Deep Ellum Dining News
Stirring new restaurant fills storied Deep Ellum spot with bacon and booze
Opening day has come for Stirr, the Deep Ellum bar-restaurant from hospitality veterans Imran Sheikh and Asim Sheikh, who also own the Uptown bar Citizen.
Aside from the Sheikhs' history in the food-and-beverage industry, the biggest thing about Stirr is its address at the corner of Crowdus and Main streets, the most central intersection of Deep Ellum. It takes over the former Art Bar space, part of the legendary Club Clearview complex, which has stood empty for many years.
The second biggest thing about Stirr is that second, completely expendable "R." What's up with that.
The menu, by chef Chad Bowden (Culpepper Steakhouse), is described in a release as American classics infused with new age spices and flavors. Choices range from small plates to sophisticated entrées such as Texas quail with sage stuffing, green beans, and cranberry gastrique; pimento cheese tortellini with red pepper cream; and parm-polenta fries with smoked tomato sauce.
Stirr will also serve brunch, with dishes like jalapeño corn waffles, eggs, and Texas venison chili; and lobster claw omelet with melted Brie.
Cocktails include Babe’s old fashioned with bacon fat-infused Rittenhouse Rye and chocolate liqueur; the "Girl from Dallas" with Lillet Blanc and ice cubes made of strawberry puree; and a beet drink with Ron Zacapa, brown sugar syrup, lime juice, and beet juice.
There are also "shareable" beverages such as sangria, plus beer and wine.
The bar-restaurant has an open kitchen, a floor-to-ceiling wine case, exposed brick walls, and polished concrete floors. The rooftop bar is temperature-controlled and overlooks the Dallas skyline.