Popular Las Vegas nightclub to open in Dallas

An SMU graduate and his father, a notable force in the entertainment business, plan to open a Las Vegas-style nightclub near downtown Dallas next year

Drai’s Group, known for its high-energy clubs and live entertainment venues in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, takes over the former Tucker restaurant space at 3113 Ross Ave.

Plans show Drai’s Dallas will feature a caberet-style lounge, exclusive membership club and supper-club restaurant focused on French-inspired cuisine.

The venue’s design takes cues from Drai’s After Hours in Las Vegas, whose decor is described in a news release as “rich hues, tufted lounge furniture, and signature decor.”

A performance stage in the center of the dining room will feature cabaret-style live entertainment, with stadium seating arranged around the room’s perimeter.

The private members lounge will offer small bites and classic cocktails in speakeasy-style lounge. Dallas restaurant and hospitality group GAP Concepts (Lyla, XOXO Lounge) will oversee local operations.

Victor Drai established the Drai’s brand in Los Angeles then expanded to Las Vegas in 1997. In 2016, with the opening of The Cromwell on the Strip, he rebranded Drai’s Restaurant and After hours as Drai’s Nightclub and Beachclub. The rooftop venue has hosted stars such as The Weeknd and Chris Brown; on busy weekends, it’s nearly impossible to gain admission.

Dustin Drai, an SMU graduate and Victor’s son, is the company’s Vice President of Entertainment.