Eight Bells Alehouse is “Down to the Wire”
Eight Bells Alehouse is looking for a way to stay open. A GoFundMe started by Meri Dahlke, owner of the Exposition Park alehouse and its sister bar Ten Bells Tavern, says last few years have done a number on the space that once held the Amsterdam. Eight Bells battled through the pandemic and winter freezes, but expenses have piled up and donations are needed for it to stay open.
“Our landlords have been amazing with having our backs but we can’t continue beyond the construction without some help,” the fundraiser says. “We love this bar and have so many wonderful memories with all of you we’d hate to see this place disappear.”
Dahlke told D Magazine that the February 2022 freeze damaged Eight Bells’ building, and construction is needed to fix it. Landlords Madison Partners approached Dahlke and told her the alehouse would have to temporarily shutter while repairs are made. Construction is expected to start in April, Dahlke says.
“The building’s over 100 years old,” she says. “Who knows what they’re going to find when they start tearing down walls and all that kind of stuff.”
Dahlke also says the bar never caught up financially from the pandemic-related closures. Money from the GoFundMe will go toward construction costs and other related expenses to help keep Eight Bells afloat during construction, Dahlke says. It’s unclear how long construction will last.
Eight Bells said in a Facebook post that the need for a fundraiser meant the alehouse was “down to the wire.”
“We’d like a chance at more,” the post said. “If you can’t give, please just come see us.”
Ten Bells Tavern, which closed its 7th Street location in Oak Cliff last April to reopen on 8th Street, is still fighting through permitting issues with the city, Dahlke says. The new building is in a conservation district, so there are more hoops to jump through, she says.
Dahlke isn’t sure when Ten Bells will be allowed to open, but it’s likely that when construction starts at Eight Bells, both of her businesses will be closed.
“I know when we got into this business, it wouldn’t be easy,” she says. “I’m hoping the tides will turn.”
Eight Bells Alehouse, 831 Exposition Ave.; Ten Bells Tavern, 238 W. 8th St.
Toller Patio is Now Texas Tapyard
The outdoor Toller Patio reopened after a week of renovations with a new name and look. In early March, the bar re-debuted as Texas Tapyard, according to the Dallas Morning News, and it’s been repainted and shuffled around to make room for more backyard games.
Owner Nick Backlund, who also owns Hide and Royal 38, told the paper he wanted to make the bar a more “active setting.” Now there’s room for giant Jenga, ping-pong, cornhole, and bocce courts. A new food and cocktail menu also debuted with the new look. It includes bang bang shrimp, brunch options like chicken and waffles, and Summer Beer made with Dallas Blonde and lemonade.
3675 Ross Ave.
Openings and Expansions
- Aussie Grind in Frisco is expanding to Farmers Branch with a new café called Aussie Grind Provisions.
- Grimaldi’s Pizzeria is opening a new location Friday at The Shops at Legacy in Plano, according to a press release.
- San Martín Bakery & Restaurant is opening a 6,600-foot space in North Dallas this fall.
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