When asking yourself about something to do near me in Dallas with a group of friends or family, consider
The Nodding Donkey
Why The Nodding Donkey is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Nodding Donkey is a standout sports bar and neighborhood gathering spot located in Uptown Dallas, Texas. Since opening in 2010, it has gained a loyal following for blending the energetic atmosphere of a classic sports bar with modern culinary offerings. The venue boasts a spacious patio—the best in Dallas—perfect for catching games on any of their 20 big screen TVs. Whether for Sunday Funday, happy hour, or weeknight meetups, the venue offers a lively, engaging environment ideal for friends and sports fans alike. The Nodding Donkey is renowned for its scratch kitchen led by Chef Jonathan Calabrese, delivering fresh, chef-driven dishes that complement the bar's vibrant vibe. The addition of the Social Pie ghost kitchen inside the venue allows patrons to enjoy gourmet pizzas and salads made with fresh, high-quality ingredients at any time. This blend of great drinks, delicious food, ample viewing screens, and a welcoming patio creates an inviting space where friends can gather to relax, celebrate, and enjoy Dallas's thriving sports culture. Its location in Oak Lawn, an area known for southern charm and easy transit access, further supports its appeal as a prime social destination.
Here's what people think of The Nodding Donkey
As of recent, The Nodding Donkey holds a 4.2-star rating based on 653 reviews.
Customer reviews of The Nodding Donkey generally reflect a positive experience, reflected in its strong 4.2-star rating from over 650 reviews. Many patrons praise the establishment for its lively atmosphere, excellent drink offerings, and the extensive number of TVs ensuring that every game is visible from any corner. The spacious patio is frequently highlighted as a major draw, especially for casual meetups and social gatherings. Reviewers also commend the quality of the food, noting that the chef-driven, scratch kitchen and the Social Pie pizzas offer fresh and flavorful options rarely found in typical sports bars. Positive feedback often mentions attentive service and the friendly staff contributing to the welcoming environment. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out occasional crowding during peak times and some wait times for food and drinks, which can detract from the overall experience. A few visitors have mentioned noise levels being high, typical of a lively sports bar setting, as a potential downside for those seeking a quieter venue. Despite these minor critiques, the consensus remains that The Nodding Donkey is one of the best sports bars in Uptown Dallas, offering a great balance of quality, atmosphere, and value for groups of friends looking to congregate and enjoy sports events or casual nights out. Overall, reviews depict a well-loved local bar with room to improve on busy weekend operations without compromising its core appeal.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Drasti Vadhar
Really enjoyed the vibe at Nodding Donkey! The service was absolutely 10/10—super attentive and friendly. The cocktails were incredible. We didn’t try too much food, but the nachos we had were definitely a hit. It does get a little too loud as the place fills up, but overall a great spot!
Raven M
The smoked wings and sweet potato fries were good. The parking and seating situation were challenging. People save large spaces well into the football games, leaving nowhere to sit inside. There should be a limit. They could have better drink specials.
S. Chang
Had a good time here, the food was about as good as expected and the atmosphere was good as well. The only downside is the cleanliness of the restrooms, the men’s had a foul odor that makes you run out the door. Otherwise no complaints. Parking is very difficult to find during peak hours, only street parking available.
Johnson Yu
Got a Meat pizza and some beer. Good atmosphere for watching sports on Saturday/Sunday. A little crowded, but still good service. Pizza was okay, it’s what you expect from Sports bars.
Clarissa Hinojo
Watched a Dallas stars game 6 here with some friends and had a great experience! It was packed but the staff was all hands on deck with helping bring out orders. I got the chicken sandwich which was really good. Definitely recommend to hang out here to watch sports games
How to reach The Nodding Donkey
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Why The Nodding Donkey may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at The Nodding Donkey with your friends? This lively sports bar and pub in Dallas offers an ideal atmosphere for groups looking to unwind, catch a game, and enjoy quality time together. With a solid 4.2-star rating from over 650 reviews, The Nodding Donkey has earned a reputation as a local favorite for meetups thanks to its bustling yet welcoming vibe. The bar boasts multiple TVs showcasing a variety of sports, making it perfect for those who want to stay updated on their favorite teams while socializing. It’s a place where the energy of the crowd blends with friendly service and good food to create a social hub. Whether your group consists of sports fans eager to watch a live game or friends simply looking to share drinks and snacks, The Nodding Donkey caters perfectly to both. The mix of indoor seating, including high tops and limited booths, and an inviting outdoor patio area ensures there’s a comfortable spot for everyone. The bar’s local beer selection and specialty appetizers, like their flavorful spicy chicken tenders, enhance the experience, making your meetup memorable. In short, it’s a great nexus for camaraderie, sports enthusiasm, and tasty Texan fare—a spirited setting to rally your friends or family for an enjoyable outing.
What activities can you enjoy at The Nodding Donkey that make it great for group meetups? The bar’s core attraction is its dynamic sports viewing environment; dozens of TVs stream the biggest games and events live, ensuring all in your group can watch their preferred sport simultaneously. This is especially ideal for groups divided in loyalties but united in their love for the social aspect of watching together. The Nodding Donkey also often hosts trivia nights and sports-related game shows, injecting a layer of friendly competition that groups can bond over. Beyond spectating, there’s the atmosphere itself—the buzzing energy when big games are on creates a shared excitement among patrons. The bar’s spacious patio adds an alfresco option with outdoor tables where your group can enjoy Texas’s lovely weather. Additionally, the venue supports a fun social scene that extends beyond just watching sports, with attentive waitstaff described as lively and engaging, which enhances group dynamics and makes everyone feel welcomed. These offerings make it more than a run-of-the-mill sports bar; it becomes an activity hub that encourages interaction, laughter, and relaxed fun with friends or family.
How does the food and drink menu at The Nodding Donkey contribute to its appeal for group outings? The menu features hearty Texas pub fare designed to satisfy various tastes and pair well with the bar’s extensive beer selection. Popular appetizers like “Donkey Balls” (mozzarella sticks with a spicy kick) and spicy BBQ wings prove consistently delicious and popular with regulars, ensuring your group has excellent snacks to share while conversing or watching games. The availability of pizza and other casual eats means there’s something for everyone, even picky eaters. This casual, flavorful food lineup suits groups perfectly, as sharing plates encourages conversation and a relaxed vibe. The local beer offerings and decent bar drinks complement the food well, supporting any celebratory or casual mood. The combination of good food and drinks without pretense allows groups to focus on enjoying each other's company rather than fussing over complicated menus. Positive reviews also highlight the reliability of the service in delivering orders efficiently, which is crucial when your group is eager to focus on the experience. This combination of tasty, approachable food and satisfying drink options reinforces the bar’s reputation as a comfortable gathering spot.
What makes The Nodding Donkey’s ambiance and location especially suited for social meetups? Situated in Dallas near the Uptown area, The Nodding Donkey benefits from a prime spot that is accessible while retaining a neighborhood bar feel. The environment is described by visitors as friendly, hip, and local—qualities that appeal to groups seeking a place that feels both authentic and energized. Inside, the setup includes a large bar area, inside seating with low and high tops, and a modest number of booths for cozier gatherings. The layout facilitates easy movement and mingling, important for groups that may want to split between watching a game, chatting, or just relaxing. The outdoor patio space amplifies the social atmosphere, especially on pleasant days, allowing for a breath of fresh air and a bit more space to accommodate larger groups. The ambiance is lively but not overwhelming, striking a balance that encourages conversation and engagement. Overall, the location paired with this atmosphere makes The Nodding Donkey a prime choice for casual group meetups, be it for a weekend sports event or an evening outing.
Are there any considerations or challenges to keep in mind when planning a group visit to The Nodding Donkey? While widely praised, some reviews do note that the bar can get very crowded during big sports events, which might mean securing a good spot requires arriving early, especially with a larger group. Seating inside can be limited at peak times, so groups might benefit from coordinating ahead or opting for the patio when weather permits. There have been mixed comments about service consistency, with many patrons reporting great service from specific staff but occasional less favorable experiences, emphasizing the importance of patience during busy periods. Some patrons have expressed disappointment with event audio configurations, particularly during pay-per-view fights, so groups focused on such events should call ahead or confirm setup. Despite these challenges, the consensus is that the energetic crowd and overall experience more than compensate, and with a bit of planning, The Nodding Donkey remains a top destination for memorable group socializing.
How does the community and staff at The Nodding Donkey enhance the group experience? Regulars and staff alike contribute significantly to the bar’s appeal as a meetup spot. Reviews frequently mention a personable and fun-loving staff that adds warmth to the experience, making visitors, including newcomers, feel right at home. Named employees like Aaron and Zoey are praised for their excellent and engaging service, which can make a big difference in group outings by ensuring everyone’s needs are met promptly and with good humor. The presence of enthusiastic, professional staff creates a team atmosphere that often spills over to the patrons, fostering a social environment where people naturally bond. This community feeling is strengthened by many patrons returning regularly as the bar becomes a familiar, almost clubhouse-like setting for friends. Whether it’s the staff cheering on your team or helping with food and drinks quickly, their role in crafting the right vibe is vital. This human element elevates The Nodding Donkey from a simple sports bar to a welcoming social hub perfect for both casual and special group gatherings.