Clifton Club brings new meaning to “Dallas neighborhood bar” as it pairs inventive and classic cocktails with a substantial food menu featuring everything from spring rolls to tuna tartare to pasta.
Burgundy booths outline Dallas’ Clifton Club, which sits on the thoroughfare that divides buzzing Uptown from vibrant Knox-Henderson. There are terrazzo tables, plenty of wood and gold accents, as well as an elegant teal color running throughout that matches the 14 person marble bar. The space feels elegant, but also home-y; a cocktail bar, but for the neighborhood. Add on the bar’s 14 cocktails and variety of dishes, and it’s easy to see why the space has grown into one of the city’s most-intriguing drink stops.
Marian Scaturro, general manager at Clifton Club, tells us…
Please describe Clifton Club as if you’re explaining the experience of walking through the doors and ordering your first drink.
Clifton Club looks unassuming on the outside, a small black building that’s deceptively long. A maroon walk-way with a large mirror, perfect for selfies, will lead you into our main lounge. If you’re coming in for dinner before 10, a host will walk you to a table. If you’re joining us late night then we have a more casual seat yourself policy. Velvet and burgundy booths, terrazzo tables, wood and gold accents and a 14 person green marble bar. You’ll be greeted by one of our wonderful bartenders who can walk you through our cocktail menu, broken into 3 parts: Specialty cocktails, boozy, and low abv’s so there’s something for everyone. If you’re looking for a more quiet space, our garden room has large green velvet couches, plants all around and when the weather is nice we will open the french glass double doors onto our large terracotta patio.
How would you describe Clifton Club in a three-word text to a friend that you’re trying to convince to join you?
Intimate, opulent, FOOD!
Other than Clifton Club, what else is happening in the neighborhood that you’re in?
We’re lucky to be surrounded by regulars, in a mostly residential area but that’s very up and coming. A couple of other new restaurants have opened up nearby and we’re just down the road from one of dallas’ most popular cross sections: Knox & Henderson. A large building with condos and shops is opening up across the street as well!
Aside from Happy Hour, when is the best time to get to the bar?
On busier nights I always recommend coming in around 8:30/9 when it’s not too busy, we have excellent food and then you can stay for your post dinner drinks and already have a table!
Describe the average drinkers that you serve?
You can find all kinds of people at Clifton Club! I’d say we’re blessed to have a very loyal group of people who live nearby and walk here to have a beverage! In Dallas it’s rare to have so many guests walking to your bar/restaurant!
Please tell us more about your drinks menu.
We try and keep our drink menu approachable and delicious. We believe very strongly in the power of a fresh juice program and keep things rotating seasonally as well. There’s 14 menu cocktails but our staff is well versed in classic cocktails as well and can knock those out of the park every time too
What’s your signature drink–or your favorite drink currently on the menu–and why should I order it?
Our most popular cocktail on the menu is our “firing squad” ; it’s a riff on the classic “Mexican firing squad”. We use hibiscus, fresh lime juice, fresh squeezed ginger juice for a bite, reposado tequila and house made tajín. The hibiscus ginger combo brings punch & intensity while barrel aged tequila and lime is a combo you can’t go wrong with. We include szechuan peppercorns in our house tajin for a little tingle too 😉
How much do drinks cost?
During happy hour the average cocktail cost is $10! After 6:30 the average cocktail cost is $17.
Is there anything to eat? If so – what’s your favorite dish on the menu?
We actually have a very substantial food menu, which includes everything from deviled eggs to rigatoni bolognese. My personal favorite dish on the menu though is the blackened ahi tuna salad with lemon yogurt, chermoula, and herb spring mix
What are the distinguishing features of Clifton Club?
I think the thing that distinguishes us is our staff the most! We believe good service is number one and try to make everyone feel like they’re part of our little community.
What’s that music we hear playing on the Clifton Club stereo?
Clifton Club’s music changes in accordance with the vibe! The music on a Tuesday during happy hour might be more classic rock or funk, and on a Saturday night you might hear more 80’s pop or modern high energy stuff like the Weeknd!
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 4:30 pm — 12 am
Friday – Saturday: 4:30 pm – 2 am
Sunday: 4:30 pm – 11 pm
Happy Hour:
Tuesday through Sunday 4:30 pm – 6:30pm
Reservations:
Book a table via Resy.
Website:
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/cliftonclubdallas/?hl=en
Address:
3333 N Fitzhugh Ave, Dallas, TX 75204
