Welcome to SideDish’s weekly dispatch of need-to-know News Bites, from quiet closures to opening updates and everything in between, including coronavirus-related intel.
Lucky’s Hot Chicken Part Deux
Searing-hot off the heels of opening its first location on Gaston Ave. in Old East Dallas, Lucky’s Hot Chicken announced another forthcoming place to sweat while you eat, this time in University Park. Specifically, you can find the second Lucky’s at Hillcrest Avenue and McFarlin Boulevard (formerly home to Digg’s Taco Shop at 6309 Hillcrest Avenue), which is set to open in late 2020. You’ll find all the fiery chicken, but what’s new is boozy frozen cocktails—finally something to drown your sorry tastebuds in.
A New Deep Ellum Restaurant From the Neighborhood’s Prolific Milkshake Concepts
Harper’s, which the press release calls a “one-of-a-kind restaurant in Deep Ellum” comes from the same restaurant group behind Vidorra, Citizen, Serious Pizza, and Stirr. It’s slated to open in 2021, so details on menu or what exactly this drives this restaurant is still scant at this point. What we do know: At 2551 Elm Street, Harper’s will open at The Epic, which shares an address with the newly opened Elm & Good at the Pittman Hotel—they’re all a part of the sweeping development project activating this particular space between downtown and Deep Ellum. So far, Graham Dodd’s Elm & Good is quite lovely. It’ll be interesting to see if this property becomes a bit of a dining hub.
Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea Sets Up Shop in Knox
Chicago-based Fairgrounds Coffee & Tea is bringing their ever-changing menu of tea and coffee to Dallas in 2021. Their multiroaster model is little seen in Dallas; it’ll host a dozen rotating roasters, one of which will be a local roaster (as of yet to be determined). Inside their new location in the Highland Park Place tower, you can expect nostalgia, comfort, and nods to their namesake, the fairground. Every location sources local antiques like strong-man games, vintage signage, and old school bowling pins to nestle between pothos plants. Not to mention their new food menu offers “funnel-cake fries”—yes, funnel cakes shaped like fries. For the health-conscious, there is a robust tea program comprised of fifteen varietals and Circle Kombucha on tap, though we’re most looking forward to the draft salted caramel cold brew. —Reagan Williamson
Voting Has Delicious Perks, Too
Aside from civic engagement and exercising your right to have your voice heard through casting a ballot, voting has some other incentives: food discounts. Dallas’ new noodle shop, Marugame Udon, will give you a free, second bowl of udon (after purchasing a first) when you show your “I Voted” sticker, or some proof of election participation, on November 3. At Coolgreens in Richardson, you can get 20 percent off one entree and drink if you show your “I Voted” sticker now through Election Day, which is, again, November 3. Go forth and vote! Then, eat. Eater Dallas and Paper City both have a small running list of dining establishments doling out food and drink to voters.
Meet the New Old Monk
In case you missed it, Irish pub correspondent Tim Rogers reported this week that the Old Monk on Henderson Avenue has added a caffeinated perk to its typically boozier offering. The Old Monk will retain its pub persona by late afternoon, but in the morning from 7 until 1 p.m., it will serve single-origin coffee from Cultivar and La Casita Bakeshop pastries. Peep the menu.
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