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Whether you love chic restaurants, a fun night of bowling, or exploring old historic districts, McKinney has plenty of options so you can enjoy the nightlife. Our team has put together a list of their favorite places to relax and have fun in the evenings, and we’re happy to share it with you. Explore the town by visiting these restaurants, entertainment venues, and outdoor attractions:
Explore Historic Downtown McKinney as the Sun Sets
If you’re looking for a laid-back nightlife with plenty of options to choose from, historic Downtown McKinney is home to a wide variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and bars to meet up with friends or enjoy a fun date. The district also has stores, parks, live performances, and more that stay open late for weekend entertainment. Meet up for board games, gaming, and trivia nights at Carpe Diem Comics, or schedule an escape room event with your group at Exit Plan.
You can also sit back and watch a show or perform at the open mic night at Filtered. Even McKinney Knittery has late-night hours, so knitting groups can socialize and share their projects, and North Texas Yoga offers free late-night classes on Friday evenings. There’s always something to do in McKinney’s historic downtown district!
If you want to browse and wander the area instead of planning your outing, there’s still plenty to see and do. Enjoy a wine tour, visit shops like Texas Monkey Business and The Crystal Cloche for evening shopping, and tour the town. You can also enjoy everything from sit-down fine-dining to brats and locally brewed beers along the main historic Downtown McKinney streets.
While Downtown McKinney is the perfect place for casual evening fun and get-togethers, it’s also the location for plenty of late-night and all-day events throughout the year. So instead of just visiting specific stores, check out the area’s calendar so you can plan ahead and make sure you don’t miss anything!
Arcade 92
Arcade 92 is a retro bar, gaming destination, and restaurant. For just $12, you can gain access to their free play arcade with hundreds of classic games. Games range from Ms. Pacman and Tetris to fun Nintendo favorites like Super Smash Bros and Mario Kart. So whether you’re in the mood for some nostalgia or you want to play modern games, Arcade 92 has them. It’s the perfect nightlife choice for meeting up with friends, having a casual date, or playing solo games.
Along with the retro arcade and modern gaming lounge, Arcade 92 has a full bar and restaurant. Stop by for their happy hour or swing by to see a local gaming tournament. If you’re looking to change up the scene, be sure to check out Plano’s nightlife!
Lone Star Wine Cellars
Just a short walk away from historic Downtown McKinney, wine lovers can taste the unique selection of wines made from the Lone Star Wine Cellars’s owner on their Whitesboro ranch. You can join their wine club or stop by for an evening of great wine, tasty food, and live music. They also frequently take part in local events and wine tours so you can try a variety of local flavors.
The Comedy Arena
This local comedy club is the place to go. They host a variety of comedy shows, including comedy magic acts and family-friendly shows, for a full schedule of events. They also host improv and stand-up comedy classes for local comedy-lovers looking to learn new skills or practice their acts.
Whether you go to the comedy club to take a class or attend a show, you’ll love the menu as much as the calendar. They offer a full menu of flatbreads, burgers, desserts, and even brunch. The Laugh Out Lounge has everything from coffee to beer, so you can enjoy trivia nights and live music between shows.
Hank’s Texas Grill
Hank’s Texas Grill is a McKinney original, offering fresh and flavorful Texas BBQ that you won’t find anywhere else. Since 2003, this family-owned and operated restaurant has a menu of grilled favorites, live music, and a full bar. You can buy tickets to scheduled live performances or reserve a cable for a delicious dinner. You can also order burgers, sandwiches, and tacos with fun flavors and classic ingredients.
Try their platters of barbecue if you want to sample different types of famous Texas barbecue, no matter how large or small your group is. They also have an extensive list of classic barbecue sides, all made in-house. Get a taste of their nightlife by ordering out or arranging private event catering.
The Garage
We’d like to put the spotlight on this fun location in historic Downtown McKinney. The Garage is well-known as a hotspot for food and cocktails. Their location was a garage for electric company vehicles back in the 1920s, and they’ve mixed the retro, historic chic with a modern flair.
They have a full menu of appetizers, comfort foods, and flatbreads, so you’ll never be disappointed if you come just for the food. But if you’re interested in more, they also offer a long menu of unique cocktails, including The Rusty Fizz, the In Mint Condition, and a sweet, citrusy Honey, Please? In addition, they host a happy hour every weekday from 3 pm to 6 pm.
The Yard
Enjoy the outdoors well into the evening at The Yard’s outdoor tables. Locals can pick from dozens of tables across the Yard’s multiple patios under old oak trees and string lighting. While they serve drinks, it’s a family-friendly location that’s great for visiting any weekend or special occasion. They have outdoor games for all ages, fire pits so you can relax and chat in lounge chairs, and pet-friendly amenities. If you’re looking for the casual, outdoor side of McKinney nightlife, make sure you visit The Yard.
These attractions offer live music, games, drinks and fine dining, and everything in between. If we left your favorite place to enjoy the McKinney nightlife off our list, let us know about it! We’d love to share more of the community hotspots that are just a quick drive away from our dealership.
Image via Flickr by mripp