The video above is a walking tour of the Bishop Arts Dallas neighborhood, covering its history, culture, street murals, and the live music spots worth knowing about. Located about 10 minutes southwest of downtown Dallas, the Bishop Arts District is one of the more interesting pockets of the city — heavy on independent businesses, walkable streets, and a genuine artsy feel that doesn't come across as forced. David Bridwell stopped through on a Saturday before heading to an open mic and spent time exploring the area on foot, capturing the architecture, murals, and overall energy of the neighborhood.
A Brief History of Bishop Arts District
The area dates back to the 1920s and 30s when it was a busy commercial strip of warehouses and small shops. Things went downhill through the 1940s as the neighborhood was neglected and became rougher. Bonnie and Clyde were known to hang out here in the 1930s, and Lee Harvey Oswald lived in the area in the 1960s. The real turnaround came in the 1980s when abandoned buildings started getting converted into studios, galleries, and coffee shops, with artists and investors breathing new life into the district. Today it's a mix of century-old architecture alongside newer buildings, with a population that skews younger to middle-aged, a notable LGBTQ community presence, and a lot of renters who work in the downtown Dallas area.
What Live Music Venues Are in Bishop Arts Dallas?
There are several spots in and near the Bishop Arts District where you can catch live music on a regular basis:
- Bishop Exchange — A swanky neighborhood pub with classic cocktails and a kitchen, known for a friendly atmosphere and regular live music nights
- Oddfellows — A rustic, hip coffee house and diner serving American fare from morning to night with cocktails and live music
- Baron's Creek Vineyards Tasting Room — A satellite location of the Fredericksburg winery offering wines, charcuterie, pizza, and live music
- 12 Barrels Brewing — A revived corner bar and restaurant focused on craft beer and sandwiches, self-proclaimed as the official Bonnie and Clyde Bar of Dallas, with live music
- Revelers Hall — One of the most popular spots in the area, focused on jazz and quality musicianship with cocktails and even swing dancing on some nights
Revelers Hall actually had music going when the walking tour footage was shot, which gives you a sense of how active things are here even on a casual weekend afternoon.
Opening Bell Coffee and the Longest Running Open Mic in DFW
Just outside Bishop Arts, David Bridwell headed to Opening Bell Coffee, which bills itself as Dallas's best acoustic live music venue and coffee bar. It functions as an intimate listening room that's genuinely songwriter-friendly, hosting a wide range of musical events. Their Saturday open mic is hosted by Justin Dyer and holds the distinction of being the longest running open mic in the DFW area. The video wraps with a performance from that open mic — a solid way to cap off a day spent exploring one of Dallas's most interesting neighborhoods.
If you're planning a day in Dallas and want to hit good food, interesting streets, and live music without dealing with the Deep Ellum crowds, Bishop Arts is a strong option. Grab lunch at Vera Cruz Cafe for cuisine from the state of Veracruz, Mexico, walk the murals, and see what's happening at Revelers Hall or any of the other spots listed above.