It’s that time of year again: Time to scour the city’s best restaurants via phone and OpenTable to see which, if any, still have reservations available for Valentine’s Day dinner. What if there was a way for you and your special someone to access the high-quality food and restaurant ambiance that Dallas is known for, without planning months in advance? Making the simple switch from a romantic evening to a memorable midday meal can ease the chaos of finding the perfect table for two.
A relatively new option among V-day lunch locales, Jack & Harry’s in Snider Plaza combines Southern charm with French-infused recipes. The New Orleans-style chophouse by Vandelay Hospitality—the minds behind Hudson House, Drake’s Hollywood, and more—opened its doors in March 2024 inside a 5,000-square-foot space that dates back to 1945. Inside, equestrian artwork and antique furniture meets brick and cherry wood paneling.
A lunchtime meal at Jack & Harry’s provides access to the venue’s lunch special—a sandwich with a cup of Rue Street Gumbo and a House Salad—in addition to the full dinner menu, which centers around owner Hunter Pond’s love of dry-aged steaks. Start with the Smoked Trout Dip, which is served with crackers and hot sauce, and/or the Crab & Avocado Maison—a refreshing mix made with fresh herbs, remoulade, tomato, and aged balsamic. Though the steaks here are the centerpiece, the seafood dishes are not to be missed!
For the main dishes, choose from several mouthwatering sandwiches. The USDA Prime French Dip is a must-order, made with shaved rosemary prime rib, horseradish cream, and au jus. For those who would prefer a fish option instead, choose the Broiled Gulf Red Fish served with Café de Paris and French rice. If you’re feeling extra festive, toast to your special day over Bourbon Street-inspired cocktails, such as the Fleur de Lis, a floral cucumber gin martini.