Downtown News

Very casual burger bar opens in historic downtown Dallas building

There are plans to expand the liquor program.

Photo courtesy of Butler Bros

The renovation of the Butler Brothers building in downtown Dallas — the venerable tan structure at 500 S. Ervay St., across from Dallas City Hall — seems to be complete. The apartments are for rent and the dual-branded Marriott hotel opened in June.

So has the Butler Brothers Bar, a bar-restaurant on the ground floor serving burgers, fries, and cocktails to downtown diners as well as guests at the hotel.

The nine-story structure was built in 1910 as a warehouse for Chicago-based retailers George and Edward Butler, and was renovated by Turkish developer Mike Sarimsakci.

The lofts are classic units with 10-foot ceilings and lots of cement and brick interiors. Floors inside the units are hardwood and the kitchens have granite countertops.

The restaurant-bar feels like a work in progress. Ownership of the bar seems to be a mystery. A spokesman from the building says the owner is someone named Melissa Silva, but a Facebook post says the bar belongs to a Tony Boyd.

The building was originally slated to get a concept called Motopia, a unique, Euro-style business that would combine motorcycles with a coffee house and lounge. But that was the plan in 2016, and plans change.

Butler Brothers Bar is a more basic place with burgers, loaded fries, and dishes that can appeal to hotel guests, diners off the street, and kids, says manager Nathan McAnally. They're open daily from 10:30 am to 11 pm.

"We need to be here for people who stay in the hotel," McAnally says.

The menu includes salads such as Asian chicken and Caesar. Sandwiches include chicken breast, tuna salad, and a club sandwich. Their burger choices include a "country" burger with brown gravy and a fried egg.

They're also working on expanding their liquor license to emphasize the bar part of their service.

McAnally says they're going for a "chill, urban theme," combining modern and rustic decor, with furniture fabricated from metal and wood. They also celebrate Dallas history via photos of John F. Kennedy and vintage shots of downtown Dallas.

The space comes with a fantastic outdoor courtyard, and eventually, they plan to deliver to patrons of the building's pool. Emphasis on eventually.

downtown burgers

BBQ News

Hidden gem BBQ spot in Grand Prairie boasts up-close golf course views

Crown BBQ

Crown BBQ and Sports Grill

There’s a hidden gem for BBQ now open in Grand Prairie: Called Crowns BBQ and Sports Grill, it’s literally on a golf course at 3202 S.E. 14th St., inside the Prairie Lakes Golf Course.

Though the golf course is typically open to members only, Crowns is open to the public and scans in people for free who are looking to get their BBQ fix.

Crowns BBQ is from Felicia Davis, whose grandmother owned the original Crowns BBQ, a once-thriving BBQ restaurant that was a staple in the DalWorth community, but which closed during the pandemic in 2021.

"I grew up walking across the street from the recreation center to the restaurant and eat there almost everyday," Davis says. "My aunt and uncle worked at the BBQ place and learned the smoker and how to chop and slice brisket, and they taught it to me.”

Her family members also have a restaurant in Arlington called Crowns BBQ Phase 1. But she is the sole owner of the Grand Prairie outlet.

She’s a sports fanatic and played sports throughout high school, so being a Grand Prairie local and knowing she'd be able to service the golfers seemed like a perfect fit.

The featured meats include brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, sausage, and wings, sold by the pound, $22 to $25, or in sandwiches on Texas toast. Baked potatoes topped with brisket and BBQ sauce for $14.25 are a specialty of the house.

Crown BBQCrown BBQ

Davis describes her cooking style as “country backwoods barbecue.” She doesn't season the meat.

“I allow the juices from the internal fast and the smoke of the wood to flavor the meat,” she says. "I don’t know why anyone would season a brisket, there’s no need to; the fat rendering in the meat gives it a sweet, smoky taste."

There are also fried catfish baskets and sandwiches, plus breakfast items such as tacos and biscuits & gravy. Dessert includes peach cobbler and packaged pies from Arlington-based Mindy Lu’s. A shelf features grab-and-go items for golfers taking a snack break.

The space is neat and appealing, with windows that provide lots of natural light. But the piece de resistance is the patio which overlooks a fairway, so diners can watch golfers swing or just enjoy the serene green environment. Davis is planning some updates that will include a bar serving alcohol, TVs for sports viewing, and possibly a fun indoor putting green for rainy days.

barbecue golf openings