Walk into The Star in Frisco on a Sunday. It’s loud. It’s silver. It’s blue. You can smell the brisket and hear the distant thump of music from the practice field. If you are looking for the heart of the Cowboys' kingdom, you basically have to end up at the Dallas Cowboys Bar and Grill. It isn't just a place to grab a burger. It's a massive, multi-level temple to America's Team that sits right on the edge of Tostitos Championship Plaza.
Most sports bars feel like an afterthought. They have sticky floors and three TVs from 2012. This place? It’s different. It feels like an extension of Jerry Jones’s living room, if his living room had a 360-degree bar and enough screens to monitor a small satellite launch. Honestly, if you haven't been there during an away game, you’re missing out on the closest thing to being at AT&T Stadium without actually driving to Arlington.
What People Get Wrong About the Dallas Cowboys Bar and Grill
A lot of folks think this is just a tourist trap for people visiting the Ford Center. That’s a mistake. While you’ll definitely see families from out of state wearing brand-new jerseys, the local crowd is what keeps the energy high. It’s a mix of Frisco business professionals, die-hard fans who have been bleeding blue since the Staubach era, and people who just want a really good steak salad while watching the draft.
One big misconception is that the menu is just "stadium food." It isn't. You can get a "Ring of Honor" burger, sure, but the kitchen actually puts effort into the Texas-inspired flavors. We’re talking about high-end comfort food. Think jalapeño-infused everything and portions that assume you’re a linebacker.
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The Layout and Why it Matters
The space is huge. Like, 6,000-square-feet huge. It’s split into two levels, which is great because it allows for two totally different vibes. The downstairs is where the action is. It's open, it's airy, and it spills out onto the patio. If the weather is nice, being on that patio is peak North Texas living. You’re right there on the plaza where the kids are throwing footballs on the turf.
Upstairs is a bit more refined. It’s where you go if you want to actually hear the person sitting across from you. It has a more lounge-like feel, perfect for a business lunch or a slightly more "civilized" viewing experience.
The Menu: More Than Just Wings
Let's talk about the food because, at the end of the day, that's why you stay for four quarters. The Dallas Cowboys Bar and Grill leans hard into its Texas roots.
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The appetizers are designed for sharing, though you probably won't want to. Their Loaded Fries are a staple, usually topped with enough brisket and queso to feed a small family. But if you want to go the "healthier" route—or as healthy as you can get in a sports bar—the salads are surprisingly fresh. The Cowboy Chop is a favorite, mainly because the dressing actually has some kick to it.
- The Burger Game: The burgers are the stars here. They use high-quality beef, and the buns are usually toasted to perfection.
- Texas Classics: You'll find things like Chicken Fried Steak that actually tastes like it came from a kitchen, not a freezer bag.
- The Bar: The drink list is extensive. They have local craft beers from across DFW and some specialty cocktails that are named after team legends.
Why The Star is the Perfect Backdrop
You can't talk about the bar without talking about its location. The Star is the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys. It’s a 91-acre campus. When you eat at the Dallas Cowboys Bar and Grill, you are literally feet away from where the players train.
Sometimes, if your timing is lucky, you’ll see former players or team executives walking through the plaza. It adds an element of "anything can happen" that you just don't get at a Buffalo Wild Wings in a strip mall. The synergy between the restaurant and the facility is what makes the experience feel authentic. It’s the "Home of the Dallas Cowboys" for a reason.
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The Game Day Experience
If you’re planning to go on a game day, get there early. Seriously. Like, three hours early. The place fills up fast, and for good reason. They have massive LED walls that make it impossible to miss a play. The sound system is crisp, so you’ll hear every grunt and whistle.
When the Cowboys score, the atmosphere is electric. It’s a shared experience. Everyone is high-fiving strangers. It’s the kind of environment that reminds you why sports are a big deal in the first place. It’s community. It’s loud. It’s Texas.
Nuance and the Reality of Pricing
Is it cheap? No. You’re paying a premium for the brand and the location. Expect to pay a bit more for a beer than you would at your local dive bar. But you’re also getting a much higher level of service and a much better view. It’s an "event" destination.
Some critics argue that it’s too corporate. And yeah, it’s a branded experience. You aren't going to find mismatched chairs or a dusty dartboard. It’s polished. For some, that’s a turn-off. They want the grit of an old sports bar. But for the modern fan who wants a clean environment, great tech, and a professional staff, this place hits the mark.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
- Parking: Use the parking garages at The Star. They are usually free unless there’s a massive event going on at the Ford Center.
- Reservations: They don't always take them for game days, so check their website or call ahead. For a random Tuesday lunch, you’re usually fine.
- The Patio: Even in the summer, the patio is manageable if the fans are blowing, but the spring and fall are the sweet spots.
- Events: Keep an eye on the calendar. Sometimes they host radio shows or player appearances that are open to the public.
The Dallas Cowboys Bar and Grill isn't trying to be a Michelin-star restaurant. It's trying to be the best place on earth to watch a Cowboys game while eating a giant plate of nachos. It succeeds at that. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone just looking to see what the fuss is about at The Star, it’s worth the trip.
Actionable Steps for Fans
- Check the Schedule: Look at the Cowboys' away game schedule. Those are often the best times to visit the bar for the full "watch party" vibe without the stadium crowds.
- Join the Loyalty Program: If you live in Frisco or Plano, check if they have any local rewards or newsletters for events at The Star.
- Plan a Full Day: Don't just eat and leave. Walk the Ring of Honor around the plaza and check out the pro shop next door to make a full afternoon of it.
- Verify Hours: Always double-check operating hours on the official Star in Frisco website, as private events or team practices can occasionally shift public access.