The fast-casual restaurant business in Richardson is en fuego. The aging Richardson Heights Shopping Center has been renovated and is now home to the groovy Alamo Drafthouse. Haystack Burgers & Barley opened next door and, just across 75 in Richardson’s Chinatown, Jeng Chi has expanded to host 300 diners.
Just north of Richardson Heights, you’ll find the feisty community of Canyon Creek. The residents demanded convenience and sophistication so six neighbors banded together and opened Shady’s Burger Joint in the sassy II Creeks development on Custer Parkway. If you don’t have GPS, you may miss the turn into the small strip mall. It’s masked by mature live oak trees. Hence, the name Shady’s.
Burgers are the deal. They’re served on challah buns and all of the dressings, save the ketchup, are made in the kitchen. Onion rings and fried pickles are lightly battered and the fresh-cut fries deserve the attention of French fry snobs. They offer a small selection of beer and wine along with a full bar. There is live music every Thursday and drink specials daily. If you want something sweet, walk a few doors down and try the homemade ice cream at Sweet Firefly. Need a cup of coffee? Pearl Cup is next door. Go, Richardson.
