The video above is a walking tour of Uptown Dallas, one of the most popular neighborhoods in the Dallas area for nightlife, dining, and getting out on foot. David Bridwell filmed this while he was staying in Fort Worth, where he also got a chance to play some songs at a spot called Rivers Cocktail and Wine Bar. The tour covers the major areas within Uptown, the key streets to know, and a few spots where you can catch live music.
What to Know About Uptown Dallas
Uptown Dallas sits just north of downtown and covers roughly one square mile of dense, walkable streets packed with restaurants, bars, apartments, offices, and hotels. About 22,000 people live here, and the crowd skews toward young professionals and singles rather than families. Highway 75 runs just to the east, making it easy to get downtown or up to Highland Park. The neighborhood also has a free trolley and a DART light rail station, so you don't necessarily need a car. If you want even more time on foot, Katy Trail is nearby with walking and biking paths along some greenery.
One of the standout areas is Clyde Warren Park, which sits at the southern end of Uptown and offers great views of the Dallas skyline along with food trucks, fountains, and community events. The Nasher Sculpture Center is right there too — during filming they were promoting their Midnight at the Nasher event featuring music, movies, and moonlight. From Clyde Warren Park, McKinney Avenue runs north up to the West Village area, which is a popular stretch for shopping, boutiques, dining, and nightlife.
Where Can You Find Live Music in Uptown Dallas?
Live music isn't as concentrated here as it is in, say, Deep Ellum, but there are a few spots along McKinney Avenue worth checking out:
- Haywire — One of the first live music spots you'll hit walking north along McKinney from Clyde Warren Park. It's a Texas-inspired restaurant and bar with a polished atmosphere.
- Avanti Restaurant — A dining spot along McKinney Avenue that has featured live music performances.
- The Standard Pour — A cocktail-focused bar on McKinney that has also hosted live music nights.
A Side Trip to Fort Worth
The trip also included a stop at Rivers Cocktail and Wine Bar in Fort Worth, where Bronson Lewis was performing and invited David Bridwell up to play a few songs. The pizza there was solid, and it was a good hang. It's a newer spot worth keeping on your radar if you're spending time in the Fort Worth area. The video includes a bit of a performance from that night, featuring the song "Building a Door," which has a laid-back, thoughtful feel that fit the room well.