McKinney Avenue

When visiting Dallas, you are sure to find yourself on McKinney Avenue at some point during your stay. McKinney Avenue is one of the main streets in uptown Dallas and is the city’s most popular entertainment precinct. The avenue attracts artists, partygoers and those who want to experience the flourishing urban culture that Dallas has developed.

This bustling strip has over a century of history, but these days, the 2-mile (3-kilometer) strip is lined with cafés, restaurants and bars. By day McKinney Avenue is a destination for shoppers or those wanting to check out the independent galleries of the area, while at night you can see people flocking in from all over town for dinner, drinks and shows at the local theates.

Regardless of your taste or budget, McKinney Avenue has something that will appeal. Fine dining and bespoke cocktails bars will appeal to those wanting a five-star experience, while sports bars and homely pubs will appeal to a more laid-back crowd. Enjoy a drink on an outdoor patio as you watch life go by on the street, or tuck yourself away in a cozy café.

McKinney Avenue is a one-way street, and the best way to see it all is aboard the popular M-Line street trolley. The trolley has been in operation for more than a century and is named after the street. Ride the trolley free of charge to see the whole street before deciding on your venue for the evening. After your dinner, take in a performance at one of the many theatres on the street or catch a late movie. Coffee shops, gelato bars and boutique bars stay open until late and the warm summer evenings make for a vibrant atmosphere along the entire street.

McKinney Avenue is located in uptown Dallas and is best reached on foot or by public transport. You can get there by taking the century-old trolley that leads from downtown to the precinct. Parking spaces are scarce in the area, but you can park in the West Village precinct and walk a few blocks or catch the trolley.