News You Can Eat

Queso and barbecue specials top this round of Dallas restaurant news

Don't miss happy hour at the Omni Dallas.

Photo courtesy of The Owners Box

This edition of Dallas restaurant news includes openings, deals, pizza, queso, and coffee.

Here's what's happening in Dallas dining:

Serious Pizza in Deep Ellum is reopening in February with its trademark 30-inch New York-style pizzas, improved service, and a floating DJ booth, suspended from the ceiling. The pizzeria was acquired in 2020 by Milkshake Concepts, which plans to expand the brand, with a second location in development in Fort Worth.

Garden Cafe in East Dallas has been granted a special permit to sell beer and wine. The restaurant applied for a rezoning permit in June, hoping that the ability to sell beer and wine will help it stay afloat during the pandemic.

Fearing's at the Ritz-Carlton, Dallas hotel is hosting high tea every Saturday in February, from 1-2 pm (with the exception of Valentine's Day weekend), a continuation of the high tea it offers over the holidays, with dill & cucumber sandwiches, smoked salmon on pumpernickel, cheese straws, spinach-feta croissant, chicken salad vol-au-vent, and quiche Lorraine, plus sweets including macaron, red currant scones, Sacher torte, lemon meringue tart, turtle cheesecake, and butter cookies. $75 per adult includes a glass of champagne, $45 per child.

They've also reopened on Tuesday nights, so now they're open Tuesday-Saturday for dinner.

Victor Hugo's in Oak Cliff is reopening for lunch. Their aim is to provide a delicious, affordable option for Oak Cliff residents and employees of Methodist Dallas Medical Center. Owner Victor Hugo will bring his popular "Victor's Corner" to the new lunch menu, highlighting authentic recipes from his Abuelita such as Red and Green Enchiladas, the pastrami sandwich (sauerkraut, pickles, havarti cheese, 1000 Island dressing), or VH Burger.

The Owners Box at the Omni Dallas hotel is hosting a day-long happy hour Monday-Thursday, with half off draft beer, half off wings, and $4 doughnut holes. They will also be serving $5 off-menu apps each day such as brisket tacos, fried chicken Caesar tacos, pretzel bites, and brisket flautas.

On the Border has brought back Queso Fest, with new dishes featuring its signature queso that include fries topped with queso, bacon crumbles, creamy avocado ranch dressing and sliced pickled jalapeños; queso fundido; fajita steak with queso in a toasted bolillo roll, served with fries; and queso enchiladas. The Border’s $5 Monthly Margarita roster. In January, guests can kick off Queso Fest with the Fiery Berry ‘Rita (featuring Fireball® Cinnamon Whiskey), followed by the 1800 Grande ‘Rita (with 1800 Silver Tequila) in February and the Lucky ‘Rita (including Midori Melon) in March.

Bowl & Barrel is hosting Study Break Nights, Sunday-Thursday from 6 pm to close, encouraging college students to take a brain break at the boutique bowling alley. Students with with proof of ID get an hour of bowling, shoes, and appetizers such as crab hushpuppies, $10.

McDonald’s has brought back its Spicy Chicken McNuggets and Mighty Hot Sauce. The Spicy Chicken McNuggets are similar to the original recipe, but feature an added kick of chili and cayenne pepper.

Smokey John's Bar-B-Que & Home Cooking has new Shoe Box Lunches in honor of Black History Month, featuring items from Dallas-based Black businesses and farmers. Boxes will be on sale from Monday, February 1 throughout the entire month. The Shoebox Lunches include sandwich, side, hard-boiled egg, Cookie Society cookie, Mama Moore’s gourmet popcorn, Urban Hydration Hand Sanitizer, and Then|Now (commemorative booklet).

Ngon Vietnamese Kitchen celebrates Lunar New Year or Tet in Vietnamese, with a week-long celebration and a special noodle dish, Bun Thang. This noodle soup is from Hanoi and is typically made by assembling the leftover food at the end of the Lunar New Year celebration, but today, it’s become a beautiful dish served in Hanoi.

Pizza Hut has introduced its own Detroit-style pizza in four varieties: Double Pepperoni topped with 80 slices of pepperoni, including regular pepperoni and signature zesty Crispy Cupped Pepperoni; Double Cheesy, with two kinds of cheese, including aged Parmesan; Meaty Deluxe with bacon, Italian sausage, and Crispy Cupped Pepperoni; and Supremo: Detroit-Style with Italian sausage, red onions, and green bell peppers. This rectangular deep-dish pizza with cheese melted all the way to the edge for a caramelized crust and a new vine-ripened tomato sauce on top is available for the first time at Pizza Hut locations nationwide for $11.

Boston Market has introduced the Nashville Hot Crispy Chicken Sandwich, featuring a crispy chicken breast with smoky Nashville Hot sauce, pickles, and ranch on a brioche bun, available for a limited time this spring. There is also a Crispy Chicken BLT Sandwich and a Crispy Chicken with White Gravy Meal, plus returning favorites Chicken Marsala and Roasted Garlic & Herb Chicken.

Quiznos has two limited-time offerings featuring lobster-seafood salad: Lobster Classic features a lobster and seafood salad with shredded lettuce on toasted Italian white bread; the Old Bay Lobster Club has Old Bay Seasoning, bacon, lettuce, and tomato. "We are thrilled lobster is returning to the menu for the eleventh consecutive year – this time kicked up a notch with the tangy and herbaceous addition of Old Bay hot sauce and seasoning," says Chef Mike Gieseman, Director of Culinary and Innovation for REGO Restaurant Group, which owns Quiznos. "Each bite of these mouthwatering and delectable sandwiches will transport our consumers to summer memories, sure to keep them warm all winter long."

Chick-fil-A has a new Grilled Spicy Chicken Deluxe for a limited time at participating restaurants nationwide, including in Dallas. The Grilled Spicy Deluxe was previously tested in Knoxville, Orlando, and St. Louis, where it earned positive feedback. It features grilled chicken on a toasted multigrain brioche bun with Colby-Jack cheese, lettuce, and tomato.

Lazy Dog has a new entry for its popular line of TV dinners: Bison Meatloaf, featuring Durham Ranch grass-raised bison, smoked bacon, red skin potato mash, sauteed spinach, haystack onions and served with a chocolate peanut butter cup brownie dessert. Other options include Fish N Chips with waffle-cut potato chips, Fried Chicken, and cheese enchiladas. Guests can order the frozen TV dinners online at www.lazydogrestaurants.com/.

Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux is hosting Fat Tuesday with a special $5 menu on Tuesdays including beignets, boudin balls, and a Tito’s Vodka-heavy Bloody Mary with Zing Zang mix.

Omni Dallas now features a proprietary coffee brand called Stance Coffee, in partnership with Arkansas-based Westrock Coffee Company, in two blends: the Central & South American Blend or the Single Origin Colombian Roast, to enjoy in-room, at dining outlets, or at grab-and-go locations.

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Restaurant News Roundup Time

Exclusive Prime rib and fancy lunches lead this Dallas restaurant news

Mirador

Time for another roundup of restaurant news around Dallas, and there's plenty to chew on: From new lunch and dinner menus to holiday-flavored beers. Even bigger news— the McRib is back, for those who have been anxiously awaiting its return.

Here's what's happening in Dallas restaurant news:

Insomnia Cookies, known for serving warm cookies all day and night, has opened its first store in Grand Prairie, at 2810 S. SH-161, with in-store, pickup, and delivery. From the Classic Chocolate Chunk cookie to favorites like Snickerdoodle and Confetti Deluxe, Cookies & Ice Cream flavors, brookies, brownies, and blondies, a full slate of vegan options, and a rotating limited-edition menu, the brand’s offerings satisfy every sweet tooth. This is their 26th store in Texas and 308th location nationwide.

HoneyBaked Ham has a new Prime Rib item exclusive to Dallas. The Prime Rib averages $26 per pound, with sizes ranging from 3-8 pounds. It serves 6-16 people, depending on the size. There are limited quantities available at each store. It's available at all 10 Dallas locations.

Greenville Avenue Pizza Company is introducing the zesty chicken bacon ranch pizza, the latest from their seasonal pizza lineup. The pizza features a creamy ranch base, grilled chicken, bacon, tender artichokes, fresh spinach, garlic, mozzarella, Parmesan cheese, and topped with a sprinkle of lemon pepper seasoning. The pizza is available for $8.50 a slice, $21-$23 for a 12-inch pizza, and $26 for a 16-inch pizza. It’s available through February 2 at both Greenville Avenue and Peavy Road locations.

Mirador has launched a weekday three-course prix-fixe lunch menu for $30. It starts with a choice of two deviled eggs with caviar and chives, whipped ricotta toast, cup of tomato soup, or salad; second course includes choice of dishes like chicken paillard with Swiss chard, preserved orange sofrito, and aged parmesan; and a farro bowl with cauliflower green goddess, cherries, Marcona almonds. For the third course, there’s a to-go cookie. Available Tuesday through Friday from 11 am - 3 pm.

Broken Yolk Cafe in McKinney has two limited-time items: carrot cake waffle, a cinnamon spice cake batter waffle with shredded carrots and raisins, finished with candied pecans, powdered sugar and cream cheese icing starting at $9; and snickerdoodle latte, combining espresso, cinnamon bun and cookie butter syrup, vanilla cream, milk, and cinnamon sugar, available hot or iced for $6. Available through January 6.

Truluck’s has three new holiday items featuring cake and cocktails. For dessert, there’s chocolate peppermint cake made with layers of chocolate cake, frosted with peppermint cream cheese icing, topped with crushed candy and Godiva chocolate sauce; $14 per slice, $10 per petite slice, and $70 whole cake. Cocktails are $17.50 and feature Holiday Nog, a spiced cocktail with Bourbon and Bourbon cream; and Nutcracker Rum Punch, a rum ball balanced with honey and fruit. Available at Dallas, Plano, and Southlake locations until the end of December.

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Plano has launched new holiday items, including a Japanese A5 Wagyu experience served rare with a sizzling hot stone tableside accompanied by miso glaze, grated horseradish and black lava salt. There’s a new $140 Season of Opulence filet and lobster four-course menu; and holiday weekend lunch starting at $28, featuring choice of steak frites, cabernet filet, or barbecue salmon fillet. Also, there's a new $94 caviar service featuring Hackleback caviar served with blinis, capers, chives, sour cream, egg, and shallots. Available through January 6.

Jinya Ramen Bar has brought back The Red Garnet and curry rice croquettes for a limited time. The Red Garnet is a red vegetable broth featuring pork chashu, spinach, green onion, kikurage, white onion and topped with chili garlic sauce, served with thick noodles for $18. The croquettes are lightly fried, seasoned rice balls stuffed with white cheddar cheese that start at $8. Available until February 28 at all Dallas locations.

Fish City Grill and Half Shells are both offering three chalkboard specials throughout the month. Dishes feature $15 FishWich, with beer-battered haddock fish; $17 chimichurri shrimp tacos; and$24 horseradish Arctic char, served with a Creole mustard cream, buttermilk mashed potatoes and sugar snap peas. The specials are available at all 12 DFW locations and run through December 31.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is bringing back its Fire & Spice seasonal menu. New winter dishes include the pepperoni diavolo pizza; the bridge board, an assortment of Italian meats and cheeses, with walnuts, dried cranberries, and oven-roasted Brussels sprouts drizzled with hot honey, served with sliced bread; and white chocolate cheesecake. Cocktails feature the desert pear margarita and Vino’rita, a classic margarita topped with a festive pour of Mille Gradi Sangiovese. Prices range from $7 for the white chocolate cheesecake to $32 for an 18-inch pepperoni diavolo. Available through March 3.

Carrabba's Italian Grill has launched two new full-sized cakes: cannoli cream cake, a vanilla cake with layers of cannoli filling, pistachios, and chocolate sauce with a chocolate chip crust for $64; and strawberry cheesecake, a New York-style cheesecake topped with strawberry puree for $51. Place orders 48 hours prior to pick up or delivery. Available through January 13.

Moxies, the Canadian pub in Uptown, is rolling out limited-time festive cocktails. There are three new drinks, including the Old Fashion Christmas Cocktail with High West Bourbon, cranberry simple syrup, and orange bitters; Peppermint Mocha Martini with a combination of Cafe Borghetti, Ketel One vodka, and peppermint syrup; and Winter Aperol Spritz, with Aperol, Ruffino Prosecco, and Moxies' cranberry syrup. Cocktails are available through January 1.

Dairy Queen has brought back their chicken and dumplings, featuring chicken, gravy, and fluffy dumplings. It comes in three sizes: 12-ounce, 16-ounce, and 32-ounce, available for dine-in, drive thru, and takeout. Chicken and dumplings are available at locations across Dallas-Fort Worth through the end of February.

Rita’s Frozen Custard has two limited-time frozen treats: Peppermint Cold Brew Frozen Coffee with vanilla Italian Ice, frozen custard, cold brew coffee, and a hint of peppermint, topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint topping; and Peppermint Milkshake with a blend of Vanilla Frozen Custard and crushed peppermint, topped with whipped cream and crushed peppermint topping.

McDonald's brought back its famous McRib on December 3. To celebrate the return, they even launched half-gallon jugs of McRib sauce for those who can't get enough, which is already sold out. The McRib is available through the McDonald's app, in-restaurant and through the drive-thru.

Red Lobster has launched a new menu featuring seven new dishes including Lobster Pappardelle Pasta, Lemon Basil Mahi, bacon Wrapped Scallops, lobster bisque, Parmesan-Crusted Chicken, and Roasted Asparagus, plus the return of fan favorites Popcorn Shrimp and Hush Puppies.

Cinnaholic has launched two holiday rolls flavors and menu items. Holiday rolls feature Nutcracker Sweet, topped with crème brulee frosting, a trio of Bavarian candied almonds, walnuts, and pecans, and dusted with powdered sugar for $6;and Oh Fudge, topped with chocolate frosting, fudgy cookie dough, chocolate bark, homemade chocolate sauce, and holiday sprinkles for $7. Other items include $5 CinnaBites, $4 hot cocoa, and $33 wreath cake, with cinnamon rolls shaped into a wreath. Available through January 6.

Shiner, the Texas-based beer, has a festive brew called Shiner Holiday Cheer with flavor from Texas peaches and pecans for $11 for a six-bottle pack and $19 for a 12-bottle pack. Plus, the 12-pack Home for the Holidays collection goes for $15 and features two new flavors: FM 966, a sweet and spicy ale; and s’more, a dark ale brewed with chocolate & marshmallow with hints of graham cracker and vanilla. Both are available through the end of December.

Yelp featured two Dallas restaurants on this year's 25 Best New Restaurants of 2024 list. Wicked Butcher, the downtown steakhouse, and Casa Pollastro, the Brazilian restaurant in Far North Dallas, both made the cut at no. 6 and 20 respectively. They were two of only four Texas restaurants on the list.