OUR STORY

Milo Butterfingers opened in 1971 as a small neighborhood honky-tonk and Dallas’ first beer garden. The building Milo's occupies originally was a house that was moved to the property in 1942 before being converted into a billboard and sign company. Founded by Ned Smith and three of his buddies, Milo's soon became one of the city's go-to venues for live music.

Due to a legal issue over the name in 1974, Milo's was renamed "Dr. Beard's Leather Balls Saloon" in honor of all the local rugby players who came by after games and practices. In 1980, Milo's reverted to its original name. There are many different stories about how the Milo Butterfingers title originated, but no one knows for sure. One popular version is that Ned and his friends were having a fun night when they began talking about a fellow named Milo who was quite the screw-up. At the same time, one of Ned's friends was eating a Butterfinger candy bar. When they woke up the next morning, the night before was a cloudy memory but the name Milo Butterfingers remained.

Over the years, Milo's has become the favorite bar and grill for local college students, including many from nearby Southern Methodist University #PonyUP. It also became a hot spot for movie and television shows, with director Oliver Stone filming scenes at Milo's with Tom Cruise for the Oscar-winning movie "Born on the Fourth of July." Milo's was also regularly featured in the popular TV show "Walker, Texas Ranger," starring action hero Chuck Norris. Much of the funky-chic décor at Milo's is attributed to long-time general manager Tommy Donahue and his collection of memorabilia.

Milo's is known as the last (and best) stop on the route for the annual Dallas St. Patrick's Parade & Festival, contributing to making the Dallas parade one of the biggest St. Patrick's Day events in the country.

In 2024, SMU grads Len Critcher and Chris Camillo acquired Milo’s after more than three decades of visiting as patrons. In alignment with their ambitions to enhance and sustain local businesses, Milo’s joins their portfolio of beloved Dallas institutions Inwood Tavern and Chelsea Corner. They are devoted to preserving and growing the Milo Butterfingers legacy for future generations.

Our commitment to the community extends beyond business and good times, with corporate and personal donations to local schools and charities totaling over $250,000 annually.