Poor David’s is a historic venue in Dallas, Texas. First opening on McKinney Avenue in 1977, Poor David’s has been providing quality live music to Dallas listeners for almost 50 years.
We’ve been lucky to have many Texas musical legends and songwriting legends grace our stage including Lyle Lovett, The Chicks (back then they were The Dixie Chickens), Guy Clark,
Nanci Griffith, Doc Watson, Iris Dement, Dale Watson, Townes Van Zandt, and many more.
We are a home away from home for songwriters and song lovers. We host local, regional and nationally touring acts.

Poor David’s is an intimate venue where the music takes center stage always. The stage is only a few feet off the ground which lets the audience feel like they are right there with the artist.
During quiet or intimate shows, you can hear a pin drop. We also have more lively shows an plenty of space for dancing.

Our address is 1313 Botham Jean Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75215
We are located in The Cedars Neighborhood, just down the street from The Dallas Convention Center.

Yes! There is a ramp at the front entrance and bathrooms are ADA compliant. Our bar is two steps up from the floor, but we have waitstaff that will serve you if you are unable to access the steps. Please email us in advance if you have any accessibility concerns and we will do our very best to assist you.

We have a full bar with beer, wine, mixed drinks and non-alcoholic choices (mocktails & N/A beers coming summer 2026!).

We do not serve food, but you are welcome to bring food inside. We simply ask that you clean up after yourselves.

Look out for local food truck partnerships in the future!

From counter-culture eccentrics to CFOs, everyone is welcome at Poor David's. Dress to the nines or come as you are, we don't have a dress code, just a shared love of good music.
Poor David's has always been a place where the music brings people together across every background, genre, and walk of life. That's not something we take lightly. We are committed to maintaining a safe, inclusive space for all: racism, harassment, and discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

As our founder David Card has always said: leave your ego at the door. The show's on the stage.

Welcome! We're glad you're coming. You’re about to find one of the coolest spots in Dallas to hear live music.

Here’s what to expect:

This is a listening room. Poor David's is not a background-noise bar, it's a place where people come to really hear the music. Audiences are attentive and respectful of the performers, and we ask that you are too. You'll notice the difference the moment the lights go down. That’s not to say that you can’t hoot and holler. We’re here for those rowdy shows too and we’ve got plenty of space for dancing!

Arrive early. Seating is first-come, first-served, even for reserved tickets (like the front row). Doors typically open 30–60 minutes before showtime, and the best seats go fast. Grab a drink, get settled, and soak it in.

Get your tickets in advance. Tickets are available through PreKindle at the link on each show page. We recommend buying ahead. You can buy tickets at the door. Avoid ticketing fees by paying in cash at our onsite box office.

The room is intimate. Poor David's holds around 300 people, which means you're never far from the stage. The sightlines are great from nearly every seat, and the sound is something people talk about.

Parking & getting here. The Lamar Street bridge is currently closed due to the I-30 Canyon Project and GPS may not be up to date. Please check our directions & parking page before you head our way.

Take the train. The Cedars Station (Red & Blue Lines) is a 5-minute walk.
We have a full bar. Local beers, wine, and cocktails available all night. Mocktails & N/A beers coming summer 2026!

Leave your ego at the door. The show's on the stage, and that's exactly how we like it. See you soon.

Tickets are available through our website via PreKindle. Tickets are never sold through a third-party unless explicitly stated. Any tickets not purchased thru PreKindle will not be honored. Tickets are also available at the door on the night of the show unless the event is sold out.

Poor David’s is a listening room, and our setup reflects that. Seating configuration varies by show. Some nights are fully seated with options to reserve front row, others are general admission with plenty of standing room. Check the individual show listing for details.

All ticket sales are final. We do not offer refunds or exchanges except in the event of a show cancellation. If a show is postponed or rescheduled, your ticket will be honored for the new date.

Poor David’s is an all age venue. Attendees under 21 are not allowed to purchase or drink alcohol. Attendees under 17 need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian. 

We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before showtime. Doors typically open an hour before the show begins. Arriving early ensures you get your preferred spot.

If a show is cancelled outright, ticket holders will receive a full refund through PreKindle. If a show is postponed or rescheduled, your original ticket will be valid for the new date. We’ll communicate any changes via email and on our social media channels as soon as possible. 

Poor David’s is a space where you can be present and in the moment. Please respect that. For the music, the artist and for the people around you. We discourage phone use during performances. Recording and photography policies are set by each artist; when in doubt, put the phone away and just listen. You can always tag us after the show. Flash photography is not permitted at any shows.

We recommend bags no larger than 14”x14”. Exceptions are made for bags containing medically necessary items. No backpacks or oversized bags allowed. Any bag brought into the venue may be subject to search.

We LOVE dogs. In fact, Muff the Dog used to sit on a barstool at the first Poor David’s back on McKinney Avenue. However, dogs are not allowed at shows, with the exception of ADA-recognized service animals. If you plan to bring a service animal, please arrive early so we can accommodate you at the door.

If you’re interested or you represent someone who is interested in playing at Poor David’s, please contact our booking team at info@poordavids.com

Yes! Please see our Private Events Page (linked) for more information and to fill out an event inquiry form.