The Early Word on Outpost American Tavern

Much to the chagrin of many food writers and diners, the envelope-pushing Campo, known for its artistically plated, imaginative dishes, was short-lived, surviving less than one year in an old house-returned-restaurant in Oak Cliff after going through several different chefs. Owners Miguel Vicens and John Paul Valverde, the powerhouse duo behind Coeval Studio design firm, closed up shop and decided to reconcept the space as something more casual and more approachable.

Enter Outpost American Tavern, a dark, gastropubby spot that opened in the space just last month. Gone are the unusual ingredients and precisely painted plates, replaced with more pedestrian dishes like deviled eggs, fish tacos, and beef stroganoff. Curious folks are heading over to investigate Campo's replacement—so what's being said about the Outpost experience?

The Reasonable Prices News:
As CultureMap Dallas notes, "Entrées max out at $14 and include beef stroganoff and a healthy grilled fish dish." [CultureMap Dallas]

The Cozy Atmosphere News:
UrbanDaddy took an early look at the thoroughly transformed space: "Since the Campo days, this place has gotten quite the makeover. The white tables and bar were replaced with rustic wood, subway tiles ... Plus, everything's a bit darker now." [UrbanDaddy]

The 'It's Not Campo, But They've Got a Good Burger' News:
Escape Hatch blogger Mike Hiller tweets his thoughts on Outpost: "solid rusticasual replacement for former CampO in Dallas. Standout burger too." [@mikehiller]

The Displeased Blogger News:
Prominent taco blogger Jose Ralat-Maldonado is less impressed, noting that, in a rather backwards-seeming move, he was upcharged by a buck to have the cheese left off a burger. An attempt to sample the fish tacos meant a 30 minute wait, despite a mostly empty restaurant. [@tacotrail]

The Fish Taco News:
CraveDFW's Steven Doyle had a better experience with the fish tacos: "A clubby favorite on the most recent visit was the beer battered tacos served with a chipotle aioli, Baja-style with a cabbage slaw. The tacos are served with a side of refried black beans, but they were given a heavy hand of cumin which deterred from the natural sweetness of the beans. Still a sturdy version of fish tacos." [CraveDFW]

The Tasty Comfort Food News:
A Yelper praises the grilled cheese with fig jam and arugula, declaring it "deliciously decedent [sic] yet still homey. " SideDish blogger Matthew Shelley gets a bit more eloquent on the subject of the beef stroganoff: "With short rib, cremini mushrooms, peas, and a deliciously sensuous housemade egg pasta, this dish left me diving headfirst with unrelenting indulgence into every bite. ... This is certainly the Outpost's signature prize pony, and I almost forgot how to speak English after eating it." [Yelp/SideDish]

The Solid Cocktails News:
A Yelp reviewer has kind words for the beverage program: "Super friendly, talented mixologist, great atmosphere and unique cocktail menu!" [Yelp]

The Why No Local Beers? News:
CraveDFW takes note of the beverage offerings: "There are also ten taps serving familiar and interesting brews. The list of beers passed over the local talent, but seems secure enough to get away with the faux pas"; though the draft list does include a selection from McKinney's Franconia Brewery, most of the local brewing talent has been eschewed in favor of more far-flung brews like Fireman's #4 and Lagunitas. [CraveDFW]

· Outpost American Tavern [Official]
· More Good News/Bad News posts on Eater Dallas [-EDFW-]

[Photo credit: Outpost/Facebook]