Denton is in a sort of bar renaissance at the moment. 2011 brought us Paschall and right around the corner (not to mention down the street) was Oak Street Draft House (full name Oak St. Drafthouse and Cocktail Parlor). So far both have proven to be popular establishments. The latter has been open since the beginning of March. We've learned quite a few things about the Oak St. Drafthouse during that time. Below are a few of those things.
Inside Oak St. Drafthouse.
- The Oak Street Draft House & Cocktail Parlor features 48 beers on tap.
- Half of those are from Texas: Deep Ellum, Franconia, Rahr, Live Oak out of ATX, Shiner, No Label out of Katy, Southern Star out of Conroe, and a few from Houston. The rest are all high-end rarities.
- A third of the beers rotate seasonally.
- The thought behind the place seems enormous and subdued all at once. John Williams, the owner of this fine establishment, certainly has an eye for comfort and aesthetics.
- The place used to be the late vintage clothing store Time Bandits. Nostalgia alert: may evoke a bittersweet sentiment.
- If you’re keen on things anachronistic, you’ll like this place. It’s like going back to a time you only know through books.
- The walls and mantles are decked with creepy photos, fascinating photos, lovely photos, family photos, old men in top hats photos, sports teams photos, old cowboys photos....
- With the trophies, barber chair, tractor stools, and cozy lounge space, the OSDH&CP has a very masculine tone to it...
- While number 8 is very true, one could also say the place is feminine, as well, with curvy, ornate sofas covered in velvet and floral patterns, and soft colors all around.
- The house (dare I say home?) has gardens in the front, and inside are wood floors and high ceilings.
- John had a buddy of his blow and shape beautiful and unique glass handles instead of using large tap handles with perhaps, say, the brew name-- and instead of the usual, and downright unappealing little black tap handles.
- They use small glass tap handles as to not hide the bartender from the patrons, and to keep that open feel, which compliments the rest of the house's atmosphere fantastically.
- THEY HAVE A PATIO LIKE YOU NEVA SEEN IN DENTON. Trust me, it’s huge.
- Inside is non-smoking.
- Bring your own food and have a picnic on the patio.
- They have both evening happy hour specials from 4-7pm daily and late night specials from 9-11pm.
- It has the potential to have some great outdoor concerts/events.
- It’s just off the square and nearby the Industrial Street developments-- new restaurants, favorite restaurants, new apartments.
- The OSDH&CP puts on honky tonk/bluegrass Sunday Fundays with the best mimosas and bloody marys around.
- People now have a reason to travel eastward on Oak St. past the square.
What do you think is the best about the Oak Street Draft House & Cocktail Parlor?