Downtown News

Downtown Dallas' AT&T Discovery District unveils buzzy slate of eateries

Revolver Taco is very buzzy.

Photo by Kathy Tran

The buzzy AT&T Discovery District in downtown Dallas is ready to unwrap its tasty lineup of restaurants.

Called The Exchange at the AT&T District, it's a 26,700-square-foot food hall owned by AT&T and managed by Hospitality Alliance, with 16 eateries featuring some of the city’s most beloved chefs and operators.

According to a release, it officially opens to the public on Friday, June 25.

The launch marks the first food hall in downtown Dallas and the long-awaited full opening of the AT&T Discovery District. AT&T launched the project in 2018 to create a world-class workplace and help revitalize downtown Dallas.

"The vibrancy we’re seeing in downtown Dallas is exciting and we’re thrilled to open this final piece of our vision for the AT&T headquarters," says Melissa Phillips, Director at AT&T Discovery District, in a statement. "The AT&T Discovery District was built to create connections for our employees and the community. We hope the diversity of food and beverage experiences found at the food hall will be as well received by visitors as they have been across the District over the past several months."

Restaurant partners already on board include:

Regino Rojas (Revolver Taco)
Waddell Hodges (Bobbers Burgers & Whips)
Andrew Chen (Monkey King Noodle Co.)
Caleb & Bryan Lewis (Press Waffle Company)
Yaser Khalaf (Baboushi)
Valerie Jean-Bart (Val's Cheesecake)
Brett Curtis (The Dock)
Richard Blankenship (Attalie)
Dunia & Espartaco Borga (La Duni)

The Second Floor at The Exchange features Ounce, Ichi Ni San, and Hard Shake, which have been open to the public since early 2021.

The Discovery District is also home to Jaxon, the restaurant and beer garden; and Rise & Thyme, the sweet cafe from celebrity chef Amanda Freitag.

"We gave Dallas a taste of what to expect with The Second Floor and are ready to drive even more attention to the area with the food hall," says Hospitality Alliance CEO Kevin Lillis. "The collaboration with our restaurant partners has created a singular venue that showcases Dallas' diverse and exceptional dining scene, hosting our favorite restaurateurs and foods in one spot."

The name "The Exchange" is a nod to the old phone exchange boards used by AT&T during the building's past life as a data center for its telecommunications operations, which once served as a telecommunication call center.

The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry oversaw the renovation of the interior (Gensler was the architect of record for the exterior). The space has two levels of bars, eateries, and indoor-outdoor dining spaces overlooking the District's central Plaza.

The facades for each stall were designed to reflect the distinct offerings and personality of each concept. Seating options include intimate nooks, lounge areas, and outdoor terraces. A wall of glass garage doors and six additional entryways make it easy to pick up a meal to-go.

A bar called Double Tap offers beer, wine, and cocktails, all served on tap to meet the fast-paced needs of the food hall.

In addition to classics like an Old Fashioned and a margarita, there are creative drinks such as a Frozen Espresso Martini and a Pineapple Ranch Water. Cocktails are served in a 12-ounce glass with the option to “make it double” and upgrade to 16-ounce.

The eateries at The Exchange will open Sunday-Thursday 10:30 am-10 pm, and Friday-Saturday 10:30 am-11 pm. Double Tap is open until 1 am seven nights per week.

Beyond the food
In addition to the eateries, the Discovery District's four-block 2.4 acres includes

The Plaza with lawn, tables and chairs
104-foot-tall, 6K Media Wall
30-foot tall interactive Globe
AT&T Experience Store, featuring the latest products and services alongside fun showcases like the "Central Perk" set from Friends
AT&T Experience Studio with interactive HBO MAX Orbit installation
AT&T Showcase, a gallery featuring works from local and national artists.

All are free to the public. Rounding out things to do at The District is a Cowboys Fit gym.

Beginning June 25, The District will feature a five-minute light show, called Digital Double, every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night at 9:30 pm. Coordinated lights set to music will dance across the Media Wall, Plaza ground lighting, trellises and The Globe, which the release says will give downtown Dallas its very own "Bellagio-like" moment, and who are we to disagree.

downtown openings

Star-spangled specials

All Dallas restaurants firing up specials for July 4th and America's 250th

Photo courtesy of Ford's Garage

Ford's Garage is getting patriotic for America's 250th.

Restaurants across Dallas-Fort Worth are doubling down on their patriotism for the Fourth of July and America’s 250th birthday, firing up limited-time deals and celebratory menus that range from elevated, reservation-only experiences and skyline dinners to casual fast-food specials, family meal packs, and grab-and-go treats designed for star-spangled celebrations. Special props to those that have found a way to work in "1776" and "250."

Here are the DFW spots offering patriotic specials and deals. (Note: This list will grow as more are announced closer to the holiday.) For a list of top 4th of July events and fireworks, go here.

Black Sheep Coffee is celebrating America's birthday over Fourth of July weekend with $4 matcha drinks from July 3-5. The special is good for small Iced Vanilla Matcha, Iced Blueberry Matcha, and Iced Strawberry & Cream Matcha drinks, with a $1 upgrade to a 16-ounce medium. The offer is available in-store and through the app at all four DFW locations.

Cantina Laredo is bringing back its patriotic USA 'Rita for the Fourth of July weekend. Available July 3-5 at the Addison and Frisco locations, the festive frozen cocktail puts a red, white, and blue spin on the restaurant's signature Casa 'Rita with layers of Blue Curaçao and strawberry purée.

USA 'Rita at Cantina LaredoPhoto courtesy of Cantina Laredo

El Chico is spicing up Independence Day weekend with Family Meal Packs available July 4-5 at its Rockwall location only (503 Interstate 30, Rockwall). Options include Family Fajitas ($73.99) with chicken, steak, or both; Family Tacos ($47.99) with 12 tacos and sides of rice and refried beans; and Family Enchiladas ($49.99) with a choice of beef, cheese, spinach, or chicken enchiladas, all serving six to eight people.

Ford’s Garage, the Plano burger and craft beer restaurant inspired by the heritage of the Ford Motor Company, is celebrating America's 250th with a patriotic meal deal available July 1-4: an American Standard Burger, fries, and select draft beers or a soft drink for for $17.76, in tribute to the nation's founding in 1776.

HTeaO tea shops are celebrating the Fourth of July with a pair of patriotic summer specials. Through Labor Day, the tea chain is serving a limited-time Blue Razzler Energy Refresher topped with vanilla cold foam and red, white, and blue sprinkles in a commemorative America's 250th cup. From July 1-4, participating locations will also offer three gallons of freshly brewed tea for $17.76, a nod to the year the United States declared its independence.

JD's Chippery is celebrating Independence Day with festive Fireworks Cookie Cakes, available in a variety of sizes and cookie flavors with hand-decorated patriotic designs. The bakery's Preston Royal location is also hosting a daily Cookie Happy Hour through July 31 from 5-7 pm, featuring a buy-one, get-one-free cookie deal.

JW Steakhouse at the JW Marriott Dallas is marking Independence Day with a four-course dinner for two on July 4. Priced at $195 per couple, the menu includes buffalo bison cigars and shrimp ceviche tostadas, a toasted farro salad with Fredericksburg peaches, a pepper-crusted tomahawk steak with charred cipollini onions and black garlic truffle purée, and chipotle chocolate cake with Garrison Brothers bourbon cherry sauce. Optional wine pairings are available for an additional charge.

Kessaku will offer a Fourth of July experience with limited window seating atop The National in downtown Dallas. Guests can reserve exclusive window tables with a $250 deposit, securing panoramic skyline and fireworks views from one of Dallas’ highest dining destinations.

Luckys Diner on Oak Lawn Avenue is celebrating Independence Day with a Stars, Strips & Sausage special available July 1-4. The $10.49 meal includes a grilled sausage plate with potato salad and pinto beans, with the option to add a slice of apple pie.

Monarch is marking Independence Day with Stars, Stripes & Skyline, a Fourth of July celebration atop The National on July 4. The experience features a prix-fixe dinner priced at $150 per person (with a $55 children’s menu), served from 5:30-10 pm, along with optional window seating for fireworks views. The menu will include dishes such as wagyu filet, wood-grilled branzino, hamachi crudo, hearth-grilled lamb ribs, and a shared s’mores dessert. Monarch is also offering a limited-time gift card promotion over the July 4 weekend: purchase a $250 gift card and receive a $50 bonus card for a future visit, available July 4-5.

Nothing Bundt Cakes is celebrating America’s 250th birthday with a lineup of festive cakes and patriotic-themed desserts. Seasonal offerings include a patriotic decorated cake, Fireworks and Freedom Bundtini toppers, and the return of S’mores Made With Hershey's through July 19, featuring chocolate cake with milk chocolate chips, marshmallows, and graham streusel. From July 3-5, Bundtastic Rewards members can earn 250 bonus points on any purchase as part of the holiday promotion.

Nothing Bundt Cakes are getting patriotic for the 4th.Photo courtesy of Nothing Bundt Cakes

Sonic is celebrating America's 250th with a limited-time America $2.50 Menu available through July 12. Participating locations are offering fan favorites for $2.50 each, including the returning Red, White & Blue Slush Float, Jr. Double Cheeseburger, All-American Hot Dog, and medium onion rings. The chain is also serving drinks in limited-edition commemorative cups.

The Statler in downtown Dallasis celebrating Independence Day and America’s 250th birthday on July 4 with all-day dining, drink specials, and rooftop festivities across its venues, including Overeasy, Scout, and Waterproof. Overeasy is offering breakfast specials like BBQ Brisket Benedict, Red, White & Blue Pancakes, and Firecracker Omelets from 7 am-2 pm. Later in the day, Scout and Waterproof will serve classic American fare such as burgers, ribs, and smoked sausage alongside themed cocktails like Uncle Sam’s Punch, Star Spangled Spritz, and The Patriot. The celebration culminates at Waterproof with a rooftop pool and fireworks watch party from 7 pm-1 am, featuring a $35 cover charge, live entertainment, and patriotic frozen treats and cocktails.

4th of july dining lists holidays