Absinthe Lounge

Service is bad. Food is worse. I mean it’s a good idea in theory but very poorly executed. Ordered a screwdriver and got a gin and oj. Really??? Cheddar fries took 30 minutes and there was no cheese on them. And they were served with ketchup. No ranch, and believe me they needed something to drown out the taste. Definitely won’t order ahai

Went recently for Valentine’s Day, and I’m impressed with just about everything about this place! Very nice, charming atmosphere. Food was EXCELLENT. The bartender was friendly and provided quick service. My boyfriend and I ordered the Grande Absente — which is supposed to be the strongest absinthe available — and the whole preparation process for it was so cool to watch! We ordered some more drinks after that, and those were delicious as well. The only thing that could have made the experience better is if the crowd was larger (it was practically empty except for a few speed daters) for a more upbeat atmosphere; BUT, we came on a Sunday night, which probably had a lot to do with it (I’m sure this place gets busier on Thursdays and Fridays). Would definitely come back to visit with more friends on a prime night!

Really slow service. Didn’t ever check in with us and we were sitting at the bar. Don’t recommend for a drink or dinner.

Drinks were so watered down. Took forever to get service. Bought shots and a gin and tonic and they didn’t even taste like alcohol. Very disappointing. Don’t waste your time.

I agree with most Unilocalers on here that the old location did have a better speakeasy vibe, which was cool, but the owner is trying to grow, which is also cool.
I used to go here a lot when I DJed occasionally on Tuesday at the old location.
The old location was pretty nifty and I liked Kevin’s Absinthe Lounge, it was a perfect chill place to take a date or something on a nice night out in Dallas.
The new location is cool, but for performance purposes there shouldn’t be wall dividing the venue so people aren’t so cramped by the stage.
Bartenders are okay and hopefully will improve over time.
The owner seems a bit unprofessional, but is nice at times.
I’ll be honest that the drinks aren’t great, but this will be a nice place to see a different type of décor.
I wouldn’t plan staying all night unless they’re having a special performance night, like Mondays.
Monday nights they have HipHop and RnB performers that rock the house! The promoters definitely put on a great show for Monday nights here so I’d definitely check it out.

Was looking for something low key and chill to do and I came across Absinthe. I read the reviews and looked up the website and decided to check it out this past Sunday. I really really liked the ambiance and overall décor/​feel of the place. It was very dimly lit and intimate. The front door could easily make one think they are about to enter a vault. I thought it was super cool and very unique. There were maybe 5 other people inside the restaurant but after we ordered our drink and appetizers, they pretty much had all left. Speaking of drinks and food, thats the reason for me taking 2 stars away. It was my friend and my first time there and I personally expected a lot more. I asked for a drink menu and the bartender said they didnt have one but they have all types of liquor and could make anything. I thought that was interesting because most people would want to be able to view a list of drinks and know what it cost. I also thought it was in poor taste for her not to tell us a little bit about the place and the drink Absinthe itself after I mentioned it was our first time there. She told us she had an Absinthe menu and then she dropped it off to us. She was about to walk away so I immediately started asking questions. Again, I thought that it was in poor taste that she didnt explain the drink differences before I asked. Once asked, she pretty much summed the drink up as strong and tasting like black licorice. She made our drinks and said that first timers usually takes pics. Im glad she at least said that because it was really neat to watch the drinks get made. I enjoyed the licorice taste, but didnt think drink was strong at all. The video posted on their webpage shows Americans first time reactions to drinking Absinthe and while hilarious, I was expecting to feel something similiar… yep. didnt happen. On to the food. I ordered wings and my friend ordered chicken/​steak quesadillas. When our food came out, we were literally like the only ones in there. My wings were not hot and neither was my friend’s quesadilla. My friend opened her quesadilla to find very little cheese dried to the tortilla. She asked if the chef could add more cheese and perhaps warm up the quesadilla. The bartender said they didnt have a microwave but could put it back on the grill. Even after doing that, the food was still not good. I hear their Rock the Mic shows on Monday nights are really good, so I want to go back to check it out, but I’ll be sure to eat before I get there.

Went on a Sunday the door was creepy which I personally like and was intrigued by. We came after an event ended. It was empty, maybe 4 other people there. But let me tell you, that’s what made the experience nice. I went into the VIP room and just say with my friend and listened to the music as I sipped on this concoction. It was so relaxing we forgot we wanted to go out to a club and only came for the drink. We were there an hour and a half lol.
As for the absinthe. The experience was the best part. Watching it be made because I know the history on it. I tried the lowest dose which was 120 proof lol I said sooo what the highest, HELL? Lol haha!
Which I’ll prob try next time lol. I didn’t get drunk because I have a high tolerance but I did feel interesting after about 10mins lol.
The waitress had me going back and forth asking myself is she nice or not. She seemed to have an attitude. I suggest a glass of absinthe to fix that right on up cause I didn’t do it lol.
I loved the lounge and plan to take my friends coming town next week there. It’s funny… I raved about this drink that was banned all over my Facebook and Instagram and they still wanna try it lmao… oh the things we do for excitement.
Checkout the lounge!

Absinthe is a unique gem, just a few footsteps away from downtown. It’s got warmth, character, and knowledgable bar staff. The new location is beautifully decorated, and the division of space is well suited for small parties and intimate gatherings. We were happily surprised by the new menu, and couldn’t believe how reasonably priced the menu was. We also appreciate the showcasing of local artists and music, and wish more establishments offered this. Highly recommended hot spot for date night or a night on the town with friends. Absinthe never disappoints!

I headed here with a friend after a concert at South Side Ballroom. It had been recommended by one of her co-​workers. Generally, I was a little confused by this place. Not sure if it is usually as dead as it was on a Thursday late night, but there were only about 5 people at the bar and 2 tables with couples at each. The service and food were about average, but not terrible. We really just wanted to grab a snack and a couple of drinks close by, so we weren’t picky. Décor is kinda unique, very steampunk-​esque. DJ actually wasn’t bad and played a lot of old-​school hip-​hop/​rap. I would stop in again, but only if in the area. I wouldn’t make it a destination for the evening.

What a disappointment.
What is even going on with this place?
Back when it was under the South Lamar building it was cramped but pretty cool.
Now? TERRIBLE! Where did your atmosphere go?!
Don’t go here if you’re looking to experience or explore the world of absinthe liquors. What they have available isn’t among the best, and their absinthe cocktails leave MUCH to be desired.
The kitchen is ridiculous. Advertising cheese plates as charcuterie, the chef is clearly out of his depth. Kitchen is open until 1am? Well, it’s 12:10 on a slow night and they’ve already shut it down and will not fire it back up. Not event for a four top. OKAY, we can go somewhere else, NO PROBLEM.
Half the place is closed if they aren’t busy enough, and every DJ we’ve seen there isn’t playing anything remotely on aesthetic; leaving many patrons wondering, «Wait. Why did we come here?»

Fantastic selection of genuine absinthe flavors, great ambience, and friendly staff. Depending on the night of the week it can have a neighborhood bar feel or an urban night club. Much fun all the time!

Very chill lounge atmosphere. Very cool eclectic interior. Friendly staff. I love the back room where they have DJs and couches. Great place to hang out with friends. You have to go at least once to check out the entrance. Not going to give t away but very neat.

Liked this place before but love it now. Great atmosphere and more upscale than before with a new menu but same neighborhood feel that makes you feel at home. Great space that’s more open and lit up but didn’t lose the eclectic artsy vibe. This is a must visit spot because you could certainly become a regular like I plan on doing.

I love the new Absinthe. Some great stuff on the new menu, I love the sexy, «steampunk-​esque» vibe, eclectic original art everywhere, ambiance, excellent DJ line-​up, great VIP room for performances and events, super happy hour specials, and YAY parking is a non-​issue now that there is a dedicated lot just past the bar. Absinthe has moved up a couple notches on my top ten list of places to hang out and drink with friends.

Your professionalism is astounding.
Kevin, I’m glad you decided to delete your comment about my outfit looking like I came from back water Alabama. Glad you realized your rudeness and unapologetic demeanor. It’s smarter to catch bees with honey, than back handed comments, especially when you are the owner of a business.
Fellow Unilocalers, make sure u dress up for this one…

Absinthe Lounge & Restaurant is a fantastic place. Moved to a new location recently, the venue has kept is uniqueness and expanded it even more to include a fabulous steam punk décor making the place very elegant and very classy. Great place for entertainment, every evening there is either a live band, spoken word, awesome DJ’s line up, fabulous & sexy monthly Burlesque shows and there are more upcoming shows being added to the monthly entertainment line up.
The restaurant is great, the food is great. Absinthe Lounge serves a large variety of Absinthe (It’s legal here.). Great Happy Hour, nice selection of liquor wine and beer. Bartenders are gracious and very friendly.

To the owner of this lounge — I appreciate that you took the time to respond to my review, however, you should really look into what your bouncers are doing as my complaint is not so much about the new dress code but how it is being enforced.
The night that I visited the lounge, I had white cotton shorts and I literally saw four other men wearing the exact same type of shorts walking in meanwhile I was denied entry. That simply tells me that if you have a dress code it is not being enforced properly. Again, not angry that there is a dress code but the enforcement should be consistent. Also, your bouncer lied and said that the policy had been in place for over a year which is not consistent with your comment.

I was denied service on Saturday as well. I found it ironic that the bartender was wearing a hat and he told me to take mine off to which I complied. Only to be told that I can’t walk in wearing shorts… Mind you they were j crew shorts not jorts. I looked around and there was no one. Absolutely no one on a Saturday at 5 or 6pm. I used to like the old location and décor. Not so much the new one and the tacky and gaudy «upscale» décor they have now. And I stopped in to drink an absinthe and not eat. I don’t think I would like to eat here regardless. And if it were not for the rude replies from Kevin C on here I would of not posted this. You need a better PR person because you just racked up 3 one star reviews. KEEP IT UP