Opening News

Dallas' Harwood group to open artsy Japanese steakhouse with samurai theme

Two samurai on horses from Harwood's Samurai Collection.

Harwood

Details have been revealed on the latest new restaurant emerging from Dallas-based Harwood Hospitality Group: Called Docent Steak & Lounge, it's an upscale Japanese-inspired restaurant and according to a release, will open this summer in Harwood No. 14, their office tower at 2801 N. Harwood St.

For those keeping count, Docent marks the 21st restaurant concept in the Harwood District, but will be Harwood's most luxury restaurant concept to date.

Docent will take diners on a journey of dining and artistry, while celebrating the rich heritage of the Samurai. The menu will feature HWD beef, from Harwood’s exclusive prime-graded Akaushi wagyu cattle, as well as an extensive selection of Kobe beef.

Docent will also comprise a sushi bar and other Japanese-inspired accouterments, plus an extensive wine and sake selection.

Harwood Hospitality VP of Culinary Taylor Kearney says in a statement that Docent will blend Japanese fusion with a classic steakhouse

"Acknowledging Texas’ deep-rooted passion for beef, Docent will honor tradition by presenting iconic Texas-style cuts, like a 40 oz. long bone cowboy ribeye, alongside an expansive selection of exquisite seafood and diverse offerings to satisfy every palate," Kearney says.

The restaurant's name is a tip to what a big role art will play, "docent" being the name for an art gallery guide, and gives a hint to the menagerie of art pieces that will be integrated into the design.

The two-story restaurant will provide guests a museum-like experience, displaying nearly 100 pieces from The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection, the only museum in the United States dedicated to samurai art and armor, and one of the largest in the world.

The samurai artifacts found within Docent reflect three centuries of Japanese culture and history, which the release describes thusly: "The samurai were the warrior class of medieval and premodern Japan, controlling the country’s military and government from 1185 to 1868. Early samurai were archers who fought on horseback so it’s only fitting a fully armored horse and rider, along with two other samurai in period armor, occupy the entrance to the restaurant. Another three retainers wearing sumptuous Edo period (1615-1868) armor dominate the dining and bar area surrounded by dynamic samurai helmets and textiles, sculpture and even a menacing iron horse mask."

The upper level of the restaurant features blacks and charcoals with reds, golds, and copper, drawing inspiration from the Samurai armor and theatrical environment.

The lower level will be home to a DJ, sushi bar, and "vibe dining" environment, divided by large cases of artifacts. Floating silk textiles and a row of samurai spears will create translucent partitions that run the length of the room. An additional armored samurai and gold folding screen finish off the space and "exude the might, power and beauty of the samurai culture." Awesome.

Docent will join NDA Brasserie, also at Harwood No. 14 and now open. They join the Harwood Hospitality Group's stable of restaurants: Dolce Riviera, Elephant East, Happiest Hour, Harwood Arms, Magnolias: Sous Le Pont, Marie Gabrielle Restaurant and Gardens, Mercat Bistro, Poco Fiasco, Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar, Te Deseo, Tequila Social, Fig & Favor, plus Hotel Swexan which is home to Stillwell’s, Leonie’s, Isabelle’s and Babou’s.

uptown openings

Henderson Avenue News

Dallas bar High Fives will close on Henderson Avenue after 10 years

High Fives/Facebook

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A nightlife staple on Dallas' Henderson Avenue is closing: High Fives, the bar located at 1804 McMillan Ave., will close in early January, after more than 10 years.

According to a release, the actual closing date will be tied to the Texas Tech Red Raiders' game schedule in January.

"To all our neighbors, the Red Raider faithful, and everyone who has made High Fives their home—we are saying goodbye by raising our hands high for one last High Five," says owner Phil Schanbaum. "This establishment was built on community, spirited rivalry, and countless memories. We are deeply thankful to every single patron and, especially, to all of our incredible staff who were the heart and soul of this place."

High Fives opened in mid-2015, part of the portfolio of This & That Hospitality, the company Schanbaum founded with partner Brandon Hays, next door to its sibling bar The Whippersnapper (which was rebranded into a concept called Boogies in October 2025.)

Schanbaum says that they're unsure of what will go in the High Fives space after it closes — but that the closure "paves the way for the ongoing evolution of Henderson Avenue."

The property is owned by Acadia Realty, the New York-based company that is partnered with Dallas development firm Ignite-Rebees on a 161,000-square-foot, creative, mixed-use development currently underway on Henderson Avenue between Glencoe Street and McMillan Avenue at the eastern end of Henderson Avenue.

High Fives' closure is part of that plan to transform the quarter-mile stretch into a walkable destination featuring restaurants, retail, and office space.

"To Henderson Avenue, we look forward to further expansion and to making this street even better. We are excited for the neighborhood's renaissance, which will bring new experiences, retail, and dining concepts to the area," Schanbaum says.

Moving target
The actual closing date will depend on the outcome of the season for Texas Tech's football team the Red Raiders.

"The final chapter for High Fives will be written alongside the almighty Texas Tech Red Raiders. The bar's ultimate closure is tied directly to the team's success," the release says.

The next game day is on January 1, when doors open at 10 am.

If the Red Raiders advance past the game on January 1, High Fives will remain open for subsequent Texas Tech game days until the team's run ends. Meanwhile hours in December will be Thursdays & Fridays from 8 pm-2 am, and Saturdays: from 2 pm– 2 am.