There is this really cool bar that sets alone in the usually unbearably heat of East Dallas, just down from Baylor Medical Center. That must account for all of the “scrubs” that hang out there.

Made entirely of brick and kept comfortably dark, the Elbow Room is a welcome respite from hot summer days, and the nearby crowds that flock to Deep Ellum and Lower Greenville Avenue. Almost always filled with doctors, nurses and medical technicians ending a shift at Baylor, I can think of no bar where one will find so many people wearing surgical garb. (Let’s assume that everyone has just gotten off work).

In a town known for chains and strip malls, the Elbow Room is unique. A mix of authenticity and charm, locals and the nice looking crowd meld together in perfect harmony. Folks behind the bar tend to skew toward the tattoo and the piercing, but the service is friendly and attentive.

Happy Hour is always observed, usually with specials on the liberal selection of draft beer. An excellent mix of cold bottled beer is also available. Choices run the gamut, from Dos Equis Special Lager to Red Stripe to Shiner Bock to the domestic staples. Liquor is also available, with well drinks discounted at Happy Hour as well.

Shuffleboard, pool and dartboards make up the back half of the room, with a classic, simple wooden bar in the front of the room. A bare-chested Mona Lisa is the centerpiece of the main wall, properly adorned with a museum light above the frame. The jukebox may be Dallas’ finest, with a great collection of blues, jazz and big band favorites.

Pizza and other items are available next door at Goodfellows restaurant and can be eaten at the bar. Despite the great jukebox, the Elbow Room features live music on Wednesday and Saturday night that creates the prime time for traffic, although at virtually any time you will have no problem finding a doctor in the house. – D.M.