Entry No. 59 — the Dallas file — filed under: speakeasy
Paschall Bar
Denton's only speakeasy hides in plain sight — you enter through Andy's Bar downstairs, find the unmarked door, and climb the stairs into a candlelit world of dark wood bookshelves, red drapes, chess sets, and portraits staring down from the walls of an 1877 building. The whole concept was conjured in October 2011 by members of the indie-folk-rock band Midlake, who named it after the building's original 19th-century owner, B.F. Paschall. There's no sign outside, no obvious hint it exists — just two rooms upstairs with timeless music, craft cocktails, and the distinct feeling that you've been let in on something. It shows up on a few local "best bars" lists, but only because those lists can't not include it; the framing is always "hidden gem," because that's what it actually is.
The move: Walk into Andy's Bar like you own the place, find the unmarked door inside, and head upstairs — order a proper cocktail, claim a corner with the chess set, and see how long you can stay before someone you know texts asking where you are.
📍 Before you go Paschall sits at the northeast corner of Denton's downtown square, in an 1877 building above Andy's Bar — look for the big mural on Andy's side wall. There's no exterior sign: head inside, find the unmarked door on the right, and take the stairs up. It's 21-plus, so bring ID. The intimate, candlelit mood lands best after dark, and weeknights stay calmest if you want a quiet corner and the chess set. Street and square-lot parking ring the historic courthouse, and the surrounding square brims with restaurants, record shops, and live-music rooms to fold into the night.
- 📍 Denton
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 122 N Locust St, Denton, TX 76201
Hours: Added 2026-06-09 — confirm current hours before you go.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Yelp · localwiki.org · Official site · paschall-bar.wheree.com
last checked: 2026-06-09