If you’re like me, you love coming home after a night on the town soaked in cigarette smoke, with a cough reminiscent of a barking seal’s mating call. In case your sarcasm meter is turned off, coming home after sitting in a smoky bar all night can be a drag. (See what I did there?) I somewhat recently quit smoking, but still enjoy hanging out with friends at local watering holes. (Converts are the most zealous, right?) As a man about town, I’ve noticed a surprising and cool trend recently: more bars are going non-smoking.
As a public service to other non-smokers who also like to enjoy adult beverages at local taverns, I thought I’d compile a short list of non-smoking bars. This is by no means a comprehensive list, but just the places I find myself visiting on an occasional (every) weekend night. All of these places allow smoking on the patio.
Malone’s Pub (1303 Calhoun St.)
It’s a dying breed: a laid back bar-bar full of grown ups. The drinks are cheap, the service is fantastic, the jukebox is second to none, and there’s even a decent bar food menu.
The Usual (1408 W. Magnolia Ave.)
The prohibition-era cocktail lounge is swanky and pricey, but there’s nothing else like it in town. Also, the taco truck parked behind the place (Holy Frijoles! Food Truck) serves until 2 a.m.
Zio Carlo Magnolia Brewpub (1001 W. Magnolia Ave.)
For you craft beer nerds, this place has a great selection. The menu of mostly pizza is fantastic, and the kitchen stays open until 1 a.m.
Barcadia (816 Matisse Dr.)
Do you ever wish that bars were more like your middle school sleepovers, with non-stop video game playing and junk food? Then Barcadia is your place. The walls are lined with ‘80s-era video games, the kitchen serves outstanding bar/comfort food, and the drinks are priced fairly.
The Live Oak Music Hall & Lounge (1311 Lipscomb St.)
Unless you’re going to see a band, the patio is the main attraction of this place. But if you’re in the mood to curl up by a fire and enjoy one of the many craft beers the bar offers, there’s no smoking in the lounge.
I know I’ve missed a few, so feel free to comment below and add to the list.
Flying Saucer is still smoke free, and their patio keeps a decent buffer of smokers away from the entrances also.
Magnolia Motor Lounge is also an excellent option. It’s a shame the article only listed 5 bars. I’ve been to 4 of the 5 and they are all great, but there are so many other places that could have been on the list.
Sorry to disappoint you. I could have listed more. But this was only meant to be a list of my favorites. I was hoping that people would comment with more non-smoking options, and then I’d do a follow-up post another time.
Any bar that wants to ban smoking is fine by me. It should be a decision made by the bar owner. As a smoker myself I seldom go to non-smoking bars, but I’m a firm believer in property rights. What really pisses me off is when cities ban smoking across the board. That’s a bunch of bullcorn.
I just moved from Austin, where smoking is banned in all bars, and it’s like going back in time being exposed to second-hand smoke. I’d happily take the bullcorn!
Seconded. It is incredibly refreshing to go see a show at a club or bar in Dallas and not come home smelling like an ashtray. And as a musician I much prefer playing in a smoke-free place, but that’s hard to do here at home. I wish Fort Worth would adopt a similar ban.
I agree!! I moved from LA and I was appalled that smoking is allowed inside. It’s EXTREAMLY BARBARIC to expose people to poisonous air. If you are a cancer survivor in Ft Worth and you want to go out and have a good time the last thing you want to walk into is a room full of SMOKE!!!YUCK Get a patio and send those people out side!
As anyone who has ever smoked knows, It’s a love/hate relationship. Quitting is impossible when your favorite venues allow smoking.
Aw, thanks!! XO
Let’s get a movement or petition going to have the law changed. Texas should just make it a statewide law, but until then I’m all for helping Fort Worth to get in the 21st century on this. Secondhand smoke is proven to cause cancer. It’s a health issue, not a business issue. Thinking about employees, not just customers. 🙂
Anyone know of any non-smoking bars that do karaoke?
Gator’s Jam Inn, now located on Race St. has gone non-smoking. Theres a large patio of those that do smoke with beer tub on the weekends. Live music several nights a week-Amazing Acoustics! Great Prices and Food. Always something going on..check them out!
Hi,
I am currently making a PSA for smoking. May I have permission to use your pictures?
Thanks,
Robert B
Keys Lounge on Westcreek is nonsmoking with an outdoor patio for those who choose to.
The Republic street bar is non smoking.
https://www.facebook.com/therebulicstreetbar
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The Key’s Lounge was one of the smokiest bars in Ft. Worth and they have more business than ever since their smoking ban.
Any non smoking bars that have a dance floor?