A Cut Above

Dallas’ poshest new bar opens in a rather odd location

There are a lot worse things in life than having a glass of wine with your haircut.

Photo courtesy of Cool River Cafe

A new bar is opening in Dallas in a location you might not expect: a hair salon. Called Osgood-O'Neil — the Loft, it will open on the second floor of the Osgood-O'Neil Hair Salon on Lovers Lane, where it will be a combination event space and bar that serves beer and wine.

"All three of our locations are commission salons," says salon manager Jennifer Simmons. "But we had a space at Lovers Lane that we hadn't utilized, and decided to create a rental space where stylists can rent a chair, even for a day. As part of that expansion, it seemed like it would be fun to do a little bar. Our owner loves beer and wine. But we'll also have cappuccinos and espresso drinks, and all kinds of stuff."

Osgood O’Neil, which opened its first salon in 1998, has outlets in Snider Plaza, Knox Street, and University Park. The chain, which does both hair and makeup, is noted for deluxe details such as fresh flowers and massage chairs.

It's not unheard of for salons to offer customers a complimentary glass of wine, but a salon that also houses an actual bar is a different thing, says manager Joncee Blake, who forecasts a soft opening at the beginning of August, with a grand opening event in September.

"It's a lease space for stylists and colorists, but what's different and unique about it is that it's also an event space," Blake says. "We can move out the stations and mirrors and host big shows with beauty brands, or provide a place for educators and international stylists who want to do a temporary residence."

The building it's in is a huge space with many old rooms. Fashion old-timers will recall that it was once home to Lou Lattimore, the iconic Dallas boutique that earned an international reputation for being among the first to sell designers like as Stephen Sprouse.

"This was probably an upstairs storage for the department store," Blake says.

The hours will be the same as the salon downstairs: 9 am to 5 pm, Tuesday through Saturday, and 10 am to 8 pm on Thursdays. They're still putting together a menu, but Blake says they want it to be unique.

"Not like the salons where they do a white wine or a cheap mimosa," she says. "We want to do several nice wines, good beers, espressos and cappuccinos, and some cocktails made with wines, including a good sangria. We'd like to provide something in the neighborhood for businesses nearby, where people can go and hang out for a minute."

openings beauty

Downtown Dining

Indian restaurant Gymkhana adds an urban touch to downtown Dallas

Gymkhana

A plush new Indian restaurant is now open in the heart of downtown Dallas: Called Gymkhana, it's located at 1408-1410 Main St., in the former Which Wich Sandwich/Birdguesa space, where it's serving a wide range of Indian dishes in an elegant, upscale setting.

Gymkhana is from prolific restaurateur Praveen Prasannan, an industry veteran with international experience working at hotels and on cruise ships. Prasannan is also the owner of Shivas Bar and Grill, an elevated Indian concept he owns with his brother Prinu, with outlets in downtown Dallas and in Allen; and Elephant Bar & Grill, another upscale Indian brand with locations in East Dallas and Bishop Arts.

Gymkhana — which is no relation to a London-based concept with the same name — is Prasannan's latest creation, and furthers his mission to champion authentic Indian food — from all parts of India, including Mumbai, where he's from — in a nicer environment than other Indian restaurants in the area.

The menu features traditional Indian dishes but with an occasional contemporary flair. Soups, for example, include a traditional madras tomato soup next to a lobster bisque. There are classics like samosas but also adventurous fusion items like hummus with garlic naan, or mussels "Indian style" with velvet tikka sauce.

They offer a number of dishes baked tandoori-style in a clay oven that imparts an irresistible smokiness, in dishes such as lamb and chicken kebabs.

Like most Indian restaurants, Gymkhana is vegetarian-friendly, even offering vegan dishes such as chana masala — chickpeas in a spicy tomato-onion sauce. Prices are relatively low, with entrees averaging about $21.

"I wanted to make sure it was affordable — that was important," Prasannan says.

GymkhanaGymkhana

Decor
The restaurant is inspired by the traditional social clubs of India, celebrating the spirit of togetherness and conversation, designed with intricate detail, Prasannan says.

"I brought in antiques from India to create a distinctive atmosphere, to give the restaurant a strong identity," he says.

The facade features centuries-old hand-carved wooden doors, with a row of lights across the top that reflect down on the sidewalk and give the entry a sophisticated, big-city feel.

The interior boasts royal blue jewel-toned banquettes, sparkling chandeliers, and hand-painted murals depicting regal figures, elephants, and intricate patterns — a combination of modern and traditional.

The space combines what was previously two storefronts with seating for up to 150, and that was intentional, Prasannan says.

"One of my priorities was to be able to offer a place for private parties and events — we receive so many requests," he says.

He's also a big believer in bringing Indian food to the center of Dallas. The majority of Indian restaurants are in suburbs like Irving, Plano, Richardson, Frisco — but Prasannan's restaurants are all in inner city areas like East Dallas, Bishop Arts, and downtown Dallas.

Their presence lends a cosmopolitan urban touch to their neighborhoods — and Gymkhana does it one better with late-night hours, staying open until 11 pm on weeknights and 1 am on weekends.

downtown openings