May 22 is the big day for bars across Dallas, who are allowed to reopen under the latest order from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.
The new guidelines say that bars can reopen at 25 percent of their normal occupancy capacity, but must observe safety protocols that include:
- No bar seats
- No ordering from or loitering at the bar
- Customers must be seated at tables
- But not in parties of more than 6
- Parties must remain at least 6 feet apart
- Chairs and tables must remain at least 6 feet apart
- Everything is the number 6
- No dancing
It's not the old kind of bar activity but it's enough for many bars who are throwing open their doors.
Not all: Some are staggering their reopening dates. A few have stated that they're deliberately waiting until after the Memorial Day weekend, fearing an unmanageable crowd that will storm the place after being locked down.
Note: Some bars that also serve a sufficient proportion of food (51 percent) have already opened.
Here are the bars opening on May 22:
Alice Dallas, the small restaurant-bar on Ross Avenue, reopened its dining room on May 6 with single-use menus and seatings spaced out in 1.5-hour waves starting at 5:30 pm, with spacing between tables.
Anvil Pub in Deep Ellum has reopened with staff wearing masks and gloves, disposable menus, and disposable vessels for drinks and food. They're observing temporary hours in which they're closed on Tuesday-Wednesday.
Barcadia will reopen, and is encouraging reservations for those who want to be part of the 25 percent that gets in.
Bowen House will reopen and say they are still strongly encouraging reservations, and to call 214-484-1385 to reserve your spot.
Dibs on Victory at Victory Plaza is reopening with food, TVs, new drinks, and plenty of social distancing given their massive patio.
Felix Culpa on Henderson Avenue is happy to take reservations and has altered its policies to accommodate the 25 percent occupancy requirement.
Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ was still open doing food to go but now you can go enjoy their expansive patio.
Gallery Rooftop Lounge at the Cedars District's Canvas Hotel will welcome guests back to its stunning views of Dallas, plus drinks and small plates.
Happiest Hour is opening with extended hours on Memorial Day from 11:30-12 am, serving lunch, dinner, and drinks.
Harris' House of Heroes has definitely reopened. In fact, the Uptown bar jumped the gun and reopened before May 22, stating they were a restaurant-bar and not just a bar. The crowds they drew didn't look very socially distanced, and the crowds were told to disperse.
High Fives reopened at midnight on May 22 and will observe capacity requirements.
Ill Minster Pub will be taking reservations and observing the state guidelines regarding crowd size and other requirements.
Katy Trail Ice House reopened at 11 am. The Uptown bar is noted for its teeming patio but vows that social distancing will be observed.
Kung Fu Saloon seized the opportunity to open on May 22 and did so at the stroke of midnight. They'll be open at 11 am on Saturday-Sunday and 12 noon on Memorial Day.
Lakewood Brewing Co. will open their taproom on Tuesday May 26.
Lakewood Landing serves enough food that it was able to reopen before May 22.
Lee Harvey's also jumped on the May 22 opportunity by opening at midnight on Thursday night/Friday morning. They'll resume their 11 am opening and will space out their outside picnic tables for social distancing.
Liquid Zoo Bar and Grill is opening with limited seating including parties of 6 or less. They'll have no bar seating or bar service so customers will be seated and served at the table. They will not have Karaoke until they feel it is safe to do so.
Marty's Live on Maple Avenue says it succinctly: "See you all on Friday!"
Parliament will reopen May 25 with limited hours: 4 pm to midnight.
Punk Society - Deep Ellum is reopening on May 22 at 6 m. They'll start with drinks and tacos, then kick into night time at 10 pm. They'll accommodate parties of up to 6 people and recommend you DM them for reservations and protocols.
Sidecar Social in Addison reopened earlier in May since they also feature food.
Tiny Victories in Oak Cliff will be reopening with a heavy dependence on their patio since they're so small. "If we do go on wait, please be patient with us," they say.
Tipsy Alchemist is reopening, following the usual guidelines. They encourage reservations to adhere to social distancing.
Truth & Alibi jubilantly opened at midnight with the password "25%," so clever. (Remember, it's a password place.) For reservations, contact reservations@truthandalibi.com.
Urban Cowboy Saloon will have a soft opening on May 22 with an invite only event. May 23 will be by reservation only, with limited hours.
The Whippersnapper is another bar that also jumped right into it on May 22 with a midnight opening. Reservations can be made by emailing Mitchell@thewhipdallas.com and they recommend you arrive early before they hit capacity.
