Gimme your DFW Metroplex "big night" go-to restaurants

[C-Man 27052]

Tango Room was excellent. As @Landomatic has said, it ain't cheap. My NY Strip was $95 and I added "Au Poivre" sauce for $18. Fuck it, you only turn 50 once. The deviled eggs with truffle were terrific but I wonder if the burrata appetizer might've been better. My wife said her scallops main were the best scallops she's ever had. I had a couple bites and they were legit. Ordered the Duck Fried Rice and Brussels sides. Both fantastic. Ended with a deconstructed orange dreamsicle cheesecake for dessert that was delicious.

Completely different space from FT33. Very small and cozy. All booths. Service was excellent. Got up to hit the head before dessert and the hostess was back by where the food was going out. She noticed me and where I was headed and said, "C-Man, this way" and I'm a fucking nobody. Bill was $400 (three glasses of wine, one mocktail) with a generous tip. We won't do this very often but holy hell was it worth it for a special occasion.

[Skipper 6103]

Who has hit up The Mexican?  Have reservations this weekend.

[C-Man 27052]

5 hours ago, Skipper said:

Who has hit up The Mexican?  Have reservations this weekend.

I keep meaning to check it out. As I think I've mentioned, a friend of mine is one of the co-founders/owners. I've heard mostly good things. Some people abhor it for being too over-the-top.

[Skipper 6103]

I thought The Mexican was great.  Don't get me wrong, you have to be in the mood for that vibe.  It has a very Vegas feel to it.  But we were kind of in a 'party' mood so worked out well.  Everything we tried was solid.  Lobster Elote was probably the best dish.  Only downside was service was a bit uneven (they were pretty slammed) but not enough to dampen the experience.

[DFWTexEx 274]

Brass Ram should be this list.  We had a great meal there for my birthday this week. It's a Nick Badovinus restaurant, so it's all pretty much spot on.  The place is an ode to a mid century prime rib place.   The mood and vibe are just right, upscale and cool but comfortable.  There were some tables dressed up (jackets for men, cha cha heals on the women) but also tables of what looked like roughnecks in jeans just out to eat a big piece of beef.

The martini "menu" is thoughtful, as it should be:  no crazy flavors, just various styles of classic martinis mostly depending on the gin:vermouth ratio.  The appetizers fit right in:  waygu pigs in a blanket, perfect old school salads -- even with house made thousand island dressing, etc.   There are steaks and fish on the menu, but you go there for the prime rib.  There are four different cuts and each comes with Yorkshire pudding, horseradish cream and au jus.  We (two big guys) split the third biggest cut.  With apps and sides, it was all a feast and we had plenty leftover for awesome sandwiches with sides the next day.

Service was just right.  The sommelier in particular was really good, friendly and helpful.   I recommend this place.

It's downtown, down Commerce in the new "East Quarter" district.   Badovinus bought the triangular "flatiron" building.  National Anthem is on the first floor.  Brass Ram is on the 2nd.  And they are going to add some sort of rooftop lounge on top by next summer.

 

[DDD Dad 14251]

On 12/13/2022 at 4:14 PM, C-Man said:

I keep meaning to check it out. As I think I've mentioned, a friend of mine is one of the co-founders/owners. I've heard mostly good things. Some people abhor it for being too over-the-top.

Daughter (DDD) took me and SWMBO to dinner there for my birthday last month.  I liked it.  Not sure I'd go there on my own, but it was an enjoyable dinner.

[C-Man 27052]

Homewood is closing

https://www.dmagazine.com/food-drink/2023/02/homewood-closed/

[C-Man 27052]

Homewood is closing

https://www.dmagazine.com/food-drink/2023/02/homewood-closed/

Holy shit! Homewood closes a few days early after co-owner unexpectedly dies on 2/13.

Edit: Oops, wrong link. Here you go: https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/homewood-closing-chef-matt-mccallister/

[DalTxHornFan 3085]

3 hours ago, C-Man said:

Holy shit! Homewood closes a few days early after co-owner unexpectedly dies on 2/13.

Edit: Oops, wrong link. Here you go: https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/homewood-closing-chef-matt-mccallister/

Wow -- quite the plot twist there!

[Firemans4Horn 17830]

Well that is fucking awful. Texas ex and young guy with a wife and 3 kids. 
 

 

CO-FOUNDER & GENERAL PARTNER

MICHAEL BARNETT

Always happiest around a warm and lively kitchen, Michael has long since shown others affection through food and authentic hospitality. It is with that sense of fondness for serving others that led Michael to help create Homewood.

Michael grew up cooking with his mom and eating as adventurously as his parents would allow. He met his wife, Jessica, while they were studying at the University of Texas and the two of them have been mostly inseparable ever since. During their free time, Michael and Jessica love doing life with their three kids and traveling far and wide.

[C-Man 27052]

Well that is fucking awful. Texas ex and young guy with a wife and 3 kids. 
 

 

CO-FOUNDER & GENERAL PARTNER

MICHAEL BARNETT

Always happiest around a warm and lively kitchen, Michael has long since shown others affection through food and authentic hospitality. It is with that sense of fondness for serving others that led Michael to help create Homewood.

Michael grew up cooking with his mom and eating as adventurously as his parents would allow. He met his wife, Jessica, while they were studying at the University of Texas and the two of them have been mostly inseparable ever since. During their free time, Michael and Jessica love doing life with their three kids and traveling far and wide.

Had no idea Barrett’s dad is chairman of Benchmark Bank. Have to assume it was a suicide due to the timing. Sad deal.

[victory88 5659]

Damn I liked Homewood too.  

[Texzilla58 4717]

Did they ever publish his cause of death? I hope it’s not suicide; that’s a horrible thing to inflict on a wife and children.

[C-Man 27052]

On 6/7/2023 at 12:26 PM, Texzilla58 said:

Did they ever publish his cause of death? I hope it’s not suicide; that’s a horrible thing to inflict on a wife and children.

I think I heard it was a drug overdose (fentanyl-related, perhaps).

[C-Man 27052]

Man, this board is dead-as-disco lately. At any rate, Duro Hospitality’s newest concept (Mister Charles) has opened in the old Highland Park Pharmacy location on Knox. It’s in the running for spendiest restaurant in town, it appears, but Duro’s got a pretty fantastic track record of The Charles, Sister and Carlos Elegante. The Charles might be my favorite restaurant in town.

https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2023/07/21/edgy-dallas-restaurant-mister-charles-now-open-in-place-of-highland-park-soda-fountain/?fbclid=IwAR0d5Us8Q2Ill3HNs1RmpecN6ugK5m0wlsAMRhBq1iGzlmj33KVa9PYO2_o_aem_Ae-cXUOREjyOeGDv92SUx4R9D5Wo4kBO3pisTDT_RLs5HR_8HQssN1cRV-OQ-GdcEzU&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

[bluto 4891]

Rock shrimp at the Charles is quite fine. 

[Firemans4Horn 17830]

2 hours ago, C-Man said:

Man, this board is dead-as-disco lately. At any rate, Duro Hospitality’s newest concept (Mister Charles) has opened in the old Highland Park Pharmacy location on Knox. It’s in the running for spendiest restaurant in town, it appears, but Duro’s got a pretty fantastic track record of The Charles, Sister and Carlos Elegante. The Charles might be my favorite restaurant in town.

https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2023/07/21/edgy-dallas-restaurant-mister-charles-now-open-in-place-of-highland-park-soda-fountain/?fbclid=IwAR0d5Us8Q2Ill3HNs1RmpecN6ugK5m0wlsAMRhBq1iGzlmj33KVa9PYO2_o_aem_Ae-cXUOREjyOeGDv92SUx4R9D5Wo4kBO3pisTDT_RLs5HR_8HQssN1cRV-OQ-GdcEzU&mibextid=Zxz2cZ

[LonghornJones 835]

My wife wants to go to Monarch for my bday. I am very basic and love Javiers, as its also very convenient.

Does anyone have any experience with Monarch downtown? I don't want to read the whole thread.

[C-Man 27052]

1 hour ago, LonghornJones said:

My wife wants to go to Monarch for my bday. I am very basic and love Javiers, as its also very convenient.

Does anyone have any experience with Monarch downtown? I don't want to read the whole thread.

C'mon man, the thread is only three pages. Just scroll back or search "Monarch." I believe Monarch is discussed on here and perhaps another thread.

It's supposed to be fantastic. I had a reservation for my birthday last November but we bailed and went to Tango Room instead. There were a few contingencies on the Monarch reservation -- like we had to guarantee to spend $250 to get a window table or we had to be gone in 90 mins at another table. Something like that. My wife no longer drinks and I'm pretty certain it wouldn't have been difficult to get to $250 on the overall bill off food (and booze for me) but the fact that it was part of the equation was off-putting.

All that said you can do tons better than Javier's with very little effort IMO.

[DalTxHornFan 3085]

43 minutes ago, C-Man said:

C'mon man, the thread is only three pages. Just scroll back or search "Monarch." I believe Monarch is discussed on here and perhaps another thread.

It's supposed to be fantastic. I had a reservation for my birthday last November but we bailed and went to Tango Room instead. There were a few contingencies on the Monarch reservation -- like we had to guarantee to spend $250 to get a window table or we had to be gone in 90 mins at another table. Something like that. My wife no longer drinks and I'm pretty certain it wouldn't have been difficult to get to $250 on the overall bill off food (and booze for me) but the fact that it was part of the equation was off-putting.

All that said you can do tons better than Javier's with very little effort IMO.

Thanks for reminding me why I go to Javier's cigar bar at least 6 times a year and have never gone to Monarch!

[C-Man 27052]

6 minutes ago, DalTxHornFan said:

Thanks for reminding me why I go to Javier's cigar bar at least 6 times a year and have never gone to Monarch!

Ha -- the cigar bar can be fun for sure. I just don't care for the food at Javier's. It's got a fun vibe, though.

[The Original Greaser Bob 2798]

Sister more of a "nice" place rather than big night, but just went there and it was really pretty good.

[animaltobacco11 107]

On 7/31/2023 at 8:55 AM, LonghornJones said:

My wife wants to go to Monarch for my bday. I am very basic and love Javiers, as its also very convenient.

Does anyone have any experience with Monarch downtown? I don't want to read the whole thread.

Did you go?

I thought Monarch kinda sucked. Great views and "scene", but food was very meh. Definitely wouldn't go back for the cost.

That said, I was in Dallas last weekend and drove the rental to the Kellers on NW Hwy and flashed my flashers and had the best #5 burger I've ever had. I'll go to that meal for a big night before Monarchs again.

Edited September 13, 2023 by animaltobacco11

[LonghornJones 835]

3 minutes ago, animaltobacco11 said:

Did you go?

I thought Monarch kinda sucked. Great views and "scene", but food was very meh. Definitely wouldn't go back for the cost.

That said, I was in Dallas last weekend and drove the rental to the Kellers on NW Hwy and flashed my flashers and had the best #5 burger I've ever had. I'll go to that meal for a big night before Monarchs again.

Birthday is next month, but I'm sure we will end up at Javiers. We can go to Monarch for HER bday, if she wants.

But I want some snapper.

[animaltobacco11 107]

8 minutes ago, LonghornJones said:

Birthday is next month, but I'm sure we will end up at Javiers. We can go to Monarch for HER bday, if she wants.

But I want some snapper.

Monarch is definitely a "her" birthday locale. Dress up semi-nice, drink some champagne and take in the views and eat some mediocre food that she will be impressed with. Stay away from the veal.

[C-Man 27052]

On 9/13/2023 at 11:50 AM, LonghornJones said:

But I want some snapper.

[C-Man 27052]

El Carlos Elegante. Not sure where to put this since it's most assuredly not Tex-Mex. I've never been to interior Mexico either so I can't say whether this qualifies as that either. It is very Latin-inspired and you can make a big night out if you like but it's not like going to The Tango Room or Mr Charles or whatever.

At any rate, my folks were in town last week and we booked a table for four at El Carlos Elegante. My wife and I had been some months back and enjoyed it. I wasn't blown away like we'd been at The Charles. I think we also preferred Sister. (My wife had her gall bladder out some years ago and doesn't process red meat or fattier food like she used to so we were a little limited in what we could try.) I just have to say having four of us to get a few other things turned that into a phenomenally good meal from start to finish. One of the "masa" dishes we tried had something to do with pork belly and it was the best bite of the evening IMO. It was the revolving "Machete" masa choice so it's not a permanent menu fixture. My other highlight was the pork al pastor choice. Goddamn was that tasty as well. We ended it with a "Key Lime-ish" dessert that was a perfect finish.

So, if you haven't been to Carlos Elegante, go check it out. That was a top three meal for us for 2023. Stuffed our faces pretty good, drank a bit and got out of there for a shade less than $100/person.

[Skipper 6103]

We had an great meal at Carlos Elegante over the summer as well.  Agreed it doesn't feel like a "big night out" kind of place and definitely not Tex Mex but an excellent meal however categorized.

[LonghornJones 835]

We went to Mister Charles two weeks ago and loved every bit of it. There are more options than the menu above. It was probably a top 5 Dallas food experience for me, from the starter to the dessert. Excellent staff and great people watching. The table next to us shared the Lamb Wellington, which is cut table side.

I cant wait to go back and try more of the menu.

[DDD Dad 14251]

Anyone been to the new location of Petra + the Beast yet?  Seems like way too big a space for that sort of restaurant (or most any restaurant for that matter -- everything that's been there since it was a Wyatt's has failed).

[CBT 1281]

On 7/31/2023 at 8:55 AM, LonghornJones said:

My wife wants to go to Monarch for my bday. I am very basic and love Javiers, as its also very convenient.

Does anyone have any experience with Monarch downtown? I don't want to read the whole thread.

 

On 7/31/2023 at 10:59 AM, C-Man said:

C'mon man, the thread is only three pages. Just scroll back or search "Monarch." I believe Monarch is discussed on here and perhaps another thread.

It's supposed to be fantastic. I had a reservation for my birthday last November but we bailed and went to Tango Room instead. There were a few contingencies on the Monarch reservation -- like we had to guarantee to spend $250 to get a window table or we had to be gone in 90 mins at another table. Something like that. My wife no longer drinks and I'm pretty certain it wouldn't have been difficult to get to $250 on the overall bill off food (and booze for me) but the fact that it was part of the equation was off-putting.

All that said you can do tons better than Javier's with very little effort IMO.

 

On 9/13/2023 at 11:45 AM, animaltobacco11 said:

Did you go?

I thought Monarch kinda sucked. Great views and "scene", but food was very meh. Definitely wouldn't go back for the cost.

That said, I was in Dallas last weekend and drove the rental to the Kellers on NW Hwy and flashed my flashers and had the best #5 burger I've ever had. I'll go to that meal for a big night before Monarchs again.

 

On 9/13/2023 at 11:50 AM, LonghornJones said:

Birthday is next month, but I'm sure we will end up at Javiers. We can go to Monarch for HER bday, if she wants.

But I want some snapper.

 

On 9/13/2023 at 11:59 AM, animaltobacco11 said:

Monarch is definitely a "her" birthday locale. Dress up semi-nice, drink some champagne and take in the views and eat some mediocre food that she will be impressed with. Stay away from the veal.

Wife and I went to Monarch last Wednesday night as a start to a vacation without kids. We spent a stupid amount of money for the chefs choice tasting menu and the wine pairings. We both thought the food, wine, and service were all fantastic. Food highlights include the caviar/oysters first course, the grilled crab legs/claws with a table side flambe pasta (spicy sauce was great), and the waygu.  The view was cool, and the wife loved the scene/vibe. 

[C-Man 27052]

1 hour ago, DDD Dad said:

Anyone been to the new location of Petra + the Beast yet?  Seems like way too big a space for that sort of restaurant (or most any restaurant for that matter -- everything that's been there since it was a Wyatt's has failed).

Our next-door neighbors went to brunch last Sunday (or maybe the Sun before) and they loved it.

[Firemans4Horn 17830]

17 hours ago, DDD Dad said:

Anyone been to the new location of Petra + the Beast yet?  Seems like way too big a space for that sort of restaurant (or most any restaurant for that matter -- everything that's been there since it was a Wyatt's has failed).

My wife and I went a couple months ago and did the tasting menu. It was fun and every seat in the restaurant was taken (Saturday night to be fair).  

[DDD Dad 14251]

9 minutes ago, Firemans4Horn said:

My wife and I went a couple months ago and did the tasting menu. It was fun and every seat in the restaurant was taken (Saturday night to be fair).  

I hope it survives and thrives. 

[Firemans4Horn 17830]

2 hours ago, DDD Dad said:

I hope it survives and thrives. 

I’ve been meaning to go back (walking distance from my house). The bar scene was great. 

[CowboyFred 1151]

On 4/16/2024 at 2:37 PM, LonghornJones said:

We went to Mister Charles two weeks ago and loved every bit of it. There are more options than the menu above. It was probably a top 5 Dallas food experience for me, from the starter to the dessert. Excellent staff and great people watching. The table next to us shared the Lamb Wellington, which is cut table side.

I cant wait to go back and try more of the menu.

Mister Charles is next on my list in Dallas. I liked the Charles but the seating arrangements not so much. 

I’m a big fan of Town Hearth.  Great food and atmosphere.

[PorscheGuy 127]

Went to Stillwell’s last weekend and it was an epic failure on every level. The first clue it was going to be a disaster was shortly after we were seated. We were informed we had to order everything at once and that there was a time limit on how long we could stay/eat. Ok, umm look behind you, your restaurant is 75% empty at 7:00 on a Saturday night.

Steaks were inedible, dry and overcooked.
Service was rushed for no reason
The sommelier must have been coked out of his mind or was chugging Red Bulls for 12 hours.
Apparently they don’t have most of the wine on their list. He offered the same 6 bottles to every table.
The bar screwed up drink order.
I could go on but you get the picture.

Only positive was the manager stopped by to ask how are evening was and I politely asked him how much time he had. He ended up comping a pretty hefty bill.

[DFWTexEx 274]

We may need a separate thread on Michelin star guesses and then results.   

We went to Georgie for a special occasion last week.  It's on the short list for a star now that it has been revamped from a steakhouse to a true chef driven restaurant  (chef has French Laundry experience).  We had the tasting menu with wine pairings. It was not cheap.   But, it was very, very good.  Of the 8 courses, only one was a miss.  The waiter recognized that we didn't care for it and the chef sent out something else (agnolotti, which was spectacular).  We had one standard wine pairing and one reserve pairing.  The reserve pairing was $120 more than the standard and not really worth it.   We would do the tasting menu again with a standard pairing.   Service was just perfect.  The room was beautiful and much livelier than I expected, with a nice bar scene (cocktails are in the $25 range, so you know).  They tried to sit us at the worst table in the house, essentially at the host stand.  We politely asked for another table and they accommodated us with a much nicer table.  We'd like to go back.   Recommend!

[DFWTexEx 274]

On 6/24/2024 at 7:34 AM, PorscheGuy said:

Went to Stillwell’s last weekend and it was an epic failure on every level. The first clue it was going to be a disaster was shortly after we were seated. We were informed we had to order everything at once and that there was a time limit on how long we could stay/eat. Ok, umm look behind you, your restaurant is 75% empty at 7:00 on a Saturday night.

Steaks were inedible, dry and overcooked.
Service was rushed for no reason
The sommelier must have been coked out of his mind or was chugging Red Bulls for 12 hours.
Apparently they don’t have most of the wine on their list. He offered the same 6 bottles to every table.
The bar screwed up drink order.
I could go on but you get the picture.

Only positive was the manager stopped by to ask how are evening was and I politely asked him how much time he had. He ended up comping a pretty hefty bill.

That's unfortunate.  We went before a Stars game and just had drinks and appetizers at the bar.  It was stellar.  We intended to go back for the full restaurant experience, but maybe not.   They are very proud of their own beef program, so the fact that the steaks were bad is particularly surprising.

 

[Firemans4Horn 17830]

Dammit, I had no idea Al Biernet had ALS. Only a matter of time until we lose an all time legend. He seems like a genuinely nice guy. 

[C-Man 27052]

Well, the Michelin invites have gone out as per the thread on main Food/Travel board. Sounds like Dallas spots that are getting some kind of recognition are Duro Hospitality (we'll have to see which one or ones), Lucia, Georgie, Quarter Acre and rye. Anybody been to QA or rye? These places are going to be damn near impossible to get into after these places are officially recognized on 11/11.

[Firemans4Horn 17830]

Quarter Acre is really good. Rye is fun but I don’t think it’s as special as some of the food critics in town do. Similar type spots in most major cities. 

[victory88 5659]

Rye?  The rye in lower Greenville?  Went there once and I don’t think I would even consider it close to a top 100 restaurant I’ve eaten at.   I did go a 2 years ago but if the menu is the same which includes chicken lollipops and shit like that then, then no thank you.  I thought the food at their cocktail bar, apothecary, was better than the food at Rye.  

[Firemans4Horn 17830]

Written by the Seasons is constantly great. Had a group of 20 there for a friend’s birthday party tonight and everything was on point. 

[DFWTexEx 274]

Rye?  The rye in lower Greenville?  Went there once and I don’t think I would even consider it close to a top 100 restaurant I’ve eaten at.   I did go a 2 years ago but if the menu is the same which includes chicken lollipops and shit like that then, then no thank you.  I thought the food at their cocktail bar, apothecary, was better than the food at Rye.  

D Magazine just gave them a very nice review. Star worthy? I want to check it out.

https://www.dmagazine.com/food-drink/2024/10/ryes-new-tasting-menu-is-some-of-the-most-fun-you-can-have-in-a-dallas-restaurant/

[DFWTexEx 274]

Written by the Seasons is constantly great. Had a group of 20 there for a friend’s birthday party tonight and everything was on point. 

Beautiful place and I feel like I should like it more than I do. Everything feels fresh and nice and definitely veg centric. I just haven’t a meal there that draws me back.

[DDD Dad 14251]

On 11/3/2024 at 2:16 PM, DFWTexEx said:

Beautiful place and I feel like I should like it more than I do. Everything feels fresh and nice and definitely veg centric. I just haven’t a meal there that draws me back.

My brother-in-law loves that place.  We've only been for dinner once (I think it was Christmas Eve last year) and it was fine, but not terribly memorable.

[Firemans4Horn 17830]

The Quadrangle is opening up 5 new restaurants in the next year. One of them is Written by the Seasons. Excited to walk there from my office. 

[Jive Turkey 12568]

On 11/3/2024 at 2:14 PM, DFWTexEx said:

D Magazine just gave them a very nice review. Star worthy? I want to check it out.

https://www.dmagazine.com/food-drink/2024/10/ryes-new-tasting-menu-is-some-of-the-most-fun-you-can-have-in-a-dallas-restaurant/

Brian loves him some Rye.  We’ve only done their catered Thanksgiving meal one year.  Haven’t been for a sit down but we should.  We went to Quarter Acre earlier this year and loved it.  Went to Georgie for my wife’s bday a few months ago and was kind of blown away.  We immediately thought this meal could get a star.  It’s a far cry from the steakhouse it started out as.  And Lucia goes without saying.  That deserves a star. I’m sure a few other Dallas spots were invited but they haven’t divulged.  Or maybe not.  I was expecting 2, maybe 3 Dallas restaurants to get a star.

[DFWTexEx 274]

We did the tasting menu at Rye last night.  The D magazine review is spot on in that it is fun.  Many of the courses were imaginative and became topics of conversation with the table next to us.  It ended up a communal experience in a very good way as we all shared our thoughts on the crazy plates.  But beyond the creativity, there were just too many misses.  A couple of plates were quite bad.  The standout was essentially a mini barbacoa taco that was amazing. It's on their a la carte menu and I would go back for just large versions of that.  I won't give too much more away in case any one goes, but there was kangaroo meat involved!

Service was casual but spot on. Two of the owners frequently brought the courses and had good talks with us about their philosophy.  That part was great.

They are invited to the Michelin event in Houston on Monday and are very excited about the possibility of a star.  I understand that the invitation could just mean that they will be recommended in the guide, which is good.  I don't think this is a star experience yet, but maybe they are on their way.  I still put them in my "in the running" list on the Michelin thread because they will be there and maybe reviewer was blown away by the fun plates.