Opening News

A taste of Chicago will flavor new tavern coming to Dallas' Park Cities

D.L. Mack's will have a Chicago brownstone feel.

Courtesy rendering

There's a new tavern with a Chicago vibe coming to University Park: Called D.L. Mack's, it's a new concept from Vandelay Hospitality Group, home to popular restaurants such as East Hampton Sandwich Co., Hudson House, and Lucky's Hot Chicken.

D.L. Mack's will be a classic American tavern, located at 6501 Hillcrest Ave. in a space previously occupied by Biscuit Bar; according to a spokesperson, it'll open in early fall.

The tavern will embrace some of the signature traits of sibling Vandelay concepts; namely, the family-friendly feeling of Hudson House, their New York-inspired neighborhood restaurant, and the timeless warmth of Drake's Hollywood, their old-school classic steakhouse.

The menu will feature classic American dishes with a Windy-City theme. The centerpiece: their Chicago-style cracker crust pizza, which has become a favorite at Drake's Hollywood, as well as martinis, which are a Vandelay motif.

Decor will echo the Chicago vibe with a brownstone theme, including reclaimed wood floors, green checkered tile, wooden blinds, and antique windowpanes. Every design element is a mid-century relic including a 1960's theater exit sign and a decades-old double-faced train station clock.

The space will also include a garden patio with retractable roof, plus 16 tables with wooden benches inspired by the Chicago Transit Authority.

D.L. Mack's represents the sixth concept from Vandelay, which has a track record of introducing unique concepts they tailor according to the specific location. In a statement, Jon Peck, Senior VP of Operations says they'll continue that approach, with several new locations and concepts coming in 2021.

"Our creative team is always designing new restaurant concepts – most of which sit, awaiting the perfect piece of property that will allow us to knock a concept out of the park," Peck says. "The D.L. Mack’s concept has been in the works for well over two years, and when the Hillcrest space in University Park became available, we knew the story would write itself for a brand we have been obsessed with for a very long time at VHG."

openings

Taco News

Colorful Mexican chain Barrio will bring tacos and tequila to McKinney

Barrio

Barrio Tacos

There's a new taco coming to Texas: Called Barrio, it's a chain that was founded in Ohio, of all places, and it's opening its first Texas location in McKinney, at 9401 W. University Dr. #150.

According to franchisee Wissam Saliba, the restaurant will open in February 2026.

Barrio is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant known for build-your-own tacos, as well as a big selection of tequila, whiskey, and beer. They were founded in Tremont, Ohio, an urban village in the Cleveland metro area, and currently have locations in Ohio, Michigan, the Carolinas, and New England.

They have a menu of creative tacos including seasonal options like the turkey day taco, featuring turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, chorizo apple stuffing, and cranberry habanero jam in a flour tortilla.

Menu highlights include the Freakin' Vegan with Impossible chorizo, guacamole, hash potatoes, caramelized onions + poblanos, and corn salsa in a corn tortilla; a smashburger taco with Angus beef, bacon, American cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, pickles, and mac sauce; and the French Dip with ribeye, caramelized onions, Monterey jack, horsey sauce, and fried onions in a flour tortilla.

A separate brunch menu offers brunch plates like pork & grits; brunch tacos such as the Americano with bacon, scrambled eggs, and cheddar; and brunch cocktails including mimosas, sangria, and a bloody Maria.

You can build-your-own taco, nachos, or bowl, choosing from more than a dozen protein offerings such as barbacoa beef, chorizo, chicken, pulled pork, cola-marinated steak, spicy blackened cod, jalapeno lime shrimp, chili tofu, beer-braised black beans, and vegan Impossible chorizo; then add ingredients like Napa slaw, caramelized onions & poblanos, cheese, guacamole, salsa, sauces, and pickled jalapenos.

Prices range from $5 to $15.

Every Barrio location is decked out in vibrant murals, skeletal figures, sugars skulls, custom metal work and other Day of the Dead symbols; the McKinney location will feature art by muralist Mike Kotlarek.

Saliba is a first-time restaurateur based in Cleveland who's been a fan of Barrio since the first location opened in 2012; he's partnered with Brian Kegley, who previously worked for companies such as Melting Pot and The Cheesecake Factory, and who will serve as the local operator.