Jack’s Backyard

closed!

I’ve only been here once, but I am such a fan already!
Sure, a large percentage of the patrons might be a certain gender and swing a certain way, but this is by no means a «lesbian bar.» I don’t even know that that’s supposed to mean anyway. But what I’m trying to say is that everyone is welcomed here, you don’t have to be a certain type of person or belong to a certain social group to come here. It’s also apparently a hotbed of artists, I met like 3 different ones the night I was here and had amazing conversations along with some strong drinks and fierce giant jenga competitions. I arrived too late to hear the band, but I was told they were good.
They also served me what was probably the best long island iced tea I’ve had in a long while.
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Bathrooms are spacious and IMMACULATE. This is such a huge huge huge huge point in their favor.
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It’s mostly outdoor with picnic tables and outdoor lounge chairs, so wear your skimpy shorts and tank tops and show off your sexy self. ;) OH, and there is gravel so if you hate gravel like I do, wear some vans or chucks, not sandals.

Where it’s always Ladies Night!!!
Okay so some say it’s not and some say it is, but let’s face facts. If you have to say it’s not, aren’t you? Aside from the identity crisis, Jack’s is a pretty cool place.
After about 10 minutes of waiting in line for valet parking, next to a trailer park (irony anyone?) we were finally able to go in. While this weekend was probably not the best night to enjoy the patio area from what I saw this looks like a great place to watch a band play during patio weather. The large stage and large clear plastic water tanks that become illuminated with colored lights.
No live band outside but inside there is also a smaller stage and the band that played was great! There are plenty of couches and chairs to lounge around in. Pool tables at the back where very busy. We were hungry so we had a bite to eat. Loved the cheese fries, they really hit the spot. Mixed drinks were at the $ 6.50 range.
Word to the wise, if you are offended by PDAs probably not for you. If you are hoping that PDAs are with lipstick lesbians, you will be disappointed. Just come to enjoy yourself, bring you own ladies and keep them close!
Cus this is ladies night!

Great place to grab a drink with friends and meet new ones. The get some great local bands and have a cool bar.
The staff is great and the drinks are reasonably priced.
Also the place caters to all walks of life, straight, lesbian and gay, young and old… great mix of people enjoying each other company.
A cool bar over all.

Pretty much Lee Harvey’s on crack. It’s the same concept of a fun dive-​type place… in a sketchy area… but surprises you with amazing food, service, beer prices and music venue awesomeness.
No seriously… pure music venue awesomeness. Even of the weather is too cold and they move the music inside, somehow it all still works.
I mean this place has everything. Cool divey inside with pool tables and darts. Great greasy food… with a touch of creativity so you aren’t bored. Roll up car garage doors for that added charm of the area. Bad-​ass outside stage made from Big Rig loads and tires. Outside hillbilly-​style cabana’s with darts and fire pits. Pick-​nick tables… no chairs match…
Basically outside dive… awwwwwesoooomneeeess.
Don’t believe me? Go see… no really… now…

Good place to meet for drinks and light bar food. Live music and fun staff

We went there to see the SRV cover band, Voodoo Blue. It was perfect weather for sitting outdoors, listening to good music, and drinking some beers. The service was great. Our cocktail waitress was Johnny on the Spot with the beers and very friendly. The valet guys were great too. Didn’t see much of the inside of the bar, but it looks nice and modern. I especially like the very clean ladies’ room.
We are definitely going back to hang out here.

This is one hell of an excellent bar! Like live music? They got it. Enjoy venturing out to Oak Cliff. Check. Trailer Park across the street? Done and done. Fan of Lee Harvey’s? Get your ass to Jack’s.
We had the pleasure of attending this fine establishment this past weekend. This past weekend was also Gay Pride weekend, so Jack’s was a bumpin. We sat outside in the huge shaded «backyard» (get it?) and listened to a girl (who I swore was a dude for half the night) rock out with her band the most random assortment of awesome jams. The inside looks somewhat loungey but still ultra chill.
I did sample the chips and guac, which was surprisingly good and the drinks were well poured.
This joint just begs for a chilly night and fire pit, so I will most def be returning when the temperatures drop.
Jack’s, I may not swing your way, but you are on my radar.

Big fan! Very, very random location but it works. Great atmosphere. We’ve been here numerous times since discovering it back in April. Food is very good. Service is great and the people are friendly. Very cool and laid back place to hang out with friends.

This cool spot is on a BIG lot of land. I did not eat here, just drank. It’s funny, this hidden oyster yielded many of my friends so even though I went alone, I ran into quite a few familiar places. I know that this might be a bit of a lumberjack hangout *hehe but the chix here were all sweet and in no way did i feel threatened.
As far a boys go, we all keep it friendly. No pearl necklaces for me.

Love this place! We tried the restaurant side first for a casual lunch over a year ago but we keep going back for the laid back vibe at the bar.
It’s a little tricky to find Jack’s but once you are there complimentary valet will take care of the rest. The outside seating is a mixed bag of patio furniture and benches providing plenty of room to have a drink when the weather is nice. But they keep heaters and a fire pit outside when it’s cold too.
Jack’s has live music on the weekends. I get there early enough to enjoy catching up with friends before the music starts. BTW, last night’s band was really good! After some music we headed to the indoor part of the bar for a few more drinks and hanging out time with friends. They have a digital jukebox and pool table inside too.
My favorite part about Jack’s is the diversity of people! You will see good looking people in their trendy clothes alongside couples in their 50s and somehow it all just works here. It really covers the entire spectrum and I think that’s pretty cool. No worries how you are dressed, come in your Saturday best or in your shorts after a ballgame, either way you’ll fit right in!

This is an interesting bar for Dallas… it def. carries that south Dallas/​Bishop Arts District vibe. It is a little quirky yet trendy. The large gravel parking lot can hold a decent amount of cars and then I’m not sure what you’re supposed do for parking.
The neighborhood is a little scarce… I’m thinking it’s right next to a trailer park? It dark out there and a little hidden from plain view. The fire pits and picnic tables out front are inviting and they are interestingly lit by water storage containers with colored lights inside (is that what those things are?) The garage doors on the front of the building open up the inside to the outside– nice touch!
Inside there is plenty of seating, space for music acts to perform, and a clean, minimalist aesthetic. The bar itself is pretty typical with drinks offered pretty much the same as any other typical bar.
Definitely heavy on the female population, so if you’re a single gal looking to pick up men, you’re probably not in the right place!

Oh Jack’s…I so want to give you four stars because of your amazing since of style, the way you bring different types of people together and your choice in music, BUT I have to hold back that fourth star because of the drinks.
My visit to Jack’s was a busy night, as usual, and I had one bartender who was nice and one who wasn’t. But, even the lack of manners didn’t dampen my spirits until I was served the weakest, tiniest glass of what tasted like Sprite and a little bit of tequila.
And even though I promptly asked the bartender to help a sister out, I couldn’t keep the pour constant throughout the night. By the end of it all I was feeling like the under age kid at a wedding holding a Sprite to seem cool.
If you’re going to serve such tiny glasses, make sure the drink is strong enough to be worth it because I so want this to be my hang out spot, but it’s really hard to want to fork over the cash when I can’t get a good drink.

On one visit a boyish woman was building a bonfire in the big outdoor patio area, which was furnished with 50’s metal lawn chairs and benches. Inside, lounge on a couch and listen to an acoustic set. The garage doors raise up when the weather is nice. As fitting for lesbians, this used to be an auto repair place. The location, admist a bunch of warehouses is maybe gritty, but adds some furtive charm.
Liquor and beer mainly. Food is served. Homey, hip, and female lovin’.

The first time I went to Jack’s Backyard was right after it opened for an Art Conspiracy Thank You Party. I missed the turn the first time; it’s kind of tucked away from the main street.
I was a little confused about where to park but I figured as long as I wasn’t blocking anyone in I should be fine. That seemed to work for me.
Wearing heels is a no-​no because the entrance and patio area are pebble gravel. The landscaping is really cool, though. I love the ocean container converted into seating and a privacy screen from the street. The water containers as light fixtures was very impressive. And the bay doors to Jack’s interior; greatness. Surprisingly, the inside is very soft and inviting contrasting the rugged exterior. It has a very earthy feel.
The drinks are good and the service is pretty good, too. They have darts on the patio and a pool table inside. The restrooms are very nice for a bar. I always enjoy myself when I visit Jack’s

I didn’t realize that I hadn’t reviewed this place.
:D :D :D
I love Jack’s. I think the outdoor area with the fire pits is just awesome, I LOVE to sit outside and drink with friends, it feels home-​y, also when a band is playing inside it isn’t absolutely too loud to visit with your friends, but you can definitely still hear what is going on.
Inside is also awesome, comfy couches, big tables, pool tables… even the restrooms are pretty rad. The bartenders are always super personable and I like the crowd.
YaY, the end… go here and invite me to tag along.

What a find! Richard Q. and I met a couple of friends here Friday night and we had a blast. As others have mentioned this place is definitely hard to find, the person giving us directions over the phone said to «look for an area with lots of parked cars after a trailer lot and then turn in.» After hearing that I was expecting this place to be run down and a tad bit trashy but it was an absolute delight.
First off, Valet was complimentary (yes!), there was a large outdoor section with fire pit, live band and some picnic tables as seating. Inside, there are large flat screen TVs, a nice bar smack in the center, pool tables, a mod lounge area and comfy booths. Here are my first 5 signs I knew I would love this place:
1. The DJ in the corner was playing old 80’s jams and SPICE GIRL remixes
2. The TVs were tuned to style shows like What Not to Wear and Say Yes to the Dress
3. I saw people diving into things like brisket sandwiches and cheese and bacon fries.
4. Lots of different «sorts of couples.» There were girls with boys, boys with boys and girls with girls =)
5.I barely sat down and a bartender was at my side asking what she could start me out with.
We came a little late and missed the live band performing but the DJ was great. After a drink or two we wanted to munch on something and got the chips with beef queso ($ 6.75) which was incredibly bland (the chips and the queso). We weren’t expecting anything orgasmic anyway so that wasn’t too much of a disappointment.
To sum it all up, Jack’s is great for a chill night of drinks, wedding show watching and awesome music.

After a friend of a friend’s recommendation, we decided to try Jack’s for Sunday brunch.
(BTW, their website states «Jack’s Fun Brunch — Free»…what the heck does that mean? (Check it out @
; It wasn’t free, but we did’nt really expect it to be. Just wondering about the advertising???)
Yep, difficult to find, but finally we did. (Corner of Commerce & Pittman, after crossing the Trinity River Bridge, on your left) Arrived around 1130a and there were several patrons already relaxing on the outside patio and one table inside the tiny dining area in the building to the right. (2 separate buildings; .peculiar configuration, with bar in one building, kitchen in the other… tough on the servers to manage for sure) We first sat in the dining area, ordered their $ 3.00 bloody mary’s; decided then to move to the left building (bar area) for brunch. Dining room was so, ah, «boring», Our server was very accommodating and said she could also serve us there. Got our drinks and moved next door.
The «garage doors» were down, I suppose to accommodate the air conditioning. Right on… too humid to sit outside, but the tables outside filled up pretty quickly. Gosh, it was already so warm; guess those patrons were better adjusted to the heat. As all reviews have stated, mainly couches and lounge chairs in the bar, with a few tables and chairs for dining. Much more room for extra tables and chairs? Why Not? Large long bar area. Very austere atmosphere, not much character; okay, looks like a renovated auto repair shop. But, probably what they are trying to achieve, huh?
Brunch was just, really just, okay, a little less than mediocre. My BF’s fruit salad (he’s watching calories… good for him!) was not good. Watermelon was way overripe, and totally unedible. Pineapple was too tart. I encouraged him to send it back, but he’s a nice guy, and forfeited $ 6.00 to not be a difficult diner. My «Jack» Benedict, minus the bacon, with Avocado slices, and hollandiase sauce on top, was acceptable; not bad, just not over the top. Ate only one half of the Benedict, and a smidgen of the ordinary (probably frozen) hash brown potatoes. (@ $ 9.50)
The Bloody Mary was pretty tasty; VERY spicy; not sure though that much Vodka was included In fact, pretty lame. Wasn’t enticed to order another one.
Servers were friendly and accommodating; observed the owner serving meals to the folks on the patio; patrons laughing and having a great time. Relaxed, but not really much to inspire a lingering visit; somehow; with all the outstanding reviews we were expecting a different experience. Crowd was diverse, more females than males but nice cheerful people, which was fine. Lots of friendly, happy folks, for a quiet Sunday brunch. Since we are not really late nite folks (ah hem, bedtime @ 2100 !!), maybe this is just not our kind of place. We love afternoon venues !! (We left here and headed to Idle Rich and then ended up at Black Friar’s Pub… that speaks volumes!)
Glad we gave it a try; just to say we did, but food & weak drinks will not draw us back; probably our one and only visit.

Based on Chris E.‘s review, we headed en masse to Jack’s for Chris G.‘s birthday. Jack’s is in Oak Cliff, which means my dad… er, husband won’t allow me to drive there alone. Luckily, Leigh & Etienne P. stepped up to the babysitting plate for the evening and allowed me to ride with them. Because that’s how they roll.
We passed Jack’s the first time, probably because there is absolutely nothing that identifies it from the street, except for some string lights wrapped around the poles of the old parking garage thingy. Once we turned back around and found the correct side street, we still weren’t sure if we were in the right place.
The parking situation is pretty sad. The gravel lot out front only allows for 10 or so cars — if that — and the only other option is to park in the parking garage thingy or on the street, which totally looks like an alley. And is directly across from a mobile home park. I actually wondered out loud if we knocked on one of the windows and offered $ 20 to watch the car if we’d come back to an intact, and more importantly there, car.
There’s a little restaurant next door that also has no signage, so if you’re looking for the bar, head to the left. You’ll pass a fire pit area with chairs and a railroad car as a backdrop. Unfortunately for us, on this nipply night, it was too cold to sit around the one lit firepit. So, inside we went.
Jack’s is a retrofitted mechanic’s shop that has the potential to be pretty cool. The inside is one big open space, with two chair/​couch sitting areas in front, a bar to the back, a few tables to the left and pool tables to the right with an area for a DJ. It felt a little austere, since I don’t really remember many decorations. We were greeted by a friendly lady (I still don’t know if she was a waitress or just a friendly patron) on our way to the bar and were served our first drinks quickly.
As there were no seats left — there was a birthday party, yay! — we circled the wagons in a corner and began perusing the scene. And then it dawned on me. Not only was the crowd mostly women, the crowd was mostly gay women. Heeeeey, I thought. I didn’t get my Guerilla Gay Dallas newsletter! Wait a minute. Is this a gay bar? We all pretty much came to that conclusion at the same time.
This is where I need to tell you that I normally love gay bars. The men are fabulous, I usually get hit on by the women (yay for that!) and the music is usually pumping enough to make me want to shake my ass. Now take all of that and throw it out the window because Jack’s had none of that kicking.
The DJ started spinning and I groaned. It was techno, only it was bad techno. I joked that I’d forgotten my glow sticks at home. We all stood in our huddle, trying to figure out the vibe and in the end, gave up and went to Cosmo’s.
I still don’t know if Jack’s is officially a gay bar or if it just switched teams for the evening, but I do know that there are much cooler bars in my part of town. And if I’m going to dip my toe in the gay scene, there are much cooler places for that, too.

Well Chris E. had me sold on this place so we decided to have a little birthday UYE here. We all got there about 830 – 845 and already there was nowhere to sit inside (It was 29 degrees outside). That kind of sucks. We go to the bar and look around… there’s a lot of girls here. A LOT of girls. And a lot of them have crewcuts… Hmm?
Oh my god! We’re at a lesbian bar!
Yes that’s right kids… a lezbun bar.
Now most who know me, know I’m pretty left of center, and I am very pro gay rights, but something about a birthday at a lesbian bar with no seating just didn’t do it for me. Call me crazy! Maybe I could have headed home with a nice woman but I didn’t want to have to be «Rebecca» for that to happen…
We ended up finishing our first round of drinks and heading to Cosmos for the night.
The atmosphere seemed really neat but it just wasn’t my scene.
Now if I was a 38 year old lesbian? Maybe this might get a few more stars from me.