Kung Fu Faux Pas

Kung Fu Saloon reveals secret dress code in wake of racist allegations

Reeling from yet another scandal over its door policies, Texas bar Kung Fu Saloon has at long last released its dress code, an object of mystery that has been requested by patrons many a time over the past few years.

Released on May 20, the dress code lists nine bullet-point categories of unacceptable clothing that include baggy pants, "overly tight clothes," boxer shorts, sweat pants and pajamas.

Kung Fu Saloon has been repeatedly accused of racist door policies. Most recently, 26-year-old DeAndre Upshaw said he was barred from entering the Uptown watering hole on May 18 because of his high-top sneakers. But high-top sneakers are not on the list.

"Even the dress code they've come up with now doesn't include the item I was turned away for," Upshaw says. "It's ridiculous."

The dress code does include a reference to discrimination. Kung Fu Saloon says it will not allow patrons inside the establishment who are wearing "items that promote discrimination or intolerance of any group based on race, religion or sexual orientation."

Upshaw contends that his dress code violation was not uniformly applied to all patrons, because several people wearing similar footwear were allowed inside without issue. The only difference is that they were white.

In a May 20 statement, Kung Fu Saloon said Upshaw's behavior is the reason the issue hasn't been resolved. "The customer refused to return, stated the previously mentioned claims, and the incident was unable to be resolved," the statement reads in part. Upshaw says he is more than willing to meet with Kung Fu representatives to discuss the issue.

"I would love to sit down with them and have a conversation," he says.

Upshaw is using social media to shine a light on what he calls Kung Fu's pattern of "systematically discriminating against people of color." His actions have launched the hashtag #NoKungFuDallas, where other patrons are sharing stories of discrimination.

Upshaw is taking his virtual movement to the streets with a peaceful meetup planned for May 21 at 7 pm, at MoMo's Italian Restaurant in Uptown. More than 550 people have already RSVP'd.

Kung Fu Saloon revealed its dress code only after being confronted with Dallas City Code, which states that unwritten rules of dress are illegal at public establishments.

Here is the hitherto secret dress code:

Kung Fu Saloon, employees, and patrons are to present themselves in an appropriate manner which is conducive to a productive, safe and fun environment. Administration has the final authority about dress code compliance. In accordance with Kung Fu policies, employees and patrons may not wear:

• Improperly fit clothing; baggy pants, overly tight clothes, or clothes that expose body parts or undergarments.
• Boxer shorts, sweat pants, or athletic shorts
• Undergarments, pajamas or other clothing not designed to be worn as an outer garment
• Gang associated clothing or colors
• Emblems or writings that are obscene or that may reasonably be expected to cause a disruption of or interfere with normal operations
• Clothing advertising, condoning, depicting, or promoting a controlled substance, violence, or displaying vulgar or suggestive language
• Clothing or items that promote discrimination or intolerance of any group based on race, religion or sexual orientation
• Accessories, which are weapon-like, such as metal-studded collars and arm / wristbands
• Any item with graffiti including of backpacks and other items on the personage

Kung Fu Saloon has been plagued by allegations of racism for years.

Photo by Conner Howell

Kung Fu Saloon has been plagued by allegations of racism for years.

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Food and Drink News

Artsy eatery Allegory Kitchen makes for a night out in Grand Prairie

Allegory Kitchen

Shrimp at Allegory Kitchen

An artsy restaurant and bar has debuted in Grand Prairie: Called Allegory Kitchen and Bar, it’s in a former event venue space at 2601 W. Jefferson St., where it opened in February.

Founders Ronnie Harris and Anthony Griffin have pooled their extensive hospitality experience on this new venture. Harris spent the past 30 years in airport concessions at airports such as DFW Airport, while Griffin comes from hospitality in Alabama.

"We kind of stumbled on doing the restaurant by default because we wanted to open a hookah lounge and serve liquor," Harris says. "We couldn't serve liquor and no food, so it transitioned to us becoming a restaurant."

To that end, they retained Atlanta-based chef and restaurateur Carlos Brown who helped create the menu. Harris and Griffin are now leading the concept which continues to evolve.

It started as a fine dining concept with brunch, but they’re adding more casual Southern and comfort food dishes. Menu items include Southern fried catfish, a half-pound burger, grilled pork chop, and roasted half chicken. There are also vegan options such as roasted butternut squash tabouli with caramelized onion vinaigrette, chili flakes, mint leaves, almonds, and arugula, served with wild mushrooms and herb quinoa.

Small plates include three cheese lobster mac & cheese, Carolina pan-seared crab cakes, and collard green spring rolls filled with collard greens, onions and peppers, then deep-fried.

Sides are on upscale: pork belly Brussels sprouts, garlic parmesan truffle fries, sauteed haricot vert (French green beans), and sweet potato apple hash.

They have a full bar with domestic and imported beer, wine, and signature cocktails.

“My number one specialty is the Sexy Allegory — it has a cognac base and mix of blueberries and blackberries,” Harris says. “We can satisfy any palate with our beers, and we have a wine wall with the best of the best, such as pinot grigio and cabernet."

The atmosphere is lively and colorful with plush seating and floral wall murals. There’s booth and table seating with white marble tables and jewel-toned chairs and booths. The chandeliers over the bar are a visual treat, have white feathers arranged like a blooming flower.

As if food and drink are not enough, they offer more reasons for a night out with events almost nightly, including poetry night, live jazz from a saxophonist, and more.

wine cocktails openings