New Tex-Mex in iffy Dallas location hopes lobster fajitas do the trick

Southlake diners have been eager to get their hands on the Hudson House burgers and an icy martinis that Dallasites know and love - and the wait is almost over. The highly anticipated East Coast-inspired restaurant will debut on Friday, September 11.

First announced in fall 2025, the Southlake location will open at 1131 E. Southlake Blvd., taking over the former RA Sushi space next to Gloria’s.

The 5,000(ish)-square-foot restaurant will be the 12th Hudson House location from Dallas-based Vandelay Companies, according to a release. It's the second Tarrant County outpost, after a location that opened in west Fort Worth in 2023.

Founded in 2017 by restaurateur Hunter Pond, Hudson House is known for its neighborhood-restaurant vibe, seafood-driven menu, raw bar, sushi, burgers, and signature cocktails — particularly its claim of serving the “World’s Coldest Martini.”

“Southlake has the combination of energy, growth and appreciation for hospitality that we look for when entering a new neighborhood," says Pond, chairman of Vandelay Companies, in the release. "Our goal is never simply to add another location. We want every Hudson House to feel rooted in its community from the moment it opens and to become the kind of restaurant guests return to week after week.”

The large wraparound bar at Hudson House Southlake.Photo courtesy of Hudson House

The Southlake restaurant will feature warm leather booths, a large wraparound bar, a full sit-down raw bar, and an outdoor patio. The design is intended to evoke a traditional New England dining institution while incorporating Hudson House's polished, energetic style.

The menu will include Hudson House staples such as the Hudson’s Avocado Dip with ranch chips; The Cheeseburger with thin patties, American cheese, pickles, and house sauce; Chicken Parm with creamy tomato pasta and Reggiano; and the Hudson Salad with popcorn chicken, avocado, cherry tomato, bacon, sharp cheddar, and green goddess dressing.

Seafood remains a major focus, with East Coast oysters flown in daily, a dedicated raw bar, and sushi options including the Sunset Roll, Signature Roll, Pressed Ahi Tuna Roll, and Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice.

East Coast oysters and shrimp cocktail at Hudson House. Photo courtesy of Hudson House

Pro tip: Don't skip the Key Lime Pie for dessert.

Then there are the martinis. The restaurant's signature “World’s Coldest Martini” is made with Grey Goose vodka served on tap and chilled to 10 degrees.

Other martinis include The Classic, Bleu & Gold, The Lemon Drop, and The Espresso, while the cocktail list also includes the Frozen Bellini, Strawberry Spritz, Spicy Mexican, and Manhattan.

The restaurant offers a popular happy hour, which runs weekdays from 3-6 pm at the bar only, with half-price martinis, Bellinis, and wine by the glass, plus $3 East Coast oysters and $10 cheeseburgers.

The Hudson House's Fort Worth location, on "the bricks" of Camp Bowie Boulevard, earned a nomination for Neighborhood Restaurant of the Year in the 2026 CultureMap Tastemaker Awards. The nomination read, "The East Coast-inspired restaurant ... has remained nonstop busy for its polished design, raw bar, cheeseburgers, lobster rolls, and ice-cold martinis served in frozen glassware. Just blocks from Rivercrest Country Club, the chic spot draws regulars from the nearby Crestline and Arlington Heights neighborhoods, as well moms who lunch, golf buddies, and couples from all over Fort Worth who return again and again for top-notch service and reliable, upscale American fare."

Given the Southlake restaurant's proximity to other local shopping and leisure spots, including Central Market, Southlake Town Square, and Timarron Country Club, it should be a perfect fit.

Hudson House will be open 11 am-9 pm Monday-Wednesday, 11 am-10 pm Thursday-Friday, 10 am-10 pm Saturday, and 10 am-9 pm Sunday.