Entry No. 59 — the Dallas file — filed under: speakeasy
Paschall Bar
Denton's only speakeasy hides in plain sight — you enter through Andy's Bar downstairs, find the unmarked door, and climb the stairs into a candlelit world of dark wood bookshelves, red drapes, chess sets, and portraits staring down from the walls of an 1877 building. The whole concept was conjured in October 2011 by members of the indie-folk-rock band Midlake, who named it after the building's original 19th-century owner, B.F. Paschall. There's no sign outside, no obvious hint it exists — just two rooms upstairs with timeless music, craft cocktails, and the distinct feeling that you've been let in on something. It shows up on a few local "best bars" lists, but only because those lists can't not include it; the framing is always "hidden gem," because that's what it actually is.
The story
You don't just stumble into Paschall Bar; you have to know which unmarked door inside Andy's Bar leads up the stairs. The 1877 brick building on the northeast corner of Denton's square previously housed a grocery store called R.S. Ross and two movie theaters—the Ritz and the Plaza—before local indie-folk-rock band Midlake took interest in the upper floor. In October 2011, band members teamed up with venue owner Andy Bostick to convert the quiet upstairs space into a hidden drinking parlor named after B.F. Paschall, the building's original 19th-century proprietor.
They constructed the interior to feel like a moody, mid-century grandfather's study. A vintage photograph of B.F. Paschall watches your climb up the stairwell. Inside, dark wood bookcases—including a massive unit built by the band members themselves—line the walls alongside red drapes, classical busts, chess sets, and framed portraits. Pay attention to the details near the back: a painting of Ernest Hemingway designates the men's room, while stills from The Graduate mark the women's.
While members of Midlake eventually launched other business ventures around Denton's downtown, Paschall remains their original hidden retreat. The background music is kept intentionally low so conversation takes priority over craft drinks like Old Fashioneds and Espresso Martinis. You didn't hear it from us, but if you want to claim a candlelit corner with the chess set without competing for space, skip the busy weekend nights and show up on a calm weeknight.
What it's like
Walk straight into Andy's Bar on the square, ignore the ground-floor music venue crowd, and find the unmarked door tucked to the right near the entrance. Take the stairs up, and the noise below drops away into a candlelit room lined with books and red drapes. Grab a cocktail from the bar, claim a table with a chess set, or sink into a leather chair under staring portraits. It is strictly 21-plus, and weeknights are your best bet if you want a quiet drink without waiting on seats.
The move: Walk into Andy's Bar like you own the place, find the unmarked door inside, and head upstairs — order a proper cocktail, claim a corner with the chess set, and see how long you can stay before someone you know texts asking where you are.
📍 Before you go Paschall sits at the northeast corner of Denton's downtown square, in an 1877 building above Andy's Bar — look for the big mural on Andy's side wall. There's no exterior sign: head inside, find the unmarked door on the right, and take the stairs up. It's 21-plus, so bring ID. The intimate, candlelit mood lands best after dark, and weeknights stay calmest if you want a quiet corner and the chess set. Street and square-lot parking ring the historic courthouse, and the surrounding square brims with restaurants, record shops, and live-music rooms to fold into the night.
- 📍 Denton
- 💸 $$
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Indoors
Where: 122 N Locust St, Denton, TX 76201
Hours: Added 2026-06-09 — confirm current hours before you go.
Pair it with
- HereAfter — Examine oddities and dead-thing curiosities on the square before slipping up the unmarked stairs at Paschall for dark-wood, candlelit cocktails.
- Bewitched Denton — Browse Denton's historic metaphysical shop down the street before ending your night over a game of chess in Paschall's moody 1877 upstairs parlor.
- Rafes Urban Astronomy Center (UNT) — Stargaze through public telescopes at UNT's teaching observatory outside town before heading back to the square for an Old Fashioned.
- Magnum Speakeasy (Hotel Vin) — Compare Denton's band-backed, dark-wood upstairs parlor with Grapevine's secret 18-seat cocktail lounge hidden behind a hotel phone booth.
Good to know
How do I find Paschall Bar if there's no sign outside?
Head into Andy's Bar at 122 N Locust St on Denton's square, locate the unmarked door on your right near the front entrance, and head straight up the stairs.
Who owns Paschall Bar?
Members of the Denton indie-folk-rock band Midlake opened it in October 2011 alongside Andy's Bar owner Andy Bostick, naming the bar after the building's original 1877 owner, B.F. Paschall.
What is the dress code and age requirement?
It is strictly 21-and-over with ID required. There is no formal dress code, though the dim, candlelit study setting leans more like a classic cocktail lounge than a dive bar.
What kind of drinks do they serve?
The bar specializes in classic craft cocktails like Old Fashioneds, Mojitos, and Espresso Martinis alongside a selection of import and craft beers.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Yelp · localwiki.org · Official site · paschall-bar.wheree.com · dallasobserver.com
last checked: 2026-06-09