Sunset Lounge Dallas

The first time I went to Sunset Lounge was shortly after it opened and their happy hour featured $3.00 EVERYTHING (a happy hour enthusiast like my self’s dream!). Now don’t get too excited, because this neighborhood bar doesn’t offer everything at $3.00 anymore but they do have incredible happy hour specials that differ every day of the week with prices ranging from $3-$5.00.

When you step into Sunset Lounge you are greeted by sounds of Caribbean music, light wood floors, and walls with banana leaf covered wallpaper reminiscent to that one scene in Garden State. The outdoor patio is enclosed by tropical plants blocking out sights of parking lots and nearby highways and providing a relaxing area to enjoy the warm weather. It is not a typical Dallas bar and gives off more of a Southern California vibe and reminds me a lot of Austin. It has a very laid back atmosphere that makes you want to kick back for a while and enjoy one of their tropical cocktails. The best part is they are served in tiki glasses adorned with skewered fruit and colorful umbrellas making you instantly feel like you’re on vacation. (I mean I can’t be the only one who feels this way when you get a drink with an umbrella in it??)

We sampled several cocktails all of which were made with fresh ingredients and house made syrups…

Caipirinha– Brazil’s version of the margarita with Cachaca and fresh limes that you can also order in different flavors.

Hot Mule– of course I had to try their version of a Moscow Mule… Sunset Lounge’s Hot Mule is made with Stoli Hot, fresh lime, and a hint of grapefruit.

Zombie- this is the STRONGEST drink on the menu and you are limited to 2. It is no surprise why as this drink pretty much punches you in the face when you take a sip. The Zombie is made with light rum, dark rum, Jamaican rum, almond liqueur, grapefruit, pineapple, lime juice, and cinnamon.

Mai Tai– the Mai Tai is one of Sunset Lounge manager Cindy’s favorites. She has 20+ years bartending experience so it’s a safe bet to go with anything she suggests.

Now for the food… ALL food is $3.00 except for the guacamole and ceviche (those are $5.00). I really enjoyed the guacamole and house made tortilla chips freshness and sprinkle of cheese on top as well as their plantain chips that were served with a mango BBQ sauce and avocado ranch. I am half Cuban so I know it is not exactly typical of Cubans to dip plantain chips (or mariquitas) in anything other than mojo but I must say I did like the dipping sauces and also dipped a few in the guacamole (don’t tell my mom).

After a couple cocktails you have to order some tacos. They’re all good so I say get one of each (grilled fish, chicken tinga, and roasted pork). The jalapeno-lime crema on the fish taco and the pineapple relish on the roasted pork is AWESOME. Again, wonderful fresh ingredients.

Monday Happy Hour lasts all day and night, Tuesday is $5.00 cocktails and $2.00 tacos, and Wednesday is a great day to go if you plan on meeting with a group of friends. If you bring 3 or more people on “Social Wednesdays” you get your happy hour extended for another hour! Thursday-Saturday there are drink specials usually including $3 wells and domestic beers and $4 crafts, imports and you call its!

Sunset Lounge is a definite must-try happy hour. I will definitely be back and look forward to enjoying their happy hour on the patio this summer!