Since my move to Dallas in August of last year, I’ve beena perpetual complainer of the lack of things to do in this city.Sure, you’ve got your bars and your parties here and there,but overall, nothing really motivates me to go out. After a year orso in the Big D, I have come to learn of Dallas’ best-keptsecrets, the alternatives to the banalities of regular barlife.

Before I knew it, Thursdays began to seem more exciting than therest of the weekend, and soirees set apart from the regular ThirstyThursday College night backdrop prove to be more exciting, and alot more entertaining than I could’ve imagined. Here are twoof my favorites that have helped me enjoy Dallas a bit more.

BLUE THURSDAYS AT THE FALLOUT LOUNGE

Dallas hipsters are few and far between, and for long, theironly chances to congregate were at tiny holes in the wall and rockshows. Worry no more, my hip friends! Hidden deep in ExpositionPark, The Fallout Lounge has been hosting a night of danceableenjoyable music every Tuesday since the summer’s start. DJMarina guarantees to put on all the crowd pleasers, from FranzFerdinand to Madonna, The Killers to Michael Jackson, stopping bymore obscure songs like Electralane’s “I wanna byPresident” and Pulp’s “This is hardcore”.The ambience at the Fallout Lounge is cozy and worry-free, abar-fight here is unimaginable. Dallas’ best and brightestyoung artists come here to relax, listen to what they love the mostand enjoy $2 Tecates and Lone Star. Blue Thursdays are a best betfor a laid back Thursday.

Fallout Lounge

835 Exposition

(214)823-0675

ROCK STAR KARAOKE AT THE BARLEY HOUSE

Since Aug. 5 The Barley House, typically a laid-backrestaurant/bar, has turned into a crowded mad house set against thesounds of loud guitars and off-key singing. Inspired perhaps byunderground Punk Rock/Heavy Metal karaoke at Arlene’s Groceryin New York City’s Lower East Side, Dallas is giving a try tokaraoke with a live band. As if singing along to cheesy synthesizertracks wasn’t hard enough, the challenge has so far broughtcloset rock stars out from the shadows and onto the tiny stage ofthe Barley House by the dozen. More entertaining than your averagekaraoke, it’s guaranteed to keep fans coming back for more,even if most never make it onto the stage.

Barley House

2916 N Henderson

(214)824-0306