The mysterious Woolworth, which recently took over Stone Street Martini Lounge’s old space, is giving downtown Dallas a taste of old school, starting November 7.
Owner Brandon Luke says the name is inspired by the name of the original building, F.W. Woolworth, built in 1913. In the space below his bar, right where Campisi’s is housed, was a Woolworth five-and-dime store. Customers from the ’40s, Luke says, are apt to remember the lunch counter.
There’s nothing old-fashioned about The Woolworth’s dishes, though. “Our food menu has portobello mushrooms to lobster fondue to truffle fries. We have Caprese lollipops. We make our own ketchup,” describes Luke. “It’s basically fresh ingredients inspired from many cuisines and making them into a mishmash of shared plates, so you can try different items without having to pick entrees.”
Drinks are carefully crafted, too.
“Mike Hernandez is our mixologist. I like to refer to him as the bar-chef. He created our cocktail list. We have everything on there from a sweet [Deep Ellum Brewing Co.’s Southern Star Brewing Co.’s] Bombshell Blonde mixed with lemon juice, St. Germain, and vodka.” There are also staples, like Sazeracs, on the drinks menu.
Simple syrups here are infused with interesting flavors, like jalapeno and cumin. Luke says they even batch whiskeys and ryes together.
Guests at The Woolworth will get a cool view of downtown through the 12 French-style windows that surround the space. Hanging on the walls are photos taken from the 1940s and 1950s, when Elm Street used to be the main hang-out spot in Dallas.
Luke says that his cocktail bar is soft opening right now, but the real show doesn’t officially start until Thursday, November 7.
