12 of the Most Anticipated Winter Openings

The busy fall and holiday seasons may be behind us, but this winter is shaping up to be a doozy when it comes to restaurant openings. Big-name chefs like Stephan Pyles and John Tesar may have already debuted their newest ventures, but there's still plenty of upcoming eateries worth anticipating, including new spots from local legends Marc Cassel and Jack Perkins—not to mention the city's first dedicated ramen spot and a twenty-four hour diner with a full bar.

1. Pop Diner
Location: West Village in Uptown
Description: A 24-hour diner with a pop-art theme, a huge projection screen, and a full bar, located next to Max's Wine Dive.
Opening Date: Mid-January

2. 20 Feet Seafood Joint
Location: On Peavy Road in East Dallas near Goodfriend
Description: Longtime Dallas chef Marc Cassel returns with a casual seafood "shack". The seafood-centric menu will include oysters, clams, and lobster rolls.
Opening Date: Soon

3. Slow Bone
Location: The Design District
Description: Maple & Motor's Jack Perkins is getting into the barbecue biz. Slow Bone will take over the BW's BBQ spot across from Off-Site Kitchen and will feature "brisket, pulled pork, burnt ends, ribs and sausage", plus veggie-friendly sides.
Opening Date: Late February

4. The Establishment
Location: 4513 Travis Street in the Knox neighborhood
Description: "A bar-centric take on the classic oyster bar" with an "ambitious beverage program" from Michael Martensen and Brian Williams of The Cedars Social. The menu will feature small plates, charcuterie, and several varieties of oysters, plus an as-yet-unnamed James Beard-nominated chef.
Opening Date: Originally slated for December; based on a recent help wanted ad, it's gearing up to open soon.

5. Tanoshi Ramen
Location: 2724 Commerce Street in Deep Ellum, next to Angry Dog
Description: The city's first dedicated ramen spot is brought to you by Chi and Joey Le of Richardson's Wicked Po Boys; it will occupy the old Baker's Ribs spot next to Angry Dog and feature adventurous Asian street food, plus vegan-friendly items.
Opening Date: Late February or early March

6. Peak & Elm
Location: The intersection of Peak & Elm streets in East Dallas (some are referring to the area as "New East Elm")
Description: Mexican food from the owners of La Popular Tamale House, plus a full bar.
Opening Date: February 8

7. Kenny's Smoke House
Location: Shops at Legacy in Plano
Description: Kenny Bowers, owner of Kenny's Wood Fired Grill, Kenny's Italian Kitchen, and Kenny's Burger Joint, is also trying his hand at the barbecue game; the menu will include a variety of smoked meats like brisket and pulled pork, plus sandwiches, seafood, and sides.
Opening Date: January 21

8. H&G Supply Co
Location: Lower Greenville Avenue near Teppo
Description: This masculine eatery from a team of Crossfit devotees going into the old Lost Society space aims to "redefine the term 'man food'" with a Paleo-centric menu that will include grass-fed beef.
Opening Date: January

9. Houndstooth Coffee
Location: The corner of Skillman and Oram streets in East Dallas
Description: This Austin import aims to "elevate the craft of the barista" with a rare La Marzocco espresso machine and sleek, modern design, plus craft beer and wine.
Opening Date: Early 2013

10. Lark on the Park
Location: 2000 McKinney Avenue, at Klyde Warren Park
Description: A chef-driven concept from restaurateur Shannon Wynne of Meddlesome Moth and Flying Saucer fame, Lark will feature "non-cute food".
Opening Date: Early 2013

11. Hofmann Hots
Location: Trinity Groves
Description: A new hot dog chain backed by a Dallas dream team will be the second restaurant to open at the up-and-coming Trinity Groves development in West Dallas.
Opening Date: In Early December, Trinity Groves estimated it would open in "about two weeks".

12. Pepe's Ranch
Location: 2712 Main Street in Deep Ellum
Description: This long-awaited offshoot of Deep Ellum staple Pepe's & Mito's will reportedly feature "home-style cooking with a Mexican twist".
Opening Date: A Pepe's & Mito's staffer estimated it would open around Christmas; the liquor license has been issued and the interior looks to be complete.