Tucked neatly under the South Side on Lamar Lofts sits Checkered Past Wine Pub. Touted as THE urban wine pub of Dallas, Checkered Past offers something for everyone. Printed on the way in multiple locations reads the pub slogan, “Drink What You Like”, but you will most likely let curiosity take over and try something that your taste buds have never experienced before. With a wide variety wines, beer and ciders you can’t let the wine pub facade fool you. The atmosphere is relaxed, casual and laid back. You don’t have to know the difference between a Merlot and a Bordeaux, the staff at Checkered Wine is well versed in not only the wines produced by Checkered Past, but those Texas and beyond. This is a place where everyone can gather to jam out to live music in the Mods & Rockers motif. Exposed brick and concrete interlaced with industrial duct work perfectly embody the urban feel to Checkered Past. Cozy up to a seat at the bar and talk to a stranger or grab a table with friends and family. Either way, Checkered Past Wine Pub is the spot to enjoy a glass of vino. Check out their website for Happy Hour specials every day of the week HERE!
Let’s take a look at some of the amazing wines that Checkered Past themselves create, starting with the Checkered Past Tempranillo. This is one special wine from 2012 and has unremarkable flavor due to the barrel aged process. There are a limited number of bottles available so rush in to get your hands on this wonderful wine!
Second to none is the Checkered Past Syrah. Can you see the theme on the label of the Mods and Rockers? Ask for Sandro or Carloynne as they will give you the story behind the theme of Checkered Past Wine Pub as well as hold a great conversation about your shared passion, wine!
Having friends in the beer biz in Dallas has its perks too. Sandro, co-founder of Checkered Past knows the people at Pegasus City Brewery, Dallas’ new craft brewery. Checkered Past was lucky enough to receive the first keg of Sixth Floor Easy Porter on NITRO! Deep and smooth, this will easily become your new go-to stout.
Of course Checkered Past Wine Pub offers delicious food to pair with your wine of choice. From one of the best charcuterie boards I have ever laid eyes on to perfectly crafted artisan flat breads, only the finest ingredients are gathered to concoct tapas style plates to share with your friends. You would think you are dining in a Michelin restaurant but at an unbelievable bargain! Here are some of the favorites that guests like to indulge in.
Charcuterie & Cheese Board – Prosciutto di Parma, duck salami, hot capicola, genoa salami served with seasoned focaccia, olive tapenade and walnuts paired with four artisan cheeses with dried fruits, mango chutney, fig preserve and candied pecans. It is almost to beautiful to devour!
The Smoked Salmon and Herb Cream Cheese Bruschetta – a different spin on your ubiquitous Italian small plate.
The Herbed Goat Flat Bread Pizza – A favorite of the regulars. Herbed goat spread, peppadew peppers, fresh mozzarella topped with a balsamic glaze. A MUST TRY!
To tackle your sweet tooth cravings and pair with your port wine, the Sticky Toffee Pudding Cake will not only melt in your mouth, it will literally change your life. Sweet, sticky, crunchy, savory. You get it all with this dessert.
If you are an avid wine drinker or just picking it up, Checkered Past Wine Pub should be your second home. So head on down, catch the DART and come enjoy a glass while supporting your local Texas wineries! Make sure to pick up the Summer 2017 Edible Dallas & Fort Worrth publication where Checkered Past was recently featured as part of the North Texas Wine Trail piece featuring the “Off the Trail” urban wine pub that has its eyes set on the first winery in The Cedars in the near future.
Checkered Past Wine Pub
1409 S. Lamar St. (South Side) Dallas, TX
214-242-0411
My photos and thoughts are those of my own and I was graciously treated to a wonderful experience as a sponsored guest.
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