I did it I got to Denton. Texas last week for 31 Days of Halloween. Not only that Charlie and Joseph came with me. Bradley couldn’t and that was fine because Charlie enjoyed the outing without Bradley. Infact when it was time to leave neither boy was ready to leave.
David had to get home because it can be about a hour to get home and David needed to get to work. But he said I can go back on Tuesday to go through the Scarey Chair Library and I can’t wait. Would you want to come with me? If not I’m sure David will because he is off on Wednesday and he wants to see my friend Jennifer as well.
I don’t know about your family but for mine there are family traditions I look forward to every year, and one of mine is celebrating the 31 Days of Halloween. We don’t have to visit a haunted house every time we go out, and we don’t have to spend a fortune to make memories. Sometimes, all it takes is getting out of the house, spending time together, discovering something unexpected, and finding a place that makes us laugh. The only thing that would make it better is if David would move to Denton for me.
This October, our Halloween adventures brought us back to The Loophole Gastropub & Ale House in downtown Denton, Texas. We have visited a couple of times before, but this visit gave us another reason to smile. Between the Beetlejuice-inspired decorations, the interesting menu, the drinks, the food, and the fantastic service, there was plenty to talk about on the ride home.
As a family that loves Beetlejuice, we were especially delighted by the Halloween atmosphere. David and Charlie are big fans, and I enjoy seeing the things that make them happy. I might not be the person who wants to spend every evening watching something scary, but there is a difference between being frightened and having a good laugh over a wonderfully weird theme. And The Loophole certainly knows how to embrace its unusual side!
When we arrived, we noticed the decorations and the snake coming out from the top of the restaurant. If you know Beetlejuice, you understand why that caught our attention. The whole experience had that wonderfully strange, over-the-top feeling that makes the movie so memorable.
There were references to the Ghost with the Most, and even the cocktail menu seemed to have stepped straight into the afterlife. One heading welcomed customers with the words “Welcome to the afterlife,” followed by the Handbook for the Recently Deceased, The Cocktail Edition. Now, that is a menu introduction you don’t see every day!
Themed drinks included names such as Netherworld Cave Spill Shots, Dale-O Punch, Argentina, Sandworm, and Beetlejuice. There were several I would have liked to try, but a person has to make choices. I ordered a cherry limeade cocktail and asked if they could replace the fresh lime juice with Dr Pepper.
The result tasted like an adult cherry Dr Pepper, which was right up my alley. Sometimes you know what you like, and there is no reason to make things complicated. I also spotted the Beetlejuice cocktail and thought I should have tried it. That will have to wait for another visit. I would also like to try the James and the Giant Peach drink next time.
David ordered a draft beer, while Charlie had a Dr Pepper and Joseph had a Sprite. There were plenty of choices for people who enjoy alcoholic drinks, but you can also order a soft drink and enjoy the atmosphere without having a cocktail. All I need to know for future visits is if they have Sweet Tea.
The decorations and menu gave us plenty to look at while we waited for our food. The ceiling had spiderweb-like decorations, and even the water bottle was unusual. It looked almost like a wine bottle, with foil at the top, but it was filled with water and served with little cups.
The menus lining the top of the bar were another detail that caught my eye. There were quirky names and references throughout the menu, including Denton Murder, Kroger’s, and Keep Austin Weird. You could spend time looking around and still discover another little detail you hadn’t noticed before.
That is one of the things I enjoy about places with personality. You are not simply sitting at a table waiting for your food. You have things to talk about, things to notice, and something different to remember afterward. The menu along would keep you off your phone as you check out the designs and sayings.
Of course, decorations can only take you so far. We were hungry, and it was time to see what the kitchen had to offer. I ordered the Loopo burger, listed on the menu at $12.99 when we visited. It comes with smoked cheddar, bread-and-butter pickles, lettuce, tomato, black pepper, and mayonnaise. Thank the LORD for Mayo. No, Mustard here. Or Ketchup Please. I asked for mine without the Butter Pickles and tomato and requested grilled onions instead.
Our waitress was happy to accommodate my changes. She didn’t make me feel as if I were asking for something unreasonable, and she handled the order without fuss. That might sound like a small thing, but when you have specific preferences, it makes a difference to feel comfortable asking for your meal the way you want it.
The burger was enjoyable, and I was glad I ordered it. It was a little smaller than I had pictured in my mind, but that wasn’t a problem. I shared it with David, and the fries helped round out the meal. Between the burger and fries, there was enough food to share around the table, and I was comfortably full afterward.
David ordered mozzarella sticks. I counted five on the plate, although I cannot promise that somebody hadn’t already helped themselves to one! They came with dipping sauce which was Marinara, and the topping looked like Parmesan or another seasoning. Next time, I might ask to leave that off. David, on the other hand, was perfectly happy to take the bread-and-butter pickles I didn’t want on my burger. That worked out nicely for both of us.
Charlie and Joseph ordered chicken fingers or tenders, with sauces available such as barbecue, buffalo, honey mustard, and jalapeño ranch. One thing I learned for next time is that I need to remember to order fries as a side for the boys. The tenders did not come with fries as part of their order.
That’s one of the reasons I like writing about our actual outings. We can tell you what we ordered, what worked for us, and what we would remember to do differently next time. Those little details are often the ones that help another family plan its own visit. My hamburger and Fries feed me, Charlie, Joseph and David and I was full.
I want to take a moment to talk about the service because it deserves to be highlighted. Our waitress was fantastic. She listened to my requests, was happy to customize my burger and drink, and made the ordering process easy. When she wasn’t at our table, another lady checked on us.
The restaurant had a little activity going on, and I noticed two waitresses and a barback working. Even with people coming and going, the staff seemed calm, friendly, and attentive. That matters to me. Because Charlie gets ansty when people seem to be frustrated when we make changes to our meal.
When we go out to eat, I appreciate good food, but I also appreciate people who treat customers kindly. Nobody wants to feel as though they are a bother for asking a question or making a simple change to an order. We didn’t have that feeling here. Good service can turn a meal into a pleasant experience, and it was one of the things that stood out most during this visit. Thank you to the team at The Loophole for making our family feel welcome!
As we all know food is over the hill right now it what it cost. Eating here with my family of 4 our bill came to a little over $65 for four people. When I consider the burger, mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders, soda and alcoholic drink, and beer, I thought that was reasonable for our outing.
I’m not saying every family will spend the same amount. What you order, the drinks you choose, and whether you add sides will affect the final bill. But I wasn’t sitting there thinking we’d been taken to the cleaners. We shared food, everyone had something to eat or drink, and I was full when we finished. For me, that is part of looking at the value of a meal.
These days, even a fast-food stop can add up quickly, especially when everyone is hungry. I would rather consider the entire experience: the food, the service, the atmosphere, and the memories we made together. For our family, The Loophole offered an enjoyable meal in a place that was different from the usual restaurant experience.
One of the interesting things about dining in downtown Denton is that the buildings themselves have stories to tell. According to a Denton County historical publication, the building at 119 West Hickory Street was built in 1886 and housed Thompson’s Saloon in the 1890s. Today, it is home to The Loophole.
I love discovering details like that because a meal can become an opportunity to learn something about the town around us. You might come downtown for a burger and leave having learned a little more about Denton’s past. The Loophole is right in the heart of downtown Denton, near the historic Courthouse-on-the-Square. That makes it a possible stop during a day spent exploring the Square, taking photographs, browsing local businesses, or learning about Denton’s history.
You don’t have to turn every outing into a formal history lesson, either. Sometimes you can simply share an interesting fact while you are walking around together. And if you are #homeschooling, that is one of the lovely things about learning outside the house. History, architecture, food, local businesses, and family conversation can all become part of the experience.
You might have noticed that The Loophole calls itself a gastropub. For my family I wanted to know the different between a #gastropub and a bar which would have been a #teachingment for my family. How about you. Do you know the difference and if so which do you prefer and why?
A gastropub combines the relaxed atmosphere of a pub with a stronger emphasis on food. A traditional pub may focus primarily on drinks and socializing, sometimes offering a smaller food menu. A gastropub puts food more prominently into the experience, often serving burgers, sandwiches, appetizers, and other prepared dishes alongside beer, cocktails, and nonalcoholic beverages.
There is some overlap between pubs, bars, and gastropubs, so the labels aren’t rigid rules. But the basic idea is that you can enjoy the social atmosphere of a pub while sitting down for a meal. This can make a fun little learning opportunity for families. You can talk about how restaurants develop different identities, how menus reflect a business’s personality, and how a historic building can serve a completely different purpose today than it did more than a century ago. Just remember that a gastropub may also be a bar with age restrictions. If you are planning to bring children or teens, check the current entry policy before you leave home.
There was another moment upstairs that made me smile. I stopped to take a picture of a King Kong sign because King Kong is Charlie’s all-time favorite movie. Before I even said anything, David already knew what I was thinking. Which is why he took the phone from me to take the photo. That is LOVE.
That is one of the things about being a family. Sometimes the people who know you best understand why you stopped to take a picture before you even explain it. This is another reason I love checking out new places with my family we get to take photos we will have always.
The Loophole has different seating areas, including booths, tables and chairs, and couches upstairs near the restrooms. I tend to prefer booths because they are easier for me to settle into comfortably. I also have to be mindful of my knees, so stairs are not always my favorite thing.
But I braved the stairs to look around, and I am glad I did. If I had stayed in my seat the entire time, I would have missed the King Kong sign and that little family moment. Those are the memories that make an outing personal. It isn’t always the biggest attraction or the most expensive part of the day.
Sometimes it’s a sign on a wall, a funny decoration, a favorite movie reference, or the fact that your husband knows exactly why you want a picture. Our 31 Days of Halloween tradition is about making those memories. The decorations are fun, the food is part of the adventure, and the people we share the experience with are what make it special.
I want to share a practical detail without making it sound as though families shouldn’t visit. The Loophole has seating on different levels, and the restrooms we used were upstairs. There are stairs to consider, particularly if you have knee problems, limited mobility, or an infant in a stroller.
If you are bringing a stroller, carrying a little one, or traveling with someone who has trouble with stairs, it is worth calling ahead to ask about seating and restroom access. It may affect which table you choose or how you plan your visit, but it doesn’t automatically mean the restaurant won’t work for your family.
I also couldn’t confirm a current official policy guaranteeing that minors can enter at all times. Since The Loophole has a full bar, parents should contact the restaurant directly to ask whether children and teens are permitted, whether they need to be accompanied by an adult, and whether any time restrictions apply.
My goal is not to discourage anybody. It is to share the information I would want another family to have before making the drive. A little planning can make an outing much more enjoyable. Our visit to The Loophole was another fun part of our 31 Days of Halloween. The Beetlejuice-inspired atmosphere gave us plenty to look at, the menu offered food and drink choices for our group, and the staff made a very good impression on us.
I enjoyed my customized Loopo burger, David was happy with his mozzarella sticks and beer, and the boys had their chicken tenders and soft drinks. We shared food, laughed over the decorations, explored a little, and found a King Kong detail that was especially meaningful to Charlie.
Could we order differently next time? Absolutely. I would remember to order fries with the chicken tenders, ask for my mozzarella-stick topping preferences if I were ordering them, and perhaps try one of those Beetlejuice-inspired cocktails. As long as Charlie isn’t with me.
That is part of the fun of visiting a place more than once. You get to try something new, remember what you liked, and make another memory. If you are exploring downtown Denton, The Loophole is worth considering for its quirky atmosphere, pub-style food, specialty drinks, and location near the historic Square. Just check the current hours and family-entry policy before setting out, and plan ahead if stairs or stroller access are a concern.
For us, this wasn’t just about going out to eat. It was another chance to enjoy a family tradition, laugh at a few wonderfully weird Halloween details, and spend time together. And that is what I want Greatful Moments to be about: sharing the experiences that make life memorable, the places that surprise us, and the little moments that leave us grateful, thankful, and blessed.
Plan Your Visit to The Loophole Gastropub & Ale House
The Loophole Gastropub & Ale House
Address: 119 W. Hickory Street, Denton, TX 76201
Phone: (940) 565-0770
Website: https://loopholepub.com/
Menu: https://loopholepub.com/ourmenus/
Location: In the heart of downtown Denton, near the historic Courthouse-on-the-Square.
Published Hours
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday: Noon–2:00 a.m.
- Wednesday: Noon–2:00 a.m.
- Thursday: Noon–2:00 a.m.
- Friday: Noon–2:00 a.m.
- Saturday: Noon–2:00 a.m.
- Sunday: Noon–midnight
Hours can change, and published listings may differ. Please call or check the official website before leaving home to confirm the restaurant is open.
Helpful Things to Know
- Families: Call ahead to confirm the current policy for children and teens, including any age or time restrictions.
- Strollers and mobility: The restrooms we used were upstairs, and stairs may be challenging for some guests. Ask about seating and accessibility needs before your visit.
- Seating: Options include booths, tables and chairs, and couches upstairs.
- Menu and prices: Check the restaurant’s current menu for available food, drinks, sides, and prices.
- Make a day of it: Explore downtown Denton and the historic Courthouse-on-the-Square before or after your meal.
A final reminder from Greatful Moments: Before you head out, make that quick call. Restaurants sometimes change their hours or close unexpectedly because life happens. Confirming ahead of time can save you a trip and help your family enjoy the day.
Greatful Moments shares our family’s personal experiences and opinions. Your visit and menu selections may be different from ours.
Grateful. Thankful. Blessed.
GreatfulMoments.com
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
