Your Seemingly Quixotic Cocktail Quest Ends At The Windmill Lounge

By Jesse Hughey Wed., Aug. 11 2010 at 3:38 PM

Categories: Quittin' Time

Each week City of Ate will give you the lowdown on a local happy hour in Quittin' Time, with the details and why you should or shouldn't take up the featured bar or restaurant on its drink specials.

Where: The Windmill Lounge, 5320 Maple Ave., 214-265-9105

When: 4 to 7 p.m. daily

What: $1 off all drinks, plus daily all-day "Lucky Buck" $3 drink specials.

Why: If you're a cocktail connoisseur, then you probably already know that the Windmill is one of the best bars in Dallas if you're in the mood for classic mixed drinks like martinis, Manhattans, Negronis, Rusty Nails and more. In fact, we consider owner Charlie Papaceno something of an expert on the subject of classic cocktails. Good food, a laid-back atmosphere and an excellent jukebox make it a multiple-year, multiple-category Best of Dallas winner (including Best Bar in 2009), and make it just as attractive for beer and wine drinkers.

The CD jukebox is stacked with a wide variety of music from soul and funk like James Brown (and not just a greatest-hits collection), Otis Redding and Curtis Mayfield, to real country to cool jazz to indie-rock and even a few hip-hop selections, so the general ambiance can vary depending on your taste. But no matter what's playing, the bar usually has a very chilled-out feel, attracting a mature crowd more interested in relaxing with quiet conversation than dancing and peacocking.

No reason not to stay past the 7 p.m. end of happy hour, though -- even without the discounts, drinks are reasonably priced and generously poured.