The Nodding Donkey

Great sports bar with indoor and outdoor seating. Solid food with good portions, they’re the sister bar of State & Allen, the restaurant down the street. I personally enjoy the chicken tenders with sweet potato fries, and brisket queso. They have trivia every Tuesday and sports trivia every Wednesday. Service is also on top of things, checking in often, and the servers are personable. Shoutout to Denzel Washington.

I like this place a lot. Always fun to watch big games with friends here. The food is surprisingly good. Got the chicken fajitas and they were excellent. The staff is great as well, wish I remembered his name but one of the waiters is just so funny. Highly recommend if you are in town for Texas/OU or some other big weekend in Dallas.

For starters, I’m normally a fan of this establishment. When my friends and I went this time we arrived a little before 6:40 for trivia at 7 and were not served until 7:02. We kindly asked multiple serves if we had a server and if we could order within the happy hour window (ended at 7). Once we met our actual server at 7:02, we were not able to order off the happy hour menu and were going to be charged full price. I am disappointed by management for the lack of servers on Tuesday nights, especially since it’s always packed. If you want great service, and a better happy hour, go across the street to Thomas Ave Beverage Co.

Ivan was wonderful. Took great care of us and our doggos! Love the Donkey. ❤️🍀❤️

The smoked wings and sweet potato fries were good. The parking and seating situation were challenging. People save large spaces well into the football games, leaving nowhere to sit inside. There should be a limit. They could have better drink specials.

The most recent review by “The Edge”. 🙄🙄🙄What a 🤡. This is a Tier I Sports Bar with exceptional food. Looking forward to our next trip to run through the entire menu. I had the balsamic/pesto wings with red ranch and chipotle pot salad. Absolute 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Great smoke on the wings then crisped up in the fryer…perfect. Finally, the staff managed the TVs perfectly. Clutch at a true sports bar.

The food is absolutely horrible here, & their signature "donkey punch" cocktail is even worse. The donkey punch cocktail has absolutely "NO" alcohol taste or flavor "AT ALL." It's supposed to be made with rum, but it tastes like a watered down version of a 7th grader's birthday party punch. We all said that we wouldn't come back here even if the food & drinks were free. YUCK!!!!!!

Great atmosphere and service every time. The s&a chicken strips tossed in lemon pepper is FIRE. Great spot to watch a game with countless TV. Trivia Tuesdays at 7pm are a must!

$$ Location Uptown-Thomas and Allen Parking Street-can be hard to find Atmosphere Sports bar-many tv's Seating Patio low tables, large bar, hi tops. Great for groups Service Outstanding! Note-Trivia on Tuesday/Wed ( sports) Menu Something for everyone! Pizzas,tacos, salads, happy hour 4-7p. We had the brisket tacos and beverages. The corn tacos are full of brisket, Oaxaca cheese, shredded carrots, salsa. Yummy. Trivia night is fun! Summary Local uptown sports bar-outstanding service, great food, fun atmosphere.

Fun trivia night ambiance, and the servers are generally pretty friendly and relatively attentive. However, on a fairly well founded sample size, myself and several of my friends have experienced explosive fiery, clothes-stripping level diarrhea after consuming happy hour bites and beverages on multiple occasions from this establishment. Why the repeated incidents, you might ask? We simply had to be sure and avoid a false accusation.

We stopped in at the nodding donkey for a quick bite for dinner. We had our dog with us but they were accommodating for us. Got our dog water and really patient with us. They are a sports bar and will have all the games on. It is a great sports bar the food was ok. The chips that we got for our queso tasted stale. Overall the place is good for a sports environment and a place to grab drinks.

We had a great experience! The service was good, the place is a cool hang out place. We only got appetizers but they were good. We will have to try other menu items next time.

Hmmmm....a bit on the fence for the Nodding Donkey because the ambiance is great - the environment feels super friendly and hip, and they have fun activities like trivia/sports game showings. The food itself is pretty awful. I understand it's a bar, so my expectations shouldn't be too high, but I've never enjoyed any food I have gotten from here. Their marg pizza looks good, but is not very good - it had a weird aftertaste. Their cheese balls are just okay. I got the Bishop Cider, it was just made, and tasted super metallic. Even after getting a repour, I still couldn't drink it, which is tough because I usually love Bishop Cider. Service was pretty good and trivia was a lot of fun! I think for the Uptown area though, there are way better options where you can enjoy both the ambiance and offerings!

Sports Bar located in uptown. Several different TVs with different games going on. When we first walked in was difficult to find a seat at the bar. Bartender didn't seem friendly at first but was better as the night went on. Food was decent, brisket was a little salty for my liking but it was good. Burger was better though.

You go here for the vibes to watch a game. The food was pretty mediocre. Got the saloon burger + fries ($14). I appreciate that it actually comes with fries. But the patty didn't have much flavor... And I'm one who doesn't like very salty things. It's all filling enough. Yes you will get carded at the door. Personally I feel this is not a very common occurrence, but it is uptown, so maybe the younger crowd makes them do this? The music is pretty loud when the game is not on. There's a lot of TVs, so wherever you sit, you will probably have a good view. Service seemed decent on a weekend night during a Dallas sports game.

I think it's a good place to catch a game. Plenty of TVs. If you're not a fan of country or rock music, you may not like the vibe, but maybe that's just what people were playing through touch tunes when I went. Service was very quick and otherwise alright, food was decent for the price. They charge extra for ranch unfortunately.

We ordered the brisket queso, smoky sausage pizza, and strawberry lemon drop. Everything came out surprisingly quickly which was great since we arrived pretty hungry. The queso was great, flavorful and just the right amount of spice. My only complaint is the brisket was in pretty large chunks that you couldn't scoop up at all with the chips. The chips were classic cantina tortilla style chips and salted well. The pizza was decent, sausage was flavorful but the pizza was quite soggy and I really didn't enjoy the taste of the sauce, especially the parts that got a bit burnt towards the crust. Felt like an average pizza from a not-pizza place. The drink was tasty and strong, fair for the price. Inside is typical sports bar with some cool games and stuff hanging on the walls. My only complaint was the music was far too loud. We were there to watch the Copa America Final and struggled to listen to the TV over the music. I was happy to find it not super busy despite the game. We also were able to easily street park right outside for free. Overall a nice hole in the wall sports bar great for quick food while you watch a game if you prefer a less busy spot.

Great service. Great place to watch games. The beer is cold and the people working are friendly.

Great place to watch football with a dog friendly patio! I would not get the wings again, but the quesadillas and pizza were decent. Our service was not fast, but they were really busy when we were there. I think they need more staff on weekends. Everyone that worked there was very friendly!

The service was today was amazing! Aaron and Zoey are the best tag team I have seen in a while. The place is live with these two. I strongly suggest you come by and meet these two!!!

Service was great, food was great! Nice place to visit out of town

Great sports bar. Tons of TVs, good atmosphere. Staff is awesome too, really attentive even when the bar is packed. Big fan of the brisket sandwich and waffle fries. Best waffle fries!

The deals at the place are soooo crazy GOOD!!! Food is amazing and that dessert is a chefs kiss wow!!!! Great place for watching games with a big group and 9/10 WOULD RECOMMEND TO A FRIEND!!!

Thanks Josiah for the incredible service! If you go to Nodding get the Purple Nurple, their signature drink. Best sports bar in Dallas. Thanks Josiah and staff.

This is one of my favorite spots for sports. The outdoor seating is sidewalk style and the inside is not so fancy nor dive bar is, perfectly in between. Ole Miss watch parties all the t

As a KU alumni , I went to this establishment for the first time to watch the KU vs UNC game and my experience was terrible. I waited at one table for 10 mins and I never received service, I moved to another table , waited 15 mins before I was served. The waitress Daisy took forever to come back to get my drink order , then it took her forever to come back and take our food order, she hardly checked in on us . I ordered a sprite and never received it. I had to go to the bar to get my drink. The ambiance was good but the vibes were not vibing. We dis enjoyed our wings but had to return my to go wings due to the service I received from daisy. I go to another KU ALUMNI bar "Benders" and I never received this type of service. I will not be returning to this establishment again.

Out of state five star experience . Very welcoming by server Ronda! She made our group feel welcomed and attended. Don't question it, stop by!

Alright here is the deal with nodding donkey.... It's a good vibe, lots of TVs with games always on, also has an outdoor patio which is nice for bringing a pup. But here is the bad... they serve beer in plastic cups... this isn't a college bar but treats its customers as so, with a bouncer at the door at 5pm checking IDs as if it's a uni bar. I'm well over 21, but word to management... please buy some glass and serve your drinks cold. Stop polluting the earth with plastics cups just so you can make a margin.

Great local sports bar with awesome service! The food is amazing and large portions! Enjoyed different drinks while watching some games! Loud environment that just attracts you to come in from blocks away! Will surely come again!!

All in all, I enjoy the donk and go there frequently. I love the sports bar atmosphere and it's fun to watch games. The pizza is fantastic as well as many other menu items. My only complaint is the service. I have been there countless times to extremely subpar service. I have waited at a table for over 10 minutes numerous times before anyone greeted me. We had to ask a group is servers who were sitting around a few times if someone could serve us. Some of the waitstaff seem to not want to be there at all and it shows in their lack of enthusiasm on providing the best service. If the service would improve, even marginally, this place would get 5 stars easily. Management, please do something about this.

Nice sports bar with excellent food and drinks. Came to watch UFC and it was just right. Will return.

Trivia was so fun! The food was also great - awesome gluten free options labeled on the menu. Our server was super sweet. And the patio was so nice as well!

Great place to come in to watch a game! Come in early though because it does get packed and parking can get hard. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. Tons of specials too depending on the day. Didn't get to try the food but looked decent to me. Great service too considering how busy it got!

2019 Yelp 120 Challenge - #112 Nodding Donkey is a sportier bar located in Uptown. I visited this bar with a few friends during the 5 bar Christmas bar crawl. The place was pretty crowded when we entered but there is seating all around both in doors and out. The staff was pretty friendly and there are plenty of TV's to watch games. In front they have a small seating area and a few lawn/ pavement games to play with your group. It's a sport bar that offers food, beer and cocktails. I don't think you go wrong here. Give it a try if you're in the area.

Great food and service .. Lola was amazing had the pastor tacos so so good ... This place is a must

Food is overrated. TVs go out constantly with satellite. Staff looks over worked. Owners don't seem to care anymore. Place is going down hill fast. Stay away.

I completely agree with the reviews of this establishment because I frequently pass it while out on a stroll and see so many people enjoying themselves there. I made the decision to go there as a result, and I did. After it was initially great, the servers started to be invasive. They started asking to clear the table while I hadn't completed eating, and when my wife hadn't finished her drink, they returned to retrieve the glasses and also picked it up, which was the second warning. I thought this place was great, but after my wife and I had a poor experience there because they didn't act appropriately, I don't want to go again. I nevertheless left a big a tip. As I don't want to be a thorn in anyone's rose-filled garden, I'm still only giving three stars.

Love the feel of this place. It's just a sports bar that lets you drink. Excellent selection of bourbons, attentive service. Nothing particularly bad about this place - could easily turn into a regular for me.

Excellent service in a really fun atmosphere! We had a great evening, and we really enjoyed the Donkey Balls appetizer.

Some years back, I had one of those nights at The Loon and woke up dazed, trying to recall how I had successfully managed to make it back to my own bed. The only experience I was able to conjure from the shambles of my memory was that at some point in the night, I had eaten something spectacular at a place with a curious name. But what could this mystery dinner item have been and where? "We went to the Nodding Donkey where you ate a brisket grilled cheese sandwich." Ah yes-- my girlfriend recounted this portion of the evening for me, for which I will be eternally grateful. I have been a regular customer ever since.

Good drinks, good food, good service, good tv setup. Whoever controls the aux cord plays only father daughter dance songs.

The only good drinks at this bar is their beer. Shots and mixed drinks are repulsing. Food was also a joke. Not sure what the fuss is all about. All their shots and mixed drinks look the same. Like mop water.

Johnny, Gabe, and Ronda are my favorite bartenders in the city. I've been running around these parts since 2013 and still have yet to find a better sports bar in the city. Love it and would highly recommend to anyone visiting. TVs/sports for days. It don't matter if you want to watch rugby, European cricket, or a football game on Sunday - the pods at this palace will put it on. Love the Nodding Donkey

Lola, Gabe & Rhonda are AMAZING! I love the Nodding Donkey ... they make the experience 10X better. Tonight, I was craving smoked wings. The wings and service exceeded expectation ... I'll be back soon. Thank y'all

Waited 30 min at a table no service. Was a frequent customer but I won't be back now.

Definitely recommend their happy hour! They have nicely priced appetizer specials and some drink specials. The place was great - it was easy to find a table to sit, had a nice outdoor patio, and the service was very quick and efficient. They also have some outdoor games along the patio. It may be difficult to find parking, but something should come up on the side streets near the area!

In town for business and stopped in with some colleagues for local flavor happy hour. Just outside downtown where I was staying. Local hangout. Typical bar type food. Ordered nachos to share between 3 people. They were tasty. I ordered a moscow mule and it was a little weak. Ordered a sea breeze and it was good. Friends had local beers Bloody Honey and they enjoyed them. Tons of screens for sports must have been 15 at least. Clean bathrooms. Fun decor. Locals were friendly. Staff was nice and attentive. Gave us tips on where to get great local foods. Good value for how long we were there about 3 hrs.

First time Nodding Donkey guest. Rhonda the bartender was absolutely amazing. The service was incredible and the drinks were delicious. I will be taking all my friends here for the next happy hour. Great people great music fun for everyone.

Stopped in for lunch with a coworker and we had a great experience! The bartender gave friendly and speedy service, he also made great recommendations. We had the chicken tenders and the bbq sandwich, both were great! Looks like they also have a decent beer selection as well.

Nodding Donkey was...fine. But that's about it, and there is definite room for improvement. The very first impression I got was trying to speak to a rude bartender, who was more interested in talking to his friends than engaging with new customers, only informing me of the open seating policy after multiple attempts to speak to him. Once seated, our waiter was a much friendlier change of pace, though again, seemed very disinterested to be there. We ordered brunch on a slow Sunday with a mimosa and a bloody mary. The food was good, but the drinks were TINY and very watered down. We were seated outside with our dog and asked for a bowl of water, which didn't come until the very end of the meal after asking twice. I can't think of any better way to describe this place than "just fine". It wouldn't be my first choice, if anything I'd go primarily for happy hour drinks (hopefully not 75% water), but for the area of Uptown they are in, there's plenty of other options with better service and tastier drinks.

Great spot to hit for brunch. We stumbled upon this place and were happy we did. Got seated right away and the food was delicious. Highly recommend the brisket tacos! My boyfriend got the eggs Benedict and was very pleased. Staff was nice and attentive. Next time I will try the BBQ grilled cheese Only taking away a star because the table was very sticky and bothered me the whole time.

Great spot to watch some games on a Sunday afternoon - Open layout, good drinks and eats. I went with "donkey balls" because you can't not order something with a name like that! Could have used a couple more tv's in the area by the kitchen, my entire side of our table had no game view but overall a good experience.

Worst service ever. This place isn't even deserving of one star. My friends and I walked in, sat down and it took us 20 minutes before we finally got up and walked out. Not a single person came to our table. What made it worse was multiple waitresses walked by our table multiple times and didn't even acknowledge us. They all had RBF and looked miserable to be working there as well. Such a cold group of employees. Unless you can get a seat at the bar, pass on this place.

Went to watch football today. The door guy said they were at capacity and wouldn't let me in. Then while I was standing there a cute girl walked up and he let her right in.

Boy oh boy has this place changed since I was last here. Service is horrible! Mind you the servers are so nice but it's like they are ridiculously short staffed. We went a good 30 minutes without drink refills (water and alcohol). Food is absolutely horrible. My boyfriend got a burger. I took a bite and it tasted like it was microwaved meat. No grill flavor. My chicken sandwich was ok but it was ridiculously small. I'm a meal prepper and I weigh my food weekly to prep. This chicken breast was maybe a 4 oz piece. Standard at a restaurant is 6 oz. It came with lettuce, lots of cheese, one tiny tomato piece and a mayo dressing. The waffle fries were the best part of the meal. When we got our tab I couldn't help but laugh. $10 for a house wine yet it's $7 for a Titos and water. The house Chardonnay I got had a bad bite. Not a fan. Valet here stinks. And I mean that literally. The guy is so lazy. We pulled up and he didn't move. I had to walk up to him and ask if he was even valet before he said oh ya I'll take your car. When we are leaving I had to tap him on the shoulder and ask him to get out car. It took him more then 5 minutes to bring our car. He seemed out of it and we should have known better than to trust him with our keys. Overall I'm upset with how this place has fallen. Judging by the current clientele it's become a place for people to eat mediocre food and just get wasted. If you're looking for a place to hangout on a patio and eat good food I suggest looking elsewhere.

Love this place! Lola and Logan were the best servers ever! Attentive, kind and efficient! Love the happy hour deals! Get the chicken tenders- they are amazing!

great ambiance and great crowd. our server and food runners were incredibly nice and quick on saturday, considering there was a huge crowd for the game. but the bartenders need to get a grip. they were incredibly rude. i understand it is busy and not an easy job, but kindness, or even tolerance, goes a really long way. not long after giving us our drinks a male bar tender walks up to us and tells one of our friends 'make sure you tell all your friends, that if they don't want to tip well we won't serve yall well' with the rudest tone. I understand a 15% tip is not a 20% tip, but in no way did it warrant a man walking up to us and yelling at one of our friends. normally i hand a cash tip to our main bar tender at the end of the night but i decided against it for that night and gave it to our waitress. this put a really bad taste in my mouth and we were ready to leave. we will more than likely not be back because of this experience. wildly inappropriate.