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Library Bar
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Jazz & Blues Nightlife Jazz & Blues Nightlife Bars Lounges Jazz & Blues, Lounges [Edit]
Melrose Hotel3015 Oak Lawn
Dallas, TX 75219
Neighborhood: Oak Lawn
(214) 521-5151
- Hours:
Mon-Thu, Sun 2 pm - 1 am
Fri 2 pm - 2 am
Sat 11 am - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Valet
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
52 reviews for Library Bar
Review Highlights
"Best piano lounge player, hands down."
(in 11 reviews)
"fantastic bar and live music on some nights as well."
(in 8 reviews)
"With wood paneled walls, comfy leather sofas, chairs you..."
(in 3 reviews)
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52 reviews in English
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Review from Julie N.
Fontana, CA
11/2/2011
Great bar! Friendly staff and good happy hour ;-)
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Review from Ashley W.
1/22/2012
this place is a hidden gem...
the decor is very classic as well as classy... low lights... small bar.. with lots of arm chairs and coffee tables... so you can get a little closer to whomever you might be spending the evening with..
on Saturday nights - there is live music all night long... very sweet piano singer.. who is quite talented..
great service.. - ' worth it' cocktails ...
very perfect for date night .. elegant yet old fashioned feel...
-- can't wait to return.. -
Review from JENNIFER S.
Dallas, TX
9/29/2011
Just inside the Warwick Melrose Hotel is the Library Bar. It is quite nice so the bartenders are a little stuffy but pleasantly congenial. The drinks are a little pricey, but nothing out of the ordinary at a place like this... nice wine and martini selection and a yummy wedding cake martini!! It is dark, cozy, plush, beer nuts on the bar and they bring them to your cocktail table.
I have been a few times after 5 and really enjoyed it. Talented jazz singers singing Sade-like tunes beside a piano player, or maybe a piano player singing solo. It is a great place to talk business or get to know a first date... you can have one or two cocktails, listen to some jazz, and then head over to the fantastic restaurant across the hallway called the Landmark Restaurant... if things are going really well you may just want to get reservations for one of the rooms in this historic hotel!
Note: Valet is great because they validate your ticket so you only need to tip... BUT you may be able to find parking on the street on the backside.
ANOTHER similar but pricier and somewhat nicer place to note is the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek...fantastic bar and live music on some nights as well! -
Review from Sheila S.
Dallas, TX
12/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
This is a really nice, old fashioned yet luxurious place to grab a drink with a couple friends. I went on a Thursday from 5-6:30 and enjoyed the live jazz singer/ keyboardist. The cocktails were on average about $11, but there were happy hour specials on house wine and bottled beer from 4-6. I ordered an Old Fashioned for $11 and it was very generous with the Maker's Mark, so all I needed was my one drink to sip on and enjoy the music.
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Review from Liz L.
Chicago, IL
6/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
This review is strictly for the dirty martini. And, yes it's THAT good.
Library Bar is housed in the historic Warwick hotel and features dark, mahogany wood throughout, and sultry jazz bands on certain nights. Definitely go when you're relaxing after-work or grabbing a drink before a night-out.
Valet service is provided and believe can be comped by the bar. -
Review from Trinity G.
Fremont, CA
2/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
Most libraries require silence and what we called "sustained silent reading" (SSR) in grammar school. But this library requires cocktail drinking and good taste in live jazz music! My girlfriends and I had a really good time here, having a few rounds of drinks and good conversation. Our waiter was so nice and friendly--never got into our hair but paid attention to us the whole night. The decor is modern classic, yet very comfy! Those red leather seats were made to sit in for hours at a time.
The drinks were yummy and did the job for us. We had the "wedding cake", and a malibu. Very girly dranks.
Don't come here if you are a woman looking to get lucky with a man. The men here will likely be more interested in your style than in dating you. It's in the gayborhood. Go figs.
There is valet parking in the back, and everything else is self-parking on the street which can get a little difficult. The Library Bar is walking distance to the gayest street in Dallas. Make sure to pay a visit to your local gay bar!Listed in: Wild Nights with Maxine
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Review from Ed V.
10/3/2010
4.5 stars
Another recommendation from Elite Yelper Arisa S. - mucho gracias mi amiga!
The bar is located inside the elegant Warwick Melrose hotel.
If a Library and a Piano bar got married - this is what it's offspring would look like.
They have classic books on the shelves, the furniture looks historically antique and the atmosphere is elegant and cozy.
They have a jazz singer playing the piano, the staff were courteous, organized and helpful.
It had a fireplace nearby, the lights were dim, It was just a relaxing place plus the beer wasn't that expensive for a place like this ($5) plus free unlimited cocktail mixed nuts. yay!
I wish they had a library like this where I'm from.Listed in: When in Dallas
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Review from Kimo P.
8/25/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Stayed at the Warwick and went here several times for a cocktail before going out....LOVE the ambience and it's classy library style....waiters were quite nice as well. Not a place to hang out ALL night long but it's a nice place for a starter before heading out to the Oak Lawn bars.
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Review from Tee L.
Keller, TX
2/14/2011
The Library caters to a different crowd. You probably won't find Jersey Shore types hanging around. No obnoxious music allowed here either. Arrived here on a Friday night for a girls' night out type outing. Getting a table wasn't a hassle. Two good things: I didn't find myself having to talk above the music or come out smelling like an ashtray. Nice selection of cocktails. I had about three. Bloody Mary was pretty tasty, and I had some concoction with orange juice and rum which left me buzzing. Couldn't taste the alcohol but I could sure feel it. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to another night here.
Oh, did I mention the armchairs? I'll go back just to sit on those. -
Review from Jason B.
Denton, TX
7/31/2011 1 Check-in Here
One of my favorite Bars in Dallas. The environment is always wonderful, it is very classy with fantastic drinks and wonderful staff. If you have not had the opportunity to visit this historic bar, you are missing out.
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Review from Morgan J.
Austin, TX
9/11/2010
I came to the Library Bar with high expectations. I wish I could say that I loved it, because I did really love the ambiance and I always love a jazz pianist! The crowd is really what ruined things for me.
We walked in expecting a mature, classy crowd and thought we might even be a tad under-dressed, being that it was not a planned destination. Although this is a hotel bar, I did not anticipate a crowd on a Friday night comparable to the likes of the bar at a Holiday Inn. Complete with middle-aged man in what appeared to be swim trunks and children running around hopped up on Shirley Temples.
Crowd aside, I really did like this place and hope that this was just a fluke night. The dark wood and low lighting lend to a very romantic atmosphere. We ordered from their signature cocktail menu a Manhattan and an Old Fashioned each. They were delicious and 2 was more than enough to give me my sea legs! (as well it should be with the cocktails ranging at $11-$14 a piece)
I'd rate the Library Bar as a solid 3.5 stars and will definitely be going back in hopes of bumping that up to the 4 star rating I was hoping for!Listed in: Date Night
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Review from Chris H.
10/4/2010 1 Check-in Here
The Library has been a favorite of Dallas' for decades. I've always heard about The Library but had never been until recently. Our first visit happend to be on TX/ou weekend which only made the evening that much more interesting...a good thing.
We were welcomed by a room surrounded in dark wood panels, high ceilings, large chandeleirs, a baby grand, and dozens of open red leather chairs. This bar begs to you to stay and have a few of their classic cockails. The open tables that were there when we arrived quickly disappeared as the hotel guests began to return from dinner for that after dinner drink...or five. There was an excellent piano player playing all kinds of genres of music (Sinatra to Blacke Eyed Peas) all night long, where patrons were signing along at times.
The Library offers a bar menu for dinner or just apps along with their martinis and specialty cocktails. Monday thru Friday they offer any martini and any specialty cocktail for $7.75. Average drinks are about $9. Happy Hours from 4-7 and 9-11. As with any bar the crowd that it attracts is part of the entertainment. The Library brings in all kinds, young and old, SMU to grandparents. We intended to stay at The Library for a drink or two, but the atmosphere held us in for a few more.
By midnight the bar was packed, but I believe it had to due with the gameday weekend. The Library can be an intimate evening for two or a party with everyone in the hotel. Either way it will be a good time. I'd like to return to The Library for a weekday happy hour.
Service was quick all evening. Valet is $6 with a validated ticket. -
Review from Glenn S.
8/22/2010 2 Check-ins Here
I am not a stranger to "kickin it old school" and this gem located in the Warwick Melrose satisfied a need to do that right in a classy way. Some dark woods, comfortable chairs, and martinis certainly will transport you to an era gone by. Of course, you will soon be joined by folks who remember it well. If you are hoping to score some hot young honeys of either sex, you might need to shop elsewhere.
The martini menu was not limited to traditional choices, however, and the wedding cake variety was well measured and poured. The $11 price and the $14 glass of chardonnay might seem a bit high but could certainly be considered in line for a classy hotel bar like this. Although we did not sample the food menu, there was a good selection of small items. Visually they looked appealing but there was one seafood dish that consumed the room with its odor when served.
I wish we could have stayed longer and heard the entertainment. The piano player in the corner was just starting to warm up. It sounded good. A couple of standards with my cocktail would have been a great nightcap. -
Review from Jaime Patricio M.
San Francisco, CA
12/13/2010
Beautiful setting and nice room. A very eclectic mix and quite crowded. It was enormously difficult to be get the bartenders attention and trying to find a place to order was also difficult. Constantly in the way of wait staff. The bartender did serve up some well prepared drinks. The room was overly crowded and I was always in someone's way. I was asked to move and not politely so by a table to patrons--they wanted the ambiance of the room when they probably arrived at 5 pm. But in such a crowded environment that is not possible with many people standing.
While the live music cabaret singing is great it can only be experienced somewhat.
The great decor of this room was well done except there were also mass banquet chairs which decreased the overall experience. -
Review from Rachael M.
Dallas, TX
12/8/2009 ROTD 2/13/2010
Attempting to impress an out-of-town visitor is no joke - especially Chun L., who visited us from NYC... Obviously, a larger, slightly more entertaining city than our humble DFW abode. Since we wanted a low key place to have a drink & catch up, Library Bar seemed like a safe bet. Neither of us had been, so why not try something new?
I adore the atmosphere & decor here. Low lighting, cushy seating, a gorgeous bar, & the book background made for a comfortable evening. I was a bit sad we couldn't sit against the book wall, but our table suited us just fine.
Ok, its a hotel bar, so you know you're in for expensive drinks. Right now, they have a holiday drink menu, which looked yummy. I wasn't quite brave enough to try some of them mainly because I've found that Christmas drinks usually = tons of alcohol. I stuck with an easy apple martini, which came out a dull green - always a good sign. Sure enough, the drink was strong, but smooth. Any more of those and someone might have been carrying me home, whew!
Our server was fairly attentive during our visit. I had to ask for a water refill a few times, but oh well. He had quite a few people to tend to, and we were in no rush, so it didn't take away from my experience in the least. Besides, hotel bars are always the best for people watching and this place was no exception. There was an ecclectic mix of people: young and old, casual and business, friends and couples. No worry about fitting in here - there's all kinds.
I enjoyed the touch added by the live music. That night, there was both a piano & a saxophone player, so the music was more mellow and easy going than anything. At times, it did get a little too loud, but given the small space, it wasn't too surprising. This bar is tucked away in the Warwick Melrose Hotel, so you will have to valet your vehicle most likely. Fortunately, the waiter was kind enough to validate my parking, so I wasn't stuck with a large valet tab after being there for a mere hour or two.
I doubt I become a regular here since 1) I'm poor & 2) it's quite a ways from home. Still, I wouldn't mind stopping by again if the occasion called for it. -
Review from Kristen K.
Fort Worth, TX
4/10/2009
Katie C. beat me to the punch.
The Library is fan-effing-tastic. Thomas was thee most amazing server who totally took care of our small group of ladies on ladies night part deux. He made me my Kir Royale's at no extra charge and kept the drinks a flowing at happy hour prices. After my night, I needed it.
Eric was the awesome piano player who let me sit with him, sing along, and pick out all the songs I wanted if he had them. Like Katie said, if he couldn't play what we wanted, he would bust out with his iPod. Best piano lounge player, hands down! He played some Baby Got Back, he played Prince, he played Journey without the words because he said he can't sing that high. And he let another patron sing some Sarah Mcwhatever her name is. Eric was part two of making my night fantastic.
Oh, and the food? Divine. Tricia C. and I shared the chopped beef sliders with horseradish cream. They were so cute and really tasty. I could have used more horseradish, but that's just because I like things HOT!
The Library just looks plain awesome when you come in. The chairs, the books on all the walls and the dark, mansion like library decor is just fabulous. I mean really, throw a bar in the middle of a library? What's not to love?
And parking is faaaah-reeee with validation. Oh, and be sure to note that the hotel is the Warwick at the Melrose? Or something like that... so you're not lost when you see Warwick.
Like Katie said, can I give this place like 12 stars? Thank you Thomas!!! I'm totally coming back just because of you.
Just watch out for the donkey's. -
Review from chun l.
New York, NY
1/15/2010
Review Dedication: Rachael "Raychy" M! Every Dallas male reviewers Yelp crush! Without "Raychy's" suggestion, one would have never experienced the glamour that is the Library Bar.
Cocktail lounges are a fascinating breed. For starters, there are two types of individuals in the world, those who like to "shake it like a salt shaker", and those who enjoy sitting around sampling the flavors of various spirits. Sadly, most places are rendered under the category where girls in revealing clothes tend to "drop it like it's hot". After all, the profit margin for venues catering to attractive dancing females and the hound dog type males, tend to be higher than places with just table service (offered for free of course). Luckily, Library Bar is not that type of place!
The Setting: Arriving at the Library Bar revealed an opulent decadence of civility and tranquility. Everything ranging from the "library" theme display to the live piano and violin music adds to the soothing feel often found with "speak-easy" cocktail lounges. Too add to the atmosphere, the subtle yet invigorating chandelier lighting provides a subtle romantic feel to the venue. Ultimately, it's the attendees of the Library Bar that makes the place. With a older, more relaxed participation, the Library Bar truly defines the setting of a cocktail lounge.
The Drinks: Hendricks & Tonic w/ Cucumber - Perfectly mixed, that it is not! For starters, the brashness of the Hendricks permeated over the Tonic Water to create an amplification of the Gin, rather than provide a subtle balance. Although Hendricks by nature is subtle and lacks the brashness of Plymouth, its delicate structure should be complemented, rather than excessive emphasized. Nevertheless, the concoction was created and presented with a subtle level of grace, thus mimicking the venue for which the drink is presented.
Maybe next time... I'll stick to the Scotch... -
Review from Tricia S.
4/10/2009 1 Check-in Here
See Katie C. and Kristen G.'s reviews.
The place was gorgeous! Shelves of books all along the walls, a big beautiful wooden bar, comfy couches and chairs, giant zebra-ish chandeliers, a lovely piano/pianist in the corner, and one fantastic waiter named Thomas.
We were expecting expensive drinks for such a fancy schmancy place but the vibe was very laid back (jeans and tshirts would have been welcomed, ahem :) and they had $3 domestics and champagne! So it was a champagne evening for us-Champagne Royales actually because we got them to add Chambord on the house (thanks Kiki!) The waiter told us they were Kir Royales, but I just looked that up and he was mistaken. Tsk tsk, Thomas.
I also split the beef sliders with horseradish cream, and those were definitely good. Some of the pieces of chopped beef were a little fatty but the sauce and overall dish was awesome. The giant onion rings that accompanied lacked a little in seasoning, but were good too. I also couldn't help ordering a prosciutto, fig, and goat cheese flatbread because that's one of my favorite ingredient trifectas. It was a little disappointing though because although the ingredients DO always go well together, the bread was a little too crispy and dry for my taste. Could have used a little bit of a sauce (maybe something with balsamic?) or more toppings. Or maybe what I really was hoping for was a pizza, haha.
Also, can I review our new friend? 5 Stars for her too. I wish we could have been more than friends. Cheers to you. -
Review from Courtenay P.
Oak Cliff, Dallas, TX
7/16/2010
I gathered here with some friends for my birthday - At the ripe old age of 22, I decided I was too old to head to some dive and drink way too much. I wanted a place where I could relax, have a couple of fancy drinks with my friends, and feel like a grownup. The Library Bar fit the bill. Everything in there is so huge and gorgeous (the light fixtures, curtains, chairs, etc.)
Drink menu was awesome - SO many different mixed drinks I wanted to try. I ended up selecting a drink called Oh Ruby Ruby (or something like that, can't quite remember) that tasted yummy.
I didn't order any food, but my friend Leslie ordered a Cobb salad that looked pretty great.
The drinks are a little expensive for frequent visits, at least as far as my budget is concerned. But the drinks really are special, as is the whole experience. I dig. -
Review from stephanie w.
Dallas, TX
4/10/2009
Library bar was by no means your typical library! The place was very elegantly styled, and definitely caters to an upscale clientele. Despite this, I completely felt comfortable in jeans and a very casual top...definitely not out of place. The vibe is old study/stogie room with a modern twist. Nice comfy seats, beautiful wooden tables, zebra-print chandeliers, and a piano player willing to play any genre of music. The best was when Eric provided us with a jazz rendition of Baby Got Back!!! Sounds strange, but its even better than the original.
Service was FANTASTIC. Our waiter Thomas was prompt in bringing out our drinks and even jazzed up our champagne with chambord at no extra cost. There are daily drink specials, and if you just so happen to miss happy hour, there is an after hours special where you can get $3 domestics and champagne by the glass! As for food, the bar menu was pretty slim and a little pricey, but the food was pretty tasty.
I would not call this a Dallas hot-spot by any standard, but if you want a nice relaxed evening with friends, significant others, visiting relatives, this is definitely a great place to try out. The atmosphere and stellar service will surely bring me and my friends back in for more! Oh, and the valet service is complimentary, just get your ticket validated at the bar. Now that's service.
Just watch out for the donkey's though ;)Listed in: Where I USED to get my drink…
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Review from Charles L.
Plano, TX
3/7/2007
This fairly small bar is just inside the Melrose hotel. We stopped here one night before going to Houston's. With wood paneled walls, comfy leather sofas, chairs you sink into it. Feels classy, like a sitting room in an old house. You'll hear the quiet buzz of conversation between friends and businessmen of the live piano music.
Service was leisurely so take your time. Prices aren't really cheap. A great selection of appetizers, small dishes and sandwiches to munch on. I prefer something a little more modern, but I really liked this place.
Unfortunately they only have valet parking, be sure to get your ticket validated before leaving to avoid the $10 fee. -
Review from Abra B.
Dallas, TX
2/15/2010
Of course, we decided to go out on one of the busiest weekends Dallas has seen so far and fortunately we picked the best spot for sitting back without the crazy crowd.
Set up so beautifully, I felt my jeans were being upstaged by the amazing decor let alone the people. BUT the best part was no one cared. The unique mix of people set the mood just right.
Our waitress was amazing and looked a little like Julianne Moore and Drew Barrymore, so it felt like our own personal celebrity sighting. It seemed like she handled the whole room on her own, but never once forgot our drinks. The only thing off was the kitchen. We order the Global Cheese plate and was little impressed when it finally arrived to our table.
We also lucked out that they had a live performance that night. The sounds was a bit loud for the size of the room and acoustics of the wood paneled walls, but she rocked it. A cross between bluesy soul and sweet soft beats had everyone up dancing.
The crowd seems much older than most places on that block, but they couldn't have been more fun.
Parking is available on the street or you can valet in the back. Such a beautiful place to be experienced. -
Review from Dan D.
Dallas, TX
Updated - 5/15/2011 1 Check-in Here
The place has gone through some redecorating and no longer has free parking, now $6 without tip. Still having the best martini in Dallas and live entertainment most evenings, this place is still a favorite.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/15/2009
A top Dallas magazine voted this place had the best Martini once upon a time, which is still true.… Read more »
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Review from Matt E.
Dallas, TX
1/20/2010
I give this a big "meh".
I cant believe all the 5 star reviews! That is why we went there and I was let down big time. This place is small, expensive, loud, and the service is ok.
Last Friday when we went there, the piano player did these bits the whole time and they were pretty beaten honestly. Lame jokey songs and he played along with a pre-recorded track by Alicia Keys at one point.
I ordered a couple scotch presses and my wife had chardonnay and then got a beer. My drinks ok and the wine was pretty bad for a 10$ glass.
So, in conclusion, I will never go back and I have lost faith in some of the elite reviewers around this joint. -
Review from Tracy G.
Dallas, TX
7/15/2009
I stayed at the Melrose for a big wedding last year, and was very sad that the bar was closed for remodeling. Had to check it out, now that it's open and a big hit with Yelpers.
My friend and I had the Famous Thomas as our waiter. Thomas was great, very attentive and patient -- even when I tipped a glass of cava all over the table. I told him that he was a minor internet celebrity.
We visited in the early evening. I thought the piano was a little loud. Drinks were great.
Other than another table of young-lawyer-types, we were the youngest people in the bar. Now, I'm a fan of the hotel bars, and I know that a quality hotel bar draws an older crowd, so I didn't mind... but if I were looking for a "lively" after-work spot on a weekday, I might skip the Library.
Still, this would be a great date spot, or relaxing place to catch up with friends... just be sure to sit on the side of the room opposite the piano so you can hear yourselves. ;) -
Review from Tracie R.
Dallas, TX
2/13/2010
A very old school posh Dallas bar with lots of wood, leather and even some books! A piano player at times accompanied by a sax player as well. I've been here several times and it's ALWAYS a good people watching place as there is a mixture of Dallasites grabbing an after work drink & visitors staying at the Melrose.
I prefer the nights when the bar is not as crowded as it gets very loud when the place is packed.
Great drinks, they always have several new, yummy cocktails and the hors d'ourves are GREAT!!
Their wine list changes fairly often and they have a good selection. -
Review from Erica D.
Grand Prairie, TX
1/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
I love the live Jazz music! The environment is great, staff is nice, welcoming and with some have a good sense of humor. I've been here for a few birthdays and cocktails before hitting the strip... you know the strip, all those gay bars the gays go to ;-) Perfect walking distance, but just remember you valeted at the Melrose or they will charge you out the ass after midnight.
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Review from Jerry M.
Lewisville, TX
2/7/2010
My first visit was last night. A lady friend and I dropped in after attending the Dallas Burlesque Festival. We were looking for exactly what we found...an upscale lounge with a nice atmosphere and music. No inebriated 20 somethings here, and no hip-hop either. She is considerably younger than I, and yet this place was perfect for both of us.
The singer, Aubree-Anna was really a treat; beautiful and talented. She really belts them out. She visited all the tables after she finished at 1:00; very nice; made us feel like she was our best friend. She apparently is there every Sat.
Drinks are pricey, well sort of; it is Dallas and a nice place. Valet was validated by the waitress however.
Wish they had a better dance area though, need a hard floor and a little space to move.
All in all, I enjoyed it and will be back. -
Review from Cassie H.
Dallas, TX
11/15/2010 2 photos
The Library is a great atmosphere, dark and smoke free with live pianists and singers who give this bar a homey and inviting feel. It has been written up in Maxim Magazine as one of the best bars in Dallas and it lived up to our expectations. They have a diverse menu as well as a whole selection of drinks they have concocted their selves. We shared the shrimp cocktail which was great! Not fishy in any way and the shrimp were enormous. To drink I had the Spicy Texan, which is vodka and bloody mary mix with Tabasco and lemon juice. It was really good but an acquired taste. My husband had an amazing drink which is called The Winning Mark, one of The Library's original recipe drinks. It has Maker's Mark whiskey, Creme DE Cassis, Chambord and fresh lemon juice. Shaken and served straight up with a twist. Amazing!!!
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Review from Chan K.
Boston, MA
10/22/2009
I came here on a Saturday night after already being in the Warwick Melrose for another function (when the open bar shut down at midnight). From what I heard, this place usually had a line and had a waiting list earlier in the night. Sounded lame but when we got there, our group got in without any hassle. Very classy place and great ambiance/decor. Very mixed group of people: the trendy bar hoppers vs the older crowd that were the hotel guests vs the TX-OU weekend party-goers. Lots of people but had enough roaming space. The music was rather dull and drinks were somewhat overpriced. Since living in New Orleans for many years, I have a higher standard for jazz/piano/lounge music. The servers were super nice. Overall at that time, I already displayed some delayed motor skills, so I had a great time.
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Review from Janea M.
Dallas, TX
1/28/2009
Wednesday nite, never thought it would arrive. Piano Bar sounds good. Dallas' best option - the Library at the Melrose. Red leather barrel chairs and the new décor that exposes the original carved wood that's now gilded all around the ceiling; nice old world feel mixed up with a Michael Kors attitude under careful lighting. Big, bar-height community table that greets you as you come in from the lobby went from Wifi'ing med board applicants vying for the lone waitress in late afternoon to the regulars that had their own chairs at 7 or so.
This is an elegant piano bar that satisfies without giving space to the prying eyes. No media, but they should have been there to catch Bad Boy in his pea coat. Looked particularly charming and human today. That, "I remember you," look with a double take was a little disconcerting. Made me wonder if he really did? Made me wonder, Did I ever really say that to him?
As for the nibblers; the potato skins are just a tease. Three servings of 1/5 of a potato each, one with duck, one with salmon and one with cheddar/bacon. Excellent, but not enough to survive on. The calamari now though with the five spice sauce and the greens... oh baby. Served battered and fried, tossed in a bowl with the baby greens and all things hot and spicy including jalapeño slices, share and then you'll have room to enjoy dinner. The Tuaca lemon drop came in a cute, stunted martini glass. An alternative to the grown up martini.
Used to come in after a bad day and could get a Famous Grouse, Amber - neat, have a cigar, and put out the fire. The days of healthy living make that a possibility no more. Nonetheless, now if you put your head back in the red leather barrel chair and close your eyes, the piano man will sooth the burn in your soul. Superperson enjoyed themself, but had to go before the wine tasting started. Newton - filtered chard - nice with the calamari, great with a steak. Old Ronald was delight too. After imbibing I always forget to get my valet ticket stamped, have learned to keep it in my hand until they get that done upon arrival. Just a reminder that saves a cool $12.Listed in: Happy Hour Haute Spots
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Review from David G.
Dallas, TX
11/7/2010 9 Check-ins Here
Great place to meet friends and have a drink in a relaxing atmosphere Thank goodness there is still a place in Dallas like this No Loud Music just nice piano music and a lounge singer- Try the Brandy Alexander it is awesome.
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Review from Adri A.
7/5/2010
I love hotel bars and this one is a winner .. the crowd is a bit older and it can crowded on a saturday night. Chill place to listen to live music and have a crafted cocktail..even better on friday nights for the late night happy hour ;-)
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Review from Catherine C.
Dallas, TX
8/7/2007
Live jazz music is performed quietly each night at the Library Bar in the Warwick Melrose Hotel. Decor includes dark wood-paneled walls, leather chairs and couches, low-lighting, and -- of course -- a wall full of books (though few patrons, hotel guests or otherwise, have ever been spotted actually reading them). Although the vibe is decidedly upscale, attentive servers make all guests feel welcome. Valet parking is free with validation or guests can self-park on the street.
Listed in: The Places I Go Out
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Review from Scott L.
Updated - 2/15/2010 6 Check-ins Here
I like the atmosphere here. I feel like I'm in DC or that it's Xmas. Glass of house wine $10. Leather wing back chairs. Maybe kinda stuffy somehow / but I dig that too. I had the fried onion petals and just said "onion things cause I didn't wanna say petals". It was good / kinda like a hushpuppy. Personally this place is nearing 5 stars for me.
Listed in: top (22) Dallas Bars
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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10/11/2009
Great atmosphere, the library of an old novel, but no smoking pipes! Tucked away so you feel safe… Read more »
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Review from mary n.
Dallas, TX
7/23/2008
i felt like such a grown up when i went here. they have lovely mood lighting, luxurious leather seating, and piano player that's actually good.
i ordered a side car, which is one of my favorite retro cocktails. it was incredible. sure it cost $10, but it is a grown up bar and it was top notch liquor. it's a great place to take a date, although if you're not so sure you like the person, the romantic vibe may be a little awkward.
oh, and thanks for the advice about the valet parking. make sure you get your ticket validated. otherwise you have to pay $10. spend that extra $10 on another cocktail! -
Review from Malabar J.
Dallas, TX
10/24/2007
This is just what a bar in a good hotel should be. Good drinks, comfortable chairs, excellent piano, low lighting. Sophisticated, warm, and welcoming. For mature audiences only (but that's not the same as old, just the opposite of immature).
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Review from Paul K.
Dallas, TX
1/10/2010
Went with some friends on Friday after dinner. I've been before, maybe during the week. I love the atmosphere and vibe, and the cocktail selection is plentiful, although my waitress couldn't help me remember Pims liquor. The two real negatives for me this evening were: how cheesy and loud the piano player was, and how aesthetically unappealing and old the crowd was - both reasons for me not coming back on a weekend evening. I'll probably give it one more try during the week, but I won't be rushing back. There just has to be better hotel bars.
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Review from Andrew M.
Dallas, TX
6/3/2009
The Library Bar is an awesome place. Relaxing environment, comfortable chairs, professional staff and a great selection of drinks. The Jazz piano is subtle and you won't have to yell across the table to have a conversation. The place draws a mature crowd, mostly 30+ and the occasional grandparent, but good for any age.
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Review from Joe M.
Dallas, TX
7/6/2010
This is a very nice place. Parents stayed at the Melrose and we ate here. Food was very good, service was excellent. They loved the Melrose and hung out here most nights. Great job, beautiful inside as well.
