As a resident of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex my husband and I have worked to explore new parts of town regularly. In February of 2015 we discovered a part of town known as The Bishops Arts District. This small area of South Dallas is in the midst of huge change. Between the high-rise apartments being built and the historic business districts, you will find rows of craftsman homes. Each and every home gorgeous in its own right. Smack dab in the middle of West Eighth Street, you will find this little orange facade.
This little orange house not only features (in my opinion) the BEST coffee in Dallas but also, a bookstore for all ages, and a bar for the night owls. The wide variety of entertainment it has to offer makes The Wild Detectives such a fun and entertaining spot!
Their No WiFi Weekends is one of my favorite aspects of the coffee house.
I love the idea of just being present with those at your table and truly enjoying the moment unplugged.
Did I mention that The Wild Detectives has the BEST coffee in town? It really does. The Wild Detectives proudly brew coffee roasted locally by Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters. As a creature of habit (and one who loves what they love) I always go for the Americano. ☕ The hubster on the other hand almost always chooses something different.
No matter what he chooses, we always leave with a smile. The energy in this place is contagious.
In addition to their coffee, The Wild Detectives offers a great selection of breakfast items and savory toasts. Their menu features several selections from restaurants in the area.
As for the nightlife, The Wild Detectives offer a full bar including craft beer, craft cocktails and a suitable wine list. In their backyard area, they host fun events like concerts, poetry jams, plays, book readings and panel discussions. Check their events calendar to join the fun!
In addition to good vibes and great brews The Wild Detectives inventories a solid collection of literary works. One of their four initiatives is “100% Vetted Books”. This initiative states that the list of literary works featured in the bookstore is a carefully curated list created by book lovers of the Dallas community.
During your next visit be sure to peruse the Book of the Month and other featured books. While at The Wild Detectives you are sure to find something well written and worth the time to slow down and read it.
So why did the owners mix together the environment of a local coffee house, with the conversation of a bookstore and the energy of trendy bar?
“We want our space to encourage people to have a drink and talk to one another, to open up and share ideas, to hang out smartly, to engage in a conversation that will open new realities for them. That’s what talking culture does. It opens spaces that weren’t there before. Because culture accumulates into more culture.”
As a repeat customer, I truly believe that they achieved their goal. The Wild Detectives is such a fun and free-spirited place. Whether you are studying for school, out on a date or just in search of some human connection and a hot cup of joe you have found the spot.
If you are in Dallas, please take the time to stop by The Wild Detectives, you’ll be glad you did!
xo,
Carolyn
Brian Barbar 
