For the last week, the garage attached to my apartment has smelled like barbeque sauce. While this fact seems irrelevant, I knew it meant something exciting was about to happen since my apartment just happens to be right above Stampede 66, Stephan Pyles’ new restaurant. I’ve been a loyal fan of Pyles’ last restaurant, Samar, since its opening in 2010, so I had high expectations for this one. Last night I stopped by for Stampede 66 for the soft opening. The crowd two-stepped to Jody Nix & The Texas Cowboys Band, which perfectly complemented the cattle-branding videos that played on the tv screens and Texas-themed fare (think fried catfish bites, brisket, chili and much more).
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The interior of Stampede 66 is best described as cowboy cosmopolitan. Last night, it was decorated with Texas-sized longhorn horns suspended from the ceiling, cozy crescent-shaped booths, horned-frog light fixtures and a giant tree shaped wire and wood art installation. Part of the ceiling was a painting of a ‘sky’ that would make the song “Deep in the Heart of Texas” proud. The crowd was a mix of of Dallas’ best: older, rhinestone bedazzled women danced with young men in cowboy hats while foodies chased down appetizers like it was another national championship for. . . well, any of our occasionally successful sports teams.
Stampede 66 plans to open to the public on November 1. I anticipate it turning into a new neighborhood hangout. You can stop by to have a Texan beer on the screened in porch (fully equipped with a fire pit), while enjoying Pyles’ modern take on classic Texas cuisine.
Margaux Anbouba is a ShopTalk intern.
