Awesome evening with my group of friends. Most have not experienced Rare Books and were very pleased with food, service and ambiance. We had an awesome server, Jaden, last night. Musical entertainment, Earrelevance, was amazing and set list was outstanding! My guests left later because the band kept playing their favorite songs. Definitely a wonderful evening!
Karen
We had another great evening, bringing friends to join us. Brad the singer brought another special element to our experience.
Mahendra Jha
Great and unique experience. Don't want to spoil it for others so won't go into detail. The Old Fashioned I had here was one of the best I have ever had.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Chris Hilgeman
Located inside the J. Theodore (look for phone booth near host/hostess station). Password changes weekly. Interesting drinks, although a bit overpriced. But ambience is pleasant and the live music was good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Christine MS
Last night, we went to Rare Books to celebrate our friend’s birthday, there were 11 of us. While waiting for everyone to arrive, three of us were at the bar. My friend and I each had one martini, and the third person had one martini and a beer. Later, we decided to step over to the patio at J. Theodor to listen to the live musician. Probably not the best choice since there was hardly any room to stand. I’m currently wearing a medical boot, so I had to sit, and yes, my walk may have looked a bit shaky, but that comes with the boot, not intoxication.
When we came back inside, our waitress informed us that the three of us, and a fourth friend who walked in at the same time, were being cut off for intoxication. The fourth person hadn’t even had a drink. We spoke with the manager, and while I understand it’s their right to make that call, I genuinely feel the situation was handled poorly.
In my opinion, the real issue may have been that our group was a bit loud—understandable with 11 girls at a birthday celebration. The manager should have addressed it directly instead of sending the waitress, who did attempt to ask us to keep it down but wasn’t very clear or confident. A direct, professional conversation would have gone much further.
This isn’t my first time at Rare Books. The speakeasy atmosphere is really nice, and the food is ok, though not exceptional. And honestly, at $20 per martini, maybe they did us a favor! I just hope they’re consistent in how they decide to cut people off, because I’m sure plenty of guests consume far more than we did. Maybe the suburbs just aren’t ready for Dallas girls. And unfortunately, the service was not super great either. I guess they didn't want me to drink water either since they didn't refill my water glass.
Either way, we still had a fun night. It’s just disappointing that the situation was managed in a way that left me being labeled as intoxicated when I wasn’t. Which is pretty funny since I’m not even much of a drinker. And the silver lining is that we didn't get kicked out and were able to celebrate our friend's birthday!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
Jasmin
The staff was friendly and the server was attentive and wonderful. However, the food was just okay and the drinks did not taste good. A Paloma a very common drink was extremely bitter taking into consideration the grapefruit in it. The prices don't match the quality . The bathroom I couldn't even use because it was gross and paper towels on the ground not in the trash bin.
Chelsea MacKinnon
The atmosphere was perfection, and the drinks were divine. The live music was simply icing on the cake.
Finding a solid spot in North Texas is no easy task, with so many options to choose from. I revisited this gem after a three year hiatus and quickly remembered why I loved it. The drinks were everything I needed and more.
The only thing left to be desired? The mixologist. Though undeniably talented behind the bar, he treated me as if I wasn’t worth the conversation or small talk—something you hope for when you walk into a bar alone. I wanted the interaction, the recommendation. I was ready to spend, eager to see what he could create after sharing my favorite spirits and giving him free rein to experiment. But he was closed off, detached, and that’s the reason for the four stars.
In a competitive scene full of great bars, I’ll choose the ones where the mixologists engage and become part of the experience…not just the pour.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Luis Olloqui
The bar is small and cozy. The live music its great, you enjoy it and are able to talk. Great selection of Whiskies and Borbons. Food its good. Great place to go for drinks with a small group of friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Chris Brandon
The music was great, service was great, atmosphere great, shrimp cocktail not so great, tiny tiny shrimp def not worth 20.00. Everything else good just stay away from the shrimpy cocktail because they really mean shrimpy..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Chris
Amazing atmosphere great drinks great food. Chewy was amazing as our waiter will see you again next week!
We have been coming here for a good while and for some reason things have started going down hill recently. Lots of new staff, door watch didn’t know how to work the phone, so we had to be let in by other means. Drinks were made incorrectly (wrong alcohol and garnishes). Just overall a very underwhelming experience.
Given their track record of excellence we have come to expect, we are hopeful they can pick things back up! Especially with their prices….
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
Matt
The tables were a little close together so it made it a bit uncomfortable overhearing other peoples conversations, and others hearing ours.
Manny Garcia
Great atmosphere, “May” is absolutely amazing. Best service and friendly environment, and we have yet witnessed a bad singer. They are all so talented.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
MyVisit MyView
Love this place! From the moment you walk up, you feel the vibe, true speakeasy. Really cool entrance, the phone booth, password entrance, library feel, then making it into the next room, finally you make it through for drinks and love music. Great craft cocktails, smoked drinks, beers on tap, you name it, they offer it. Bonus, live music! Excellent service! Come check it out!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
Ryan R
We have been here several times. Their barrel select old-fashioned is the best I’ve ever had. Only issue I had this time was a random coffee bean in my drink. Now, if I got a coffee based drink, it would make sense. But not this time. It seems like with the drink so expensive they would pay attention to cross-contamination or mistakes. I assume they were attempting to make a different drink and added it in there by mistake, but who knows. I assume because it was a Monday night they had their not as experienced bartender and wait staff working.
Awesome evening with my group of friends. Most have not experienced Rare Books and were very pleased with food, service and ambiance. We had an awesome server, Jaden, last night. Musical entertainment, Earrelevance, was amazing and set list was outstanding! My guests left later because the band kept playing their favorite songs. Definitely a wonderful evening!
We had another great evening, bringing friends to join us. Brad the singer brought another special element to our experience.
Great and unique experience. Don't want to spoil it for others so won't go into detail. The Old Fashioned I had here was one of the best I have ever had.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Located inside the J. Theodore (look for phone booth near host/hostess station). Password changes weekly. Interesting drinks, although a bit overpriced. But ambience is pleasant and the live music was good.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Last night, we went to Rare Books to celebrate our friend’s birthday, there were 11 of us. While waiting for everyone to arrive, three of us were at the bar. My friend and I each had one martini, and the third person had one martini and a beer. Later, we decided to step over to the patio at J. Theodor to listen to the live musician. Probably not the best choice since there was hardly any room to stand. I’m currently wearing a medical boot, so I had to sit, and yes, my walk may have looked a bit shaky, but that comes with the boot, not intoxication.
When we came back inside, our waitress informed us that the three of us, and a fourth friend who walked in at the same time, were being cut off for intoxication. The fourth person hadn’t even had a drink. We spoke with the manager, and while I understand it’s their right to make that call, I genuinely feel the situation was handled poorly.
In my opinion, the real issue may have been that our group was a bit loud—understandable with 11 girls at a birthday celebration. The manager should have addressed it directly instead of sending the waitress, who did attempt to ask us to keep it down but wasn’t very clear or confident. A direct, professional conversation would have gone much further.
This isn’t my first time at Rare Books. The speakeasy atmosphere is really nice, and the food is ok, though not exceptional. And honestly, at $20 per martini, maybe they did us a favor! I just hope they’re consistent in how they decide to cut people off, because I’m sure plenty of guests consume far more than we did. Maybe the suburbs just aren’t ready for Dallas girls. And unfortunately, the service was not super great either. I guess they didn't want me to drink water either since they didn't refill my water glass.
Either way, we still had a fun night. It’s just disappointing that the situation was managed in a way that left me being labeled as intoxicated when I wasn’t. Which is pretty funny since I’m not even much of a drinker. And the silver lining is that we didn't get kicked out and were able to celebrate our friend's birthday!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 3
The staff was friendly and the server was attentive and wonderful. However, the food was just okay and the drinks did not taste good. A Paloma a very common drink was extremely bitter taking into consideration the grapefruit in it. The prices don't match the quality . The bathroom I couldn't even use because it was gross and paper towels on the ground not in the trash bin.
The atmosphere was perfection, and the drinks were divine. The live music was simply icing on the cake.
Finding a solid spot in North Texas is no easy task, with so many options to choose from. I revisited this gem after a three year hiatus and quickly remembered why I loved it. The drinks were everything I needed and more.
The only thing left to be desired? The mixologist. Though undeniably talented behind the bar, he treated me as if I wasn’t worth the conversation or small talk—something you hope for when you walk into a bar alone. I wanted the interaction, the recommendation. I was ready to spend, eager to see what he could create after sharing my favorite spirits and giving him free rein to experiment. But he was closed off, detached, and that’s the reason for the four stars.
In a competitive scene full of great bars, I’ll choose the ones where the mixologists engage and become part of the experience…not just the pour.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
The bar is small and cozy. The live music its great, you enjoy it and are able to talk. Great selection of Whiskies and Borbons. Food its good. Great place to go for drinks with a small group of friends.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
The music was great, service was great, atmosphere great, shrimp cocktail not so great, tiny tiny shrimp def not worth 20.00. Everything else good just stay away from the shrimpy cocktail because they really mean shrimpy..
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 5
Amazing atmosphere great drinks great food. Chewy was amazing as our waiter will see you again next week!
Restaurantji Recommends
We have been coming here for a good while and for some reason things have started going down hill recently. Lots of new staff, door watch didn’t know how to work the phone, so we had to be let in by other means. Drinks were made incorrectly (wrong alcohol and garnishes). Just overall a very underwhelming experience.
Given their track record of excellence we have come to expect, we are hopeful they can pick things back up! Especially with their prices….
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
The tables were a little close together so it made it a bit uncomfortable overhearing other peoples conversations, and others hearing ours.
Great atmosphere, “May” is absolutely amazing. Best service and friendly environment, and we have yet witnessed a bad singer. They are all so talented.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place! From the moment you walk up, you feel the vibe, true speakeasy. Really cool entrance, the phone booth, password entrance, library feel, then making it into the next room, finally you make it through for drinks and love music. Great craft cocktails, smoked drinks, beers on tap, you name it, they offer it. Bonus, live music! Excellent service! Come check it out!
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 5
We have been here several times. Their barrel select old-fashioned is the best I’ve ever had. Only issue I had this time was a random coffee bean in my drink. Now, if I got a coffee based drink, it would make sense. But not this time. It seems like with the drink so expensive they would pay attention to cross-contamination or mistakes. I assume they were attempting to make a different drink and added it in there by mistake, but who knows. I assume because it was a Monday night they had their not as experienced bartender and wait staff working.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
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