Barbara's Pavillion

Barbara’s Pavillion seems to be one of the only decent dive bars left anywhere in Dallas. The drinks are cheap, the vibes are good, the staff is friendly, the music is great. The fact that it’s a gay bar makes it even better. Barbara’s has barely changed in the sixteen years I’ve lived in Oak Cliff. I hope it never does.

I love this place! the first time I moved back to Oakcliff I came to this bar and jade was my bartender. she has made my experience so amazing every single time I have come. the only reason I come here is for her and kelly. they make this place incredible and a safe solace for everyone. I will forever keep coming back as long as jade is here!

My friends and I love stopping in for a drink and a game of pool because it's a fun environment.

My home bar! Best place for cheap drinks, and divey atmosphere. This is a place where all walks of life are welcome and the staff keeps everyone safe and secure. Kelli is my favorite bartender, always on point and making sure things are going smooth but the whole staff is absolutely great and just as amazing! If you are looking for karaoke Thursday and Saturdays are the days! 🖤 Thank you Barbs for being my safe space🫶🏼

It was my first time at a bar for my 21st birthday, Kelly made it such a memorable experience. Barbara’s is so warm and friendly, I felt at home, thank you so much Kelly! We’ll be back :)

I met a friend here & was in awe. One- no clue it was here. Two- outstanding service & vibes. Can’t wait to go back!!!!

Was passing through Dallas, having heard good things about Bishop art district we decided to stop by the main street but was left feeling underwhelmed. Deciding to make a last ditch effort we walked over to barbs and was 100% worth the small walk. Great staff, JC & bar maids and super friendly regulars, best drink prices around and pool table!!!! Wishing we could stay all night, would be my number one place to recommend. P.S. It was a lot more inviting than our first impression from their Google page.

Ariel Wakeland

I met a friend here & was in awe. One- no clue it was here. Two- outstanding service & vibes. Can’t wait to go back!!!!

Amber Oudshoorn

It was my first time at a bar for my 21st birthday, Kelly made it such a memorable experience. Barbara’s is so warm and friendly, I felt at home, thank you so much Kelly! We’ll be back :)

Bailey Ibarra

My home bar! Best place for cheap drinks, and divey atmosphere. This is a place where all walks of life are welcome and the staff keeps everyone safe and secure. Kelli is my favorite bartender, always on point and making sure things are going smooth but the whole staff is absolutely great and just as amazing! If you are looking for karaoke Thursday and Saturdays are the days! 🖤 Thank you Barbs for being my safe space🫶🏼

Jen H

My friends and I love stopping in for a drink and a game of pool because it's a fun environment.

Estephanie Mendoza

Me and my wife liked this bar it was super chill vibes. Fyi the bar in the corner (bad habits) has some of the best Al pastor tacos we’ve tried , we usually go Tuesday/Wednesday . Best combo

Brandon Herrmann

Barbara’s Pavillion seems to be one of the only decent dive bars left anywhere in Dallas. The drinks are cheap, the vibes are good, the staff is friendly, the music is great. The fact that it’s a gay bar makes it even better. Barbara’s has barely changed in the sixteen years I’ve lived in Oak Cliff. I hope it never does.

Jack Bowden

Was passing through Dallas, having heard good things about Bishop art district we decided to stop by the main street but was left feeling underwhelmed. Deciding to make a last ditch effort we walked over to barbs and was 100% worth the small walk. Great staff, JC & bar maids and super friendly regulars, best drink prices around and pool table!!!! Wishing we could stay all night, would be my number one place to recommend. P.S. It was a lot more inviting than our first impression from their Google page.

Jade Law

I love this place! the first time I moved back to Oakcliff I came to this bar and jade was my bartender. she has made my experience so amazing every single time I have come. the only reason I come here is for her and kelly. they make this place incredible and a safe solace for everyone. I will forever keep coming back as long as jade is here!

hannah mccord

jade is the sweetest cutest bartender ive ever experienced. she always makes sure you are taken care of and makes the best drink. the vibe of this place is so sick, it has really cool 70s style furniture and pretty lights. cheap drinks! definitely recommend!!

Donald Brown

Always enjoy going here when I have the time , Dan is an excellent bartender with a great sassy kinda personality also karaoke on Saturday nights is a great crowd with an amazing host Dee,. If you ever in oak cliff check it out

Love this spot, good cheap drinks, small porch outside. The aesthetic is so fun! Pool table and karaoke some nights (something I tend to avoid hahah). Parking kinda sucks, the lot right next to it will tow so I usually park on the street if I drive there. Love taking friends here!

Nice little dive bar. Came with friends on a Saturday for karaoke 🎤 and it was a fun atmosphere. The website information seems outdated and could use an update.

Self-serve from bar, didn't see food available. Casual, friendly atmosphere with a pool table available

Debra Danielson Corbo

Self-serve from bar, didn't see food available. Casual, friendly atmosphere with a pool table available

AJ Boling

Love this spot, good cheap drinks, small porch outside. The aesthetic is so fun! Pool table and karaoke some nights (something I tend to avoid hahah). Parking kinda sucks, the lot right next to it will tow so I usually park on the street if I drive there. Love taking friends here!

Barbara Pavilion, situated in the heart of Bishop Arts, offers a unique and inviting atmosphere. Arriving around 10:30 pm, we found the place initially quiet, but it quickly transformed into a lively hub of activity. Despite its unassuming facade, the bar boasts reasonable drink prices and convenient parking spots nearby. Known as a karaoke dive bar, Barbara Pavilion attracts a colorful array of patrons, each contributing their own musical style to the mix. For a glimpse into the fun, I've included some videos for your enjoyment. While it's important not to set overly high expectations for a dive bar, Barbara Pavilion consistently delivers an authentic and enjoyable experience, embodying the spirit of laid-back camaraderie and spontaneous fun.

Every neighborhood needs a Barbara’s Pavillion; a gay dive bar that welcomes all, and all show up! You won’t be dazzled by the hidden store front entrance, under whelming ambiance, or limited liquor selection, rather, the friendliness of the staff, and locals, and their fair drink prices. Known for great karaoke and spoken word on select nights of the month, Barbara’s still operates as a private club, so be ready to scan your ID upon arrival. If your thing is sitting at the bar chatting up the bartender, a fun game of billiards, or a smoke with friends on the patio, you can do them all at Barbara’s Pavilion. Maybe you’ll see me there belting out a tune. Heads up, parking is tricky! Xoxo Lorenzo!

E John Inan

Barbara Pavilion, situated in the heart of Bishop Arts, offers a unique and inviting atmosphere. Arriving around 10:30 pm, we found the place initially quiet, but it quickly transformed into a lively hub of activity. Despite its unassuming facade, the bar boasts reasonable drink prices and convenient parking spots nearby. Known as a karaoke dive bar, Barbara Pavilion attracts a colorful array of patrons, each contributing their own musical style to the mix. For a glimpse into the fun, I've included some videos for your enjoyment. While it's important not to set overly high expectations for a dive bar, Barbara Pavilion consistently delivers an authentic and enjoyable experience, embodying the spirit of laid-back camaraderie and spontaneous fun.

Lorenzo hubbard Designs

Every neighborhood needs a Barbara’s Pavillion; a gay dive bar that welcomes all, and all show up! You won’t be dazzled by the hidden store front entrance, under whelming ambiance, or limited liquor selection, rather, the friendliness of the staff, and locals, and their fair drink prices. Known for great karaoke and spoken word on select nights of the month, Barbara’s still operates as a private club, so be ready to scan your ID upon arrival. If your thing is sitting at the bar chatting up the bartender, a fun game of billiards, or a smoke with friends on the patio, you can do them all at Barbara’s Pavilion. Maybe you’ll see me there belting out a tune. Heads up, parking is tricky! Xoxo Lorenzo!

Zee A

I love coming here but can't help but feel like the people that work/ come here are racist. DJ DeeDee that comes for karaoke is very curt when it comes to song requests that aren't in English. She always has an annoyed face when I go up to her. Newsflash! People speak more than one language. I was told she carries French songs so I was hopeful that she'd have something in Spanish- but it seems like appealing to a Latino audience isn't really important to her (despite there being a decent amount of Latinos that visit.)

Never been treated so disrespectfully by a bartender.

What a terrible experience! This bar has a mask policy, which is fine. However, it's clear that the policy only applies to certain African-Americans. After being insulted and berated by the security guard, we asked all of the leaving patrons if they were required to wear a mask upon entry, and they were all surprised to hear that it was a requirement. We watched as the security guard allowed people in without masks, but continued to refuse us entry. The owner was no help either, even when the security guard physically came towards us like he was planning to hurt us. We were excited about going somewhere new, but I can't recommend this place to you if you're black because it's potentially unsafe for us. Hopefully they will learn from this experience and treat people better. I've never written a review like this, and I don't do so lightly, but I felt compelled to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else.

Gregory Hill

What a terrible experience! This bar has a mask policy, which is fine. However, it's clear that the policy only applies to certain African-Americans. After being insulted and berated by the security guard, we asked all of the leaving patrons if they were required to wear a mask upon entry, and they were all surprised to hear that it was a requirement. We watched as the security guard allowed people in without masks, but continued to refuse us entry. The owner was no help either, even when the security guard physically came towards us like he was planning to hurt us. We were excited about going somewhere new, but I can't recommend this place to you if you're black because it's potentially unsafe for us. Hopefully they will learn from this experience and treat people better. I've never written a review like this, and I don't do so lightly, but I felt compelled to make sure it doesn't happen to anyone else.