This expansive area is home to a mix of urban and diverse neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, trendy galleries and boutiques, moving cocktail spots and savory restaurants.
A neon sign beckons as you drive down Good Latimer Expressway, glowing bright with Deep Ellum Texas and an arrow pointing to a former warehouse district now transformed into the nightlife hotspot for live music, cool bars and casual eateries.
Explore the vibrancy of the culture, art and music of Dallas all within a quick weekend trip. While your trip will take you to popular live music venues and shops throughout the city, be sure to make a stop Deep Ellum for a self-guided tour of all the fantastic and weird murals covering the walls of the neighborhood.
Dating back to 1884, Deep Ellum became widely known as a mecca for blues and jazz with Blind Lemon Jefferson, Huddie "Leadbelly" Ledbetter and Bessie Smith among the best-known acts to grace its storied stages. You can still catch some great blues riffs, but the vibe now is much more rock 'n roll and many of the artfully graffitied buildings house live music venues, bars, a craft brewery, restaurants, small theaters, tattoo studios and loft-style residences.
The newest venue in Deep Ellum, The Bomb Factory is attracting musical acts from all over the world thanks to its intimate-yet-generous set up and trendy location.
Adair's Saloon, the best hole-in-the-wall, burger, beer and live music joint around! From front to back, the site is covered with memorabilia. Check out the photo collection of people who've walked through Adair's doors - including a blown-up photo of Elvis Presley taken back in 1955.
The Church is one of Dallas' most unique and eclectic nightclub experiences. Music selections include ambient sounds, neo gothic and EBM, just to name a few. The space also features five lounges and a rooftop patio to dance the night away.
It's one of the oldest clubs in Deep Ellum, and one of the best live music venues in Dallas. Club Dada hosts a wide range of artists almost every night throughout the year which can be heard on the outdoor patio.
The Door is the unofficial gateway for new bands to enter the music scene. Enjoy great live music from a range of artists, and head next door the neighboring Prophet Bar for a beer or cocktail.
This electric dance club experience has consistently been rated as one of Dallas' best dance clubs. Prepare yourself for a night of incredible dancing and exceptional music until 2am!
If you're a fan of after-dark entertainment, then Lizard Lounge is your nightlife hot spot. They feature performances by local artists and a great drink selection. The only thing they're missing is you.
Two pianos creating endless fun all night as they play nearly any crowd request! Get your singing voice ready to create some laughs and memories at Louie's.
Standing the test of time, The Prophet Bar continues to give guests a raw and authentic music experience. Check out their upcoming artists to see what the buzz is about!
Swing Dancing lessons, relaxed acoustic entertainment, live entertainment and more can all be found under the same roof, or maybe we should say in the same hall! Check out Sons of Hermann Hall and find what you're looking for.
Satisfy your punk craving with music from local and national bands at Three Links. They've got more than 50 beers to choose from and one truly memorable experience.
Fame is no stranger to Trees. This energetic music venue has hosted some of the world's most famous names in music. Check out Trees for a spot to jam and drink in Deep Ellum.
Country has a new home in Deep Ellum at this self-described honky tonk music venue and bar. Mama Tried hosts southern music with southern eats and cold beer – it doesn't get more Texan than that.
Whether you're looking to grab a bite before a live show or it's the morning after a night out, there are several casual options, including AllGood Cafe (great for breakfast), Angry Dog (popular for burgers and hot dogs), Glazed Donut Works (handcrafted, small-batch doughnuts) and St. Pete's Dancing Marlin (known for its tuna steak sandwich).
There's often a line to get into the popular BBQ spot. Taste the ribs, macaroni and cheese and coleslaw and you'll quickly realize why and agree!
Take a bite of street Asian plates as you explore the art-filled district. Chow down on savory noodles and dumplings at this popular spot that you'll be talking about for days.
Come with an appetite – the individual slices are big enough to satisfy even the hungriest visitor.
With happy hour specials four nights a week, Anvil Pub will quickly become one of your Deep Ellum favorites. And the weekend brunch is a see-it-to-believe it – think 32 oz. brunch cocktails complete with your pick of mini-sized brunch favorites as your toppings.
Upscale dining inside a landmarked building that once housed the oldest standing hotel in Dallas. Go for the chef's seven-course meal with complimenting wine.
Start with the langos, a traditional Hungarian flat bread, before digging into the No Reggie, a chipotle and citrus brined chicken sandwich topped with avocado and baby spinach. Live music lovers will delight in their weekly band line up.
Fried chicken and cocktails in one place? Count us in. Brick & Bones is only open for dinner, so head in after exploring the numerous art murals throughout the neighborhood.
This trailer park-themed watering hole pours strong drinks for their live music sessions and karaoke nights.
Get a taste of the local spirits at a vodka distillery with unique flavors like strawberry-basil and Serrano pepper to sample.
Finally – a restaurant dedicated to the one food we all love, french fries. Indulge in different types of delicious, crispy fries with a variety of toppings and other fried creations.
Satisfy that sushi craving at Nori Handroll Bar, where raw fish and rice are wrapped in nori papper burrito-style.
Customize your own bowl of ramen at order kiosks in a matter of minutes, then kickback at a table and wait for the pipping hot, brothy goodness to arrive.
Whether its hot or cold outside, this tantalizing popsicle shop will catch your eye. Choose from an array of gourmet, Brazilian-style popsicles of all sorts of flavors – some boozy as well.
Come for the coffee, stay for the vegan tacos and nachos. The fast service, vegan-friendly cafe has lots of options that won't make you feel too guilty.
With a wall as far as the eye can see is lined with bottles of liquor, you know you're going to have a good time. Swing by Ruins for a pick-me-up in the form of a delicious cocktail or tortas and tacos.
Enjoy a cold glass of crisp, refreshing hard cider at this up-and-coming local cidery. Pick from several different ciders on draft, including special flavors like prickly pear and cucumber-habanero.
Kickback and enjoy the breathtaking Dallas skyline at this stylish rooftop bar with Mexican food and a margarita big enough to share with a party of friends.
Attached to Deep Ellum Hostel, Booty's serves international street food and globally inspired cocktails in an casual setting that's also budget-friendly - almost everything on the menu is under $10! Enjoy dishes from Spain, London, India and more for brunch or dinner.
Sample local ale and kickback on the relaxed outdoor patio of this quirky brewery. Eight different brews are kept on tap all year-round and plenty of seasonal and specialty releases are available as well.
Far from ordinary, the performing arts scene relishes in the experimental and underground, whether it's comedy at Dallas Comedy House, improv at Ad Libs or plays at Undermain Theatre. The Quixotic World Theatre House & Magikal Event Space frequently feature burlesque and unusual events.
Deep Ellum is home to art and street festivals every year, but there's always a sense of creativity throughout, whether it's the colorful murals, the Traveling Man sculptures or vibrant graffiti. Take in an art show opening at one of the area's many art galleries, including Barry Whistler Gallery, Kettle Art and more. Fashion and lifestyle photographers frequently use Deep Ellum as a backdrop. Take a cue from the pros and snap some artsy pics yourself.
Peruse a collection of unique books at this independent bookstore beloved by locals. The perfect place to escape the heat or cold by cozying up with a new book and a cup of coffee, a glass of wine or a beer.
Determined to bring high-quality jeans to men and women, co-founders Jeff and Bennie introduced Deep Ellum Denim to Dallas. Only the best raw denim is used in handcrafting every product to make sure it lasts a lifetime.
For those who love all things eclectic, vintage and homemade, pop into this flea-market inspired shop founded, owned and run by women. There you'll find the the perfect piece of home decor or stylish attire to add to your wardrobe.
Impress in a fresh new handmade suit from Harper & Jones, where suit tailoring is elevated to a form of art through their customization of each article of clothing.
Warstic is the brainchild of former baseball player Ben Jenkins, who partnered with renowned musician and owner of Third Man Records, Jack White. Together they created a premium baseball bat and baseball apparel company headquartered in Dallas.
Looking for a special gift for a loved one? This charming gift shop has everything – jewelry, things for the home, terrariums and much more.
