Watch it here

If you missed the earlier chapters (the prequels, if you will), here’s the full story so far:

• Warm-up: My intro to Dallas → Start here

• Fort Worth Part 1 → Watch here

• Fort Worth Part 2 → Watch here

And because I couldn’t fit it all in one post (there’s only so much chaos a blog can hold), the Where Is Taylor??? Daylife Edition is coming next. That one covers lunches, cafes, parks, museums, solo spots, and soft reset energy.

But this? This is strictly after-hours.

Welcome to my map.

DFW is my hood fr.

SECTION ONE: ARLINGTON

Where the night technically starts.

Arlington is the wildcard in my DFW circuit. You’re not going there to be subtle. You’re going because you’re committed… to the game, to the bit, to the story.

Sometimes that story starts with a home run. Sometimes it starts with a Corona at Texas Live. Either way, this is the beginning of the arc.

LOCATION 0: Globe Life Field – Texas Rangers Game

Where is Taylor??? Answer: Location Zero – Rangers Stadium.

Address: 734 Stadium Dr, Arlington, TX 76011

Hours: Game times vary by season

Price Range: Tickets: $20–$80+ (or free if you are me!) | Food & Drinks: $10–$30

Website: mlb.com/rangers/ballpark

See the promo code at the end of this section

If you're starting the night in Arlington, there's no better place than a Texas Rangers game at Globe Life Field.

I labeled the Rangers Stadium as Location Zero because it’s not technically nightlife—it’s the prologue. A pre-game chapter before Fort Worth chaos begins.

I’ve been there too many times to count. I don’t work for the Rangers (even though they work with influencers now)—I’m just there. I’m like you in this context. A civilian. A fan. A well-dressed observer.

The games? High energy. The outfits? Always get compliments. The vegan food? Surprisingly solid—once you find it.

I rode this bull!

It took me a year to locate the vegan stand. See "Taylor's Travel Tip" for directions. Vegan nachos? Elite. Vegan hot dog? Pretty good until I smothered it in relish like an amateur. I’d never had relish before. I got greedy.

PROMO CODE 

But I did catch a home run on camera—grainy, sleeve in the shot, but iconic nonetheless.

Need discounted tickets? Use my friend’s code BBB (@thebasicbloggerbitch). You're welcome.

Taylor’s Travel Tip: Show up early. Grab a drink at Texas Live or a snack at Soy Cowboy before the game. The vegan concession at Globe Life Field is called “Visiting Vegan”, and it’s located near Section 101 (left centerfield) on the main concourse. Apparently, there’s a second vegan-friendly kiosk called “Going Going Green” at Section 4 on the lower concourse. It offers vegan hot dogs, brats, nachos, Sabra hummus, fruit cups, and Oatly ice cream. I have not located the kiosk as of June 2025. 

Vibe Scale (Taylor’s Night):

• Pre-game energy: 8/10

• Vegan food find satisfaction: 7.5/10

• Home run luck: 10/10

• Relish regret: 2/10

  
  

  (Note: Some ratings may have changed since I posted.)

LOCATION 1: Texas Live

Where is Taylor??? Answer: Location One – Texas Live.

Address: 1650 E Randol Mill Rd, Arlington, TX 76011

Hours: Daily: 11:00 AM–2:00 AM

Price Range: Drinks: $10–$15 | Bar food: $12–$25

Website: texas-live.com

Texas Live is not subtle. It’s loud, it’s bright, and it’s crawling with jerseys and pre-gamers who are already yelling before first pitch.This is where you go when you want to be social but don’t want to commit to a full-on bar crawl. Every corner is a new sports bar, a new vibe, a new guy in cargo shorts trying to find his friends.

Inside Texas Live at night after the game

Perfect for drinks before the game—or for debriefing afterward if the night went left.

Taylor’s Travel Tip: There’s a bull you can ride. Make sure you get on it! Don’t overthink it. Grab a frozen drink or a beer, find the least chaotic corner, and people-watch like it’s your job.

Vibe Scale (Taylor’s Night):

• Energy: 9/10

• Drink strength: 7/10

• Crowd chaos: 10/10

• Likelihood you’ll lose someone: 11/10

  
  

  (Numbers may have shifted since I posted.)

LOCATION 2: Soy Cowboy

Where is Taylor??? Answer: Location Two – Soy Cowboy.

Address: 1650 E Randol Mill Rd Suite 100, Arlington, TX 76011 (inside Texas Live)

Hours: 4:00 PM–10:00 PM (Dinner hours only)

Price Range: Small plates: $12–$25 | Cocktails: $15+

Website: soycowboyarlington.com

Soy Cowboy is the upscale-adjacent detour you make before the stadium.

The décor says "fancy fusion," the lighting says "take a picture of me," and the menu has just enough vegan options to keep me fed.

It’s a place where you order small plates and try to act like this isn’t the inside of a sports arena.

Taylor’s Travel Tip: Sit in the lounge/bar side, stick to the vegan appetizers, ask your server about off-menu swaps, and get your Instagram story before the ice melts in your drink.

Vibe Scale (Taylor’s Night):

• Vibe vs. location dissonance: 10/10

• Vegan plate creativity: 5.5/10

• Glam level: 7.5/10

• Pretending you’re not near Texas Live: 9/10

  
  

  (Ratings may vary depending on outfit confidence.)

📍 Pin this for your next Arlington night out—and keep scrolling for what happened after the game. Fort Worth is where things turned cinematic.

SECTION TWO: FORT WORTH

Where the night turned cinematic.

When people think Texas nightlife, they default to Dallas. But Fort Worth? That’s a plot twist.

It’s giving character development. It’s grittier, more chaotic, and if you follow my exact path, it’s where your night starts cute and ends as a cautionary tale.

This is the Fort Worth nightlife guide you didn’t know you needed. Documented in real time and now preserved here. If you want to see what happened, you can watch my Instagram Stories here - this link goes to my Fort Worth story highlight. Think of it like the documentary to this blog post.

Let’s roll the tape.

My fit for my "Fort Worth night out"

LOCATION 3: Spiral Diner

Where is Taylor??? Answer: Location Three – Spiral Diner.

Address: 1314 W Magnolia Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104

Hours: Daily: 11:00 AM–9:00 PM

Price Range: $12–$20 per person

Website: spiraldiner.com

If I didn’t eat at the Rangers game, I ate here. Spiral Diner. My first love.

Spiral is a fully vegan spot that doesn’t miss. No weird meat substitutes trying to prove something...just real comfort food, done right. Plant-based celebrities come here to eat when they are in town. It’s legit. 

I got the nachos. Always. No notes.

The crowd is mixed. Think soft punk energy, families, couples who own air fryers. If you need to line your stomach before the night spirals, start here.

Taylor’s Travel Tip: Order the nachos. Sit in the booth. Trust your gut and your waitress.

Vibe Scale (Taylor’s Night):

• Food coma factor: 9/10

• Vegan menu satisfaction: 10/10

• How quickly you finish your plate: 5/10…I am full asf

LOCATION 4: Lazy Moose

Where is Taylor??? Answer: Location Four – Lazy Moose.

Address: 1404 W Magnolia Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104

Hours: Daily: 3:00 PM–2:00 AM

Price Range: Cocktails: $10–$15 | Beer: $5–$7

Website: thelazy-moose.com

This is where the night started to unbutton.

Lazy Moose is what happens when someone says, “Let’s go out,” but you end up on a couch trauma bonding with strangers. It’s cozy. The lighting is low. The chairs are dangerously comfortable for some weird reason. There’s a full moose head mounted on the wall...it’s giving taxidermy confusion...but the locals love it.

Outside of Lazy Moose

It feels like a kickback disguised as a bar. You think you’re just getting drinks. But really, you're lowering your guard.

Taylor’s Travel Tip: This is a bar where you come to sit down and relax. You might find a board game on the table.

Vibe Scale (Taylor’s Night):

• Mood: 10/10

• Emotional openness: 9/10

• Unexpected convos: 8/10

• Shot pressure: 6/10

  
  

  (Subject to change depending on your couch partner.)

LOCATION 5: The Usual

Where is Taylor??? Answer: Location Five – The Usual.

Address: 1408 W Magnolia Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104

Hours: Tuesday–Sunday: 4:00 PM–12:00 AM

Price Range: Cocktails: $12–$18

Website: theusualbar.com

This is when things got moody.

The Usual is a speakeasy that doesn't care if you like it. And that’s what makes it hit.

You walk in and it’s dim, quiet, and deliberate. I passed the entrance five times. There’s no neon sign, no yelling outside.

Inside, it’s all noir energy. Low-maintenance. Nothing pretentious. No playlist screaming for your attention. The light is low. The voices are low. Even your posture shifts.

The Usual exterior

I ordered a drink that wasn’t on the menu—an espresso martini, no dairy. The bartender didn’t blink. Just nodded and made it better than I imagined.

Only thing I didn’t like? The bathrooms. Not what Taylor Likes.

Taylor’s Travel Tip: Find a dark corner, sit in a booth, and order something off-menu or check out their solid non-alcoholic options if you’re not drinking.

Vibe Scale (Taylor’s Night):

• Mystery: 10/10

• Bathrooms: 2/10

• Bartender telepathy: 8.5/10

• Drinks: 7/10

  
  

  (May vary depending on your emotional stability.)

LOCATION 6: Koe Wetzel’s Riot Room

Where is Taylor??? Answer: Location Six – Riot Room.

Address: 1100 Foch St, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Hours: Wednesday–Sunday: 6:00 PM–2:00 AM

Price Range: Frozen drinks: $12–$18 | Cover: varies (I got in for free)

Website: koewetzelsriotroom.com

If The Usual was a moody indie, Riot Room is your chaotic Netflix comedy. Frozen drinks. Couples making out next to a bachelorette party. Someone doing push-ups for no reason. (I made that part up....Or did I?)

The crowd was two-stepping... but to a mix of country and R&B. I was confused, but the people were loving it. Unironically. Like full joy, no hesitation. The LED lights are aggressive and someone will shout “WOO” every five minutes without context.

Taylor’s Travel Tip: This place has zero chill. Stay long enough to people-watch.

Vibe Scale (Taylor’s Night):

• Fun: 10/10

• “Did that just happen?” moments: 11/10

• Line dancing: 6/10

LOCATION 7: Ampersand

Where is Taylor??? Answer: Location Seven – Ampersand

Address: 3009 Bledsoe St, Fort Worth, TX 76107

Hours: Coffee: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM | Club: 9:00 PM–2:00 AM

Price Range: Coffee: $4–$7 | Cocktails: $10–$15

Website: ampersandfw.com

Ampersand is confusing in the best way.

By day it’s a coffee shop.

By night, it’s a club....kinda.

It’s dark (so obviously I like it), the music is on-trend-ish. Songs you’d expect to hear in any “Friday Night” playlist. Not bad. Not elite. Just... working. The dance floor? Wet. People spill drinks and keep it moving. Prepare yourself.

Taylor’s Travel Tip: Bathrooms are clean. Don’t come here sober. Don’t come here too drunk.

Vibe Scale (Taylor’s Night):

• Energy: 7/10

• Bathrooms: 7/10

• Music: 6-8/10 *it depends

THE UNPLANNED ENDING

Final boss: the sidewalk vomit dodge.

Not mine. I almost stepped in it, though. Full athletic reaction.

In my head:“At least make it to the bush.”

It’s humbling. But that’s Fort Worth.

NEXT STOP: DALLAS

Rooftop lunches, date-night dinners, and the glamour that makes Dallas, Dallas. Let’s keep going.

SECTION THREE: DALLAS DINNER, DATE NIGHT & NIGHTLIFE SPOTS

Where I eat, go for dates, work (yes, I really bring my computer sometimes), or just order wine and people-watch like it’s a sport. These are my actual go-to spots in Dallas…not just "cute places" for a list.

Some feel romantic, some feel social, and some are perfect for those nights when you just need to sit alone and process life over a glass of wine (or a strong cocktail).

Every location here is vegan-friendly, or at least happy to accommodate. I love that for us.

And yes, I’ve been to many of these spots alone. If you’re solo, don’t be scared. Solo dining is a power move. The waiter will still flirt, someone will still buy you a drink, and you’ll feel like the mysterious main character you always suspected you were.

Think of this section as your insider guide to the best dinner spots, date night picks, and late-night favorites in Dallas. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, catching up with friends, or journaling at the bar, there’s a place on this list for you.

Uptown / Oak Lawn / Knox-Henderson

This is where I go when I want to feel youthful yet grown, social, and slightly unhinged but in a polished way.

• Uptown is all sleek high-rises, hotel bars, the young crowd, and finance bros in loafers with no socks. It’s my old stomping ground from my early 20s. Every time I’m back, I feel wide awake in the best (and worst) ways.

• Oak Lawn has that neighborhood charm. More inclusive, artsy, and low-key without trying too hard.

• Knox-Henderson is a causal vibe and it’s where people go for patio seating and cute dinner reservations.

Location 8: Moxies

Where is Taylor??? Answer: Location Seven – Moxie's.

Address: 100 Crescent Ct Suite 140, Dallas, TX 75201

Hours: Daily: 11:00 AM – Late

Price Range: Apps: $14–$25 | Mains: $20–$40 | Cocktails: $15+

Website: Moxies Dallas - https://moxies.com/locations/dallas-tx

I get a discount here, so that's a big reason why I eat at Moxies. Plus they have more than three vegan options that I actually enjoy and happy hour.

Moxies is the easiest yes in Uptown. Come early for a quiet dinner or late if you want to catch a game and join a rowdier crowd. I dine here solo a lot. I also take my guests here after we visit The Crescent Club, especially my male guests. It’s basically a "nice-ish" sports bar, perfect for easing them back into reality after a fancy moment.

Fun Fact: Moxies originally started in Canada and then became a Dallas nightlife staple.

Photo Credit: Moxies

The crowd is very diverse, all different races, ages, and vibes. You’ll see corporate finance bros sitting at the bar, especially during games. Sometimes they’re loud. Sometimes they wear sunglasses inside (I think they think they’re Jack Harlow...pop off king). I wear shades inside too, low-key, so I can't say much! Just ignore them and enjoy yourself.

I did have a male guest once tell me he felt insecure because of Moxies. I’m not sure how that happens, but I advised him to seek counseling. Moxies is a good time. There’s a reason it’s always busy. It’s approachable, still feels a little fancy, has a good playlist, and easy energy.

Vegan Options

Moxies actually has a solid vegan menu if you know what to ask for.

• Vegan potstickers (my favorite)

• Plant-based burger, you just need to modify it

• Fries — big story here. I once had them check the fries for me since they have this weird white coating that looked very not vegan. They brought out the ingredients, had the chef confirm, and even got the manager. Turns out they just put a starch coating on the potatoes before frying. So they’re safe.

Taylor’s Travel Tip: My favorite server is named Unique. Request her section and tell her I sent you. I like to sit in the bar section, at a standard table, or outside on the patio. They have huge fans outside (praise God), so if you sit on the patio in the summer, ask them to turn your fan directly on you. Works every time.

Vibe Scale (Taylor’s Night):

• Happy Hour: 10/10

• Finance bro sightings: 11/10 (unfortunately or fortunately depending on your mood)

• Solo dinner safety: 9/10

• Vegan friendliness: 8.5/10

Location 9: Truluck’s

Where is Taylor??? Answer: Location Nine — Truluck’s.

Address: 2401 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201

Hours: Daily: 5:00 PM – 9:30/10:00 PM

Price Range: Mains: $40–$75 | Wine: $20+ per glass

Website: Truluck’s Dallas - https://trulucks.com/locations/dallas-texas/

Truluck’s is an upscale seafood and steakhouse in the middle of Uptown. Known for its white tablecloths, live lobster tank, and serious wine list, it’s that place you go when you want to show you have taste without saying a word.

Fun Fact: Truluck’s has been featured on countless "Best Seafood in Dallas" lists and is known for top-tier service and quality. They take pride in sourcing fresh, sustainable seafood and delivering high-level serviceDespite being seafood-focused, they actually take vegan requests seriously and make you feel welcome, not like a problem.

The design feels sleek and welcoming. The curved walls and booths make it easy to have private convos, and the lighting is that perfect soft glow that makes everyone look better.

Vegan Options

• Pappardelle Bolognese — plant-based sausage, meatballs, tomato, cashew ricotta, basil ($32). This is my favorite. The vegan ricotta is so good I always ask for extra on the side. I’ve had it twice now and would absolutely go back just for this.

• Roasted Cauliflower Steak — served with asparagus and roasted red pepper romesco ($24). A lighter but still solid option.

They also have vegan meatballs you can order as an appetizer. This isn’t on the menu currently, but you can ask for them.

Taylor’s Travel Tip: There’s a dress code, so just be cute...you know how we like to dress. You can read it here. I love the shape and flow of the restaurant. It feels intimate even when it’s full. Always ask for a booth if you want that tucked-away feeling.

I have a favorite waiter here, Andrew Roberts, so if you catch him, you're set. Also, the bathroom vibe here? Elite. I’ve met cool people in there more than once.

Vibe Scale (Taylor’s Night)

• Decor: 10/10

• Wait staff: 10/10

• Vegan friendliness: 8/10

• People you might meet in the bathroom: 9/10