In the landlocked Fort Worth area, you can still get on island time — no airplane ticket required. From tiki lounges to lakefront patios, bars with vacation vibes are just a short drive, or in the case of one brand new sky-high cocktail bar, elevator ride away. Here are five local watering holes perfect for staycation sipping this summer.
4 Kahunas Tiki Lounge
With bamboo furnishings, totem poles, and a full-blown tiki hut bar, this Arlington lounge, located at 506 E. Division St., is completely dedicated to the trendy tiki drink. Sail away in spirit to the South Pacific with one of several dozen tropical cocktails, all made with fresh juices and house-made syrups. There’s the classic Mai Tai, Blue Hawaiian, and a tequila-pineapple-lime libation called the Suffering Siren that’s presented on fire. Don’t miss out on the Dole Whip, pineapple soft serve ice cream that can be ordered with or without a dark rum floater.
The Lakehouse on Eagle Mountain Lake
“Lake it easy” at this waterside bar and eatery that provides sunset views. Located in the former Harbor One Marina restaurant space on Eagle Mountain Lake, the establishment opened in late 2019 at 9307 Boat Club Rd. It’s frequented regularly by locals from nearby neighborhoods, but the open-air patio with picnic table seating located right on top of the water is worth the drive, as are the cold beers served in frozen mugs, burgers and live music. Try the signature blue-hued Lake Water cocktail served in a mason jar.
Refinery 714 at The Kimpton Harper Hotel
Still mostly under the radar, this super spacious cocktail bar and lounge sits on the penthouse level of the brand new Kimpton Harper Hotel, opened last month in the former XTO Energy Inc. building at 714 Main St. downtown. From the 24th floor, patrons can catch expansive panoramic views (killer for fireworks watching). Look east and see AT&T Stadium in Arlington and even the downtown Dallas skyline 30 miles away. With lots of sunlight, potted greenery and contemporary furnishings creating multiple cozy seating areas, Refinery 714 feels like a relaxing getaway in the clouds. Try the popular Strawberry Letter, muddled with fresh strawberries and shaken with vodka. Or go with the appropriately-named Laid Back, made with gin, grapefruit juice and a little honey.
Rockin' S Bar & Grill on Grapevine Lake
Grab a lounge chair at the water’s edge at this lakefront bar and restaurant located on the north side of Grapevine Lake. Both indoor and outdoor seating provide views of incoming and outgoing boats — some customers even arrive by water. There’s a rock-and-roll theme, which means classic rock cover bands frequent the live music stage. Patrons can’t go wrong with a cold beer paired with oysters on the half shell here.
Tarantula Tiki Lounge
This island-themed bar with retro vibes slings potent libations in a dimly lit setting, with lots of greenery, hibiscus flowers, straw curtains, and tiki glasses all around. Located at 117 S. Main Street south of downtown, the bar is open daily at 2 pm to transport patrons to a tropical destination. Try the classic pineapple-infused Painkiller, or sip on this month’s featured cocktail, the Rum DMC, made with Venezuelan and Barbadian rums, Campari liqueur, lemon juice, demerara syrup, and cinnamon.
Tarantula Tiki Lounge transports you to the tropics.
