WHERE TO GO THIS WEEKEND & PLACES TO LOOK OUT FOR POST-QUARANTINE
Jaxon Beer Garden
It's been, well... forever (!!!), since we've been able to get out & explore the restaurants of Dallas. You may have been one of the brave souls to venture out last weekend, OR you may be starting to plot where your first stop will be-- slowly emerging from the depths of your sad, lonely apartment. HUGE decision, right?? It's basically your Bat Mitzvah! Quinceñaera, if you may. You're coming back into the world, saying "HERE I AM! LET'S EAT & DRINK 6 FT APART!" And you only get to make your re-entrance once. A lot of pressure if you ask me...So, I'm here to throw out some ideas for making the most of your first weekend out.
Newly-opened spots you CAN try:
Jaxon Beer Garden-- Jaxon is legitimately one of the coolest places, and I was SOOOO excited for them to open... only for quarantine to hit about a week later. I'm sure many have yet to experience it, especially for dine-in, and the weather this weekend looks PERFECT for sitting out on a patio. My favorite cocktail was the Mezcal Diablo, but quite frankly, they KNOW what they're doing... everything I tried was incredible! If you don't feel like venturing out, they are doing to-go & delivery, as well.
Enrique Tomas-- so I'm going here tomorrow night, and I am SO EXCITED!!! Think contemporary Spanish cuisine-- charcuterie boards, cheese, tapas-- paired with a delectable wine selection and cocktails like Sangria Rioja *insert heart eyes emoji.* They do have a patio, as well as inside seating, and the location is actually across from Old Monk, by Fireside Pies! Will definitely be posting more after I go, but I would not wait to get your reservations in.
Barcelona Wine Bar-- y'all, I stopped in for wine before everything went down, and this place is AWESOME! The patio in Knox/Henderson is going to be a summer favorite, but for now, they are doing take-out only Tues-Sat 12-9 PM. All of their wine bottles & beer are available at 50% off, so you can find your go-to's by the time they reopen for dine-in business.... it's called THINKING AHEAD! Definitely follow along to stay up-to-date on their reopening.
Sum Dang Good Chinese-- if you're looking for sum dang good Chinese (lol) and even better cocktails, head to Trinity Groves to check out this new spot! They are open for dine-in inside, as well as out on the patio (which is PERFECTTTTT right now). Their frosé is made with all fresh ingredients, and is DANGEROUSLY good on a hot day. But you'll want to try some of their other drinks, too... I personally taste tested and give my stamp of approval.
The Pool Club at The Virgin Hotel-- I was so anxiously awaiting it's opening before all of this happened... and it is FINALLY up and running again! This is going to be my new rooftop bar of choice, I CAN JUST FEEL IT! Chic decor, killer views of the Dallas skyline, and cocktails by cabanas? Sign me UP!
Newly-opened spots you need to keep your eye on:
XOXO Dining Room-- for all my ladies in need of a new Instagram pic (lol), this ADORABLE spot opens May 15! There will be a limited dinner menu in the beginning, and reservations ARE recommended. Grab your girl group and get your reservations in now!
Ellie's at the Hall Arts Hotel-- If you have yet to check out this new hotel in the Dallas Arts District, you are going to be BLOWN AWAY! The interior is SO COOL, and Ellie's, the bar/restaurant looks absolutely impeccable. There has not been any word as to when they will be reopening, but I will be checking regularly to find out. Hopefully more to come soon!
Harwood Arms (opening soon)-- everything Harwood does is perfection, and I cannot WAIT to experience their newest addition, a British style pub serving up pints of Guinness and fine whiskeys, in a friendly neighborhood environment.
Flatbread Company Dallas-- I'm not sure when they will be reopening, but this new pizza joint on Greenville looks pretty freaking amazing. Patio included!!!
No longer the new kids (but worth checking out if you haven't been):
Drake's Hollywood-- if you have not had the chance to make it here yet, you NEED to make a reservation right now. It is ALWAYS booked up, so definitely call or book ahead online to ensure you'll have a seating (especially with the 25% restriction right now). This place not only has incredible food & cocktails, but an ambiance like none other. It is an absolute experience you do not want to miss out on. (open for dine-in)
Il Bracco-- There is just something about fresh pasta and wine on a patio that makes me the happiest person alive. If you aren't sold on that, just head to their Instagram, and prepare to drool. That's really all I have to say. (open for dine-in)
Nosh Bistro-- Casual, yet elevated atmosphere is the PERFECT way to describe this place. Everything is extremely impressive and tasteful, in a way that is so comfortable you could come back time and time again. DO NOT SKIP DESSERT! (open for dine-in)
400 Gradi-- I'm coming back for gelato on the patio (and some of the best pizza I've had in Dallas, obviously). Holy cow, this is one of my FAVORITE new spots that came to Dallas this past year!!! I would recommend it to anyone, but think it specifically makes the perfect date night. It's super close to the Arts District too, for a nice walk around downtown before the sun goes down. (open for dine-in)
Te Deseo-- I have 3 words. BRUNCH and MANGO MARGARITAS!!!! Legitimately the best brunch I have had in Dallas in SOOOOO LONG. I cannot possibly say enough good things! And the mango margaritas on the upstairs patio are going to define my summer 2020. That is all. (open for takeout)
Primo's-- I don't even know what else to say besides "perfection." Food. Drinks. Atmosphere. They crushed it all. It is the Mexican restaurant you need, with the fun, upbeat environment you want... SOLD. (open for dine-in)
Delucca-- If you have not experienced this Brazilian-style pizzeria, you have simply not lived. ALL YOU CAN EAT PIZZA, I SAID!!!! Oh and it's BYOB (with beverages for purchase, as well). So, you're welcome for introducing you to your new favorite place. (open for dine-in)
Desert Racer-- I am SO SAD that I only made it here once before Quarantine, but this bar/restaurant is straight up FIRE. Ranch waters galore, impeccable food selections, and the MOST fun vibe. Did I mention there's a sick outdoor patio??? TBD on when they will be reopening.