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I’m always stoked to try new places and the new taco joint (if you can call it a joint) on Main was a pleasure. Upon walking up to the front door, I was worried that the entire place would take the lead of the awkward sign in front, but it certainly didn’t.
The decor was complete with backlit Patron bottle columns (top right), authentic Día de los Muertos art from Mexico City, and a curtain separating the walkway from the bar seating area with rose designs on them. It was quite a festive atmosphere and I look forward to heading back to explore the concrete bar further – it spanned half the restaurant!
The patio was lit by large string lights and was complete with tables and one in particular with a fire pit smack dab in the middle. I look forward to heading back to enjoy the patio when it dips below triple-digit temperatures to watch the beautiful people frequenting the adjacent Mercantile pool.
Once at our table, our waitress recommended the Wild Rita … the Wild Rita was no slouch. It was spicy, fragrant, rimmed with chili-lime salt, and it was BIG. I’d give the drink a AAA rating – and I don’t even like tequila! They also have Negra Modelo, Dos Equis, and Bud light on tap, a drink list with five interesting margaritas and six cocktails to choose from.
The only thing better than the margarita was the food. The chips were just about average, but the avocado salsa was to die for; it’s no wonder that this place is called Wild Salsa (I went through two bowls myself before our food came). They offer other salsas for a cost and sadly my dinner guest didn’t feel the need to try them … bummer. I partook in the three-taco platter with rice and beans and tried three different ones … including a “lengua”, or beef tongue, and it was delicious! They use local ingredients and they are listed on a chalkboard at the front of the shop.
Bottom line: I like a swanky place that can still keep its focus on the food and drink, and Wild Salsa does just that. Definitely put a night aside to jump in here and enjoy the unique fare and strong drinks.
Extra info: they have a great wait staff, everyone is very friendly. Food is served late on Fridays and Saturdays (but I don’t know how late). ALSO, they may be opening for some serious late-night drunk taco action because they have what looks like a to-go window on Main.
Drink strength: 4.5
Overall: 4
Wild Salsa
www.wildsalsarestaurant.com
1800 Main St (Downtown) | 214-741-WILD
Specials:
Monay-Friday | 4-7 p.m. | $3.50 beers, $4 house margaritas, $4 wells
Just like in the Matrix, Neo was “The One” (well, maybe it’s “The Three” in this case). Neo in Victory Park, the sister restaurant to Olivella’s by SMU, has been on my “To Try” list since it opened. Finally, I made it in and luckily caught their all-night happy hour (or at least the barkeep told me it was).
When I walked in, I was greeted by the bartender (Jake?) and chose a table. I enjoyed a snappily-poured $2 vodka sprite while waiting for my party as the place began to fill up (well, past the 12 people that were there when I walked in). My drink was just strong enough to give me a slight buzz which wasn’t hard due to my completely empty stomach. Once my party arrived we quickly realized that the bartender was not only the bartender, but also the host and waiter.
Overall, our boy, Jake, was quick but not quick enough to serve the 30-or-so patrons all at once; we waited quite a while for him to take our order. While it wasn’t his fault, management may need to revisit their staff schedule.
The drinks aren’t so strong, but they are quick to be made and you can always go with one of their wine or beer selections (both of which have some Italian and American options). I didn’t get to try the frozen lemonade but it looked delicious … just what I’d want on a 102° day.
The pizza is great; as I said, my third favorite in Dallas third only to Coal Vines, the one restaurant in Dallas about which I won’t listen to you talk smack, and Il Cane Rosso. I figured it must be good because their pies were voted “Best Pizza in Dallas” by “The Observer”. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning stove and are $13-23 (the regular/metro will feed 1-2/2-3 people, respectively). They don’t limit their menu to just pizza, they have sandwiches, salad wraps, pasta, and desserts. Skip the focaccia bread.
Their decor is rustic with a modern twist – large, black banquettes, pretty cheeky old-school-looking light bulbs, and some exposed brick. They don’t seem to have much lightning and we wondered what happened after the sun went down — apparently they just go with tall jar candles on each table to give it a bit of a romantic Italian vibe.
Bottom line: I’d go back if a friend wanted to go, but I wouldn’t volunteer it again unless I know there will be at least two people on staff for the night … but it’s tough to beat a $2 drink.
Drink strength: 2.5
Overall: 3.5
NEO
www.neopizzeria.com | @neo_pizza
2340 Victory Park Lane | (214) 522-9898
Specials:
Monday-Friday | 2-7 p.m. (ends at 5 p.m. on AAC event days) | $2 wells, domestics, and frozen lemonade
Wednesday | 1/2 price bottles of wine after 7pm
Just like in the Matrix, Neo was “The One” (well, maybe it’s “The Three” in this case). Neo in Victory Park, the sister restaurant to Olivella’s by SMU, has been on my “To Try” list since it opened. Finally, I made it in and luckily caught their all-night happy hour (or at least the barkeep told me it was).
When I walked in, I was greeted by the bartender (Jake?) and chose a table. I enjoyed a snappily-poured $2 vodka sprite while waiting for my party as the place began to fill up (well, past the 12 people that were there when I walked in). My drink was just strong enough to give me a slight buzz which wasn’t hard due to my completely empty stomach. Once my party arrived we quickly realized that the bartender was not only the bartender, but also the host and waiter.
Overall, our boy, Jake, was quick but not quick enough to serve the 30-or-so patrons all at once; we waited quite a while for him to take our order. While it wasn’t his fault, management may need to revisit their staff schedule.
The drinks aren’t so strong, but they are quick to be made and you can always go with one of their wine or beer selections (both of which have some Italian and American options). I didn’t get to try the frozen lemonade but it looked delicious … just what I’d want on a 102° day.
The pizza is great; as I said, my third favorite in Dallas third only to Coal Vines, the one restaurant in Dallas about which I won’t listen to you talk smack, and Il Cane Rosso. I figured it must be good because their pies were voted “Best Pizza in Dallas” by “The Observer”. The pizzas are cooked in a wood-burning stove and are $13-23 (the regular/metro will feed 1-2/2-3 people, respectively). They don’t limit their menu to just pizza, they have sandwiches, salad wraps, pasta, and desserts. Skip the focaccia bread.
Their decor is rustic with a modern twist – large, black banquettes, pretty cheeky old-school-looking light bulbs, and some exposed brick. They don’t seem to have much lightning and we wondered what happened after the sun went down — apparently they just go with tall jar candles on each table to give it a bit of a romantic Italian vibe.
Bottom line: I’d go back if a friend wanted to go, but I wouldn’t volunteer it again unless I know there will be at least two people on staff for the night … but it’s tough to beat a $2 drink.
Drink strength: 2.5
Overall: 3.5
NEO
www.neopizzeria.com | @neo_pizza
2340 Victory Park Lane | (214) 522-9898
Specials:
Monday-Friday | 2-7 p.m. (ends at 5 p.m. on AAC event days) | $2 wells, domestics, and frozen lemonade
Wednesday | 1/2 price bottles of wine after 7pm
Dallas’s newest envelope-pusher, Red Fork, opened its doors a little over a month ago on Fitzhugh just east of Central. They took a risk opening where they did, and their cocktails followed suit. The cocktail magician that formerly liquored up Smoke, Brian McCullough, does some crazy (like a fox) things behind the deep bar at Red Fork.
When I arrived, I immediately noticed various bottles holding a multitude of colored elixirs – dark purple, yellow, you name it. Upon asking, I was informed that they are all reductions of delicious combinations of unexpected ingredients. There was the habinero and basil reduction (used in their sangrita) that has a spicy kick with a sweet undertone. Then we got to watch Brian add fresh ingredient after fresh ingredient to another carafe for “stewing” and reducing into a cucumber/peppercorn/some random herb/grapefruit/orange elixir to be used in their ridiculously creative cocktails. As Brian put it, “[They] make a lot of fresh stuff and give people the choice to make whatever they want with it.”
The staff at Red Fork is a little different than I expected, but don’t let the crazy hair and piercings mislead you – they really know what they’re doing and they are incredibly friendly. I got to try all of the reductions (and got a free drink) without even threatening them with an impending review. These are some nice folks for sure! The cutlery is also arranged very aesthetically which made my first impression of the bar that much better. On a side note if you are looking for new knives and forks my friend recommended Nella Cutlery to me as a great supplier!
Red Fork offers a good menu of happy hour food (prices below) and even offers a great late night menu complete with pizza, charcuterie and cheese boards, and “snacks”. I tried the white bean hummus (perhaps some of my favorite in Dallas now) and the croquettes (sadly not on the late-night menu but delicious). The food better be darn good because they have the highly acclaimed chef from Craft, Jeff Harris, as their head chef. (Red Fork just starting doing a weekend brunch – both Saturday and Sunday – this past week.)
Extra details: valet parking is the best plan, they have a small patio, decent beer selection, my favorite waiter from Fearing’s/Perry’s has made his way to this eatery, prices are very decent.
in general, I strongly recommend trying Red Fork at least for happy hour or late-night drinks. I’ll go with Yogi Berra on this one … “When you come to a fork in the road, take it.”
Drink strength: 4.6
Overall: 4
Red Fork
www.redforkdallas.com | @redforkdallas
2537 N. Fitzhugh Avenue | 214-827-3200
Specials:
Monday-Friday | 4-7 p.m.
$3 wells, $2 domestics, $5 house wine
$3 hummus and cheese croquettes, 1/2 off burgers
Free dessert if you check-in (super bummed I missed that one!)
AT&T Performing Arts Center
Sunset Screenings – the third Saturday of each month | Sunset (FREE)
The AT&T Performing Arts Center and the Dallas Film Society present these free outdoor shows at Strauss Square as an opportunity for the public to relax in a spectacular downtown venue in the Dallas Arts District while enjoying a movie. Concessions stands will have refreshments available for purchase. No outside food or drinks are allowed in Annette Strauss Square.
BELMONT HOTEL
Barefoot at the Belmont – August 4 (Sahara Smith with Dylan LeBlanc), August 18 (James McMurtry with Greg Schroeder) | $15-20
“It’s time once again for Barefoot at the Belmont, KXT 91.7’s annual summer concert series at the beautiful Belmont Hotel in Dallas. Bringing great regional and national acts to a beautiful outdoor stage, Barefoot at the Belmont has limited seating…”
Buy tickets here.
Dallas Museum of Art
Summer Film Series – Thursdays through August 18 | 7:00 p.m.
Included in general admission to the Museum; DMA members FREE. General admission is half price ($5) on Thursdays in June, July, and August. Reservations recommended; reserve your seat online or by phone at 214-922-1818.
FAIRMONT DALLAS
Dive-In Movies – Fridays through September 2 | 8:30 p.m.
“Dive-In Movies are back! Each week, enjoy a film while lounging by (or in) our junior Olympic size pool located atop our Terrace level. ” You can also order food and drink at the pool during the movie.
WEST VILLAGE
Friday Evening Market – the first Friday of each month | 5-10 p.m. (FREE)
live music, artisan goods, handcrafted jewelry, and much more. Inspired by the summertime markets found along the seashores of popular European vacation destinations
Farm-to-Market – Saturdays | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m
the season’s freshest produce, organic meats, and artisan treats. FM 3699 provides an authentic farm fresh experience to urban dwellers in the heart of Uptown!
LA DUNI – NorthPark
Mojito class – every Monday at 5:30 pm ($18 in advance)
Call (214)987-2260 for reservations
RUSSO’S
Free wine tasting – August 2, August 16 | 6-8 p.m.
Guests are invited to a complimentary wine tasting featuring handpicked varietals from around the world. Selected wines such as Boutari Monschofilero, Sokol Blosser Evolution, M Chapoutier Belle Ruche and Coppola Directors Cut Zinfandel will be featured at the tasting. More information: (318) 564-5442.
HALF PRICE BOOKS (NW Highway)
Free movie screenings – various | 8:45 p.m. (FREE)
July 30: “Star Trek” (2009)
August 13: “The Incredibles”
August 27: “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”
DALLAS ARBORETUM
$1 Admission – until August 31 ($1, parking is $7)
“With school right around the corner, don’t miss your chance for a money-saving final summer visit to the Dallas Arboretum.”
SUMMER FOOD SPECIALS
THE COMMISSARY
Sunday Lobster Bakes – call (214)643-6557 for reservations
PATRIZIO’S
Bellinis for next-to-nothing ($1) – daily through July 31
From The Dallas Socials: The rumors are true. Patrizio is celebrating Bellini Fest throughout the month of July with $1 (yes, ONE DOLLAR) baby Bellinis. Bellini Fest is being held at each of their six North Texas locations listed here.
VERITAS WINE ROOM
Il Cane Rosso – Tuesdays | 6-9 p.m.
Enjoy the delicious Neapolitan pizza from Il Cane Rosso’s mobile oven and a glass of wine
A bartender is just a pharmacist with a limited inventory.
