Opening News

Stunning Latin restaurant El Carlos Elegante makes Dallas Design District debut

Pretty and eclectic plateware is one of the many beautiful design elements.

El Carlos Elegante

The latest super-chic restaurant from Dallas-based Duro Hospitality has arrived. Called El Carlos Elegante, it's their Mexican-inspired restaurant in the Dallas Design District, at 1400 N. Rivertfront Blvd., just a tortilla toss from its sibling restaurant The Charles.

According to a press release, El Carlos aims to capture the essence of Latin culture, in food, cocktails, and interior design.

Diners can expect large cuts of Argentinian-style wood-fired meats and fish, crudo, house-made tortillas, traditional masa-based dishes, seasonal craft cocktails, and a standout Mezcal program, including no-additive natural Mezcals for true enthusiasts, as well as a global list of wines and champagnes.

Menu highlights include:

Surf & Turf One-Hitter: A5 Wagyu, Ostera Caviar, Crispy Shell
Beef Aguachile: Charred Onion, Soy, Fresno
Mole Negro Masa: Ricotta Tamale
Chorizo Molotes: Refried Beans, Salsa Roja
Mayan Hummus: Sikil Pak, Baby Carrots, Pepitas
Pork al Pastor: Pork Blade Chop, Pineapple, Adobo
Osso Bucco Carnitas: Veal Shank, Costeño Rojo
Whole Fish: Mint Mojo, Fennel, Herbs

Duro Hospitality Group has become one of the hottest entities in Dallas restaurants right now, with a portfolio that includes The Charles, Bar Charles, Sister, Café Duro, and Casa Duro.

Duro's Benji Homsey says in a statement that on this one, they "colored outside of the lines."

"Each one of our concepts possesses unique personalities, and El Carlos represents a new character in our portfolio, whose story is told throughout the design of the space as well as represented on the menu," Homsey says. "The entire experience at El Carlos is unlike any other in Dallas, and we hope everyone loves it just as much as we do."

The space is designed to feel multi-generational and cozy.El Carlos Elegante

Rendered by Corbin and Ross See of Sees Design, the inspiration for the restaurant's design came from the idea of a Mexican hacienda handed down through multiple generations. Decorative elements include midcentury modern pieces, unexpected color combinations, eclectic textiles, and furniture sourced almost exclusively from Mexico.

A front courtyard contains an oversized fireplace and retractable roof, while the interior features a second fireplace, plus colorful custom wallpapers, ironwork, and a tableau of El Carlos "Family Portraits."

A private dining room houses a custom Pierre Frey mural and opens to the back courtyard, which also includes a retractable roof.

Ross See says they started with four walls and built from there: front and back courtyards, fireplaces, and fountains. Corbin See says their vision was similar to Sister in some regards.

"We wanted it to feel multigenerational and cozy," Corbin says. "The space has a residential feel, and we aimed for the pieces to feel collected and added over time. The dishes, for example, aren’t all matching. It’s an eclectic mix so it feels replaced over time."

Check it out at dinner: El Carlos is open Sunday-Thursday from 5-10 pm and Friday–Saturday from 5-11 pm.

openings

Henderson Avenue News

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

High Fives/Facebook

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A bar 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."

The Final Schedule: Playing to Win
High Fives will maintain the following operating hours for December
· Thursdays & Fridays: 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
· Saturdays: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM

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:
· Next Game Day Begins: 11:00 AM on January 1. Doors Open at 10am.
· The Contingency: If the Red Raiders advance past the game on January 1, High Fives will only remain open for subsequent Texas Tech game days until the team's run ends.
· Goal: The hope is to see the Red Raiders through to the national championship.

Looking Forward on Henderson
High Fives’ closure paves the way for the ongoing evolution of Henderson Avenue. The management is supportive of the future for the district.

"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."

The closure is part of a larger plan to transform the quarter-mile stretch into a vibrant, walkable destination featuring chef-driven restaurants, retail, and office space.