Dog Park News

Uptown Dallas' favorite dog park-cantina digs up new location in Allen

MUTTS Canine Cantina presents Garth Stein

Who's a good doggie?

Photo courtesy of MUTTS Canine Cantina

A popular Uptown dog-friendly spot is expanding with a new location north of Dallas. Mutts Canine Cantina has signed a lease for a location in Allen at the Watters Creek community center on the northwest corner of Watters Creek and Montgomery boulevards.

According to a release, the unique restaurant-slash-dog park will open in fall 2020.

This location is owned by franchisee Pavan Shree, of Ruffined Investments.

"We fell in love with the site instantly," Shree says in a statement. "It has a very European, outdoor-lifestyle feel, plus most people in the community have dogs. My wife and I are from South Africa, where shopping styles are more catered towards the European model, so it felt like home to us instantly."

The first Mutts Canine Cantina opened in Dallas' Uptown neighborhood in 2013. It's not your average dog park, but instead is a dual-concept with a walk-up bar and food options such as Mutts Original Chicken Sandwich, burgers, fried-pickles, and milkshakes.

The concept has become a staple for dog owners in Uptown Dallas. A second location opened in Fort Worth near the Shops at Clearfork in 2018. Allen will be the third.

Until recently, Allen had a dog park called Canine Commons at the Village at Allen, the center at the intersection of US-75 and Stacy Road. Never envisioned as a permanent park, Canine Commons was closed in the fall to make room for more retail.

"Following the recent closing of Canine Commons at the Village, the city has been missing a dedicated dog park," says Watters Creek manager Mike Tumulty. "Mutts will be a vital addition to our community – not only Watters Creek, but Allen as a whole."

Watters Creek is currently home to 342 multifamily units, but more than 900 multifamily units and 300 single family homes are under development in the area immediately west of Watters Creek.

"With all of the residential development happening right in our own backyard, Watters Creek has sought to create a quality, dog-friendly environment, and Mutts will be the cornerstone of those efforts," Tumulty says.

"We are extremely excited to grow Mutts' footprint within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex,” said Michelle Boggs, Managing Partner of Mutts. "This location will draw from many nearby communities as surrounding developments continue to grow at a meteoric pace."

Mutts operates on a membership model, with different rates depending on how many dogs you own. If you own one dog, you can get a monthly pass for $17, or a yearly pass for $170. You can also pay a day rate for a single visit at $9 for one dog.

It comes with free wi-fi for members; "bark rangers" who provide water and keep the park tidy; and a dog-washing area.

Each location features two enclosed, fenced lawn spaces where dogs can exercise, run, and play in both shaded and unshaded areas, while owners relax and socialize. Hours are 6 am-10 pm.

burgers pets

Global tastes

New botanería pairs drinks with free bites near Dallas Farmers Market

Chef Karla Soria Palomino's menu delivers authentic Mexican flavors and bold heat.

Photo credit: Paul Torres.

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There is a novel concept open in the Dallas Farmers Market district: Called Sor Juana, it's a botanería inspired by traditional Mexican establishments where drinks are served alongside complimentary snacks and bar bites.

Located at 1908 Canton St., the space provides an immersion into Mexican culture through its food, beverages, decor, and overall atmosphere.

Sor Juana comes from Alexandra Hernández and Karla Soria Palomino. Hernández brings a background in front-of-house hospitality, theatre, and events while Soria Palomino contributes extensive kitchen experience from restaurants across Mexico and Dallas.

The inspiration behind the name and concept comes from 17th-century nun and scholar Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. Recognized as the "First Feminist of the Americas," she was a literary trailblazer who learned to read and write during an era when women were denied an education. Considered one of the greatest poets of the Baroque period in what is now Mexico, Sor Juana defied societal norms, stood up to the male-dominated clergy, and excelled in science, mathematics, music, and culinary arts.

“We wanted to pick a strong woman from Mexico as the emblematic figure of our botanería — traditionally run and frequented only by men,” Hernández says. “With our women-run botanería, which is a unique concept for Dallas, we are creating a space for everyone.”

The frame for their idea is a landmark Dallas building originally constructed over a century ago for the Desco Tile Company. Designed in a Venetian Gothic style with exterior arches and columns, the interior features original chandeliers alongside decorative, colorful tilework — including a wall fountain, a fireplace, and terrazzo floors — all preserved intact for Sor Juana, with a few new tile accents added to the bathrooms and bar backdrop.

Historic Dallas architecture meets traditional Mexican hospitality at Sor Juana.Photo credit: Paul Torres

“We tried to respect the architecture of the building by adjusting our concept to the space, rather than forcing the space to adjust to us,” Hernández says.

The duo worked with interior designer Callie Windle on the details, sourcing decorative pieces from artists both in Mexico and locally (many of which are available for purchase).

The 90-seat venue features comfortable seating centered around a dynamic bar program managed by Saúl Hernández (previously of Midnight Rambler, La Viuda Negra, and Las Almas Rotas).

True to the hospitality spirit of a traditional botanería, patrons receive a complimentary botana (bar bite) with every drink purchase. While the offerings rotate regularly to maintain an element of surprise, options range from spiced nuts, fresh fruit, and popcorn to more substantial plates like tacos and caldo de camarón.

The creative cocktail menu ranges from $12 to $16, anchored by their signature “La Nueva Sangre” — an orange blossom gin cocktail balanced with beet juice, lemon, passion fruit, and lavender bitters. Hernández notes the drink is “as complex and interesting, with a little bit of everything, just as Sor Juana was.”

The bar also pours Mexican imports alongside local favorites Shiner and Michelob for $7, wines, and zero-proof options including non-alcoholic champagne.

Happy hour runs Wednesday through Friday from 5:30-7:30 pm, featuring $6 beers, $8 wines, and $8 cocktails infused with house-made Mexican chili oil macha sauce.

Beyond the complimentary botanas, the venue offers a full food menu designed by Chef Soria Palomino. It comes with a playful warning: “Expect bold flavors and a little heat — that’s what the cerveza is for.” Signature items include ceviche, mezcal-glazed wings, tacos, and tostadas, all centered on authentic Mexican flavor profiles.

For dessert, they feature a ganzote crafted by Diana Zamora of Nena Postrería, inspired by the classic packaged Gansito sponge cake.

Community events play a major role in the space, including lotería nights, "Bring Your Own Vinyl" Sundays, and rotating local DJs every other Friday. The team is actively taking community feedback to build out future programming, including upcoming collaborative dinner series.

“Events are a way to build community and bring people together,” Hernández says. “When we started crafting this concept, we looked at every detail — from the playlist to the food and cocktails, as we wanted a total experience where every element comes together and complements the rest.”

Sor Juana is open 2-10 pm Wednesday-Thursday 12 pm-12 pm Friday-Saturday, 12-10 pm Sunday. Metered street parking is enforced until 6 pm, with free parking available afterward.