Dallas' Local Oak bar is closing forever

A beloved neighborhood bar in Bishop Arts is closing its doors forever this weekend.

• The block occupied by The Local Oak and Ten Bells will become another new apartment complex.

Why it matters: The Local Oak has been a fixture in North Oak Cliff for a decade, especially popular among local residents and the service community. Now it’s another establishment that did not survive Bishop Arts’ redevelopment.

• Ten Bells will relocate to a new spot one block over, on Eighth Street.

What’s happening: Dallas-based developer Alamo Manhattan is planning to build a $43 million mixed-use project that will include 10,000 square feet of retail space and more than 200 apartment units.

The irony: These popular pubs have been a key part of why Bishop Arts has become the kind of place where developers want to put giant apartment buildings.

What they’re saying: “The Oak Cliff neighborhood will always be a part of my extended family and has allowed me to grow not only as a business, but also as an individual,” TLO owner Alycen Cuellar told Axios. “It has been a pure joy to meet so many wonderful people and see so many families grow over the last decade gathering together!”

• The Local Oak will have a goodbye party Saturday and a last-call brunch Sunday.

What we’re watching: Cuellar is starting a new business in 2022: Chef Crafted Kitchens, which will focus on catering, special events and artisanal culinary products.

Our thought bubble: The Local Oak was Mike’s favorite bar for years. It’s been the setting for birthdays, book-release parties and countless random get togethers that have gone deep into the night. This feels like the end of an era.