Lockhart Smokehouse to Launch Separate Bar

Lockhart Smokehouse is stepping up its bar program to compete with the seemingly constant flux of new Bishop Arts restaurants, and next month the smoked meat haven will take the upgrades a step further by branding its bar with a different name and separate entrance. It will also have different business hours; Lockhart typically closes once its meat supply has been exhausted, but the bar will stay open later to serve drinks.

CraveDFW reported yesterday on Lockhart's new draft system as well as a new handcrafted cocktail menu that's being slowly phased in, featuring drinks like a watermelon mojito and the Texas Peach, with muddled fruit and fresh mint, whiskey and a housemade ginger syrup. "The demand was really there for draft beer and some swankier cocktails," says co-owner Jill Bergus.

Barman Kenny Gonzaba explains that a lot of Lockhart's customers aren't your typical smokehouse-goers, but are more used to fine dining and would like a cocktail with their meat fest. "You've got to grow with what your clientele wants. We're just adapting. With all the new places opening up, we're just trying to stay competitive."

Stay tuned for details on an upcoming launch party to celebrate the new bar.

· Cocktails at Lockhart in Bishop Arts Just Got Better [CraveDFW]
· All Lockhart Smokehouse coverage on Eater Dallas [-EDFW-]

[Photo credit: Lockhart Smokehouse/Official]