News You Can Eat

Bevy of new burgers leads this cheery edition of Dallas restaurant news

This installment of Dallas-Fort Worth restaurant news is all good, and how often does that happen? It's all about openings, new menus, new branches, prosperity everywhere and burgers for all.

The second branch of Bread Zeppelin is open in Plano, in a former Lenny's location that happens to be right across the street from Carrollton. The nascent chain does a unique kind of salad-in-a-sandwich in which the fillings get stuffed into a hot crusty baguette. "Half the street is Plano and the other half is Carrollton," says co-owner Troy Charhon. The first Bread Zeppelin opened in Las Colinas in 2012. For this branch, they added more chopping stations to make the lines move more quickly. Charhon says they're "avidly looking" for 2015 locations in Dallas, Southlake and Richardson.

Two new restaurant concepts will open at the theater in Highland Park Village: K.T. Burger, a burgers and milkshakes joint, and 5 Creeks Tavern, a neighborhood tavern with pizza, pasta and sandwiches, plus beer and wine on tap. They'll take over the old Village Marquee Grill space, with K.T. Burger on the bottom, and 5 Creeks Tavern on top. Opening in 2015, the restaurants come from HPV owner Ray Washburne and Katy Trail Ice House owner Buddy Cramer.

A second branch of Banh Shop, a concept from Yum! Brands, is now serving banh mi sandwiches at DFW Airport, at gate D31 in Terminal D. Breakfast options include a banh mi with egg, pork and ham; and breakfast banh bites, which are French toast pieces dusted in cinnamon and sugar, served with maple syrup. For the rest of the day, there is a steak banh mi and Vietnamese noodle salad. Hours are from 6 am to 10 pm; breakfast is served until 10:30 a.m. For information call 972-973-2583.

A second branch of The Hospitality Sweet will open by the end of the year at 750 N. St. Paul St. in downtown Dallas, taking over the corner of the lobby where Pearl Cup was. They'll serve coffee and a limited sandwich and sweets menu. They'll be open from 7:30 am until 2:30 pm.

Denton got its first branch of Corner Bakery Cafe, at 2217 South Interstate 35E and Loop 288, in front of Golden Triangle Mall. This is the 20th Corner Bakery Cafe in the DFW area; there are 178 locations nationwide. Menu items touted on the release include pancakes for breakfast, a chicken panini at lunch and pesto cavatappi for dinner.

Latin chicken time at Pollo Campero, which has opened a branch at 9419 Webb Chapel Rd., to replace one that closed nearby on Northwest Highway. We mention it because it features a "sleek" new orange-and-green design that's being incorporated into all subsequent locations. A fourth DFW branch will open in Farmers Branch, huh, branch in Farmers Branch, in November. Founded in Guatemala in 1971, Pollo Campero has 350 restaurants in 12 countries around the world.

Tex-Mex old-timer Herrera's opened a new location after shutting down its landmark on Maple Avenue; the new address is at 3311 Sylvan Ave.

Chef and restaurateur (Bite City Grill) Eddy Thretipthuangsin has revealed the name of the Thai restaurant he's opening in Fort Worth: Kin Kin Urban Thai. Expected to open in January 2015, it's at 2801 W. 7th St., in the former MK's Sushi space. Kin Kin will only pay homage to his native Thailand, but also his mother, Pat, who will join him in the kitchen.

The Second Floor by Scott Gottlich has a new seasonal menu, featuring comforting autumn-inspired dishes. Fall veggie pot pie is a flaky pastry crust filled with parsnips, carrots, cauliflower and onions in a smoky paprika béchamel. There's a lobster roll with fried green beans; braised short rib with Parmesan grits; Lemley's Farm tomato soup; and a pizza with brie & provolone, fennel, red onion and figs; and for dessert, apple upside-down cake with cider ice cream.

Sundown at Granada has new menus from chef Billy Cooper and mixologist Ben McCracken. Tempura quinoa avocado is crusted in panko with quinoa stuffing. A flatbread has mozzarella and beef crudo, and there's a Brussels sprout salad with candied walnuts, blue cheese and bacon dressing. Entrees include rainbow trout with pearl couscous, and beef short ribs with roasted root vegetables and red beet gnocchi. Cocktails include a seasonal margarita and the "Fitzgerald," with apple-cinnamon bourbon and maple syrup. For dessert, crème brûlée made with an avocado dream, cherry chocolate chip bread pudding made with Village Bakery bread.

Olivella's Neo Pizza Napoletana has five new family recipes: cheese dip with house-made bread; sausage, Gorgonzola, and tomato sauce antipasta plate; prosciutto and blue cheese pizza roll; chicken piccata pasta; and peanut butter and Nutella panini. All five items will be offered at the Lakewood and Victory Park locations, but the original University Park location will not do the cheese dip or pasta.

Toulouse has new menus for lunch and dinner, with highlights that include short rib bourguignon, trout amandine, duck legs confit with green lentils, Scottish salmon, scallops, Dover sole Meunière, bouillabaisse, macaroni and cheese — straight or with choice of lobster, bacon or truffles — lobster risotto, gnocchi, and platters with charcuterie or cheese.

Brick House Tavern + Tap has two new burgers that stand out from the pack: a bison burger on the permanent menu, and a goat burger that will be added as a "special." Brick House claims to be the first major chain to offer a goat burger, a fact of which it can be proud. A one-third pound patty, the goat burger is actually a mix of ground goat, lamb and beef. It's topped with sautéed wild mushrooms and oven-roasted tomatoes, then drizzled with a light goat cheese cream sauce and tangy harissa mayo spread. It's served atop a bed of crisp, fresh arugula on a grilled naan bread bun for a unique, international flair. Not enough words can be written about this miraculous goat burger.

Del Taco is bringing back its shredded pork carnitas for a limited time. You can get them in five new menu items:

Epic carnitas chipotle burrito with black beans and fresca lime rice
Epic carnitas and papas burrito with crinkle-cut fries
Carnitas taco al carbon
Carnitas combo burrito with beans
Carnitas loaded fries, featuring crinkle-cut fries topped with carnitas

Now re-opened, Dallas Chop House has several new menu items including a "steak flight" with 4-ounce portions of Wagyu NY strip, 21- and 60-day dry-aged rib eye, served with bone marrow and bacon-onion jam; a Wagyu NY strip; Arctic char with pear couscous; Wagyu short ribs with vanilla parsnip puree; Divers scallops with curried sweet potato puree, hearts of palm and baby bok choy; steak tartare; and squash soup with pumpkin seed pesto and lobster dumpling. New desserts include bread pudding, hot fudge sundae and Meyer lemon tart.

Pakpao is introducing a "Thai-meets-Texas" brunch, spearheaded by chef Pierre Trevino, who previously oversaw the brunch program at Smoke. Typical brunch items such as hash, pancakes and French toast get a Thai twist. Chaing Mai sausage hash is a Texas-style pork sausage hash with lemongrass, kaffir lime and potatoes, topped with runny wok-fried egg. Thai Tea French Toast has sweet coconut cream, pandan leaf, and Thai Tea powdered sugar. Crab omelet has jumbo lump crab meat, Chinese celery, onion, bell pepper, curry powder, and smoked chili.

Behold the goat burger.

Photo courtesy of Brick House

Behold the goat burger.

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Holiday Dining News

These Dallas restaurants are open on Christmas Day 2025

Lake Lawn

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Dallas restaurants are almost always open and ready to serve, with one exception: Christmas Day, a day that sees most close. But the restaurants on this list are the exception: Dallas restaurants that are open on Christmas Day — a true blessing for diners seeking a festive meal.

Here's all the restaurants across Dallas (and Fort Worth) that are open for dining on Christmas Day: (This list does not include Christmas Eve or Christmas to-go.)

Brio Italian. Italian chain will be open lunch and dinner on Christmas Day with an array of classic comfort dishes, signature Italian cuisine, from savory starters to salads, main courses, to delectable desserts. 11 am-9 pm. Allen 214-884-3920. Southlake 817-310-3136.

Buca de Beppo. Italian restaurant will be open lunch and dinner on Christmas Day with full menu plus three limited-time winter menu specials: pappardelle with Spicy Italian sausage, garlic, & spinach; pappardelle Bolognese with beef ragu, carrots, celery, onions, and tomatoes; and pork osso buco in a puttanesca sauce over polenta. Prices a la carte. 11 am-8 pm. 214-361-8462.

Carbone Dallas. Italian restaurant will have a menu of appetizers, pastas, veal, chicken, pork chop, and seafood. Prices a la carte. 4-10 pm. 469-290-6009.

Catch Dallas. Uptown seafood and steakhouse will offer full menu plus holiday specials including $42 toro crudo, 20-oz Texas Wagyu ribeye for $130, and the holiday "Hit Me" cake with candy cane Klondike, white chocolate ice cream, brownie, and chocolate stout cake for $26. 4-9 pm. 214-983-1440.

The Crescent Club. Hotel Crescent Court restaurant will host Christmas brunch with omelet station, benedict station, crepes station, chilaquiles station, hot cocoa station, sushi rolls, lobster tail, crab claws, oysters, charcuterie, salads, salads, holiday sides, Yule log, gingerbread scones, cheesecake, macarons, and more. $150, or $60 for 11 and under. 10:30 am-2 pm. 214-871-3200.

Cut & Bourbon. Live! by Loews Arlington restaurant is hosting Christmas dinner with chef Robert Carr's holiday special, beef Wellington with whipped Yukon gold potatoes & glazed root vegetables wine demi-glace, in addition to traditional menu options including crab legs, Prime NY strip, and salmon. Advance reservations strongly encouraged. Prices a la carte. 5 pm-10 pm. 682-277-4950.

Del Frisco's Double Eagle. Christmas feast for four, served on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, features winter green salad, veal & wagyu meatballs with tomato fondue, 40-oz Wagyu bone-in ribeye, sweet potato casserole with marshmallow & pecan crumble, Brussels sprouts, gingerbread butter cake with apple compote, chocolate mousse cake with peppermint crumble, $395 for four people. Dinner 2-8 pm. Dallas 972-490-9000, Plano 972-312-9115, Fort Worth 817-877-3999.

Del Frisco's Grille. The Holly Jolly Feast for 3-4 people, served on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, features winter greens, New England clam chowder, 40-oz prime rib roast, green beans, scalloped Yukon gold & sweet potato gratin, red velvet cheesecake with cream cheese frosting, or apple cobbler. $295 for 3-4 people. 12-8 pm. Plano 469-661-8012, Fort Worth 817-887-9900, Southlake 817-410-3777.

Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet. Exceptional family-owned Texas chain will be open for Christmas Day, offering their full Mediterranean buffet for holiday dining, featuring falafel, chicken & rice, hummus, grape leaves, Italian green beans with tomato, eggplant in pomegranate molasses, tabouli, kale Caesar, and more. $24. Served at all seven DFW locations: Allen, Richardson, Plano, Mesquite, Irving, Grapevine, and Fort Worth.

Dolce Riviera. Brunch buffet includes omelet bar, bruschetta bar, carving station, and dessert station. $95, or $35 for 12 and under. All reservations require a $50 deposit. 10 am-4 pm. 469-458-6623.

Eataly — La Pizza & La Pasta. Three-course Italian prix-fixe menu includes roasted beets with whipped ricotta & truffle honey, burrata with Tuscan tomato bread compote, mushroom lasagna, butternut squash gnocchi with black truffle, tagliatelle with Tuscan ragù, lobster linguine, insalata di mare, tagliolini with white truffle, and panettone. Starts at $55. 10:30 am-9 pm. (The market is open from 9 am-9 pm.) 469-759-2800.

Ebb & Flow. Plano restaurant is open with regular menu featuring toasted ravioli, Cubano egg rolls, salmon piccata, and a brown sugar soy-glazed porterhouse pork chop with mashed potatoes and sautéed spinach. 11 am-2 am. 972-483-2266.

Ellie's Dallas. Three-course prix fixe menu for dinner at Hall Arts Hotel features winter greens salad, chestnut gnocchi, choice of beef picanha or sea bass, and buche de noel sponge cake, plus a la carte selections and festive cocktails. $95. 5-9 pm. 972-629-0924.

Farena. Loews Arlington Hotel restaurant will serve its traditional dinner menu including Margherita pizza, chicken parmesan, Prime 10-oz filet mignon, plus chef Tony France's Christmas special herb-crusted Prime rib. Price a la carte. 5-10 pm. 682-318-2810.

Fearing's. Christmas brunch features seafood raw bar, kale & spinach sesame salad, fruit & berries, bagels & spreads, smoked salmon, and meat carving stations. Note: Only limited seats remain. $165. 11 am-3 pm. 214-922-4848.

Flix Brewhouse. Small theater chain with in-house restaurant and craft beer brewery will host their annual "Flixmas" event, featuring holiday classics including It's a Wonderful Life. They'll serve their full menu as well as a month-long feature called the Kobe Curdmeister; a cocktail tied to Avatar: Fire and Ash called the Ashbreaker; a house-made soda called Pineapple Under the Sea (for SpongeBob: The Search for Square Pants), and a stroopwaffle inspired ale. 11:45 am-10 pm. Frisco 972-850-1300, Mansfield 682-877-8001.

Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ. Both Dallas-area locations of this international chain founded in Japan will be open on Christmas Day, serving a holiday version of their Japanese barbecue with proteins to be grilled at the table plus fun small plates like kimchi, spicy cold tofu, cabbage salad, dumplings, shishito peppers, Japanese karaage fried chicken, spring rolls, calamari, fried cheese wontons, and chicken wings. Price a la carte. 11:30 am-10 pm. Deep Ellum 214-484-2744, Plano 972-704-3450.

Knife Italian. Ritz Carlton-Las Colinas restaurant is hosting a grand buffet inspired by the elegance of New York’s iconic Rainbow Room, with chef stations, live entertainment, and a Champagne and Bloody Mary bar. $159. 11 am-3 pm. 972-717-2420.

Kona Grill. Open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with special menu including 10-oz prime rib with half lobster tail & Yukon Gold mash; turkey breast with sage stuffing, green beans, & gravy; salmon stuffed with crab & brie; and pumpkin pie 10 am-10 pm. 214-369-7600.

Kyuramen. Japanese ramen spot in Frisco will serve its full menu plus a special "endless ramen" — unlimited noodle refills with any ramen order (dine-in only) — on Christmas Day, part of a limited-time promotion from December 22–28. If you leave any in the bowl, you pay an extra $2. 11 am-10 pm. 469-200-5252.

Le Bilboquet. Prix fixe menu offered on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day includes mushroom soup with black Périgord truffle, escargot in garlic butter, petite filet with spicy shrimp diablo and pommes purée, lobster risotto with Hackleback caviar, halibut with Dungeness crab, and choice of chocolate mousse or lemon tart. $125. 4:15-10 pm. Reservations on Resy.

Lombardi Cucina Italiana. Frisco restaurant will serve regular menu and chef specials including Feast of the Seven Fishes for two, halibut with cacio e pepe risotto, lobster ravioli, beef tenderloin with potato puree, Wagyu tomahawk ribeye, and salt-crusted whole branzino. Prices a la carte. 4-9 pm. 469-200-5677.

Maison Chinoise. Asian restaurant will serve regular menu with signatures like Peking duck plus chef specials including crab dumplings, dan dan noodles, pork belly char-siu puff, wok-seared filet mignon, and Shanghai tiramisu dome. Prices a la carte. 1-9 pm. 469-949-2991.

The Mansion on Turtle Creek. Rosewood Mansion restaurant features three-course prix-fixe dinner with tuna & salmon carpaccio, roasted chestnut velouté, endive celery salad, roasted cauliflower, baked salmon, tenderloin & short rib beef duo, potato puree, winter vegetables, vanilla cremeux, dark-chocolate mousse, or eggnog tiramisu. $165, plus $110 for wine pairing, or $70 for 12 and under. 11 am-7 pm. 214-559-2100.

Monarch. Three-course holiday menu served on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day features prosciutto, focaccia with dip, squash caponata, radicchio watercress salad, tuna crudo with blood orange, beef tenderloin with horseradish crema, branzino with fennel confit, whipped potatoes, chestnut agnolotti, Brussels sprouts, orange chocolate cake, and gingerbread cookie. Extras include 45-day dry aged tomahawk ($210), Périgord black truffles ($45), alba white truffles ($80), Island Creek oysters ($24/$48) osetra caviar ($180). $175. 4–9 pm. Seating is limited, and reservations are strongly encouraged. 214-945-2222.

Montage. JW Marriott Dallas Arts District hotel restaurant is hosting holiday brunch including charcuterie station, rustic breads, oysters, yogurt parfait, avocado toast bites, mini lobster rolls, omelet station, crepe station, Parmesan wheel pasta station, salad bar, carving stations, sweet potato casserole, squash soup, and dessert station. $105, or $45 for 12 and under. 10:30 am-2 pm. 214-736-7760.

MiYa Chinese. East Dallas restaurant will be open and serving handmade dumplings, noodles, dim sum, crispy duck, and orange chicken. Prices are a la carte. 1-8 pm. 214-484-1175.

Nobu Dallas. Sushi restaurant will feature a special brunch buffet with an expansive selection of Japanese and Western dishes, sushi, salads, pastries, desserts, and chef stations, and carving station on display. Note, no à la carte menu will be available. $90. 11 am-2:30 pm. Reservations can be made via OpenTable. 214-252-7000.

Open Palette. Sheraton Hotel restaurant is offering a prix-fixe Christmas menu featuring choice of either holiday salad or lobster bisque, the pork chop, served with roasted butternut squash, sauteed green beans, and tangy pomegranate sauce. Dessert includes Open Palette’s Black Forest yule log. $65. 4-10 pm. 214-777-6574.

Palato Italian Kitchen and Lounge. Restaurant at Hall Park Hotel in Frisco is open for dinner ballroom with a full menu complemented by chef Eric Sakai’s holiday creations including mushroom tortellini en brodo, winter-spiced roasted lamb rack, pinenut-crusted halibut, and hazelnut pear cake. Reserve here. 5-10 pm. 469-922-2442.

Pyramid. Fairmont Hotel restaurant is hosting Christmas brunch featuring made-to-order omelets, Viennoiseries, avocado toast, lobster roll, smash burger, braised short rib, and smoked prime rib. Prices a la carte. 10 am-3 pm. 214-720-2020.

Renaissance Dallas at Plano Legacy West. Holiday brunch features pepper-crusted roast beef, pesto chicken, truffle & English pea orzotto, 5-spice sweet potatoes, sesame Brussels sprouts, butternut squash bisque, pear pecan tart, bourbon cherry bread pudding. $45. 10 am-1 pm. 469-925-1800.

Reserve at the Highland. Three-course dinner served on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day includes mushroom tart, lobster bisque, winter green & pear salad, maple-glazed duck breast with wild rice pilaf, halibut with parsnip puree, beef Wellington, eggnog creme brulee, or Yule log. $95, plus $5 for wine pairing. 5-9 pm. 214-443-9339.

Sadelle’s. Full regular menu will be available for Christmas, including eggs, caviar, sandwiches, and charcuterie boards. Prices a la carte. 9 am-6 pm. Highland Park 469-290-6009.

Saint Valentine. Old East Dallas pub will be open with steamed bun boxes by Rainbowcat, the resident pop-up by chef Misti Norris, available in four varieties: sausage, egg, & cheese; black curry; meatloaf & mashed potato; and spiced apple pie. $60 for two, served with sauce and fermented pickles. 5-12 pm.

Saltgrass Steakhouse. Reasonably priced steakhouse chain will be open on Christmas Day with a full menu of Angus beef steaks, seafood, desserts, and plus a featured special: center-cut top sirloin steak with grilled or fried shrimp. All locations in Bedford, The Colony, Denton, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Irving, Lewisville, Mansfield, McKinney, Mesquite, North Arlington, North Dallas, Plano, and Rockwall.

Sanjh Restaurant & Bar. Indian restaurant is hosting a Christmas buffet with live stations, made-to-order dosas, omelet station, and a roasted counter with turkey and assorted breads, plus desserts, stollen, and a chocolate and candy station. $65, or $32.50 for 12 and under. 11 am-3 pm. 972-239-1800.

SER Steak + Spirits. Holiday specials available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day include oysters Rockefeller, branzino, duck breast with duck confit, Akaushi prime rib, and a Santa's Gift Box dessert trio with dark chocolate gingerbread mousse, orange financier, baileys mascarpone. Regular dining menu also available. 3:30-10 pm. 214-761-7479.

Starship Bagel. Artisanal Dallas bagel chain will be open for Christmas at all three locations — Lewisville, North Dallas, and downtown Dallas. 7 am-1 pm.

Stillwell’s. Hotel Swexan steakhouse will offer a Christmas dinner including regular a la carte menu plus beef Wellington with potato puree, roasted carrots, and truffle bordelaise.classic. $95. 469-405-1911.

STK Steakhouse. Uptown steakhouse is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with regular menu plus holiday cocktails and features including turkey dinner with sage stuffing, parmesan-crusted Yukon mashed, sweet potatoes, and cranberry-orange chutney ($64; $29 for 12 and under), or prime rib with confit fingerling potatoes and green beans, $69. 11 am-10 pm. 972-842-9450.

Tantra Modern Indian Bistro. Fine-dining Indian restaurant in McKinney will be open with butter chicken, chili shrimp, kebabs, skewers, fried rice, naan, vegetable curry, and more, plus a full bar with beer, martinis, and margaritas. 11 am-11 pm. 972-363-7727.

12 Cuts Brazilian Steakhouse. AYCE fire-roasted picanha, filet mignon, ribs, lamb, and full salad bar. $66. 11 am-10 pm. 972-779-7012.

Wicked Butcher. Steakhouse is open Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with an à la carte special menu featuring butternut squash soup, white truffle caesar, seafood tower, steak tartare, duck à l ’orange with orange marmalade & parsnip purée, rigatoni Bolognese, ginger miso Chilean sea bass with basmati rice, rack of lamb, prime rib, dry-aged bone-in filet, corn crème brûlée, cornbread stuffing, sweet potato mash, robuchon mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, gnocchi with black truffle & butternut squash purée, Valrhona chocolate souffle, and chocolate tart. Christmas Day: 11 am-9 pm. Dallas 214-444-7740, Fort Worth 682-231-8214.

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