D DINING DIRECTORY

Restaurant rating can be a highly arbitrary process. These listings have been compiled not only from our own experiences, but also from evaluations solicited from a cross-section of the city’s epicureans. The listings are not meant to be conclusive, but are designed to convey an idea of what to expect.

Restaurants, of course, change. These listings will be revised and supplemented periodically to reflect those changes. To that end, opinions and comments from our readers will receive careful consideration.

The pricing symbols used are categorical, not precise. They are intended only to indicate a general range.

$ – Generally inexpensive. Usually indicates a good value.

$$ – Middle ground and very general. Usually indicates a menu with a wide price range.

$$$ – Expensive. You can expect to spend more than $8 for a complete meal.

Unless otherwise noted, all restaurants have full bar facilities. Credit card notations: MC – Master Charge/ BA – BankAmericard/ AE – American Express/ DC – Diner’s Club/ CB-Carte Blanche/ “All Credit Cards” indicates that all the above are accepted.

Alexander’s A Touch of Europe. New ownership has brought in a new menu, augmenting the Russian and French specialties with an emphasis on excellence in seafood. New additions include poached red snapper, stuffed flounder, and sauteed shrimp. The wine cellar, already expansive, has been further enlarged and, if you’re lucky, you’ll hit a night when Igor, the delightful wine steward, makes one of his now infrequent appearances. Intimate dining. (3914 Cedar Springs/ 522-944/ Mon.-Sat. 6-midnight/ Reservations/ All credit cards/$$$

Arthur’s. The once-unbeatable Arthur’s has slipped a bit since its move to a new chic setting. Especially the service, which is now erratic at best (and haughty at its worst). But the food still can be splendid, including the prime rib, a great spinach salad, and surprisingly enough, delicious calves’ liver. The homemade French bread may be the best in town. A unique feature is the wine list: American wines only, with some intriguing selections. Good bar with entertainment nightly. (1000 Campbell Center/ 361-8833/ Sun.-Fri. 11:30-2, 6-11; Sat. 6-midnight/ Reservations/ All credit cards/ $$$)

The Beefeater Inn. When they’re good, they’re very, very good – capable of serving the finest beef in Dallas. Tossed salad that’s ultra-fresh. And more than one patron has extolled the smooth virtues of the Velvet Hammers here. Inconsistent service seems to fit the stuffy elegance of the place. (2425 Cedar Springs/ 748-2553/ Mon.-Fri 6-10:30, Sat. til 11:30/ Reservations/AE, BA/

Brennan’s. For breakfast or Sunday brunch, Brennan’s lives up to its New Orleans reputation. The Eggs Benedict or Eggs Sardou and the turtle soup are the best anywhere, and the variety of breakfast cocktails are an early morning treat. The dinner Creole cuisine falls short, but the flaming desserts are fantastic. Beware of the service, it can be very good or very bad. The atmosphere is tasteful and elegant. (One Main Place/ 742-1911/ Breakfast & lunch: 7 – 2:30 on weekdays, 8 -2:30 on weekends; Dinner: 6-10 weekdays, til 11 weekends/ Reservations/ All credit cards/ $$$)

Brasserie. The cream of the all-night restaurant crop. Of special note are the scrambled eggs with lox and onions (where else can you get that at 3 a.m?), some terrific pasteries and luscious bittersweet chocolate ice cream. The later it is, the better it all seems to taste. Sidewalk cafe motif. Generally fast service. (Fairmont Hotel, Ross & Akard/ 748-5454/ 24 hours, 7 days a week/ MC, BA, AE, DC/ $$)

Campisi’s Egyptian Restaurant. The original Dallas pizza parlor still serves some of the best pizza in town and at very reasonable prices. If pizza doesn’t fit your mood, forget it – you’ll have to fill up on an appetizer basket of crab claws. They’re a treat. Avoid the salad. Good late night spot. (5610 E. Mockingbird/ 827-0355/ Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-midnight, Sat. noon-midnight/ No credit cards. Checks accepted/ Reservations for 6 or more/ $)

Cattlemen’s. This old stand-by still offers great steaks in the Texas steakhouse tradition. The side dishes are mediocre and the decor is cutesy cowboy, but the steak’s the thing. (2007 Live Oak/ 747-9131/ Mon.-Fri. 11-10:45, Sat. 5:30-midnight/ Reservations recommended/ MC, BA, AE, CB/ $$)

Celebration. Home cooking served family style. The all-you-can-eat prices (from $2.50-4.50 depending upon the entree) are a dinner bargain. The food is good – not great – with pot roast the best of five entrees. Delicious homemade biscuits. A great place to take kids, as children’s plates are only $1-1.50. Fun atmosphere. No bar, bring your own wine. (4503 W. Lovers Lane/ 351-5681/ Mon.-Sat. 5:30-11, Sun. til 10:30/ No Reservations/ MC, BA/ $)

Chablis. Reasonably good French specialties at unreasonable prices. The halibut steak is probably the surest bet, along with a nicely done assorted cheese plate. (To be fair, Chablis is, at times, excellent. The most inconsistent restaurant in Dallas.) A comfortable French provincial atmosphere and attentive service help soothe the price sting. (Quadrangle, 2800 Routh/ 522-0910/ Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30-2:30, Dinner: Mon., Thur. 6-11, Fri. & Sat. til midnight/ Reservations at night/ MC, BA, DC/ $$$)

Chateaubriand. Their strong point is variety. Whatever you order from the wide-ranging continental menu is likely to be good, though sauces tend to be gooey. Bountiful servings at moderate prices. The salads alone are worth a visit. Or try it for better than average Greek food. The ambience can only be described as continental posh. Go see for yourself. (2515 McKinney/ 741-1223/ Mon.-Sat. 11:30-midnight/ Reservations/ All credit cards/ $$)

Chiquita. For the Mexican food gourmet. The Tex-Mex here is average, but the specialty dishes are superb. The chili relleno stuffed with Linares cheese is a memorable experience. Likewise the Chicken a la Parilla. A tasty bean soup is complimentary with every meal. Rather expensive for Mexican cuisine. (3325 Oak Lawn/ 521-0721/ Mon.-Sat. 11:30 -11/ No reservations/ MC, BA, AE/ $$)

Cuquita’s Cafe. Slightly tacky but very friendly Mexican cafe. The regular fare is tasty but heavy stuff in overly generous portions, so try a lunch of great guacamole salad and fresh homemade corn tortillas. Beer only. (2718 Harry Hines/ 742-0833/ Tues.-Sun. 11 a.m-2 a.m. Closed Mon./ No credit cards/ $)

La Creperie. Dine on the outdoor patio on a nice day and you won’t mind the consistently slow, though cordial, service. Choose from almost 50 varieties of crepes – the white asparagus and swiss cheese is a winner. Dessert crepes from 5O￠-$5 and 10 varieties of espresso. (Quadrangle, 2800 Routh/ 651-0506/ Mon.-Wed. 11-10:30, Thur.-Sat. till 11/ Reservations recommended/ MC, BA, DC/ $$)

Daddy’s Money. Attracts a lively singles crowd – and we do mean crowd – so expect a long wait at the bar before dining. Order the fine rack of lamb or you’ll get an average meal. Another alternative is to go for Sunday brunch which features some great fresh fruit daiquiries as well as some interesting omelettes. The three-level dining room creates a nice effect. (Old Town, 5500 Greenville Ave./ 363-8686/ Mon.-Thur. 1-11, Fri. & Sat. 11-12:30, Sun. 10-11. Drinks til 2 a.m. daily/ No reservations/ MC, BA, AE, DC/ $$)

Dynasty. The many fine mandarin dishes here include Shrimp Jam-boo with tomato sauce, an unusual mixed vegetable dish called Buddhist Delight, and spicy shredded beef in garlic sauce. This is also the only Chinese restaurant in town to offer lamb dishes. Try one for an interesting change of pace. No ambience to speak of, but who needs it with food like this? (5214 Greenville Ave./ 368-6883/ Mon.-Thur. 11:30-11, Fri. 11:30-midnight, Sat. 5-midnight/ Reservations for 6 or more/ MC, BA, AE/ $$)

La Esquina. Mexican food New Mexico style. This means enchiladas that are stacked rather than rolled, beef chunks instead of ground beef, more chilies than cheese. The effect is slightly heavy, so be careful to leave room for the sensational sopapillas, worth a visit in themselves. Margaritas by the litre is another plus. Homemade sangria. Quiet setting in a neat old house. Seems overpriced. (2815 McKinney/ 826-2950/ Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30-1:30, Dinner: Mon.-Thur. 6-9:30, Fri. & Sat. til 10/ Reservations not needed/ No credit cards/ Checks accepted/ $$)

Ewald’s. Interesting and consistently well prepared German-style high cuisine that’s getting better all the time. A great place for veal – Ewald’s specialty. The seafood is quite good, too. Graceful but unspectacular atmosphere. (5415 W. Lovers Ln./ 257-1622/ Mon.-Fri. 6-10:30, Sat. 6-11/ MC, BA/ Reservations/ $$$)

Goldfinger. In a city with a dearth of good Greek food, this is one of few options left since El Greco burned down. The menu has the standard Greek offerings and features a house specialty combination of souflaki and large shrimp. The food is fairly good, if unimaginative. Becoming increasingly popular on weekends as an entertainment spot. (2905 Cri-delle, Bachman Lake area/ 350-6983/ Daily 11:30-2, 6-11; Fri. & Sat. til midnight/ Reservations on weekends/ MC, BA, AE/ $$)

The Grape. A unique and always -crowded restaurant boasting 25 varieties of cheese and a menu of light entrees that changes daily. The tournedos bearnaise are a favorite. For a touch of pure excellence, try any of the homemade soups (fresh mushroom is the specialty). During busy hours, which is most of the time, service can be painfully slow. Unusual wine list. No mixed drinks. (2808 Greenville Ave./ 823-0133/ Lunch: Mon-.Fri. 11:30-2:30, Dinner: Tues.-Sun. 6-10:30, open later on Fri. & Sat. for wine and cheese only/ No reservations/ No credit cards/ $$)

The Health Nut. Dallas’ best health food restaurant. A homemade cream cheese sandwich on wheat-berry bread that is sure to please, whether you’re a health nut or not. Wonderful fresh fruit or vegetable salads. Great Smoothies. Casual atmosphere, to say the least, and clever decor with glass table tops on tree stumps. Warning: no smoking. (4220 Oak Lawn/ 526-4050/ Daily 11-9/ No credit cards/ $)

Herrera Cafe. Mexican home cooking at its best. Don’t be put off by the hole-in-the-wall decor – the food is first class. Watch them make the flour tortillas as you walk in, then order them – a rare treat. The hot sauce is different, delicious, and hot. And the soft cheese tacos have to be tasted to be appreciated – surely the best ever. They’re contemplating expansion (there are only 9 tables), so go while it’s good (remember Ojeda’s?). Bring your own beer. (3902 Maple/526-9427/ Weekdays 9-8, Weekends til 10. Closed Tuesday/ No credit cards/ No reservations/ $).

Hungry Hunter. Regardless of the quality, which is difficult to determine, where else can you get wild boar or buffalo? For starters, try the Hunter’s Feast for two, with boar, quail, and frog legs. Venison for the un-adventuresome. Ambience is hunting lodge chic. And the bartender has some incredibly potent concoctions – ask for his Rolls Royce. (Keystone Park, 13931 N. Cen. Expwy./ 690-8090/ Lunch: 11:30-3 except Sat., Dinner: 6-11, Fri & Sat. til midnight/ Bar open til 2 a.m./ MC, BA, AE/ $$$)

Ianni’s. The special menu of Italian hors d’oeuvres is so loaded with goodies – baked oysters Mosca to Spiedini (a stuffed miniature veal roll) to toasted ravioli – that a dinner of all appetizers is very tempting. The atmosphere, unfortunately, is loud and dark. (2230 Greenville Ave./ 826-6161/ Daily 5:30-11:30/ Reservations/ MC, AE/ $$)

II Sorrento. Classical Italian cuisine of high quality. You can hardly miss but especially good are the tortellini and the veal valdestana. The service is frequently as lavish as the Italian street scene decor, complete with strolling musicians. (8616 Turtle Creek/ 352-8759/ Reservations/ All credit cards/ $$.)

Jamil’s Steak House. Lebanese hors d’oeuvres with all dinners are the added attractions here, good and filling. Included, among other tidbits, are a Tabouli salad, cabbage rolls, and a basket of barbecue ribs and bologna. Steaks are OK, nothing special. (2907 W. Northwest Hwy./ 352-9071/ Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11-2, Dinner: Daily 5-midnight/ Reservations/ All credit cards/ $$)

Kirby’s. A dependable, no-nonsense steak house. Mr. Kirby still runs the place and there are no bad surprises. Attentive but unobtrusive service. The filet is an especially good value. Great onion rings. (3715 Greenville/ 823-7296/ Tues.-Sun. 5:30-10:30, Fri. & Sat. til midnight/ Reservations/ All credit cards/ $$)

Khalil’s. Excellent Middle Eastern cuisine, and one of the few places in the city that you’ll find it. The owner prepares most all dishes himself, and he works very hard to please. The atmosphere has been vastly improved by recent redecoration. (31 Highland Park Village/ 526-5600/ Mon.-Sat. 11-10/ Reservations for 6 or more/ MCI $$)

Kitty Hawk. A curious but attractive decorum combination of airplane motif (including a large replica of the “Kitty Hawk” itself hanging from the lounge ceiling) in a garden patio setting. Charcoaled shrimp takes the prize here – they’re huge and flavorful. Worth a visit, though service can be astoundingly bad and dinner prices are high. (5201 Matilda/ 691-0394/ Lunch: Daily 11:30-2:30, Dinner: Sun.-Thurs.

6-10:30, Fri. & Sat. til 11:30/ No reservations/ All credit cards/

Kuby’s Sausage House. Dallas’ best deli-restaurant. A cheery place with a German accent. Browse the German magazine rack while you’re standing in line (lunchtime is always crowded). Or leave your lunchmate to stand in line while you check out the fascinating grocery imports. Marvelous pastrami and nicely priced daily specials. (6601 Snider Plaza/ 363-2231/ Mon.-Sat. 11-2:30, Sandwiches til 5:30/ MCI $)

The Magic Pan. Usually overcrowded, but worth it. Excellent crepes (you can watch them being made) and a fine spinach salad. Try the chantilly crepes. Recommended for a Sunday brunch when the shopping crowd is gone. (NorthPark-New Mall/ 692-7574/ Mon.-Thur. 11-midnight, Fri. & Sat. til 1/ No reservations/ MC, BA, AE/ $$)

Marcel’s. Very French and very good. Two dining rooms with di-ferent menus. The newer, Le Cabaret, offers a complete table d’hote dinner (including all the hors d’oeuvres you can eat) for only $5.50 – a gourmet bargain. But the original dining room is much more pleasant. In either room, the Beef Wellington is Marcel’s masterpiece. An interesting menu note claims “we will prepare any classical French cuisine upon request.” Attentive service in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. (5721 Lovers Ln./ 358-2103/ Sun.-Thur. 5:30-10:30, Fri. & Sat. til midnight/ Reservations/ MC, BA, AE, DC/ $$)

Mariano’s. A good mariachi band, lavish Mexican courtyard decor, and fantastic frozen margaritas do their best to hide the fact that the food is only passable at prices that are questionable. But it’s a fun and lively place. Old Town, 5500 Greenville/ 691-3888/ Sun.-Thurs. 11-10:30, Bar til 1; Fri. & Sat. 11-11, Bar til 2/ No reservations/ MC, BA, AE/ $$)

Mario’s. Elegant and refined, to be be sure, and capable of Italian specialties as interesting and rewarding as any of the best dishes in the city. But consistency in both food and service has faltered lately. Recommended: scallopine, manicotti, fried zucchini. And no matter what precedes it, the spu-moni for dessert is always a delight. (135 Turtle Creek Village/ 521-1135/ Daily 6-10:45, Sat. til 11:45/ Reservations/ All credit cards/ $$$)

Mr. Peppe. There are those who swear by it as the finest restaurant in the city. Specialities include Crabmeat Peggy, Pepper Steak, and Veal Cordon Bleu – all extraordinarily good. A cordial and comfortable ambience – they remember you here. Albert, the new owner, makes pastries that are unrivaled. Very reasonably priced. (5617 W. Lovers Ln./ 352-5976/ Mon.-Sat. 6-10/ Reserva-tions/ MC, BA, AE/ $$$)

Ojeda Cafe. It’s no longer the living legend it once was – popularity and expansion have tarnished its charm. But the puffed tacos are still the best around, and the crowds persist. Beer only. (4447 Maple/ 526-9261/ Tue.-Fri. 11-3, 5-8:30; Sat. & Sun. 11-8:30/ 4011 Cedar Springs/ 521-4740/ Mon., Wed.-Fri. 11-3, 5-9; Sat. & Sun. 11-9/ No reservations/ No credit cards/ $)

Old Spaghetti Warehouse. One for the kids. An old Market St. warehouse brought back to life and loaded with antiques and novelties (including a real City of Dallas trolley car). It’s possible that the spaghetti is also antique. But the half-price plate for children under 12 is a deal. Try it for a birthday party. (1815 Market St./ 651-8475/ Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11-2:30, Dinner: Mon.-Thur. 5:30-11, Fri. & Sat. 5-12, Sun. 12-10/ Reservations for 20 or more only/ MC, BA, AE/ $)

Old Warsaw. Its heritage of excellence in providing the complete French-continental dining experience is being challenged by frequent reports of slow, slow service. The menu of many superlatives remains intact: Chicken Kiev, Duck Bigarade, and Red Snapper Meuniere to name a few of the best. The salad and vegetable trimmings could be upgraded. A very fine wine list. (2610 Maple/ 528-0032/ Daily 6-11, Sat. til midnight/ Reservations/ All credit cards/ $$$)

Oporto Oyster Bar. Though their food is not always of gourmet quality, Oporto’s makes a welcome contribution with the most varied and extensive seafood menu in Dallas, a city severely lacking in quality, imaginative seafood. Offerings include brook trout, flounder, scallops, Boston scrod, and steamed clams (un-usual for Texas). It’s all flown in daily from Boston. Good service in an informal atmosphere. (2929 N. Henderson/ 826-2553/ Daily 5-11, Fri. & Sat. til midnight/ MC, BA, AE/ $$)

Patry’s. A small and very popular, if slightly overrated, French restaurant. Some of the food is indeed superb, with the coq au vin, the onion soup and the creme caramel deserving of special note. A problem here is in the acoustics – it gets incredibly noisy when busy. Service varies. The wine list could be improved. (2504 McKinney/ 748-3754/ Tues.-Fri. 6-11. Sat. til 11:30/ Reservations/ MC, BA, AE, DC/ $$$)

Peking Palace. Mandarin and Sze-chuan specialities that rank with the best in the city. Try the fried dumplings for openers. The Nanking and Seshun pork and the hot spiced beef are excellent, but so is everything else. Peking duck on an hour’s notice. Very good service. (4119 Lomo Alto/ 522-1830/ Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30-2:30; Dinner: Mon.-Thurs. 5-11, Sat. & Sun. til midnight, Sun. 12-10/ Reservations on weekends/ MC, BA, AE/ $$)

Penny Pinchers. An unusual place featuring Creole cuisine among other things (such as curried chicken and spaghetti), all you can eat, buffet style. Home cooked in a homey atmosphere by husband and wife owners. Food is undistinguished, but the price is right. Good for the hungry. Beer & wine only. (6556 Skillman/ 341-2127/ Mon.-Sat. 6-10/ Reservations, but not necessary/ MC, AE/ $)

Pepperport. The current best of a host of quality new restaurants springing up in far north Dallas. Pepperport features three different menus for different times of the day including a late night weekend menu of omelettes and escargot, among other things. The food – mostly American specialities – has been consistently out-standing from all menus. Charming colonial setting. Cocktails by “membership” only – it’s dry out here. (Carillon Towers, 13601 Preston Rd./ 661-3237/ Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30-2; Dinner: Mon-Thur. 6:30-10:30, Fri. & Sat. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 a.m./ Reservations for 6 or more/ MC, BA, AE/ $$)

Pietro’s. Small and comfortable, Pietro’s serves some of the better pasta dishes in Dallas. Especially the lasagne. The pizza is the best in town, period. Usually crowded, but worth the wait. (5722 Richmond, off Greenville/ 824-9403/ Tue.-Thurs. 5-10:30, Fri. & Sat. til 11:30/ No reservations/ No credit cards/ $$)

Ports O’Call. The only thing consistent here anymore is the view from atop the Southland Life building. Wide variety of cuisine, but mostly Polynesian. The quality varies even more widely (the lobster is good, but avoid the shrimp). The drinks are exotic. Better for lunch. (Southland Center, 2117 Live Oak/ 748-6211/ Mon.-Sat. 11:30-2:30, 6-10:30/ Reservations/ All credit cards/$$$



Pyramid Room. All in all, this is currently the finest restaurant in Dallas. And the most expensive. Truly gourmet. Recommendations are superfluous, but the Grand Marnier souffle is masterful. Usually a paragon of service in an atmosphere of affluence. For the same quality fare at lower cost, the lunch buffet for $6.50 is a very good value. (Fairmont Hotel, Ross & Akard/ 748-5454/ Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30-2, Dinner: Daily, 6-mid-night/ Reservations/ All credit cards/ $$$)



Royal Tokyo. A relative newcomer that has proven consistent with well-prepared Japanese cuisine. Imported Japanese beer and whiskey and, of course, saki. (7525 Greenville Ave./ 368-3304/ Daily, 11-2, 5:30-11:30/ MC, BA, AE/ Reservations/ $$)



Sonny Bryan’s Smokehouse.Quite simply, the best barbecue in town. And in generous proportions. They close in the evening whenever they run out of beef, so after 6 give them a call to be sure they’re still serving. Beer only. Beat the crowds – try them in the morning for breakfast ham and coffee. (2202 Inwood/ 257-7120/ Mon.-Sat. 6 a.m.-8 p.m. (see above), Sun. 11-2/ No reservations/ No credit cards/ $)



South China. A varied menu of exquisite Chinese cuisine. This small, unassuming restaurant ranks with the best. Recommended: Moo su pork or any of the dishes with the superb black bean sauce. Don’t overlook the so-called home favorites. (5424 E. Mockingbird/ 826-5420/ Lunch: Tue.-Sun. 11:30-2:30, Dinner: Tue.-Thur. 5-11, Fri. & Sat. til 12, Sun. till 11/ Reservations/ MC, BA, AE/ $)



Taxco Cafe. Good Tex-Mex specialties, especially for the newcomer to the Mexican cuisine. The preparations are subtle, not so spicy. Excellent guacamole and the refried beans are the real thing. Friendly service, and the prices may be the best value in Dallas. Beer only. (2126 N. St. Paul/ 742-0747/ Wed.-Sun. 10:30-8/ No reservations/ MC/ $)

Trader Vic’s. There are Trader Vic’s all over the country, but don’t let that scare you away. They’re all different and this one is quite good. The Indonesian lamb roast and the limestone lettuce are worth a dinner trip any time. Fun drinks, but avoid the Planters Punch. (Hilton Inn, 5600 N. Cen. Expwy./ 827-4100/ Mon.-Sat. 5-12/ Reservations/ All credit cards/ $$)

Upper Crust. Tasty homecooking in old fashioned kitchen motif. Entrees change daily and range widely from liver to lasagna. Good red beans & cornbread at lunchtime and salad with an unusual buttermilk dressing. No alcohol sold here. (Olla Podrida, 12215 Coit Rd./ 661-5738/ Lunch: Mon.-Sat. 11:30-5, Dinner: Mon. & Thurs. only til 8:30/ No reservations/ No credit cards/ $)

Yee’s. One of the three top Cantonese restaurants in Dallas (the other two are Canton and House of Gong), Yee’s is featured here on the strength of two stand-out specialities, duck with fruit and the spareribs. (Canton’s highlight is the silver noodle beef and Gong’s is recommended for its curried dishes.) Whichever place you visit, try different dishes (standard custom is one dish for each person plus one for the table). (Yee’s, 5420 Lemmon/ 526-1050/ Tue.-Sun. 11-midnight/ No reservations/ All credit cards/ $/ Canton, 5519 W. Lovers Ln./ 357-4486/ Tue.-Sat. 11:30-10/ Reservations on weekends/ MC, BA, AE, DC/ $/ House of Gong, 3726 W. NW. Hwy.l 352-8248.)

Zodiac Room. A buffet production that delights the eye as well as the palate. Luncheon delicacies of the first order (though it used to be better) with a special flair for desserts – they are phenomenal. The fresh fruit salad (in season) with the deservedly famous poppy seed dressing is marvelous. Service is leisurely, to say the least. Danish pastries in the morning from 9:30-10:30. Wine and beer. (Neiman-Marcus, downtown/ 741-6911/ Lunch: Mon.-Sat. 11-2:30, Dinner buffet, Thurs. only, 5-7/ Reservations/ Neiman-Marcus charge card only, Checks accepted/ $$)