Sports Bar Debut

Bubba-friendly sports bar debuts in Dallas area

Wings are on the menu at Bubba's 33, opening in Mesquite.

Photo courtesy of Bubba's 33

A new sports bar chain with a family focus is hitting the Dallas market. Called Bubba's 33, it's a concept from the Kentucky-based Texas Roadhouse chain, and it will open a branch in Mesquite, in what was previously a restaurant called BBQ Tavern and, before that, Randy White's.

The first Bubba's 33 opened in Fayetteville, North Carolina, in 2013; now, there are a dozen locations, including one in Waco and another in Houston. Its menu is sports-bar fare, with wings, fried pickles, nachos, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and a few entrées, such as rib-eye and fried shrimp, served in plastic baskets lined with paper.

There are layered cheese fries, onion rings which they thoughtfully offer in a full or half-order, a statuesque wedge salad, and a veggie burger made with black bean and quinoa.

Depending on who you read, the "33" Bubba's 33 is either for the temperature of the beer it serves, or else for 1933, the year Prohibition ended.

The atmosphere includes big-screen TVs, vintage signs, music posters, and sports memorabilia, plus retro furniture with a diner vibe.

Owner Dave Boese says that they're targeting the end of October for an opening date.

"It's a new concept, we have 12 open right now across the country," he says. "We are under the Texas Roadhouse umbrella. That's how we landed on that spot in Mesquite. There's a Texas Roadhouse there that is incredibly popular."

While it does have all the hallmarks of a sports bar, there are a few things they do a little differently.

"We do the sports bar thing because we have 62 TVs," he says. "It's impossible to look up and not see a TV. But it's family dining. There's a kids' menu, and the main dining room is comfortable for families. But the bar is called the Garage Bar, it's separated from the main dining room by windows that can be raised and lowered, so you can contain that energy."

"The pizzas are hand-stretched, we do a great job with wings, and we have a burger that 33 percent of the patty is ground bacon," he says.

Did you see that? Yes, 33 percent.

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Hotel Crescent Court & LoveShackFancy

Celebrate spring with a garden tea party and pop-up shop.

Spring is officially here and there’s a two-day, floral-themed afternoon tea party with shopping to celebrate. Also get ready for backyard barbecuing with a pitmaster class. Multiple pairing dinners, including wine, whiskey, and tequila, help round out the list. Save room for a soul food festival by Sunday.

Tuesday, March 21

Herman Marshall Whiskey Dinner at Urban Rio
Experience Wylie-based Herman Marshall Whiskey during this four-course pairing dinner at Urban Rio Cantina & Grill in Plano. The $70 ticket includes tax and gratuity. Dinner begins at 6:30 pm.

Thursday, March 23

Taste of Texas at Elm Street Cask & Kitchen
It's an evening of Texas fare including dinner, meet-and-greet with Texas spirit vendors, and a local musician performing tunes from Texas-born artists. Menu by chef Jasmine Copeland includes venison with sweet potato, crab, red ceviche, Texas BBQ oyster, bison short rib, and pecan cheesecake, and is accompanied by Texas wine, beer, and bourbon. Diners get take-home recipes and goodies. It runs from 6:30-9:30 pm and is $130, with attendance limited to 30 guests. Reserve online.

Tequila Dinner at Cantina Laredo
Get a taste of Mexico City during this four-course dinner at Cantina Laredo in Frisco. Each course will be paired with a different cocktail made with Tequila Corazon. Courses include ceviche, fresh asparagus soup, choice of red snapper or New York strip, and mixed berries with tequila cream. Dinner is $79.99, plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 7 pm. Call 214-618-9860 for reservations.

Saturday, March 25

Pitmaster University at OAK’D
Learn how to smoke brisket with the best of them during this Saturday morning barbecue class. OAK’D chef and pitmaster Michael Lane will lead the instruction, sharing his secrets on selecting and trimming meat, controlling temps and timing, and creating rubs and marinades. The hands-on class is $99 and will run from 8-9:30 am.

LoveShackFancy Afternoon High Tea at Hotel Crescent Court
The vintage-inspired feminine lifestyle brand LoveShackFancy Dallas will partner with Hotel Crescent Court to host a whimsical garden tea party and pop-up shop Saturday and Sunday. Wear your fanciest floral dress and visit the hotel for flower-laden tablescapes and a multi-course menu, including caviar, lobster salad on pumpernickel bread, roasted duck with apricot glaze, and strawberry chiffon cake. The $225 ticket, plus a service fee and tax, includes a $100 gift card to the LoveShackFancy pop-up shop and a canvas tote bag. Add endless bubbly for a ticket price of $250. Seating times are 10 am and 12 pm on Saturday and 12 pm and 2 pm on Sunday.

Sunday, March 26

Selena Brunch at Peticolas Brewing Company
The Dallas brewery will commemorate the life and music of the Tejano superstar, who died tragically on March 31, 1995. Visit from 11 am-3 pm to hear her music (there’ll be room to dance) and enjoy food trucks serving tacos, burgers, pizzas, and even Selena-themed cookies. The brewery will also bring back their michelada and beermosa bar for the occasion. The first 50 people to arrive in Selena-themed gear will get a rose.

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There’ll be live music, kids’ activities, and soul food galore during this Sunday afternoon festival to be held at The Lofty Spaces at 816 Montgomery St. Prepare to indulge in pork chops, oxtails, candied yams, greens, fried chicken, fish, barbecue, funnel cake, tacos, and even vegan options. Food will be available for purchase from individual vendors and admission is free with an RSVP. The festival will run from 12-6 pm.

Monday, March 27

Euro Trip Wine Dinner at Urban Seafood
The Plano seafood destination will take diners on a trip around Europe during this four-course wine dinner. Each course will be paired with a different European wine. The $95 ticket includes tax and gratuity. Dinner begins at 6:30 pm.

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