Hooligan's Pub

I've been to my a lot of bars in my time, and this continues to be my favorite!

My friends and I originally tried out the old location just because the name sounded cool.  It was definitely a "dive", but for some reason, we always had a BLAST!  A combination of the great staff, interesting other patrons, etc...  It just had some sort of magic about it.  The owner is one of the nicest people I've ever met, and she got to know us personally.  We threw a "going away" party there for a friend once, and the owner had balloons and cake for him when we arrived!  What other bar would do something like that?!

Fast forward a few years, and their new location is FANTASTIC!  After visiting the old place for so many years, I was shocked at how "up scale" the new location was.  Dark wood bar, paneling, and trim.  Unique beer selection.  Cool 2nd floor loft.  Great juke box.  Nice outdoor seating...  The list goes on and on.  

The staff is great as usual.  I don't know where they find these employees, but they seem to have a knack for hiring awesome people.   Also, they are located right behind Twisted Root, Flying Fish, and Freebirds.  Since Hooligan's doesn't serve food, they allow you to bring in whatever you want from outside.

I recommend siging up for their "text alerts."  They have great specials, and freebies that are only available if you're on their text list.

Highly recommended!!!

Great new(ish) bar in downtown Arlington! My favorite thing about Hooligan's is the building/decor - with all the wood and detailing, it really does feel like a pub you'd find in Ireland. My second favorite thing is the good selection of beer they have. We've been three or four times and each time I've tried something new.

It's right next door to Twisted Root and since Hooligan's doesn't serve food, you can bring in burgers. We usually go eat at Twisted Root first, then head over to grab a couple of beers at Hooligan's. TIP: that makes a fun, chill date night.

When I've been there, it hasn't been smoky. That's often something that keeps me from going to bars because I don't smoke and I hate smelling like it. I know during the day, smoking is only allowed in a closed-off room that opens to the patio, but I can't remember if it's non-smoking at night too. Also, there is a small, but nice patio outside and the bathrooms (well, at least the women's bathroom) are super clean.

The new Hooligan's is another win for downtown Arlington!

I correctly predicted a fake Irish pub would be coming to the area.  Looks like I was partially correct.  Whiskey and beer drinkers read on.

LOCATION: Right behind The Flying Fish and next to the highly overrated Twisted burger place.  Parking is shared with 3 businesses though, so it can be a pain depending on time of day.

STAFF:  Only about three bartenders/servers on duty at most times.  Both guys seemed friendly and attentive.  The girl was nice but not used to serving anyone besides the local college crowd I assume.  I went in and asked for whiskey neat.  Got asked if I wanted ice.  Said no and got my whiskey in a shot glass.  Another server took over and poured my next drink in a proper glass later.

ENVIRONMENT:  Damn nice building. Damn nice.  No Smoking allowed unless in a sealed off area or outside.  The walls and pillars are a beautiful wood finish and the upstairs gives this place a real big city feel for such a small building.  The clientele has been a mixed bag so far.  The No Smoking aids in keeping a nicer group inside and I have seen business professionals of various age in here as well as frat boy douche bags.  It really depends on the time of day and school year.   Oh and beware the jukebox.  It's one of those digital ones that can queue up just about any song and takes credit cards.

ALCOHOL:  I would not classify Hooligan's as full on Irish pub, but I still enjoy it here as a nice, hidden, drinking spot .  The Irish is limited to the usual big 2 as well as Feckin and Powers.  The Scotch is the usual big name blends and some single malts (Glen, Mac), but I don't recall seeing anything older than 12 years.  (UPDATE: Some 15 & 18 yr olds now present!) Don't recall the bourbons right off hand.  The beer selection seemed impressive for such a small place.  They have about 10ish micro/crafts on tap at the end of the wall as well as various bottles.  It's no Flying Saucer but way better than any other bar in this area. Saw Flying Dog and Rahr seasonals here!  Could use some high end Irish though.

SUMMARY:  A hidden, gem in a city that thinks bars should be smoky, nasty places serving only Bud Light and showing Cowboys highlights on several TVs 24/7.  Hopefully this place doesn't deteriorate into that or become the resident fratboy hangout, because this place has loads of potential and is already raising the bar pretty high for Arlington with a great, no smoking, above average drinking hole vibe.  I'll try and provide a better drink listing in the future.

UPDATE:
BEER List (Way Incomplete):

Breckenridge IPA
Brooklyn Main Engine
Original Sin
La Fin du Monde
Rahr - All of them (Red/Pug/Bock/Wheat etc)
Firemans 4
Left Hand Milk Stout
Deschutes Obsidian Stout
Franconia Dunkel, Koelsch
Old Chub
Wells Banana Bread
Youngs Dbl Choc Stout