Where to Pre-Game Before a Stars or Mavs Game
Here are 12 of the best restaurants within walking distance of the AAC.
Victory Park is one of the hottest areas in the city. It's hard to deny the energy as you walk through Victory Plaza to the American Airlines Center (AAC) with a hot ticket in your hand.
Start the night off right and hit the town for happy hour with your crew before the big game! With all the great choices near AAC, we've dwindled your options down to 12 walkable and tasty local watering holes. Take a look at our favorite pre-game dives and bars rooting the Mavs or Stars to victory!
![](https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Hero_Victory_Park-12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=21be282003538a60a6ea2ff892ad31c5 320w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Hero_Victory_Park-12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=a60b39cd52a884c1d8a167dfc45561d2 540w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Hero_Victory_Park-12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=f90eb6465e8cf8c646d7e3b5c9d9b06b 768w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Hero_Victory_Park-12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=0df7df1c68202daaa8acd937fe1bfdf7 1024w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Hero_Victory_Park-12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=8c8a1d0174f3a6c5f36086f6afb5cefc 1200w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Hero_Victory_Park-12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=290fd70d5e4393f0695ce595abb6471b 1440w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Hero_Victory_Park-12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=8646c3af79c515060e8c705ac514ca09 1920w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/Hero_Victory_Park-12.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=6b74aae66765280f09c7dc7024c8b191 2000w)
HERO
2-minute walk to AAC
HERO is the closest hangout to the AAC and it's great before and after game day. You'll be blown away by the drink menu (including large format drinks), the massive space, indoor and outdoor seating and arcade games – and you'll be even more impressed with the dining menu. Catch happy hour before the game on weekdays 3-6 p.m.
![](https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/mesero_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=6a621ffc66b557f0cc46a203a3347246 320w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/mesero_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=8cacdbd5d05699647a42472fc27b6ab2 540w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/mesero_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=09145127b878391d78c68bd199c91db0 768w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/mesero_1.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=d506ddd9b67a31be293ea773c2dd5f1d 960w)
Mesero
5-minute walk to AAC
Mesero has everything you love about Tex-Mex and beyond in Dallas. Try the Frozé to get the party started – made with frozen rosé, vodka and Licor 43, a delicious Spanish liqueur. The community plates and shared appetizer menu boasts two types of nachos, THREE types of queso, ceviche, flautas and much more. Mesero offers happy hour Monday – Friday 3-5 p.m.
Burgundy Swine Wine Bar
4-minute walk to AAC
Enjoy a memorable wine bar experience within walking distance to the AAC. Check out their wine selection from emerging regions like Portugal, Australia, South America, Mexico and Texas. Design your own cheese and meat boards with an exquisite atmosphere in a modern and unique space! Burgundy Swine Wine Bar offers happy hour with half-off glasses Monday – Friday 3-6 p.m.
Imoto
4-minute walk to AAC
Make for a star-studded night, beginning to end, by starting with a lavish drinking and dining experience at Imoto. First things first, peruse the extensive wine, cocktail and sake list. Local celebrity Chef Kent Rathbun brings flavors from the East right to the heart of Dallas with his own unique spin. If you need your sushi fix, hop over to the traditional sushi bar for classic sashimi or their hand-made signature rolls. Imoto offers happy hour Monday – Friday 5-6:30 p.m.
![](https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/billycancan.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=0e834f0073b51528f54a1ca5db214a20 320w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/billycancan.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=bae95816c216506daa155171c5d9b412 540w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/billycancan.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=cd530232cf04e28bb5adb3908b5a5e02 768w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/billycancan.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=081128bb0d34637cc1bcf110536be7e4 1024w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/billycancan.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=7a795bf58ced54656dd4149e9a4b1e66 1200w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/billycancan.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=6ea6461a7f46b370479c185d3bd69371 1440w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/billycancan.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=d39eb19472a69bc698424f2521cda535 1920w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/billycancan.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=2ed8cf973f797e7b98ab408a9c6f8547 2048w)
Billy Can Can
5-minute walk to AAC
Enjoy an upscale meal at Billy Can Can, a 19th-century saloon-style restaurant. Don't miss their extensive drink menu, grab a cold beer straight from the parlor, or sip on a saloon signature cocktail or wine. From bourbon to cognac and brandy, they will have the perfect thing to lift your spirits. Dinner options include roasted snapper, scallops and grits, buffalo tenderloin and more. Billy Can Can offers happy hour Monday – Friday 5-7p.m.
Happiest Hour
5-minute walk to AAC
The name doesn't lie. It really is difficult to be in Happiest Hour without a smile. There are great views and lots of space to sit with your friends and contemplate the night. Their local drafts list and drink menu will get you in the spirit, and the "happytizer" menu has all your bar favorites like chicken wings, pulled pork sliders and loaded cheddar fries. Happiest Hour offers happy hour Monday – Friday 5-7 p.m.
Te Deseo
5-minute walk to AAC
Looking for a stunning rooftop overlooking the city with a vast collection of tequila, mezcal and cigars? Inspired by bold Latin American flavors, Te Deseo's energy makes it a great place to start or end a game night. You can also enjoy a bottle service experience in the upstairs Catalina Bar & Lounge or on the stunning Terrazza featuring city views. Te Deseo offers happy hour Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 5-7 p.m. available only at the bars.
Royal 38
8-minute walk to AAC
Royal 38 features a menu of 20 plus signature cocktails as well as all the classics you love. These libations are complemented with an extensive menu of shared plates, salads and entrees. If weather permits, enjoy Royal 38's beautiful yet casual patio that is perfect for pre-game talk over cocktails. Royal 38 offers happy hour Wednesday – Friday and Sundays 4-6 p.m.
![](https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/TheHenry.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=ea66287ba168b27ec915c6c241f7be66 320w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/TheHenry.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=6ff4a7e18cf799625cc0e6e3b2e5f479 540w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/TheHenry.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=21d8ee8e0880edb233e8d7ff997dbaba 768w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/TheHenry.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=321d0bb7449fddf1ed07b1c45de7dce3 1024w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/TheHenry.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=165454190ec2cfc383eafc7edf8c5ac7 1200w, https://visit-dallas.imgix.net/images/blog/TheHenry.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=9cfeff5853b57c03fd54daa7d6d80e99 1440w)
The Henry
8-minute walk to AAC
The Henry is a beautiful two-story restaurant serving new American dishes in a casual setting. Take advantage of their happy hour deals like the $6 wines, $4 draught beers and plenty of appetizers to enjoy on the cheap – the fresh guacamole and parmesan truffle fries are always a good choice. Sip one of their beautiful cocktails, all while enjoying a picturesque view of the Dallas skyline. The Henry offers happy hour Monday – Friday 4-6 p.m.
Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar
9-minute walk to AAC
Saint Ann is home to Dallas' largest garden patio! With a fresh take on happy hour, crisp cocktails, impressive wines, and modern New American fare made, Saint Ann's is great for groups to sip, dine, and stay awhile. Saint Ann Restaurant and Bar offers happy hour Wednesday – Friday 4-6 p.m.
Harwood Arms
10-minute walk to AAC
The perfect pre-game spot to drink with the luck of the Irish! With pints of Guinness, the finest whiskeys, and the tastiest fish and chips, Harwood Arms is the District pub where it feels like you are stepping into another world, and hopefully another win! Harwood Arms offers happy hour Monday – Thursday 4-7 p.m.