Mercy Wine Bar: A Stunning Selection

Dallas is perhaps best known for barbeque, the Cowboys and Lee Harvey Oswald. But thanks to Mercy Wine Bar in nearby Addison, Texas, oenophiles can add another highlight to their list. And with a stunning selection and intimate ambiance, Mercy is an easy choice as a Luxist nominee in the best wine bar category.

On April 15th 1964, Roy Orbison recorded the song "Pretty Woman." He probably had no idea that a few decades later his line, "No one could looks as good as you – mercy," would inspire the name of a Dallas wine bar. Sure enough, Orbison fan Glen Agritelley chose the name Mercy as a tribute to the singer. After a stint at Microsoft in the late 1980s, Agritelley cashed out and invested in a racquet club, a clothier, and finally, a wine bar.


Agritelley's vision for Mercy Wine Bar was drawn from his globetrotting observations. Italian mosaics and styling give the bar a European feel, while modern flourishes inspired by bars in Miami and other U.S. cities add a distinct American flair. Different rooms give guests an array of options: up front are classic dining tables with cloth linen, followed by a scalloped bar perfect for small groups. The lounge area behind the bar makes for a more casual place to relax with a glass of wine.

Unlike most establishments where wine is chosen as an accompaniment to food, Mercy's clients are encouraged to select wine first and food as a complement. With 100 different wines available by the glass and another 50 by the bottle, there are plenty options from which to choose.

Vote for the wine bar that you believe is the best of breed. The voting period runs through April 30 and winners will be announced on May 1.