Here are some of the best tools to help you find a good time in Dallas and save money. Only two Dallas-specific apps met our quality standards, but all of these are a solid source for events, reviews, and discounts available in Dallas—and most importantly, all are free.
1. Dallas Observer (Android, iPhone)
This app tops our list as the best source for reliable restaurant and local music reviews in Dallas. It’s neatly organized by category—Music, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs, as well as Last Night (reviews and commentary on last night’s events) and a general events calendar, so you never miss an upcoming show or sporting event. The Observer staff have good taste in general, so you can trust the app to have reliable information. (Cost: free)
2. DFW.com (Android, iPhone)
This app is a great source for general entertainment info in Dallas. You can search local movie listings, get local reviews, and search for restaurants offering Press Pass discounts, so you always get a deal on your night out. While it’s light on features, this is a decent all-around app, and the exclusive discounts make it a worthwhile download for any Dallasite. (Cost: free)
3. Yelp (Android, iPhone)
Because it allows you to sort your search by price, distance, and availability, Yelp is easily the best app for an unplanned night on the town in Dallas. Yelp has one of the most comprehensive databases available for restaurants, pubs, clubs, and live music venues, and their user reviews are much more reliable than what you’d find from a Google search. While it’s only accessible on certain T-Mobile used cell phones, most new phones should allow you to use Yelp’s augmented reality feature—just point your phone’s camera at venues as you walk past for reviews, pricing, and information about events. (Cost: free)
4. Groupon (Android, iPhone)
Groupon provides serious discounts for high-end goods and services like vacations, pampering, concerts, and other things that might otherwise be a stretch for your budget. By negotiating limited-time offers to draw business to their partners, Groupon provides surprisingly deep discounts for things you’d expect to be much more expensive. No matter where you live, Groupon is worth the download—but Dallas is a large enough market that there is almost always something fun to do with a slashed Groupon rate. (Cost: free)
5. Checkpoints (Android, iPhone)
This app is great for people who love to window-shop. Simply by checking into a participating store, or scanning product QR codes on the app, you accumulate reward points that can be redeemed for prizes and discounts. Some stores post discounts just as a way to bring you in, while others offer deals and rewards by cashing in points. They take some time to accumulate, but prizes include $50 gift cards and free products from the stores you regularly visit. (Cost: free)
6. Scoutmob (Android, iPhone)
Scoutmob is a trimmed-down interpretation of Groupon’s business model—you don’t have to pay for anything ahead of time, and all deals are a straight 50% off the top, just for having the app on your phone. It’s also almost exclusively focused on restaurants and pubs, so you won’t have to sort through offers for microdermabrasion or tandem parasailing when you’re just looking for a place to eat. The app’s quirky humor is the icing on the cake. If you’re just looking for a restaurant and not an all-inclusive “night out”, Scoutmob may be the only app you need. (Cost: free)
Bio: Jane Johnson is a staff writer for GoingCellular, a popular site that provides cell phone news, commentary, reviews.
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