Belly Up to Our Readers’ Picks for The Best Places to Liquid-ate

Greater Dallas has no shortage of places to grab a fresh juice, relax with a glass of wine, or hang out with friends to watch sports. Whether your preference is grab-and-go or sit-and-stay awhile, great ambience is always an added bonus. We went to our readers to help us pick the very best!

Juice Bars

If you’re looking for fresh juices, a quick and nutritious snack, or a toxin-ridding cleanse, these juice bars will make you feel both happy and healthy (and, they don’t involve the messy home juicer).

#1 Nékter 

With delicious cold-pressed offerings like Toxin Flush and Green Apple Detox, it’s hard to believe something so delicious is so good for you.  Do you need gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegan options? Nékter has you covered. Add-in options include vitamin-packed ingredients like kale, fennel, pitaya, chia seeds, and hemp protein. If you’re craving solid food, their signature açai bowls with house made vanilla, cashew milk, granola, and fruit are divine. They also offer cold brew coffee and 1- 5 day juice cleanses. nekterjuicebar.com | Locations in Plano, Snider Plaza, & Southlake

#2 Jamba Juice

There’s a reason why Jamba Juice is so popular: everything tastes amazing. From made-to-order fruit or veggie juices (wheatgrass shot anyone?) to creamy, or dairy-free, smoothies, everyone in the family will find something to love.  Some locations are now also offering artisan flatbreads and toasted bistro sandwiches in addition to their usual delicious light bites, breakfast wraps, and kids menu; it’s a one-stop shop for breakfast, lunch and snacks. jambajuice.com | Multiple locations throughout the Dallas/North Dallas area

#3 The Gem

The Gem uses 100% organic and vegan ingredients, and their commitment to delicious, quality nutrition really shows. Cleanses may be ordered online and, with the availability of turmeric wellness shots, kombucha on tap, and growler-sized containers of anything they serve, your immune system is going to be very happy indeed. Tasty food offerings include a daily soup, kale or quinoa salad, and hummus with veggie chips.  insidethegem.com | Locations in Dallas (Preston Center and Preston/Forest Lane)

#4 Fat Straws Bubble Tea

Fat Straws Bubble Tea is our Teen Choice location. Our teen readers love it!  They have locations in Plano (Park/Midway) and Addison (Alpha/Noel). fatstraws.net

Wine Bars

For a glass of your favorite vino, or maybe a flight of selections you haven’t tried before, these wine bars offer a relaxing setting, yummy noshes, and a great place to meet up with friends or family. These places are perfect for date night, too!

#1 Crú Food & Wine Bar

While Crú is known for its friendly, knowledgeable staff, as well as delicious appetizers, cheese plates, and stone fired pizzas, it also offers a nice selection of “big plate” items including filet mignon, herb crusted branzino, and Barolo braised short ribs. Join their free Wine Club and you’ll get all sorts of juicy discounts, including a free entrée on your birthday. cruawinebar.com | Locations in Allen (Watters Creek), Plano (Shops at Legacy) and Dallas (West Village)

#2 Mercy Wine Bar

Offering over 50 wines from 10 countries by the bottle and 100 wines by the carafe, the Mercy experience feels like a cozy extension of your living room (if yours looks like a chic boutique hotel).  Their menu includes shareable appetizers and desserts, as well as fresh fish, grilled meats and succulent pastas.  An evening at Mercy Wine Bar might just be your new way to unwind.  mercywinebar.com | Located in Addison (Village on the Parkway)

#3 Veritas Wine Room (tie)

Veritas is a true wine lover’s dream, offering a rotating menu of 30 wines by the glass and a plethora of both familiar and obscure wines by the bottle.  A range of prices make Veritas a good choice for any budget. The warm, woodsy atmosphere makes you want to pull up a leather ottoman and leave your cares behind.. If you’re hungry, enjoy a gourmet cheese and meat board stocked with local and imported delicacies or enjoy chocolate from Wiseman House Chocolates in Hico, Texas. Beer aficionados will find a great selection of craft beers, too. veritaswinedallas.com |  Located in Dallas (Knox/Henderson)

#3 The Art of Wine (tie)

Specializing in “interesting varietals from small production wineries,” The Art of Wine also offers familiar labels in a retail-meets-wine-bar setting. It’s a great spot for after work and also special events including wine and painting get-togethers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthdays, and more. Join the Wine Club for just $39.99/month and receive two bottles of wine plus access to private tastings. theartofwinedallas.com | Located in Dallas (Preston/Forest Lane)

#4 Whole Foods Wine Bar (Cityline) 

With a plethora of wines by the glass, 16 kegs on tap, periodic music provided by local musicians and even the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, wine dinners, game nights and tap takeovers, what’s not to love about this wine bar? Bonus: there’s dinner takeout, too.

Sports Bars

#1 Pluckers

Sometimes, you’ve just gotta have a good wing. And some waffle fries. And, by all means, don’t forget the fried pickles. Multiple TV screens and a family-friendly vibe make Pluckers wildly popular just about any time of the day. Voted an “ESPN Top 5 Sports Bar” and a “Top 10 Wing Bar” (USA Today), you’ll find traditional Buffalo-style wings alongside flavors like Spicy Korean and Garlic Parmesan. Wash it all down with your favorite brew. pluckers.net | Multiple locations throughout the Dallas/North Dallas area

#2 The Lion & Crown Pub

The Lion & Crown is an English style pub. Enjoy their wide selection of craft beers on tap, fine wines, or stay for lunch and dinner. Watch the game on one of the many large flat screen TV’s. And the patio is second to none for enjoying a nice night or you can enjoy the cozy atmosphere next to the fireplace. They feature different specials every day and live music every Friday and Saturday. lionandcrownpub.com | Locations in Addison and Watters Creek in Allen.

#3 Austin Avenue

This is a classic sports bar, nothing fancy—just plenty of good grub and suds, and of course, TV screens. What makes Austin Avenue a local favorite though is its festive, neighborhood vibe. March Madness bracket contests with wing specials, dart tournaments, Halloween dress-ups, and corporate social hours are really what keep regulars coming back for more.  austinavenue.com | Locations in Plano and Richardson

#4 Henry’s Tavern (tie)

Looking for an upscale sports bar that’s also kid-friendly? Henry’s is your place. With a full-scale menu (burgers, tacos, pizzas, fresh fish, you name it), you can bring the whole family and enjoy a snack, meal, dinner, or even Sunday brunch. There’s also live music Tuesday through Saturdays with no cover charge. henrystavern.com | Located in Plano (Shops at Legacy)

#4 Brick House Tavern + Tap (tie)

Described as a “sports bar with elevated pub fare,” Brick House offers a relaxed atmosphere with enough comfort food to completely blow your diet for the week. Think Chicken and Waffles, Battered Fish and Chips, Steak and Eggs, and Drunken Chops. Their late night menu runs until 1:00 am on weeknights and 2:00 am on weekends. Don’t miss their famous meatballs, and their burgers are decadent. brickhousetavernandtap.com | Located in Plano and Grapevine