The best bars & nightlife in McKinney

48 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 48 places · showing the latest additions first

Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.

1101 N Central Expy (Plano)

Family-friendly chain outpost pairs familiar pub fare with an extensive list of house brews.

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Urban craft brewery in a former carriage house, with guided tours & a taproom hosting weekly events.

1311 S Ervay St (Dallas)

Urban craft brewery in a former carriage house, with guided tours & a taproom hosting weekly events.

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Casual restaurant serving lunch and dinner, plus wine selections, beer and cocktails.

5280 Belt Line Rd Ste 100 (Dallas)

Casual restaurant serving lunch and dinner, plus wine selections, beer and cocktails.

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Vibrantly styled coffee shop offering espresso drinks, breakfast and pizza, as well as wine, cocktails and beer.

565 Coit Rd Ste 100 (Plano)

Vibrantly styled coffee shop offering espresso drinks, breakfast and pizza, as well as wine, cocktails and beer.

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Laid-back cocktail bar serving creative drinks and featuring a happy hour, plus cocktail classes.

5319 E Mockingbird Ln #210 (Dallas)

Laid-back cocktail bar serving creative drinks and featuring a happy hour, plus cocktail classes.

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Fond

Nightlife

Comfortable restaurant serving seasonal dishes, wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches and wine.

1601 Elm St Ste 110 (Dallas)

Comfortable restaurant serving seasonal dishes, wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches and wine.

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Boxcar

Nightlife

Funky, train-themed bar and eatery turning out crafted cocktails and light bites.

4509 Greenville Ave (Dallas)

Funky, train-themed bar and eatery turning out crafted cocktails and light bites.

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Craft brewery with taproom featuring beer on tap, craft sodas, huge pretzels, BYO food & beer to-go.

2816 Commerce St (Dallas)

Craft brewery with taproom featuring beer on tap, craft sodas, huge pretzels, BYO food & beer to-go.

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Casual, laid-back, pet-friendly, locally owned brewery with an outdoor space, offering craft beer, cider and seltzer options.

1928 S Akard St (Dallas)

Casual, laid-back, pet-friendly, locally owned brewery with an outdoor space, offering craft beer, cider and seltzer options.

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Spacious brewpub with an outdoor beer garden offering sharable flatbreads plus salads & burgers.

7331 Gaston Ave #100 (Dallas)

Spacious brewpub with an outdoor beer garden offering sharable flatbreads plus salads & burgers.

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Will Call Bar

Nightlife

Elevated American pub grub & drinks in an energetic, music-themed haunt with pool & live bands.

2712 Main St (Dallas)

Elevated American pub grub & drinks in an energetic, music-themed haunt with pool & live bands.

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Guests pull up keg stools to sample a wide array of local craft beers, or get growlers filled to go.

3601 Parry Ave (Dallas)

Guests pull up keg stools to sample a wide array of local craft beers, or get growlers filled to go.

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High-end steakhouse chain with aged prime beef & classics such as lobster tails.

7250 Dallas Pkwy Suite 110 (Plano)

High-end steakhouse chain with aged prime beef & classics such as lobster tails.

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Ginger's

Nightlife

Hip cocktail bar with speakeasy vibes and low-alcohol options is a cool spot to socialize at the bar.

2115 Jackson St (Dallas)

Hip cocktail bar with speakeasy vibes and low-alcohol options is a cool spot to socialize at the bar.

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Sixty Vines Plano brings wine country vibes close to home with 60 wines on a sustainable tap system and seasonally inspired plates that…

3701 Dallas Pkwy (Plano)

Sixty Vines Plano brings wine country vibes close to home with 60 wines on a sustainable tap system and seasonally inspired plates that actually play nice together. Make it your this-week move for brunch or a casual dinner, then toast 'pinkies down' to discovering a new favorite.

From the Rowlett newsletter, August 5, 2026

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If your week needs a mood lift, Double D's Bar delivers with yummy cocktails, dope DJs, and bartenders who actually seem to like you. The…

1404 N Riverfront Blvd (Dallas)

If your week needs a mood lift, Double D's Bar delivers with yummy cocktails, dope DJs, and bartenders who actually seem to like you. The vibe is warm, a little wild, and very Dallas... perfect for post-work catchups that accidentally become dance-floor stories.

From the Dallas newsletter, August 8, 2026

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This week, treat yourself to small-production Texas and California pours at Times Ten Cellars, then linger in the tasting room, lounge, or…

6324 Prospect Ave (Dallas)

This week, treat yourself to small-production Texas and California pours at Times Ten Cellars, then linger in the tasting room, lounge, or patio while grazing on global small plates that actually get along with your glass. Smooth vibe, zero pretense, just really good wine.

From the Carrollton newsletter, August 6, 2026

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Opening this fall in East Dallas, Vintage Wine Bar pairs pours with a living showroom, so the chair under you and the art on the wall can…

5832 Live Oak St (Dallas)

Opening this fall in East Dallas, Vintage Wine Bar pairs pours with a living showroom, so the chair under you and the art on the wall can come home with you. Expect flights curated around women winemakers, charcuterie boards, wine-based martinis, and even mahjong nights, so hop on the waitlist this week.

From the Forney newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Table-service restaurant in a large, nightclub-style space serving gyros, burgers, wings & booze.

1901 W Northwest Hwy (Dallas)

Table-service restaurant in a large, nightclub-style space serving gyros, burgers, wings & booze.

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Trinity Cider

Nightlife

Craving something crisp without the sugar crash? Trinity Cider pours sophisticated, unsweetened, deeply dry ciders that actually taste like…

2721 Main St (Dallas)

Craving something crisp without the sugar crash? Trinity Cider pours sophisticated, unsweetened, deeply dry ciders that actually taste like apples, all with that Deep Ellum energy. Work your way through the lineup, linger with friends, or start scheming a private taproom takeover for your next celebration.

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Intimate venue offering stand-up, sketch, and improv, as well as team-building activities.

305 E Virginia St Ste 104

Intimate venue offering stand-up, sketch, and improv, as well as team-building activities.

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Family-friendly arcade offering classic and modern games, plus ping pong, and pool.

500 E Division St (Arlington)

Family-friendly arcade offering classic and modern games, plus ping pong, and pool.

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Pokeworks

Nightlife

Fast-casual eatery offering Hawaiian-style poke bowls, plus burritos and salads customized to the buyer’s taste.

5001 S Cooper St #107 (Arlington)

Fast-casual eatery offering Hawaiian-style poke bowls, plus burritos and salads customized to the buyer’s taste.

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Slip over to Clifton Club Bar & Lounge for impeccably crafted martinis, clever modern cocktails, and refined small plates that actually…

3333 N Fitzhugh Ave (Dallas)

Slip over to Clifton Club Bar & Lounge for impeccably crafted martinis, clever modern cocktails, and refined small plates that actually hit. Intimate lounge vibes, DJ sets on the weekends, and a chic garden setting make it perfect for date night, catch-ups, or celebrating small wins.

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FIZZ

Nightlife

For Celina locals wanting a breezy night close by, Fizz brings Miami flair to Plano with expertly crafted cocktails, an impressive…

3310 Dallas Pkwy #115 (Plano)

For Celina locals wanting a breezy night close by, Fizz brings Miami flair to Plano with expertly crafted cocktails, an impressive Champagne and wine selection, and light bites to keep the catch-ups going. Try playful sips like Taste The Rainbow or a Lavender Coconut Lemonade, then linger and unwind.

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Comedy club and bistro with counter service serving elevated bar food and drinks.

604 Main St #100 (Fort Worth)

Comedy club and bistro with counter service serving elevated bar food and drinks.

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Mimi's Cafe

Nightlife

Casual chain restaurant serving French & American staples in a rustic-inspired setting.

301 E Interstate 20 (Arlington)

Casual chain restaurant serving French & American staples in a rustic-inspired setting.

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Vibrant West End space for scratch-made classic, premium-liquor cocktails & a chef-driven food menu.

311 N Market St #100 (Dallas)

Vibrant West End space for scratch-made classic, premium-liquor cocktails & a chef-driven food menu.

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Truck Yard

Nightlife

Complex housing food trucks in an expansive, retro outdoor space with treehouse & trailer bars.

5624 Sears St (Dallas)

Complex housing food trucks in an expansive, retro outdoor space with treehouse & trailer bars.

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Festive pub offering myriad beer options, wine & TVs tuned to sports, plus live music.

2540 North Watters Road #180 (Allen)

Festive pub offering myriad beer options, wine & TVs tuned to sports, plus live music.

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PINSTACK

Nightlife

Entertainment and dining venue featuring bowling lanes plus high ropes courses.

635 N Central Expy (Allen)

Entertainment and dining venue featuring bowling lanes plus high ropes courses.

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The Fillmore Pub has been a Downtown Plano standby since 2007, pouring local craft and import beers plus fine specialty cocktails, so put…

1004 E 15th St (Plano)

The Fillmore Pub has been a Downtown Plano standby since 2007, pouring local craft and import beers plus fine specialty cocktails, so put it on your list this week. Crave-worthy pub fare too, from fish and chips to cheeseburger sliders, and a legit weekend brunch when you want comfort with a side of neighborly chatter.

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Popular theatre staging comedy shows from improv troupes based on audience suggestions and participation.

5601 Sears St (Dallas)

Popular theatre staging comedy shows from improv troupes based on audience suggestions and participation.

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Relaxed, Napa-style wine-bar chain serving New American fare, stone-fired pizzas & cheese plates.

7201 Bishop Rd (Plano)

Relaxed, Napa-style wine-bar chain serving New American fare, stone-fired pizzas & cheese plates.

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Deep Ellum’s Dallas Comedy Club keeps this week lively with stand-up, improv, sketch and storytelling five nights a week, plus specialty…

3036 Elm St (Dallas)

Deep Ellum’s Dallas Comedy Club keeps this week lively with stand-up, improv, sketch and storytelling five nights a week, plus specialty shows like Improv Power Hour, Roast Battle League and Primetime Improv. Feeling brave? They also run classes and open mics to get your reps.

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Relaxed coffee bar and eatery with a patio serving lattes, wines and pastries.

3990 N Collins St Ste 100 (Arlington)

Relaxed coffee bar and eatery with a patio serving lattes, wines and pastries.

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WineHaus

Nightlife

Cosmopolitan venue offering limited production wines made by independent producers & tasting events.

1628 Park Pl Ave (Fort Worth)

Cosmopolitan venue offering limited production wines made by independent producers & tasting events.

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Chain taproom offering 200+ global beers & pub fare in tavernlike surroundings.

111 E 3rd St (Fort Worth)

Chain taproom offering 200+ global beers & pub fare in tavernlike surroundings.

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Up-and-coming acts perform at this intimate comedy club with table & bar seating.

5321 E Mockingbird Ln (Dallas)

Up-and-coming acts perform at this intimate comedy club with table & bar seating.

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Small wine shop and bar with a wide selection of wines, including craft options, plus happy hour specials.

4017 Preston Rd #535 (Plano)

Small wine shop and bar with a wide selection of wines, including craft options, plus happy hour specials.

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TK's Comedy

Nightlife

Modern, upscale steakhouse featuring comedians on stage, plus a basement-level speakeasy.

14854 Montfort Dr (Dallas)

Modern, upscale steakhouse featuring comedians on stage, plus a basement-level speakeasy.

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Headliners and opening acts in a venue featuring great views from all seats, plus a bar.

7301 Lone Star Dr Ste A-110 (Plano)

Headliners and opening acts in a venue featuring great views from all seats, plus a bar.

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Casual New American kitchen & wine bar offering bites & wines on tap in spacious, modern surrounds.

500 Crescent Ct Ste 160 (Dallas)

Casual New American kitchen & wine bar offering bites & wines on tap in spacious, modern surrounds.

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Lounge Here

Nightlife

Swanky neighborhood joint focusing on house cocktails & food from a small but well-appointed menu.

9028 Garland Rd (Dallas)

Swanky neighborhood joint focusing on house cocktails & food from a small but well-appointed menu.

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Improvisational comedy troupe founded in 1997 by stand-up comedians who now make up the act.

6025 Camp Bowie Blvd (Fort Worth)

Improvisational comedy troupe founded in 1997 by stand-up comedians who now make up the act.

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Up-and-coming acts perform at this intimate comedy club with table & bar seating.

425 Commerce St (Fort Worth)

Up-and-coming acts perform at this intimate comedy club with table & bar seating.

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Leela's Wine Bar - Uptown pours wine on tap and shakes craft cocktails alongside small bites and gourmet thin-crust pizzas. When you want…

2355 Olive St #145 (Dallas)

Leela's Wine Bar - Uptown pours wine on tap and shakes craft cocktails alongside small bites and gourmet thin-crust pizzas. When you want something a little fancy without trying too hard, this neighborhood spot nails it, from casual hangs to date-night catch-ups.

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Regional boutique winery outpost in a former theater with a tasting room, retail & weekend music.

103 E Virginia St

Regional boutique winery outpost in a former theater with a tasting room, retail & weekend music.

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