Coronavirus News

Closures outnumber openings in this COVID-19 Dallas restaurant tally

Cool River Cafe salmon, never to be tasted again.

Photo courtesy of Cool River Ranch

With the recent protests in Dallas, the coronavirus may be less on the forefront of everyone's mind, but Dallas restaurants haven't stopped reeling from its effects. With a capacity of 50 percent now allowed, there are some new openings in the works. But in this edition of openings and closures, there are more restaurants who've decided to permanently close.

Here's the latest round:

Openings

Corner Bakery Cafe reopened four dining rooms on June 1 with enhanced sanitation and safety measures that include spacing out furniture, masks and gloves on employees, tape marking six feet of distance, and limiting access to the condiment station to one customer at a time. These locations will operate at 50 percent capacity. They include:

118 E. John Carpenter Fwy., Irving
8420 Preston Center Plaza, Dallas
2401 Preston Rd., Plano
100 State St., Southlake

Kate Weiser Chocolate is reopening all three locations. Trinity Groves, which continued to operate a curbside pickup business, has reopened. The store at the Shops at Clearfork in Fort Worth reopened June 2 and the location at NorthPark Cener reopens June 3. Precautions include robust cleaning, strict hygiene protocols, and consolidated hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-5 pm and Sunday 12-5 pm at Northpark and Clearfork. Customers can also shop online at kateweiserchocolate.com.

Uchibā, the bar concept that sits atop Uchi in Uptown Dallas, has reopened with limited, reservations-only in-restaurant dining with patio seating, expanded dining hours, and an extended Whisky + Wagyu happy hour from 4-6:30 pm. They're observing new COVID-19 protocols and measures to keep everyone safe. Hours are Sunday-Thursday 4-9 pm, Friday-Saturday 4-10 pm. Call 214-855-5454 for reservations.

Closures

Ceviche, the short-lived ceviche bar in Oak Cliff opened by Raul Reyes, has closed. Reyes has meanwhile reopened La Palapa del Sabor at 118 W. Jefferson Ave.

Cool River Cafe, the Southwest restaurant and cigar bar in Irving, has closed. It was conceived in 1998 by, of all people, Gene Street, Tristan Simon, and Steve Hartnett, and had been there for more than 20 years. It had a major bar scene and was a favored hangout during the annual Byron Nelson golf tournament. The phone number has been disconnected and it's marked as "permanently closed" on Open Table. On the Cool River website, the only location listed is the outlet at Dallas Love Field, and an employee at one of the other restaurants owned by parent company Consolidated Restaurants Operations (CRO) said that it was closed.

An official statement from CRO says that "Cool River Las Colinas remains closed; the restrictions mandated to mitigate the pandemic must be further eased or eliminated before we can determine the disposition of Cool River. The success of the location has always depended on attracting groups socializing in the restaurant and lounge. Without group occasions, we have no business prospects at this time."

Mercy Wine Bar has closed its longtime Addison location after 17 years. Owner Glen Agritelley blames COVID-19, parking at the Village on the Parkway, and construction woes. A second location at the Toyoa Music Factory in Irving remains open.

Neighborhood Services, the hugely popular concept from chef Nick Badovinus, has shuttered its location at Preston Royal. The restaurant was one of many businesses that sustained severe damage from the 2019 tornado. The chain's other two locations have reopened.

Off-Site Kitchen, the burger joint in Trinity Groves from chef Nick Badovinus, has closed for good, although Badovinus is reportedly considering reopening in another location. Meanwhile, his burgers can be ordered at Vantina, the new popup operating in the parking lot of Desert Racer on Greenville Avenue.

Perfect Union Pizza Company, the pizzeria in Highland Park Village from chef Nick Badovinus, has also closed. A spokesperson at the center says that the space will be reconcepted.

Twigs American Kitchen has closed its location at the Shops at Clearfork in Fort Worth. "This crisis created a significant strain on our ability to operate the restaurant during the pandemic with the resulting loss of revenue, for which we have been left no choice," the restaurant said. They'll continue to operate their newest location in Grandscape at The Colony, where it's full steam ahead.

Here's more news of openings and closings:

Surprise shutter leads these Dallas restaurant COVID openings and closings

New Greenville Ave outdoor cantina plus more Dallas restaurant openings

closings

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.