In the beginning...
Oak Street Drafthouse takes its name literally — it's a bar, in a house, on Oak Street, serving local craft brews to all beer lovers.
When John Williams, a beer lover himself, saw this historic home up for grabs, he knew it was the perfect location to turn his vision into reality: opening Denton's first beer garden.
OG Dentonites Become Entrepreneurs
John Williams is an original Dentonite — he grew up in Denton, graduated from Ryan High School, and got his Bachelor's degree at UNT. But not only did he study entrepreneurship in college, John also has the heart and spirit of a true entrepreneur. His savvy business sense knew it was time for Denton to get a unique bar away from the college-centric experience of Fry Street.
Little did he know that less than 10 years after becoming a UNT alumni, he would become one of Denton's most influential and well-known small business owners.
And better yet, the loyal support of friends and colleagues from his Fry Street bartending days helped bring his dream to life. "Yogi" Stults, Kregg Ross, Patrick Blancas, Desmond Moore, and "Patsy" Colvin remain key partners and stakeholders in the continued success of John's entrepreneurial journey.
Inspired by Rainey Street in Austin, a popular nightlife district lined with houses-turned-bars with sprawling patios and local beer selections, John launched Oak Street Drafthouse in Denton during March of 2012.
Thankfully, John's rock-solid vision and reputation in the industry was enough for investors to quickly provide the funds he needed to make it happen. John and his handy crew spent several months pouring their own blood, sweat and tears into renovating the old farm house into the cozy bar with retro seating. Of course you can't forget about the extensive tap room with over 70 beers on draft (and 100 in the bottle!).
Denton's Newest (and Coolest) Bar Scene
The local-owned and operated Oak Street Drafthouse became the first establishment on the dark side of the Denton square that brought new light to an exciting bar scene and had local beer drinkers rushing in every night of the week.
It's conveniently located walking distance to all the happenings on the downtown square, the DCTA train station, and the expanding location of restaurants along East Hickory and Industrial Streets.
Essentially, OSDH amped up the cool vibes that coined Denton as the "little Austin" with its reputable local music and art scene —and now, with its popular patio bar district.
John's impeccable timing of opening OSDH during the rise of the Texas craft beer movement and the rapid growth of the downtown Denton square helped him quickly make a mark in town and expand his business to unexpected heights.
Only a year later (in 2013), John and his staff stumbled across another business opportunity down the street and launched East Side Denton — a rustic patio bar focused on beer and whiskey with a dedicated Austin-style food truck yard (and I might add, coincidentally located on Austin Street).
Just when they thought OSDH was a huge success, East Side Denton took their business to a whole new level, allowing them the opportunity to focus on giving back and getting involved in the community.
Some of the local organizations they volunteer with and support include Denton Kiwanis Club (annual crawfish boil and fireworks show), Friends with Benefits, Denton Animal Shelter Foundation, Denton County Friends of the Family, and various golf tournaments for charity. John is also a board member of the Denton Main Street Association and the Denton Holiday Lighting Festival.
A few years later in 2019, the team gathered their own funds to open a different kind of house-turned-bar: Miss Angelines. This "cocktail garden" with a wrap-around patio and table service was born as the stylish sister of East Side Denton and Oak Street Drafthouse.
And before they knew it, this dynamic trio had officially created Denton's favorite bar district for experienced drinkers.
After Yankees apparently caused Texas to go dry (forbidden from selling any liquor) for a period of time, Miss Angeline found a loophole to keep her saloon in business. She sold a peanut for 10 cents and you got a free shot of whiskey.
That's the true Dentonite spirit!
While the new Miss Angeline's bar does not sell peanuts to refrain from affecting those with possible peanut allergies, the legacy of Miss Angeline lives on in Denton with delicious cocktails served to all.
Then Came COVID-19
Not long after Miss Angeline's opening, the pandemic storm of COVID-19 hit.
After 5 long months of all three bars being totally closed, John did everything he could to keep the business afloat and take care of his employees. During that time, the team pivoted into offering a temporary lawn care business called Yard Tenders. This smart move helped keep the crew together and stay connected with customers until the bar could reopen.
As soon as Denton bars found a loophole to reopen with a license to sell food, partnering with local vendors (including Ten:One Artisan Cheese) and the established food truck yard at East Side helped save the day.
Most importantly, John and the team dedicate their ability to survive the pandemic thanks to loyal customers who purchased merch, gift cards and even donations to keep their business afloat.
Before COVID-19, these bars relied on events to bring in the most sales throughout the year. But the pandemic has put a complete halt on those events — especially since they enforce mask policies and social distancing to keep customers safe.
They have also remained consistent with their hours and open from noon to 2am, 7 days a week!
In the meantime, John and his staff encourage customers to come grab a drink in the fresh, open air with propane heaters that keep it cozy during cooler months. However, they will remain strict with their CDC guidelines to keep customers and employees safe with over-sanitization, socially distanced seating, and mask requirements.
So, folks, come enjoy some local brews and support our beloved OSDH, East Side, and Miss Angelines.
But don't forget to wear the da** mask!
Gifts that Keep On Giving
The holidays are coming! Support these local businesses and buy gift cards or cool merch like hoodies, shirts, masks, and more.
Best Denton Bar Specials
OSDH has an amazing happy hour during the week.
Mondays: $5 mules
Tuesdays: $3 drafts
Texas Thursdays: $3 Texas drafts, $4 double Western Son vodka, $3 TX whiskey
The Denton Area Running Club also hosts a 5K every Wednesday evening that starts and stops at OSDH. Runners love beer, and 5K participants can enjoy a free drink voucher (one voucher is a free shot, two vouchers is a free beer) that makes the run totally worth it.
Become a True Fan!
Other than wearing their merch to show your true loyalty, don't forget to like/follow them on social media to stay in the loop with their events, updates and offerings.
Oak Street Drafthouse
East Side Denton
Miss Angeline's