JOE LEO FINE TEX MEX
We’re always up for a new tex-mex spot! Dallas restaurateur Kyle Noonan was inspired by his grandfather, Joe Leo Romero, who knew that the best memories in life involve family and friends eating, drinking and laughing together. The new hot spot is named in his honor. Joe Leo Fine Tex Mex doesn’t skip on the basics, featuring house-made tortillas just like the original Joe and his wife used to make. The restaurant serves “traditional, no-frills Tex-Mex” and is striving for the best fajitas and margaritas in town. The menu includes other classic options such as jumbo shrimp brochette, guac, classic queso, quesadillas, enchiladas and tacos. Drinks include the classic margarita and Mexican martinis, spicy margs, Palomas, and more. Additionally, Joe Leo has brunch available on Saturdays and Sundays and is doing a lot of business in to-go orders, with options of fajita and taco packs and bulk margaritas. The covered outdoor patio features a fountain and fire pit, and the indoor/outdoor space can either be open or closed with large garage doors.
“For the one who appreciates tradition (and spice)”
LORO
This specialty smokehouse fuses Southeast Asian and Japanese-inspired sauces and sides with traditional Texas barbecue. So, it’s no surprise that the team behind Loro, which opened its first location in Austin, is Tyson Cole of Uchi and Aaron Franklin of Franklin Barbecue. Chef Mike Perez is leading the Dallas location, and while the menu is similar to the original, it also features a few Dallas-only items. The “Meats” section features a popular Malaysian chicken bo ssam, smoked prime bavette, char siew pork belly and, of course, Franklin’s famous beef brisket served with chili gastrique and Thai herbs. The team begins slow-cooking the meats every night at midnight, because there are no shortcuts for the best. Snacks and veggies, sandwiches and rice bowls fill out the menu. The bar is a draw of its own, with batch cocktails like Thai Watermelon Punch, Mandarin Margaritas and boozy slushies like the Mango Sake Slushee and Frozen Gin and Tonics. Loro boasts that they “keep it casual and communal” at the space on Haskell Avenue, and offers inside seating and a shaded porch (where dogs are welcome).
“For the casual one who doesn’t mind an adventure”
TERRA
Eataly has garnered much buzz since opening at NorthPark, but Terra is giving us even more to talk about. The restaurant is located on the spacious third-floor rooftop, a space filled with neutral hues and mood-setting greenery, and is complemented by an outdoor terrace, perfect for enjoying an expansive view of treetops and sunsets. Terra is inspired by earth and fire and the dining room centers around a wood-burning Italian grill, where chefs cook over an open flame, allowing the simple flavors of high-quality seasonal ingredients to shine. An incredibly extensive wine menu can also be seen on display in an enormous wine fridge near the back of the restaurant. And for those who aren’t in the mood for vino, Terra also has signature and classic cocktails to enjoy, such as the “Park City Whispers” and an Aperol Spritz. The food menu is divided into several “things” - snackable, shareable things; things from the grill; things on sticks; and things from the grill as examples. A vast majority of the options are designed to be shared, so take advantage of sharing and trying a bit of everything.
“For the one who wants a view and a drink”