Drinking/Voting News

Drink for Democracy goes America on your glass and rewards voters

The People's Last Stand has a special Drink for Democracy menu available untilelection day November 6.
Photo courtesy of People's Last Stand
Drink for Democracy is the brainchild of Rupal Dalal, who wanted to get peopleto vote and figured alcohol was a good motivator.
Drink for Democracy/Facebook
Dish Restaurant and Lounge will host a happy hour October 27 from 4-6 pm as partof D4D.
Photo courtesy of Dish Restaurant and Lounge

Early voting began October 22, and as a reward for doing your civic duty ahead of schedule, the people behind Drink for Democracy want to give you a break on your beverage bill.

Started by Dallas resident Rupal Dalal and her husband, Ron Rodenberg, Drink for Democracy has set up signs with QR codes at several polling stations around Dallas. People who scan the QR code will be taken to a website that confirms they voted early.

That email confirmation ensures that if you visit Union Bear or People’s Last Stand you can order special discount drinks. Zini’s Pizzeria at Cedar Springs and Monica’s Nueva Cocina are also offering a 15 percent discount for those who exercised their right to vote.

“We’re not trying to sell you on anybody in the election,” says spokesperson Dana Centola. “We just want everyone to be engaged.”

Drink for Democracy’s website lists candidates in the Dallas County election on November 6 with links to their websites, Twitter handles and Facebook pages.

“That part of the site is so you can educate yourself about the people that will be making decisions on your behalf,” says D4D spokesperson Dana Centola.

The section eschews party affiliations, unless you opt in to see them. And we remind you that if you’re still undecided after three debates and two centuries of campaigning, you can see how your beliefs stack up with the presidential candidates at iSideWith.com.

In addition to ongoing deals at the bars and restaurants, Drink for Democracy is hosting a happy hour October 27, 4-6 pm, at Dish on Cedar Springs. It includes $2 off specialty cocktails and glasses of wine, as well as $4 premium calls and complimentary appetizers.

“Rupal went to Dish with the idea about Drink for Democracy first, and we built off that,” Centola says. “It’s the first Saturday after early voting, but it’s also the perfect start to the Oak Lawn Halloween party that is going on that night.”

Centola also says that if you don’t have a smartphone or you’re polling station doesn’t have the QR codes, a picture of you at the polling station will suffice.

“This is pure grassroots,” Centola says. “We’re not trying to sell you on anybody in the election. We just want everyone to be engaged.”

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Mexican Restaurant News

Dallas Mexican restaurant Vidorra to open in DFW tourist destination

Vidorra

A Dallas-based Mexican restaurant and bar is coming to the tourist-friendly town of Grapevine: Vidorra, a modern Mexican restaurant chain founded in Deep Ellum in 2018, has leased a 7,878-square-foot freestanding restaurant building located at 700 W. SH-114.

According to a release, it will open in December 2025.

The location was most recently home to Hoffbrau Steak & Grill House, which closed surprisingly in February 2024, just a little over a year after it opened in November 2022 in a former Brick House Tavern & Tap, which closed during the pandemic. Way back in the day, it was a Romano's Macaroni Grill.

The location lies in of a string of restaurants running along 114 that includes Grimaldi's, La Madeleine, PF Chang's, and Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen. There are also already at least two other Mexican restaurants close by including Uncle Julio's and Mi Dia From Scratch.

But Vidorra — which means “the good life” — is known not just for its food and cocktails, but also its "energized" environment. That means creative margaritas and Vidorra's signature Queso Blanco served in a 400-degree molcajete bowl – a fan-favorite experience.

Other entrees include street tacos, birria tacos, and fajitas.

Cocktails include a top-shelf margarita flight and fruit-infused cocktails. Tequila is big, and there are large-format drinks for sharing for a convivial social experience.

There are currently Vidorra locations in Deep Ellum, Grand Prairie, Addison, and Rockwall, which opened in 2024; wit plans to open locations in Mesquite and Nashville soon.

It's part of Milkshake Concepts whose portfolio of restaurants includes Stirr, The Finch, Saaya, Serious Pizza, and Serious Eats.

Emilie G. Paulson with Weitzman handled negotiations for the property. Michael Walters with Falcon Realty Advisors represented the restaurant.

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