It is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, old friends are in town, no one’s working tomorrow, and you’re fresh out of the cubicle. Do you know what that means? If your answer is pounding Lone Stars and sloshing back shots at every local bar within your high school zip code, you’re correct! Though we prefer to just call it Black Wednesday. This is the night when you reconnect with old friends and family, imbibe perhaps a few too much, and wake up wondering if you left your parent’s spare house key outside in the front door. We’ve compiled a few pre-Turkey Day festivities and go-to party spots that will help you ring in the holidays with that traditional hangover from Hell. Ma might have to get those mimosas ready early this year.
The Spot: Teddy's Room
The Deal: Before the Feast
The Scene: Expect a packed house with resident DJ Joe Vega playing pop club favorites mixed with new school hip hop, and sprinkled with sassy performances from talented burlesque dancers.
Only Go If: A) Your girlfriend isn't jealous of the dancer's twirling tassels or B) That is your girlfriend.
2404 Cedar Springs, Uptown; Free, 9:00 p.m.
The Spot: Aura
The Deal: Eight of the city's "best" DJ's battle it out, with a special guest, DJ Enrie.
The Scene: Throw on your best attire as these bouncers don’t let scrubs in. Make it inside to the packed dance floor and laser beam lit ceilings.
Only Go If: You don’t mind being the center of attention while dancing on the floor located in the middle of the club.
2912 MvKinney Avenue, Uptown; Free, 8:00 p.m.
The Spot: Lizard Lounge
The Deal: Electro Bassgiving
The Scene: DJs Raydar and Shaolin receive breaks from seven local DJs looking to capture your ears like Joe C and Kiddlove.
Only Go If: You’re 18 or over, the sight of a glow stick really gets you going and you don’t want to stop dancing at 2 a.m.
2424 Swiss Avenue at Good Latimer, Deep Ellum; Ladies free until 11 p.m., Guys receive $5 off until 11 p.m., Doors from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
The Spot:Manhattan Lounge
The Deal: Thanksgiving Eve with DJ Flip
The Scene: This two-story bar was resurrected just recently, and has been holding a steady crowd ever since. Be one of the first 150 people to show up for a chance to win free Mavericks tickets.
Only Go If: You don’t mind the second floor shaking from the movement of dancing shoes, and you’re not shy about using the women’s bathroom stalls sans doors.
3005 Routh Street, Uptown; Free, 9:00 p.m.
The Spot: O. E. Penguin
The Deal: Pre-Party Bash with $3 drinks until 11 p.m., Mav’s game at 8 p.m. and tunes from DJ Jackie Wayne.
The Scene: Walk upstairs to find a pleasantly laid back bar offering beer pong every night (just ask for the nearest barkeep), a balcony view of downtown Main Street and consistent drink specials.
Only Go If: You can’t make up your mind whether you want to dance, watch the game or play pool.
1404 ½ Main Street, Downtown; Free, Happy hour lasts until 11 p.m., Bar is open until 2 a.m.
The Spot: The Loon
The Deal: Cheap cans of beer and strong drinks flow at the non descript, but widely known bar open 365 days of the week from 11 to 2 a.m.
The Scene: Hardcore Maverick’s fans (and employees), polo sportin’ students and just about everyone else in Dallas sipping on the strongest drinks in town. Sop up the sauce with the famous burger, pasta special of the night or a plate of cheese fries piled high.
Only Go If: You want to run into a drunk Owen Wilson... and a drunk everyone else.
3531 McKinney Avenue, Uptown; Free
The Spot: S4
The Deal: Dance Into the Holidays on this One Wild Wednesday.
The Scene: This popular gay dance club stays open until 4 a.m., offering a much-needed extra two hours to shake off the booze. Catch the special drag show upstairs in the Rose Room by Edna’s Angels.
Only Go If: You like the sight of a packed dance floor and a fluffy boa or two.
3911 Cedar Springs, Gayborhood, Drinks from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., After hours dancing until 4 a.m.
The Spot: Trees
The Deal: Special Thanksgiving Rock and Roll Concert with the Reverend Horton Heat.
The Scene: This psychobilly band tours all over the world and chooses to spend their pre holiday with us? Pfft. We’re honored. We hope they play 'Baby, I’m Drunk,' 'It’s Martini Time' and 'Pride of San Jacinto.'
Only Go If: You’ve still got love for Deep Ellum, and you’re not scared of a good ol’ fashioned mosh pit.
2709 Elm Street, Deep Ellum; $24.75, Doors at 7:00 p.m.
The Spot: Cosmo Bar & Lounge
The Deal: $2.50 Texas beers and an extensive martini list.
The Scene: A cozy couch in front of the fireplace offers some space to catch up with old friends, while the black-and-white ninja movies behind the bar provide the entertainment.
Only Go If: You want to ruin your Thanksgiving appetite by cramming pizza down your pie hole at 2 a.m.
1212 Skillman Street, Lakewood; Free, 5 p.m.
The Spot: Ship's Lounge
The Deal: Sip on some of the cheapest drinks in town while losing your quarters to the jukebox, and winning them back when you hear the sounds of Patsy Cline, Merle Haggard, Sam Cooke, and Tom Jones.
The Scene: Watch your mouth in this little dive located at the end of the Lower Greenville strip. Check out the wreaths decorated with Marlboro Red boxes during the holidays.
Only Go If: You need to start drinking heavily preparing for familiar visits at 10 a.m., or you actually want to be able to hear what your long lost friend has been up to and what on Earth made him get that haircut?
1613 Greenville Avenue, Free, Cash only, 10 to 2 a.m.
