Barbara's Pavilion

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.

Wonderful wonderful wonderful bar... Great service, selection and prices. This place has the authentic dive bar feel. They have a cigarette machine, pool table and dive aesthetics. There is a really cute patio outside as well! Music is spot on. Best bar I have been to in Bishop Arts by far.

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

This place is awesome!! You'll miss it if you're not familiar with the location, but if you make it in the front door the bartenders will absolutely take good care of you! The patio is super quaint, with razor barbed wire along the wooden fence!! I don't care where you're from, but razor barbed wire, prison style, is freaking awesome!! Great prices, friendly people... well worth stopping by!!

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

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.

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.

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!!

Location Bishop arts-hard to find doir-red door by lawyers office Parking Street-don't park in the lot! Atmosphere Dive bar-dog friendly, happy customers. Interesting bathroom Wheel of fortune on the big screen Seating Bar and tables Service Jade is awesome! Menu We didn't look for food-had seltzers-ice cold and many flavors! Tom Collins was tasty. Summary Local bar-come for karaoke! Great service!

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!

We came to Barbara's for a few drinks on a Saturday night. They were having karaoke night which we thought it would be fun. Instead the person mcing was extremely rude for no reason. He or she kept making remarks about the singers in a rude not a funny way. At the end of the night the dj and the manager kept yelling to pay our tabs and go BUT the bartenders were having trouble providing the checks so we could pay and go. One of the bartenders even told us that the manager is an ahole. Definitely avoid this place. There are so many other places in Bishop Arts you can go rather than this crappy place.

Horrible place. Service was awful. We stood at the bar for 20 min and the bartender was all over the place. Dirty glasses were piled up along the bar and empty beer cans littered the top. Barback was just standing around and not even attempting to pick up the glasses or trash. Bartender just kept serving the people in-front of her rather than work length of bar. I bartended major nightclubs for 10 years and she was awful. I finally asked the people next to me if she was serving our end at all and they were also frustrated. I said I have been waiting 20 min and the bartender heard me and yelled, "And you're gonna have to wait a little longer." I said ... "no... I don't" and we all left. It wasn't even that busy. #avoid

Have been there several times Jade the bartender has always been extremely friendly as many of the clients there always end up in interesting conversations there

Great places. Fun people!! Great prices and a very friendly relaxed atmosphere. I highly recommend. It's out of my way but worth the trip.

Amazing dive bar.... Reminiscent of the old dive bars one could find in the 60's -90's but almost all are gone now . Freaks weirdos and anyone with an actual personality is welcome here. If your not okay with people who beat to a different drum then this place isn't for you. NICE to know their are still places where people from different walks of life can go and mingle without hate or discrimination. Please help keep this wonderful spot safe and welcoming.

Fun and local gay bar. Always have a great time here. Karaoke to outside conversations, good place to meet ppl and the dive bar experience too. The staff are very welcoming and friendly. Drinks are affordable than other gay bars

Barbara's is a fun dive gay bar. You won't get a fancy cocktail but if you like basic drinks, terrible singing during karaoke, and a small patio that someone is always smoking weed on, this is the place for you. And I totally mean that as a compliment.

Here is a video of Jade unlocking the exit to barbs at 2:22am after locking me and 10+ other patrons inside. She decided to lock the door at 2am and proceeded to go hula hoop and have fun in the back patio while everyone was locked in, with no way out, just trying to get home. We had to basically beg her to let us out. I love barbs, everyone there is amazing, all the bartenders are very nice, but this is not acceptable. I could not say enough good things about barbs, which is why I am giving it 5 stars, but this person is a problem.

Best bar in town! I love the service and the vibe overall. Dan is one of my favorite bartenders! If you're ever in the mood for a good drink, plz stop by this bar

I just began bartending here on Sundays last month, but I've been coming to this bar for 7 years. Everyone is welcome whether you're on a bicycle or motorcycle, if you're gay or straight, no matter your ethnicity or religious views. The only requirement is to be open minded and polite. Karaoke starts at 9 p.m. on Thursdays and Saturdays, and all kinds of other events happen throughout the week. There could be a movie watching party or crock pot potluck. You never know what you'll find when you walk in. All holidays and birthdays are celebrated here. It's a hole in the wall just two blocks from the historic Texas Theatre.

I think I found my most favorite place in Dallas. We were staying a couple blocks away and wandered in here late one evening. The first thing I hear is someone singing some Lion King karaoke. It gave me life! As the night went on and the drinks flowed, the songs (and singers!) were even more wonderful. Service was great. Pricing was pretty standard, if I don't fully remember the exact numbers. Then, we just had a short stumble home to our AirBNB!

Barbara's Pavilion is a Dallas institution. It has the cult status and appeal of a gay dive bar out of a John Water's movie. Barb's is where dreams come true; everyone is a star. The drinks are generously poured; I'm a big fan of everyone who works there, and quite frankly I don't think I would still live in Dallas if it wasn't for the strong sense of community I get at this establishment. Barbara's forever! I'm a fan!

Funky little neighborhood bar, refreshing alternative to the bars on the strip along Cedar Springs!!! I love to make a pit stop here when I visit my buds in the Cliff.

Tucked back on a small street well south of Bishop Arts, Barbara's Pavilion is one of those classic speakeasy like dive bars. It is easy to miss. There is barely a sign out front. Simply the best place for karaoke in town. Bab's does free karaoke on first Saturdays, every Thursday and Sunday nights. The place and the crowds are small, so you get to sing often. The books are good, and you can choose from a great collection of songs. The drinks are cheap and the pours strong. Great fun!

This place is such a gem. Everyone is so friendly and there's always a really positive and laid back energy. It's a spot that I feel lucky to know about.

I had the best time here on Halloween. The bartender honored my trashy drink request ("something chocolatey") without an eyeroll, and almost everyone was in an elaborate costume. The MC for the contest had a quick wit and the crowd was very good natured. There were cute queers of all genders to be seen. It was a warm and intimate hole that I will revisit ;)

Great local bar with hot bartenders long pours and cold beer. There is an outside casual space for socializing. The main floor has a Kareoki stage with professional lighting and sound. The pool table is a great place to hang out with your friend or that special someone. The Happy Hours are awesome.

Great little neighborhood bar and boy do the bartenders know how to shake up a delicious cocktail. A good friend of mine and I have a boy-girl date there every Friday night. Come see us!

I went with a friend to this bar I never heard of before until last night. I had a great time. The staff is very friendly as well as the patrons who are willing to help each other out. The only downside is that the chairs are pretty bulky for such a small place. I had to squeeze in and out of my seating area because the tables are very close together. They should just have less bulky chairs and there would be more move room.

Love this gay dive bar! Barbara's will always have a special place in my heart. When I moved to OC a few years ago, I spent many a drunken night there singing karaoke. Took my mom to B's for Mother's Day once and she LOVED it. So many menz bought her shots after she sang "I Feel Pretty.:" (Alas, she doesn't drink.) And now neither do I (nor smoke), so I can't imagine hittin' Barbara's if I can't do either vice. So a year ago I'd have given it 5 stars, but since I'm a mom now and can't enjoy my Kools like I used to, it's 4 stars. In other words, beware. You're liable to have the time of your life AND develop emphysema.

Great little gay dive bar. I came here with some gay friends for a late night of drinking. If you're looking for the "hot spot" for lots of dancing, this isn't it (try S4). This is more casual, have fun, be who you are, karaoke kind of place. They have lots of regulars, the bartenders are hilarious and helpful, and the drinks are strong and well-priced. It's a small place, but full of charm and fun. I'll definitely be coming here more often.

Small Neighborhood Bar and fun place to have a party. Friendly Staff and great Patio area

This was great place my friend brought me. The patrons and bartender was pretty cool and easy to talk with. I will definitely be back and bring my other friends.

Great neighborhood dive bar in Oak Cliff. Come as you are! Great atmosphere and diverse cross section of people! Karaoke on Thursday and Saturday nights. Great place to have a birthday party ... Will decorate and everything.

I love love love Barbara's. I enjoy the karaoke... great kj Double Dee. Great atmosphere. Fun & friendly. Great bartenders. Feels like family. Very welcoming. Its the best time in Big D!

I recently did karaoke at Bab's Pav. It was a blast and everyone had a great time. The other great thing about that night is that it was a benefit for needy pups and kitties! Everyone is welcome there, gay or straight, puppy or kitty!

What do you get when you cross a gay bar with a dive bar? Designer shoe clad interesting men & cheap drinks! My favorite! A friend of mine took me out to dinner and we decided to end the night at Barbaras. Being an uptown girl, I always find it necessary to step out of that darn bubble that so many people get stuck in. Oak Cliff was definitely a different experience and I didn't quite know what to expect. Needless to say, I loved it and I can't wait to be back. It has been a while since I have gone to a bar and actually had stimulating conversation with guys, AND they weren't even trying to get in my pants! Karaokee was not going on when we arrived but I would love to attend that. Instead it was a jukebox that someone had loaded a bazillion Mariah Carey & Madonna songs onto. I can do that. I normally would not think to order wine at a dive bar, but was given a couple of other inclinations to believe they may actually have decent wine. I was right! Had a delicious glass of Cab.

This gay dive bar is a straight-friendly karaoke spot on Mondays and Thursdays for all the hipsters living in 'el barrio fabuloso.' Locals used to call it the 'Open' because it offered no other sign of life outside. Since Oak Cliff is dry, it can be tough to get a drink after 10pm, but fortunately, 'The Pav' is here 'til 2am (or until the place empties out) seven nights a week.

Best hole in the wall gay bar EVER! Well, it's the ONLY hole in the wall gay bar I've ever been to, but still! It's awesome! The first time I went, there was a crawfish boil benefit, which was great, and they sometimes have Rock Band available to play. Awesome. I love sitting out on the patio in the early evening while the sun goes down. Only thing that weirded me out is that the bathrooms have symbols on the door that make no sense, so it is not clear which is male and which is female. I think the second door is the ladies', but I've seen many a man come out of there. I guess it really doesn't matter. But LOVE the Pavillion.

What a neat little find in Oak Cliff. If you're tired of all the twinks on the Cedar Springs Strip head here for a perfect neighborhood bar experience. Bartender poured the drinks stiff and they were decently priced. Not a huge spot, but everyone seemed to be having a great time and the energy was awesome.

Packed on a recent Friday night visit, but the service was friendly and efficient. I'm not a huge karaoke fan, so we didn't stay long. I'd rather hear the jukebox.

Yowzah woowzah! There is something to be said for a place whose bathroom door is loosely held closed by a hook latch. It was pretty much abandoned when we went a few months back... Just us and the bartender... Maybe two others. Good prices, looks like it could be a good time with more people there.

Get down get funky in the hood with the locals. Pretty fun. The outdoor part is not bad either. Go on the right night or the place can be deader than roadkill. I'm not a karaoker but it's pretty hilarious.

5 STARS. What a fun friendly bar! We were welcomed like old friends. The karaoke on Thursdays and saturdays are a lot of fun. The kjs are encouraging and run a good sound. My new favorite bar to hang and sing!

I discovered this bar my first night in Dallas after moving from San Antonio. BEST. KEPT. SECRET. ANYWHERE! Friendly Friendly Friendly both the staff and the patrons. It doesn't take long to become a regular. This is the kind of bar you can go to by yourself and never have to worry about drinking alone. Always a friendly face.

Doesn't matter who you are, this place is freakin cool. Great people, awesome service. It took one time for me to totally dig this place. You'll love it...I do.