JR's Bar & Grill

I visited Jr’s on a Sunday afternoon with a couple of friends. This is a typical gay bar and one of the busiest and biggest on Cedar Springs. I’ve been here a few times because my gay friends enjoy it. We decided to hang out upstairs on the terrace. I have a couple of critiques about the place. First, the music was very loud, making it difficult to have a conversation with friends. If you’re planning to catch up or chat, it can be quite challenging due to the noise level. Second, I found the drinks to be a little overpriced compared to the decor and service. While the atmosphere is lively and the terrace offers a nice view, the pricing doesn’t quite match the overall experience in terms of value. Despite these points, I had a great experience overall. The bar has a vibrant and energetic ambiance that makes it a fun spot to hang out. The terrace was a nice place to relax and enjoy the company of friends. If you’re looking for a lively gay bar with a bustling crowd, Jr’s is definitely worth a visit, even if it comes with a few minor drawbacks.

First I wanted to thank JRs for being a wonderful staple of the LGBTQ+ community for such a long time and Tony was an absolute delight. Sweet proficient and just a wonderful person. He is by far one of the best bartenders I’ve ever encountered. When his bar got busy he whipped out the drinks ordered with ease and grace. Such a delight and will come again.

Love coming here. Dax always makes me and my friends feel welcome. Probably the only down side is the music is a bit loud per my Apple Watch. 😂 but great drinks, food and service.

I can't stand the cook. Always looking on his phone. Not cooking the food properly. The female they had was so much better. May have to find another place to eat.

I like this place. It’s very cheers like. Grab a burger during the day, it’s cheaper than McDonald’s and better quality food. The drinks are great!

I recently visited the JR’s bar and was disappointed by the rude and seemingly racist behavior of the bartender named Dax. I think it is important for the owner to address this behavior; in the event that we were given the wrong name, this person had short dirty blonde hair, glasses and a natural stone pendant necklace- we later saw them exit the establishment on an electric skateboard (as we left JR’s to visit a friendlier establishment). I find it notable to mention that I have been to many bars and have never had such an overtly negative experience . I was embarrassed that I took my friends here (I thought we would have fun, as I had at JR’s many times before). My friends, who were people of color, were not intoxicated; I, myself, was celebrating a medical milestone that limits my alcohol intake. Despite our intentions to tip generously and support service workers, Dax's attitude drove us away. After making comments regarding my medical condition and the language my friends were speaking in, “Dax” didn’t ask us to leave, but instead insisted we get a drink from a different bartender. At this point, my friend didn’t feel like supporting the establishment , so we left. As a business owner and someone associated with a non-profit that supports trans individuals, I found this experience particularly disheartening. It's important for the owner to address such behavior to ensure all customers feel welcome and valued. JR’s is an otherwise fantastic place; I hope the owner can address the situation. If this employee isn’t dealt with , JR’s will either lose business at best , or find themselves in a lawsuit at worst.

Dax was my bartendress most recently and let me tell you, she’s a hoot! Kept the line moving, drinks flowing, and the perfect sass we expect from bartenders on the strip. 10/10 would get vodka from again ♥️

Bartender cursed me out after asking for a clean glass because my glass was filthy. I spoke with manager who stood there looking slow while the bartender continued to stand on his piss poor reason for cursing me out. We were offered free shot for this disgusting behavior. We politely declined. Do better JR. I will tell ALL of my friends not to support your business.

JRs is always a great place to meet up with friends, lunch was pretty good also. Dave is a lovely bartender.

I'm usually not into going to bars as the scene is always too loud and the men are obnoxius. This bar justified why I rarely go to bars. JR's is mostly young loud obnoxious 20-30 somethings with loud music.I was in this bar this past saturday June 1st waiting for a local friend who suggested having a drink before we headed to dinner. what a mistake. I observed that the bartenders treated you differently if you werent a regular or a young 20-30 yo. Most were standoffish and one bartender in particular was extremely ignorant and rude. I cannot remember his name but he had blondish hair and glasses and was working in the lower level bar area close to a jukebox. I ordered a drink from him and it seemed like it was such a chore for him, he only seemed interested in talking to his friends and other regulars. and he did something that had I been his manager , he would have been fired. As the Jukebox was playing there was a particular song that came on and this bartender decided he didn't like it so he grabbed a remote control from the bar and skipped over the song. . I was thinking you know somebody paid money for that song and I just looked at him and I shook my head. I was expecting the person who played the song to walk up but I never saw anybody however I did mention it and I left the bar disgusted. I'm not a local and wont be back to this place so I didn't even want to go get a manager involved because I figured it would be a waste of time as the bartender would probably have lied based on his attitude. I would give the bar a zero but unfortunately I can only give it one star.

WTF is up with the attitude and poor service at this place?! It's like I am doing THEM a favor to be there! What a shame? I won't go back!

If it had a button for 0 star I would definitely click that! Jackass old bald head working there was very rude and I asked to check on my food when my food was out to serve for 15 mins and I had my food delivered at the bar cold and it definitely was nasty too. I couldn't tell if he was slow or just an idiot but anyways. I hope the manager sees this.

Bar staff has completely gone down hill They are more interested in eating food than serving the patrons.

Definitely a good place to grab a neighborhood drink. Service is great and the vibes always a good time!

Until JR'S was sold, it had a great go-to "Cheers" atmosphere. The staff and management had been running the show for years, decades for some. They took great pride in the bar and their jobs. We enjoyed our Monday Old Man Lunch Days and other days around the grill. I felt comfortable bringing str8 friends in. The bar was usually packed. I was there this past Sunday. The grill is disgusting, the cook had not shown up for work, and when he/she did, looked like it had been a very long evening. I went to the restroom, and could not believe the broken soap dispenser, broken pic frames on the wall from pulling announcements out apparently, and leaving the broken frames, scotch tape on the door from pulling announcements, just things that the old crew would never allow. And lastly, a friendly drug dealer in the restroom... So sad that this wonderful, famous bar, has turned into a gay trash house.

Been trying to close out for 30 minutes with no one here this place has turned into a joke I know it's under new management but I have been coming here for nearly 30 years and won't again

I promised our bartender I would leave a review for his great service so here I am. Arrived on a Saturday afternoon after brunch with a few new and old friends. We sat on the second level to escape the louder area downstairs just so we could chitchat without yelling. Nobody was up there when we arrived and our bartender explained that he had been sitting alone for 3 hours by himself so he was ready to make us some great drinks! For the life of me I couldn't remember his name. All I can tell you is that he seemed really knowledgeable about his drinks and made sure we were never sitting with an empty drink. I asked for a basic Titos and cranberry drink and he made it with a freshly opened can of Ocean Spray cranberry juice. I'm being very detailed about this because I promised I would! He made sure to not give me juice from the gun. LOL! Anyway enjoyed the couple of drinks we had there before it got too crowded. I recommend sitting on the second level and hopefully you get the same great service as us! Overall the atmosphere is more chill compared to some of the other bars around in the area. Loved the vibe. It feels a little more mature than others. Sorry I wish I had remembered to get photos of the interior and exterior!

I know a lot of people have opinions about JR's either way. However, I've always felt like it's a fun little spot to stop for a drink and just hang out. Overall, I've always felt like the bartenders are friendly and several are downright fun to chat with when the place is quiet and you're just having a drink. I've honestly never tried their food, however, I've heard it's pretty decent. It's nice that they have multiple bars on multiple levels. Really gives the place the flexibility to cater to different situations (i.e. busy Sunday Fundays versus middle of the afternoon on a weekday versus Friday night). It's not particularly exciting, but it's also not a bad place to grab a drink and relax.

Honestly, I love this bar. It's a fun and safe environment for the LGBTQ community. I was just looking for a drink and then I asked about food, they serve food while you drink and it's made FRESH. Like very fresh and delicious, they use fresh greens and fresh incredible ingredients.

Came here with a co-worker to have a little fun! There was a nice crowd hanging out by the front window area, but there was still plenty of room to sit and enjoy the music and people watch. The bartender that helped me was extremely friendly and very helpful with my drink selection. Popular gay bar in the heart of Oak Lawn and the LGTBQ neighborhood of Dallas. Great drinks, great music and an always up for it crowd. Gets packed on weekends, drink prices are very good and staff is always wonderful. The down stairs feels like it hasn't really evolved over the years. I really dislike the new jukebox. I don't understand why they continue to play the muted videos on the televisions that don't match the music being piped through the jukebox. I do like the upstairs area much better. It has been updated, and feels modern. Plus being able to open the garage door windows to make it open-air on nice days/evening would be wonderful.

My husband and I from Ft Lauderdale took a quick jaunt to Dallas..really cheap flights went to Gayborhood Oak Lawn. Stopped in Jr's Dallas for afternoon cocktails and to see this one because of a sister location we oftentimes visit in the DC swamp area. Same bars but different owners. This place was the original JR's and DC swamp the second. Spacious bar with great upstairs patio only opened on Friday and Saturday. The bartender John was a fun guy with lots of knowledge to share on surrounding places...we enjoy our drinks and this bar.

Went here for "happy hour" and was surprised to see that they charge almost $8 for a domestic bottle of beer. So plus tip you're looking at $9. Call me crazy but isn't that a lot for one beer? Can we say gouging? Bring lotsa cash or several credit cards to drink here.

Had a very cheap burger and it was delicious the the regulars and the staff were very friendly and I had a delightful lunch with some nice conversation. Great way to spend an afternoon.

Best in the business! I love a great family vibe in a bar, and this whole block has given me exactly that!

This bar has been around forever and is the first stop for many when visiting the strip. Many of the bartenders have been there for years, are courteous and friendly. Food is served during the day and, while not gourmet by any stretch, exceeds expectations for bar fare. Only criticisms...while the bar was remodeled several years ago it is again starting to show its age. And it drives me crazy that this bar always plays music videos without the audio, and at the same time plays completely different music tracks on their sound system. Watching a Beyoncé video while hearing Justin Timberlake is really annoying, and so disjointed.

Came for the drag, stayed for the meatballs. The meatballs had an exquisite taste. The opaque white sauce gave the balls a salty and tangy finish.

On Wednesday night, 1/23/19 $4.00 for a plastic bottle of AquaFina water!! WTF? Not everyone drinks alcohol and drives. Punishing non-drinkers for not drinking alcohol is VERY unfair! Get your greedy fingers out of my billfold! Kirbuster in Dallas

I've been a customer of JR's and some of the other Caven Enterprise bars since they opened in the early 80's. I haven't been to JR's for several reasons in many years. After my visit this past Saturday, it is clear why this place isn't for me and why their business has fallen off so drastically. Our group of friends and I stopped by Saturday afternoon for a few drinks on pride weekend. The bar wasn't very busy, especially compared to other bars on the street. However, the 2 bartenders we had the misfortune of being served by acted as if it was a Saturday night at The Roundup. The 1st winner was Steve, who works downstairs. He has been around for years and is known to be grumpy. We ordered a around of drinks and some shots. After we placed the order I said Steve's name ONCE to simply let him know that I would cover the tab. Out of blue, he snaps and tells me to "CALM DOWN" Really? I'm a 55 year old man, I'm calm. We were out to have a good time so I let it go, paid the tab and we had our drinks and moved on. Next, we decided to go upstairs and try a different bartender. The 2nd winner was John. He has a reputation for being a sarcastic but I tend to over look it, or at least I used to. We ordered drinks and shots again and after placing the initial order I simply asked John to add (1) more drink to my order....Well he snaps and said..."It's pride weekend, I'm busy". Okay, I get it ...it was Pride weekend and some of the bars are busier than others. Many are busier than JR's but I thought maybe he's just stressed or something. I paid the tab and after our group finished our drinks we left JR's. I was entertaining some friends from out of town for the weekend and wanted to take them out and show them what Dallas has to offer. Some of them have never been here before and some have. Based on our experience at JR's, they were not impressed and said they would never go back. It is sad to be treated this way by employees of a place that I used to consider my go to bar where I could enjoy a good drink and conversation. Those days are gone.

I'm new in the area, my first goal is to visit every Bar & Grill to meet new friends and of course to try out foods that people suggest in the Oak Lawn area. I have to say this is a nice place to grab a burger before the weather hits. Glad I stopped by.

Visiting yesterday for after work happy hour, gets crowded about 5. A mix of old and young enjoying great drinks and music. Live VJ for happy hour makes it fun, even takes requests.

There are Gay institutions in every cosmopolitan city and Jr's would be it for Dallas. Always open, always fun, and always a good cocktail. I'm a main bar person, because I love the bar staff, but I encourage walking around. Great place to meet people visiting and the locals.

Unfortunately, this bar has a long way to go. Aside from the dirty bathrooms they have, they could benefit from some customer service courses. The place has an interesting she'll as you walk in. The bar downstairs will take their time in making your drink, and depending on what your shade of skin is will determine how quickly you get a drink. Their "dancers" (use this term loosely) need a few dance lessons an actually been entertaining (especially if they want your tips). The music is certainly NOT tailored to certain crowds. Upstairs is no different. Aside from an overcrowded patio, you have some pushy barbacks that make you feel unwanted. Lastly, the so-called rule they have posted at their door is NOT equally enforced. They allow certain patrons to walk through the door and won't enforce their own rule.... They are not an upscale club to be behaving the way they do. Try harder JR's....

Fun, friendly place. The bartenders were nice. I would recommend it for a first timer in Dallas.

I received this message a few weeks after I posted this review. Not sure if this was someone disguising as an employer or management. Either way it didn't sit well with me so I decided to post it on their yelp review page...just in case.

I used to like this place but it seems like every time we go back, things just aren't the same. The security is rude, the management couldn't care less about quality and we found three hairs in our burgers. I really recommend just going to Burger King.

Will not go back. The last few times I've gone, I remember why I don't like it. Crowd has generally been a group of pretentious, jaded (with some exceptions of course) folks. Last night, the hubby and I decided to walk down the strip after dinner. Went to Round Up and had a pleasant time), went to Woody's (always friendly), and then walked in the door to JR's. We had forgotten to put our masks back on but were in the process of doing so when the guy at the door made a smart-ass comment...something like "it's only been a year; get with the program" to my husband. I thought I heard it wrong and asked the guy to repeat himself. He again said the same thing. After telling him how much of an ass he was, we turned around and walked out. We always wear our masks and don't need some jerk on a power trip while working the door at a bar addressing us that way.

The bartender was perfectly fine serving me, but she wouldn't serve my sober gf. Kinda shitty. Won't be back.

Great vibes here. The drinks are strong and cheap. They play really great music and also have drag shows on the stage by the bar. They have pool tables for relaxing and having fun, and I'm going to now announce the best feature of this bar: FREE POPCORN.

Meh....it's a big dive bar in a prime location in the gaybourhood. I've been here a few times and always just for a drink. Ive not tried their food nor would I. It has a lot of potential to be better.

I would love a Jrs like this in every city. The epitome of fun and great drinks and prices. What a safe and fun environment and a great night of partying. I think this is my favorite JRs...either this or Houston, and the other JRs aren't even close. Great staff nice location. Will be back for sure.

Every time I come here, it's a friendly crowd and friendly group of bartenders. I was upset that the pool table costs, but such is life I guess. I've been on a Sunday night and on a weeknight and both times it wasn't too crowded but was enough people that we weren't uncomfortable or anything. The place is extremely spacious, also! I'd return for the bartenders alone though. They just have good energy.

I like this place a Lot! It's a huge version of my local neighborhood bar (The Dover Fox) in midtown KCMO which was bulldozed after I moved here to Dallas. --If you're new to Dallas or here as a visitor, I'd make this your first stop. From here you'll get directions to anything you're looking for. Really. -- But, beware that the music is WAY too loud here sometimes and in some locations in the bar to have normal conversations without yelling. Be ready for that.

I went to JR's for many years. Looking back, I'm amazed at how patient I've been, as the experienced has declined steadily and dramatically over that time. At this point, going there is a dreary experience, and they seem to take their customers for granted. I have way more fun hanging out at one of the many other locations nearby. Speaking of which, it's obvious their business has fallen off a cliff. The crowds are pretty thin, and seem to include a lot of really old guys who look pretty unhappy. Many other choices nearby, just do a search on your phone. Don't bother with this place, it's just bad vibes, attitude, and actually pretty depressing overall. A "has been" location.

This place has racist tendencies. JR's does not welcome, nor encourage blacks patronage. I was asked to pay for my drinks upfront, which is rude. I was informed about a two drink minimum policy, which is presumptuous. A two drink minimum policy at most bars is reserved for loiterers (prostitutes and hustlers). A bartender took my drink order without even looking at me. He he served them plastic cups (very classy) and silently walked off ...frosty bad service. To avoid getting my friends upset, I delayed telling them about what had transpired. We drove 4hrs to be reluctantly served.

It's my go to bar to start the night off. They never have a cover, at least in my numerous visits. They are more of a bar than a club. They don't have a "dance floor" but they always have good music and the accompanying video playing. It's literally the corner bar so it's great for meeting friends. We usually go to Carter for our bartender. He's my favorite. They never really have a crazy like the club down the strip, S4 or a cover.

Where's the fun? This is just a loud bar. No different from a straight one. I want drag queens and sass. This just gave me load music.

Great local bar, relaxing atmosphere, friendly bartenders, great drink specials, big patio, and great music. Sunday fundays are a lot of fun, especially with nice weather. There are drag shows on Mondays and various events throughout the week happy hour is fun, there are pool tables, free popcorn, tables to chat and have a drink with friends, and an outdoor smoking section if you smoke. Cruising the crossroads on Friday and Saturday offers drink specials which are really cheap. It's a chill and relaxing bar that I recommend and visit with friends. They also hAve a lunch menu to order food from during the weekdays. Definitely s place to check out and have a couple drinks!

Enough said... Clean. Friendly staff. Good music. Nice atmosphere. Friendly guests. On point drinks. Women's bathroom way too small a few women said as I was thinking it. But that's THE ONLY THING I heard! *KupofKokoa*

Message to Caven: I've been going to the Panda for my birthday for over 20 years. Not Jr's. It was bad enough when we lost the Crossroads bookstore. Do we really have to lose anything else in the name of money and profit? Our gay community is already being pushed out of the neighborhood by the housing crisis! Our area has been filled up with straight couples with money and the minority of the gay people with money. some things just aren't as important as money and our community needs to understand that and get on board!

This is my first checking here but been coming for decades. Atmosphere is great but food has progressively gone down hill over the past year they really need to get their act together

Got kicked or for no reason. Was in the rr when all the sudden they knock on the door kicking us out with no excuse. When asked when they could not give us a reason other than we had to go. Seriously shitty customer service.

I am not one for the night life. I am the knitting and bed by 10pm on the weekends kind of girl. My friends drug me out of my apartment kicking and screaming to this establishment, and let me tell you... It was a blast! I was there when a drag show was going on, was able to dance and chill downstairs, and I never felt overcrowded or uncomfortable. The bartenders were so nice and helpful (I was DD and they never got sick of my requests for water), the drag queens were on point, and the whole place feels cleaner than your average bar by a mile. The fact that I was able to enjoy the entire night from start to finish completely sober is a great nod to this place. I'll definitely be back to JR's the next time I stay up past 10.

Hang out for Cinco De Mayo. It is not crazy yet but people are slowly coming in. I am just chilling have a Corona and enjoy my surrounds. The price for beers are like Bermuda prices about $5 a bottle plus tax. I have not used the women's bathroom before today and it was clean but only one stall downstairs. There are more men to women. Everyone & everything is good.

I've been here twice and I wasn't disapointed either time. I've noticed mixed drinks are cheaper than just grabbing a beer or two. They have good strong drinks, the bartender Steve is awesome; I showed him a recipe for a Purple Haze and he had no problem making it! They have an amazing upstairs patio, a smoking patio and THREE BARS! I saw a review complaining of their dirty bathrooms(maybe it was awhile back, IDK) The bathrooms have always been clean and shiny. Lol The only reason I am giving this place a 4 star instead of a 5 is because I haven't tried their food which sounds amazing on their menu.

The most surprising thing to me is that this place has "Grill"on the end of its name but I've never seen food served here. I could be wrong. I'm giving this place three stars for the horrible bartender I had one night. Very short, thin body white guy. Any other time I visit is mostly on Sundays after 6pm and I have the greatest time but the wait for drinks is crazy. Great place to hang with friends for Sunday Funday!

This place is a lot of fun... when it's not packed to the gills! IF it's really packed you're going to wait a long time for drinks, and it's so hard to move around! I know JR's is popular because it's fun, the drinks are solid, but hell, a girl needs a tiny bit of breathing room and to not wait 30 minutes at the bar! They have a great patio upstairs that overlooks Cedar Springs with a bar, and behind that bar is a nice quieter lounge if you need a spot to sit down. They also have a smokers lounge off the main floor if you need that. Overall, a great place to hang out and have a blast!

After months and months of longing to visit JR's, I finally made it! And loved it. I need to return to really get a lay of the land, but for now - I approve. A huge wrap around bar and stage greet you as you wander into this three-tiered bar. Rest assured, you are going to have a good time at JR's. The night I decided to visit was after a huge Yelp party I had been planning for a while. In short, I just needed a stiff drink. JR's delivered and more: There was a live drag queen performance happening. It couldn't have been more perfect. The bartender was incredibly friendly and attentive, despite the high maintenance (including myself) patrons at their bar, demanding drink after drink. While we chatted and gulped our generously-sized vodka sodas, we took in the entertainment as different performers belted out their favorite top 40 songs. However, the moderator between acts was the highlight of the show. She was hysterical and worked the crowd with ease. I can't wait to return the upstairs bar that overlooks Cedar Springs. Beer in hand, I will have a blast people watching all the excitement that constantly occurs on Cedar Springs.

Years ago, when I lived in Washington, DC, I lived a block away from the neighborhood bar called JR's. So, when I visited Dallas this weekend, I decided I had to check out how this JR's compared. And it totally delivered! Similar vibe, but much, much more spacious. And they served food! My drinking partner and I enjoyed our special cherry coke drinks with a side of fried zucchini. And the best part was, after 8 drinks and our zuchhini, the bill came out to less than $40!