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Anvil Pub
Categories: Nightlife Bars Pubs Restaurants Canadian (New) Pubs, Canadian (New) [Edit]
2638 Elm StDallas, TX 75226
Neighbourhood: Deep Ellum
(214) 741-1271
- Hours:
Mon-Fri 4 pm - 2 am
Sat 11 am - 2 am
Sun 11 am - 12 am
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Tue, Fri, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
80 reviews for Anvil Pub
Review Highlights
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"It's so laid back and chill and not pretentious like Dallas." In 10 reviews -
"The beer selection is solid but not voluminous." In 12 reviews -
"The mac 'n cheese rivals the Libertine's." In 11 reviews
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80 reviews in English
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Review from Martha R.
Dallas, TX
3/28/2012
My love affair with Anvil Pub began New Years 2011. Finding a respectable Belgian beer selection within walking distance of my apartment was one of my high points for 2011.
Sooo incredible beer selection with above average pub fare makes me a regular. If you're prepared for a calorie bomb, I HIGHLY recommend the Mac n Cheese - some of the best ever.
Check it.Listed in: Deep Ellum
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Review from Chris L.
4/13/2012
This bar is quite cozy and busy on a friday early evening.
Went here after the food truck rally in deep ellum and had a drink. The drinks were reasonably priced. 3.50 for shiner. Not too bad!
The bar is quite dark and not really near anything. It's very hippyish and full of hipsters. It has quite some character. The bar is mostly wood and has a porch in the back. The porch in the back was already full when we got there. It isn't much of a porch. It was more like the size of a laundry room with a breeze and wire tables.
I'd definately come back here it really does have a laid back vibe. Not sure about the food though. I saw that they have a kitchen but we just came for a drink. -
Review from Glenn S.
4/7/2012 2 Check-ins Here
Was milling about Deep Ellum last Saturday hope for an approval to attend the Yelp Elite that never came. We decided to take the opportunity to hang at a couple of the bars that we had been hearing about instead. Problem is that many of them are not open during the day. Shame on them, but it made the trip to the Anvil Pub even more special.
There are times when you just feel like hanging with friends, chatting, and grabbing a drink. You don't want an ultra-lounge wannabe, or a hipster hideout where you need a decoder ring to decipher the cocktail menu. Anvil Pub is that straightforward, no-hassle, comfortable spot to grab a cold one and enjoy the day. There is no rush or pretense. The bartenders are knowledgeable but not pushy. You may go to have one quick drink and then find yourself staying for hours.
My friend was impressed that they knew the correct way to pour a Guinness. I enjoyed that bartender overheard our conversation about scotch, weighed in with some interesting (but not condescending information) and then poured us a couple of samples just for the heck of it. All in all, a couple of hours well spent. -
Review from Abbey E.
Dallas, TX
5/8/2012
I love Anvil Pub for its half-price food night and $2 Texas beer night. That being said, the rest is hit or miss. The bartenders are never overly friendly and I'm ok with that. The one time I sat at a table, the server was not good at all. The burger is nothing special and the mac and cheese is more like soup (cheesy and delicious soup, but not quite what I want in mac and cheese). Texas beer night is usually great, but the last couple of times I went, there were half as many beers to choose from...whomp whomp. The music is sometimes good, sometimes bad. I like the dark, pub atmosphere though and the loaded fries are top notch. Thumbs up for a dart board too.
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Review from Jen B.
1/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I really liked the atmosphere...pretty laid back. They had a good selection of beers, friendly service, and good music until....they switched. It went form less than mainstream rock but still some classics in there to like rap. Ew. I can handle a good mix of music but the abrupt change wasn't being accepted by this girl.
Next, the reason we left: the guy smoking a cigar right outside of the door for over an hour. It. Smelled. So. Bad. We left once we were feeling nauseous.
Last down side was the Stella. I love Stella...on tap. Maybe it's just me but I think everything is better on tap, I can drink from a bottle at home. They had Stella signs everywhere...and just Stella in a bottle. It made me sad. -
Review from K V.
Dallas, TX
1/18/2012
Tuesdays are 1/2 price food!
Good beer selection, if you're into that. Their food is just okay for non-beef eaters trying to eat on the light side, but it's a bar, so that's to be expected. Drinks are reasonably strong, and served in real glass tumblers. Maybe next time I'll try the mac n' cheese that everyone seems to love. At half price, it's hard to not try everything on the menu once at least.
The atmosphere is chill and non-pretentious. They have a few tables outside for the nice days, and the AC is blasting inside when it's super hot outside. -
Review from Chris Z.
1/20/2012 1 Check-in Here
This laid back bar mixes bikers with burnouts... literally. Parked outside were a few Harleys. I walked in and it smelled of reefer. A few minutes later a group of bicyclists came in, bikes and all. An eclectic mix to say the least.
Service was prompt... and our waitress was really cool.
Food was average. I tried the wings, pizza, and mac & cheese. Personally I liked the wings the best although the portion on those was small. Everything is reasonably priced.
The bar sports a large mix of beers, but plenty of liquor choices as well. -
Review from Melissa W.
Rockwall, TX
4/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have a love affair with this place. It's a second home. If I were to own and run a bar, I'd do it like these guys. Drinks are reasonably priced and spot on. Food is always delicious, and the service is ON THE BALL and they are all cool as hell. This is probably my favorite bar in Dallas. No lie.
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Review from Ashley D.
Dallas, TX
11/19/2011
Happy belated birthday, Anvil! We share the same birthday (November 13th), so that's pretty cool.
Anyway...
I've been coming here since February and it's been consistently awesome. Good staff, GREAT food, nice ambiance, and I think a pretty decent selection of beers. I think there really is something for everyone here, considering that every time I have been, it's been a mixture of businessmen, hipsters, and "normal people." I like that it's not one big concentration of one douche-y crowd over another.
My favorite thing about Anvil is Tuesday nights: half-priced, DELICIOUS food. I love their burger--it's just simple and tasty. If you really want to be naughty though, get the Kickass Mac-N-Cheese. Holy schnikeys. It is just that: kickass. I feel bad saying that it's better than my grandmother's baked mac & cheese, but Mimi's mac & cheese never game me a foodgasm like this one. MMMMM.
But yeah...I dunno what else to say other than Anvil is cool, bottom line. Thanks for helping make Deep Ellum alive again, guys. -
Review from Tiffany L.
Wausau, WI
12/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
I have a pet peeve when it comes to blue cheese burgers. I know I've yelped about this issue before. A blue cheese burger to ME = CRUMBLED blue cheese, lovingly placed on top of a beautiful burger patty, warm and slightly melty, strong in flavor and delicious. A blue cheese burger does not = topped with blue cheese salad dressing. Ugh, pisses me off like you wouldn't believe. You cannot list blue cheese under cheese options if you're going to squirt f-ing salad dressing on top of my burger. Seriously, you just can't. It's not ok. If it's listed under cheeses, I shouldn't have to inquire if it's actual cheese or a f-ing salad dressing.
Anyway, with that said. The burger was pretty good. Liked the charbroiled flavor, liked that it wasn't overwhelmingly huge and enjoyed the bun. I had a side of the world famous mac 'n' cheese too which was really quite delicious. The side portion is more than enough, it's rich and flavorful but I could not have handled an entire bowl of it. I couldn't even finish the side.
Service was very sweet. Iced tea was filled up often. Waited a bit for a bill. Loved the interior, very cozy and comfortable. I'd like to think we'd come back. -
Review from Maximo L.
Dallas, TX
A real PUB in Dallas is a shock. This place sealed the deal when I was ISO of a chill place in Deep Ellum. Can't wait to go back and tie one on!
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Review from Rachel S.
Denton, TX
4/15/2012
Just ate here after the Big Texas Beer Fest and had one of the best black bean burgers with fries that I've ever had. I had visited once to drink some beer which Anvil offers a wide variety! Not your average bar food, this place is aweosme!
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Review from Elizabeth F.
Orlando, FL
9/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
I had the pleasure of going to Anvil Pub with Alexis N. Before I start my review, please don't judge us on the amount of food we ate. =)
Now, for my review.
We started with the chili cheese fries - with the vegetarian chili and they were pretty much the best chili cheese fries I've had. Also, I got their pizza that had fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, & balsamic. I've never had a pizza like this so I didn't really know what to expect but what they did was marinate the diced tomatoes in the balsamic & then put them on the pizza. So when you bit into the pizza you got this burst of balsamic from inside the tomato. SO. FREAKING. GOOD!!!!!!!
Anvil has such a laid back and chill environment - I loved it. Our waitress had a lot of tables but she was really attentive & overall, I had a good experience at Anvil. Will definitely visit next time I'm in town! -
Review from Frances G.
Dallas, TX
7/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
Anvil Pub had been on my mind for a while. To try or not to try? Well, shit, why wouldn't I? As you walk in you are instantly reminded what it once was like to feel a cool breeze. Do you remember those days? After 27 days of this heat, I almost forgot. The bar is long and narrow and lined with dark wood the evokes a cave-like dwelling; immediately giving your bones a chill.
I also enjoyed the high ceilings that creates an openness and airy feeling. Makes for a great day or night of drinking :). As I sat there and gulped my $2 Fireman's Four, I looked around and discovered: I like this place. Oh and yes, $2 Texas Drafts on Wednesdays!
Then came the pizza...oh the pizza. Anvil Pub gets 8 trillion stars for creativity. Their famed pizza is the Sage. Instead of plain 'ol marinara they substitute it with chipotle raspberry. At first, you'd think...wha??? Chipotle Raspberry in lieu of red sauce? What up wit' dat? Well, when you team it up with jalapenos and mozzarella - it's dynamite! Man, I really want some more now. Damn.Listed in: Going Deep into the Ellum, The Best of Big D!, Peace, Love, Pizza, Beer!
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Review from Tori T.
9/1/2011
Anvil is a no frills, no nonsense kind of place! It doesn't even really have much of a pub vibe. But it is definitely the kind of place you might go when you've had one of those days... you know, when you don't feel like shouting over loud music and when you don't feel like getting dolled up, and you really just want a low-key place to chill. Anvil is your place.
They have a pretty good happy hour from 4-8 which has $1 off drinks and 1/2 price apps. Tuesday is 1/2 price entire food menu and Wednesday night is $2 Texas drafts. Pretty good if you ask me!
Their drink menu is pretty extensive. I often go for the Crispin Cidar and my man usually tries something unique. As far as the food goes, it's just okay. The nachos are a big mound of chips with the toppings just on the top of the pile. Below average. The chicken and brie sandwich lacks a lot of flavor. But the chili mixed with mac n cheese (or whatever they call it) is pretty damn good!
Don't forget to bring coins for the street meters- seriously, the fines are heavy if you go over your time limit!Listed in: Vodka Soda, please!
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Review from Rich B.
10/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I don't know squat about Dallas but had dinner here with friends the other night. Right, off I love that they have bike parking in the friggin bar. That is great, but it's also Dallas and they have the space. I don't see that happening in Brooklyn anytime soon.
You don't really go here for the food I suspect. I mean, we ate fine. Someone had that chili and macaroni thing. There was a portabella burger. I had a hamburger (should of had the fish and chips as the burger was obviously the frozen patty type).
Beer list? Extensive. I'd go there for the beer and that chili/macaroni thing and then ride my bike home to counter the mass of calories I just had. -
Review from norman m.
Dallas, TX
9/16/2011
I have some gripes with Anvil. but in the end, it's a nice neighborhood spot that's open, comfortable and pretty chill. you can get some good beer but dont expect to be blown away.
i found the food to be mediocre on a few visits. i understand that they're trying something for a healthy spin on bar food but it's just not really good. nachos were crap. pizza was mushy, chewy and undercooked. salad was gross w/ chewy, cold croutons...didnt let them dry out or lightly bake them. had the wings on a 1/2 price appetizer night. these were good and i'd get them again but they werent anything overly special, cooked then haphazardly squirted with sauce. for $4.5, they're good. for $8.95...im not sure.
i don't really have any problem with the servers but they do seem to be annoyed sometimes.
the music a couple of times has been awful. really, really bad snowboarder, emo crap. i dont even know the band names but the whine/yell/thrash/whine thing.
to the beer, which is really what the place should primarily be judged on:
the beer list is a good one but i think it could be better. first of all there should be a couple more rotating handles. there's too much great draft beer from near and afar to limit it to New Blegium (fine) and Rahr (local brewery finding its way can be hit/miss).
does Stone IPA need to be on there every single day of the year? Real Ale Fireman's 4...ok it's a nice beer but that's the ONLY Real Ale brew on the entire menu, draft or bottle? just weird. in addition, they have one Dogfish Head beer, the 90Min IPA. Yes, it's a good beer but it's also a double-IPA, why not also offering 60 Minute for people to be able to sample both...or one of the other dozen DFH offerings that are very good?
No Stout on tap (other than Guinness), no other IPA, no Pale Ale, no Porter, no interesting Scotch Ale, Red Ale, ESB. The bottles never change. You're at the behest of the 2/3 rotators.
in the end, i'm not able to have that a lot of fun exploration around a beer menu like i want to be able to have there. when i post up and want a draft i always find myself just getting a Spaten Optimator. which dont get me wrong, is awesome that they have it on tap. but i would just like to see more. -
Review from Jon W.
San Marcos, TX
2/19/2012
Really nice, relaxed and laid back pub. Theres a pretty solid beer selection here, draught and bottled. The crowd seems pretty cool here, Iv e only been here twice but I havent seen any douches in khaki pants and north face jackets that seem to plague other areas of town. I cant say too much about the food, being that Ive only tried some nachos as an appetizer. They werent bad but not anything out of the ordinary either. I will definitely be back!
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Review from Alexis N.
Dallas, TX
8/17/2011 5 Check-ins Here
This is my new favorite bar/restaurant!
Great beer/drink selection and prices. Yummy food with vegetarian and vegan options! Friendly staff, good vibe/energy. Good location...
I will most definitely be back, and plan to share with friends! Yay Anvil!Listed in: Dallas Can't Miss!, After Work Drinks!
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Review from Miguel H.
9/20/2011 2 Check-ins Here
The Anvil is SOLID! Seriously, its the coolest pub in Deep Ellum.
I've only had good times here and I've never ever had any kind of problem whatsoever.
The bartenders are great. You gotta understand they are busy people trying to quench everyone's thirst at once. But if you act cool and talk to them with a smile. I promise you that they will hook you up, just like they hook me up sometimes with a free Stone IPA. The door man is always super friendly and polite, and occasionally cracks a joke or two; he is certainly lots of fun to talk to.
I can't say anything about the food because I haven't tried it. But who needs food when there are so many selections of micro-brew on tap? Yay!
This place can get a little crowded & loud on weekends, but its all part of the fun of coming to a pub in the Deep Ellum. Seriously... if you are looking for a quiet place to propose to the girl of your dreams... This place ain't it!
Scientists have proven that beer makes you look more attractive. What are you waiting for? There is no need to thank me. But if you insist in doing so just buy me a Stone IPA (My favorite).
Cheers!Listed in: DFW Diamonds
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Review from David K.
Garland, TX
8/3/2011
I'm originally from LA and I've had some trouble finding chill spots in Dallas but, this is most def one of them. Cool environment, crowd, and service...
Weds: $2 Texas Drafts and $4 Texas Vodkas -
Review from Jessica W.
Heath, TX
11/2/2011
You can take your bike into the bar! Really!
Do it: pedal down to Deep Ellum, wheel you rig INTO the bar, order a beer that half of your friends have never heard of, ask for one of their delicious grilled cheese sandwiches, give the scruffy bartenders a smile and you are on your way to being one of the cool kids.
PS. They have a small patio out back that allows smoking. -
Review from Daniel L.
6/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Right off the bat I think the bartenders and servers need to do a better job of cutting people off. There were some incredibly, ridiculously, "obviously intoxicated to the extent that [defendant] presented a clear danger to himself and others" at the time he was provided with, sold or served alcohol ... just to track the statute a little, cutting it off at a certain point.
This place is "chill" and "laid back" and all that jazz. But it becomes progressively less fun when TOTALLY intoxicated people keep raising their voice and then finally just start shouting for everyones' attention.
Sure, that is some peoples' cup of tea. Not mine. Serious conversation trying to be had. If you were at my kind of bar the bartender would grab you by your shirt (no collar/tie, of course, with that kind of behavior) and throw you out. Of course that didn't happen here.
The waitress was fine. The beer selection is all right. I am going to stick to Uptown methinks. It is more me and my Armani tie's scene anyway. But I am still glad I gave this place a shot.Listed in: sallaD seoD leinaD
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Review from Kristie A.
Dallas, TX
Updated - 5/26/2011 6 photos
This place is wearing me out, and I hate bitching about places in my neighborhood. The last couple of times I've been in I have sat at the bar by myself. I don't know if it's because I'm not a regular or what, but I was invisible on both times. I don't like to flag bartenders or wait staff down so I just sat there awkwardly hoping to be noticed and sending telepathic vibes that I wanted a drink.
Last night it was $2 Texas beer night. The waitress names out the bottles of beer, and I settle on the St. Arnold. Then I ordered the grilled cheese with a salad. It came out with fries instead of a salad, but I was pressed for time to get to the Primus concert so ate them. The grilled cheese tasted like freezer burn so I only ate a couple of bites. The waitress took it away, and asked if I wanted something else. I didn't. She brought my tab. $6.50. I thought she must have charged me half for the sandwich. Whatevs I did eat some of it and some fries. When she brought back my card she apologized because the St. Arnold wasn't one of the $2 beers. It was $6.50. Wow. Glad she comped the sandwich at least.Listed in: Places to Get a Cold Beer, Deep Ellum Hangouts, Sunday Funday, Pubs, Tuesday's Discounts
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/21/2010
Upon my second visit I fell in love. I realized what's kinda missing from the decor. This place… Read more »
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Review from Kirk P.
Dallas, TX
1/21/2012
The Deep Ellum revival might be in its relatively early stages but if more places like the Anvil come into this once proud bastion of Dallas nightlife then the area is sure to come back in full force. As soon as I got inside the place for earlyish happy hour on a Friday I knew I was going to like it at a 4 star level but after a couple of beers it became obvious that this was a 5 star bar. The Anvil is a pretty classy place. It has a lot of dark wood, fancy beers on tap and an extensive food menu. At first it sight some that such gentrified drinking would be inappropriate and even distasteful in Deep Ellum but what I like about this place is that it has all those grown up touches but still retains the character that Deep Ellum bar should have. I knew I loved this place when I found myself sipping on a stunning Left Hand Nitro Stout while listening to Minor Threat playing in the background. Hardcore and craft brews! That's punk rock for sure. Who says you have to drink crap beers when you love punk? The entire bar staff was young and tattooed but treated the older dorky guy at the bar with warmth and friendliness. They knew their beer and the they have a medium sized but quality selection of it, a Rahr and Son seasonal selection, Franconia Dunkel and oh yeah that crack good nitro stout.
To get the kind of character this place has one has to go to a dive bar most of the time. That's what I like about this place most; it is relatively class joint with characters abounding in front of and behind the bar.
There are no negatives about this place but one does need to bear in mind that it is a small place and I have feeling that during prime hours this place might get way too crowded for some people, people like me. Also there is not much outdoor seating, just a couple of table on the pavement. -
Review from F U.
Dallas, TX
This is how I'd run a bar, if I owned one--no nonsense, true to its hood but filling a definite niche. The booze was slightly pricey for a "pub" (I did catch it on a Saturday), but the ambiance and the owner's candor made it worth it, and the chili-mac and cheese was fucking ethereal.
Tap list-- awesome. Bottle list-- even better. Menu-- diverse, vegetarian/vegan friendly. Liquor-- a great selection, especially bourbon and scotch. Music-- if you like The Clash, Bowie and Post-punk, you'll feel right at home. Service-- down to earth, the way I like it.
Didn't check the patio, but it seemed pretty spacious. The bar has a sort of stoic character; everything about it makes sense. Your grandfather would approve. Your father might not; that's why its good-- a counter-culture spot that actually stands for something, for urban restoration and sustainability, supporting the little guy, and yet The Anvil still manages not to be annoying about it. Well done. 4 1/2 stars but I rounded up. -
Review from Cory G.
Dallas, TX
9/25/2011
Went here a while back with a co worker after we got off duty to slam a few and head home. We ended up staying and drinking with the owner until almost 1am. He provided us with shots and beers and an interesting perspective on the current state of property tax laws and civil infrastructure as it pertains to Deep Ellum and it's geography. He is obviously a business owner that cares as much about his businesses neighborhood as he does about his own success. Quite refreshing to know someone involved with more than the bottom line.
Anyway, good beer list as far as I can remember. Good people ranging from tattooed punk to clean cut button down douche. I'm somewhere between me thinks.
Bar is cool. Layout is cool. Definitely a pub type feel with some thought put into the floor plan and carpentry. Nice to just look around and respect the building and it's contents.
Oh yeah and we got hammered. -
Review from Candriann A.
Denton, TX
3/22/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I am absolutely in love with this pub in Deep Ellum!!!!!!!
For one, they serve VEGAN food. I had the vegan chili and it was very amazing. They also have vegan cheese fries and pizza and burger. Who would've thought that there is a vegan-friendly bar in Deep Ellum where rough biker dudes frequent?! Not I!!
Second, they serve a great variety of beer, wine and mixed drinks!! The even had my FAVORITE Belgium beer - Belguim de Brussels. OMG! Even if they didn't serve vegan food, the de Brussels would've been the stamp of approval.
Service was great. Atmosphere was even better. It's so laid back and chill and not pretentious like Dallas.
Absolutely enjoyed the hell out of my company. Great conversation - though Anvil Pub probably had nothing to do with it. ;)
I have made a decision tonight and that is to move down to Dallas in the near future so that this bar becomes part of my life/routine. -
Review from Miles M.
4/8/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Went out with a friend thurs night to a new bakery opening in deep ellum. I haven't been here in years! I was soooo suprised to see that they actually had business down here!
Stopped off here on a thurs night and just had to give the rueben sammich a try! Pretty darn good, really happy with the cheeze and fo sho the bread! They had a good selection of imports and domestics. I really liked the dimlit lighting and overall feel of the place. I'll have to give this place a try on a fri or sat night. Service was good, but nothing over the top. -
Review from Angelica N.
Dallas, TX
Ok, so Tuesday nights have become my regular nights here, and my waitress knows me and knows what I want to drink. Heck, the last time I was here, she came to my table with my drink already in her hand. Now that's personal service!
I have finally tried the burger here, and it's top-notch. It's juicy, they have lots of cheese choices, and the bun is spongy and warm. Oh, and the fries here are baked, not fried. They are well-seasoned, delicious, and better for you than real fries. Yummm!!Listed in: Burger! Burger! Who's got the…, Bars with the Best Food!, A Night in Deep Ellum
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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2/18/2011
This place totally rocks my world. When I walked in, I was immediately impressed by what was done… Read more »
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Review from Shane O.
Bethlehem, PA
1/1/2012
Can't comment on the food since we only drank but still giving 4 stars as it had a great beer selection, nice staff, a couple well placed TV's, a good mixed crowd and DARTS! We were looking for a good starter bar and this place was perfect. Definitely worth a stop in if you're in the area, everything else around this area looked a little sketchy or very "clubish", was a great find for us on New Year's Eve.
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Review from miranda b.
Dallas, TX
3/9/2011
This is definitely my new favorite place. I've been here on busy nights and slow nights, and have always received great service. Their selection of beer makes beer snobs happy, and they make really delicious shots.
A huge selling point is that they have a wide selection of vegetarian and vegan foods (as well as carnivorous entrées for the meat eaters), and even a vegan beer or two. As any vegan knows, it can be crazy hard to find quality meatless food that isn't the standard "mushroom-spinach-tomato" combo that ends up on every menu, but Anvil really delivers. So delicious, I can't wait to eat here again.
The owners are really great people, they're friendly and you can tell that they have so much passion for this pub. The bar staff is also awesome and attentive. -
Review from Nicole S.
Dallas, TX
12/1/2011
There is more to this pub than great food, amazing beer selections and electric ambiance. It is the story of the family that is the backbone and foundation beyond the four walls and earthy red door that greets you. It is the grind that makes Anvil different, it's people. When you take a further examination, you realize this place is home to many. It is a family, and by family, I don't just mean the kind you are born into but the kind you create. The patrons are regulars, they are part of the colorful scene that has become and expanded that family. The cornerstones start with Pops (Pat) and Mom (Mrs. B) and every member of that team thereon is a contributing asset and important part of making Anvil work. That is shown by how tight knit they are and the little turn over they experience. Anvil has become the hub for resurrecting communities, emerging subcultures, and giving a place of refuge to many. Sure, the staff has an edge but it's that girt that makes Anvil a diamond in the Deep Ellum community. I believe it will continue to stand strong just like the family and team behind it. There is a heartbeat to this place, an electric energy that carries throughout. 2011 was a year of loss with the members of Spector 45 and was felt by many members in the Deep Community. As it continues to make it's way back, Anvil has played a dynamic part in being a synergy along with the neighboring establishments of bringing the community closer and standing strong in displaying their belief of helping each other.
Like everyone endures their own story, Anvil is made up of the testament of what those stories have been, what the community has weathered and the promise that it will be steadfast and consistent moving forward. If you are looking for more than just a bar, but a place to feel at home, Anvil is that very place. The staff is a mix of knowledge, wit, humor and grit but never failing in doing so with great service. The food is consistently good and it is nice to have options for healthier alternatives from dishes to preparation. My only recommendation here is to offer a rotating chef selection maybe weekly or monthly but with being a green kitchen consisting of no fryers, it may be a future venture with the expansion I hope. I love the fact it embraces the bike community, often a local watering hole for pedal pushers, Ruckuses, and motorcyclist alike. The beer selection goes without saying with an ever continual selection of rotators and liquid goodness. There are always specials going on and events aside from the normal live entertainment options held at every bar. This is the kind of place where people gather to watch documentaries (To Live and Ride in LA), maybe catch the latest episode of "It's Always Sunny" or catch the game. Each staff member brings their uniqueness to the experience. I can get great food in many places, but service and fun doesn't always accompany my hunger.
If I were going to anchor myself to something, an anvil is a pretty good place to start! -
Review from Adam B.
The Colony, TX
6/5/2011
Great beer selection, would of gotten five stars if their burgers were "bar burgers" and not restaurant style. I love greasy bar bugers, this place had REALLY fancy food for the atmosphere, was kind of off setting.
However, its very good for being a bar/pub. Definitely will be coming back,
but won't be getting the burger. Just because I'm a burger snob ;)
Back to the beer, try the banana bread beer! The rest of the selection was amazing! -
Review from Julie L.
Dallas, TX
2/20/2011
I have been trying to find a replacement for my go-to bar ever since The Quinn closed last year. The Anvil is a total winner.
I went in on Saturday afternoon, for lunch and a couple of beers. Was greeted by Josh, one of the owners, who was more than happy to talk beer and food. Had the chicken pesto pizza, delicious. (Could have used more pesto in my opinion, but I like things to be slathered in sauce.)
It was a small crowd since it was early in the day, but they were fun. Ended up staying longer than expected, and sampling many different beers.
Good beers on tap, reasonable prices, great atmosphere, and chill, friendly staff. Looking forward to going back again! -
Review from Marilyn M.
Dallas, TX
1/9/2011
An absolutely grand experience on an early Saturday afternoon. All of the many great Yelpers 5 star reviews drew us to this place and we are ever so grateful!
It was quiet, very quiet. Only one other patron there when we arrived around 1130. Josh, one of the owners, was behind the bar, with a genuine friendly welcome. Drink orders taken and cold brews in front of us in moments.
Love the atmosphere, starting with the bright red front door; can't miss this driving down Elm St. & inside, the dark woods, the mini brick wall separating the long shiny bar from a dining area with tables and chairs. One can tell a lot of thought and personal efforts were put in to give a unique and comfortable feel. Simple decor, but tastefully done. As Kristie A. pointed out, agree that some plants on the brick wall, or a piece or two of artwork would be a nice touch. Thank heavens, none of those blazing neon beer signs all over the place.
Nice menu, very nice, unlike I've found in any other "bar". Hard decision to make; chicken fingers, bbq wings, bruschetta, chicken fried steak, the mac & cheese, 12" pizzas, grilled cheese sandwich with several different cheeses including Brie (Yumilicious I bet) with roasted veges, burgers, etc. and....Tilapia with cajun spices. Tilapia on a bar menu? What more could you ask for? Josh gave me plenty of time to vacillate on my choice.
Finally decided on the Vege-normous Pizza with black olives, roasted peppers, onions, and subbed the mushrooms for tomatoes. DELICIOUS, a gastronomic delight, with a cracker super thin crust, which held up very well with the tangy sauce and gooey cheese. It rates up there very close to Eno's, very close. Would order again and again.
Josh is a super nice guy; so enthusiastic and excited about Anvil; he told us all about their "green kitchen", how it requires a different preparation method, nothing is fried, etc; wish I could recall all the details. It was most interesting. Geez, how I would love a peek into the kitchen to watch food preparation. His pride in this new venture is so obvious about this spot which opened November 17th and has a definite business plan for phasing in a brunch and lunch menu over time, making sure everything is top notch, including the training of chefs on the "green kitchen" practice.
Josh hopes to be able to give his attention to the web site soon, but others issues are his priority for now.
Terrific new pub; thanks to all you fellow Yelpers who pointed us (again, as always) to another amazing gem in this neighborhood to add to our weekend rotations for good food and drink! Can't wait to go back. -
Review from Tina P.
Dallas, TX
9/27/2011
If I could marry this place and have little Anvil Pub babies I would. The beer selection is unbelievable and the food is absolute perfection. In the many many times we've been there, we have never been disappointed.
The Texas Sage pizza is a flavor party in your mouth. The tilapia is perfection. The fish and chips are amazing. The macaroni and cheese and the chili (and the combination thereof) is the perfect comfort food on a cold day. The portobello sandwich is greatness.
It's a total gem. And Loc and Chris are the nicest bartenders ever!!! -
Review from Chris G.
12/16/2010 ROTD 3/2/2011
This place is a fuggin' GEM. I went in on a Wednesday, it looked pretty laid back and that's what i was looking for. I sat down and was quickly greeted by Chris.
The place is gorgeous. Chris was telling me how the owners built the bar themselves. They cut and stained all the wood themselves. You can kind of feel the love put into the bar, as ghey as that sounds. It's a low key bar. I only saw two TVs in the whole bar. And one was playing hockey (plus 5 points). It was a relaxed place with a wide variety of people. There was a dreaded hippy, few hipsters, an upper class couple in their 50s, and others all mingling. On an unrelated tangent, the bar has wifi.
Chris told me about their Wednesday special on Texas beers. Two dollar draft Shiner Bock, Fireman, and others? Fuck yes. I'm down.
After downing my 4th drink on an empty stomach I decided it was a pretty good idea to get some food in me. I ordered a side of their mac n cheese. It was only 2.50 and was the perfect portion!
The service was great. Chris and Ross were friendly and quick. I love any bartender or server who makes you feel welcomed at an establishment. A lot of places give good service, it's the rare few though that make you feel *welcome* like you *belong* at a joint.
Of course, that could have just been the cheap booze talking. REGARDLESS! I will be back! -
Review from chip c.
Only was here a short time-but loved this place. Our waitress was just as sweet as could be-and very helpful. While they don't have the largest selections of brews they should have something to please every palate.
They have some great drink specials(Rarh and Sons Winter Warmer for 2 bucks-I'll take one or three!)and M-F from 4-8(I think) appetizers are half price. Bonus!
The bar itself is very attractive-beautifully stained dark woods(all done by the owners-the bar,tables and chairs ,walls-at least according to our waitstaff)and you can see that the owners take pride and have a passion for their business. It is family owned and they are doing things right! We only had the chips and two kinds of salsa on this trip but will be going back soon to try other items as the menu looked great!
If you are looking for a great little place to just chill and have a couple of good beers with friends you should add this to the rotation!Listed in: Beer,Beer,Beer
-
Review from Theresa C.
Dallas, TX
1/6/2011
Laid-back pubs are my favorite places to catch up with friends, grab a good beer, and get some yummy food. Anvil is definitely at the top of the list for all of those things. So really, I'm echoing the sentiments of all the other reviewers.
After work, the place wasn't crowded, there were a couple of groups hanging out. The place was huge! Especially when you compare it to Libertine, Meridian, Dubliner, etc. While I wish for their success, I hope I never have to table-creep there the way I have to at other bars sometimes. They also have a back patio, though I didn't get a chance to check it out personally. There were minimal decorations. I'm not sure if the owners are planning on hanging more stuff up, but I kind of like it the way it is. Simple, clean, dark. There were big tvs, but weren't distracting or in-your-face at all.
My friend and I were pumped to find the coat hooks under the bar. A small touch, but useful and thoughtful. We tried the bruschetta for a little snack. While not how I traditionally think of bruschetta, it was delicious. It was more a thin crust, sauce-less pizza. They had a good selection of beers on tap and the bartender was pretty knowledgeable when we asked him about a couple of them.
There was plenty of street parking at the time we went. Though I worry about how crazy it would be on the weekends to find parking down there. The bartender even gave us a heads up that it was almost 6, to go feed the meter.
Can't wait to go back!
