From the road, Time Out Tavern looks like a tiny dive bar nestled among the upscale shops at Lovers and Inwood. But inside, you’ll find everyone from blue-collar workers to corporate executives. Co-owner Kevin McCormack calls it a “nice dive” with “normal people.” He and partner Al Merry bought the bar in the 1980s, pulled it out of debt, and opened it as Time Out Tavern in 1989, inspired by old-fashioned sports bars in Chicago. “It has to have some character,” McCormack says. “It has to have that neighborhood feel.” Countless pieces of sports memorabilia line the walls, including team flags, banners, newspaper clippings and photographs. Most of them came from garage sales or patron donations. Instead of a signature drink, the bar promotes the latest-and-greatest products such as Patron XO coffee-infused tequila and bubblegum-flavored vodka. “Instead of having a signature drink, you might be better off experimenting and getting people to try new things,” McCormack says.
TIME OUT TAVERN
• Lovers & Inwood
• Totdfw.com, 214.956.9552
Three more spots to watch the game
GORDO’S
This popular Italian lunch spot in Preston Center also has a bar and lounge with five HD TVs.
• Preston & Northwest Highway
• GordosDallas.com, 214.695.5555
THE WILD TURKEY
This sports bar offers a quieter environment if you’re not up for the rowdy, standing-room-only business.
• Walnut Hill & Stemmons
• 214.239.1906
JERAMI’S BAR & GRILL
When the game’s over, kick back with some billiards and live music at this neighborhood tavern.
• Marsh & Northwest Highway
• Jeramisbarandgrill.com, 469.248.0275
