Dallas’ Most Anticipated Restaurant Openings, Winter 2017

As 2016 winds down — thankfully — and we throttle toward whatever 2017 is going to throw at us, one thing is for sure: there will be food, and lots of it. The last few weeks have been packed full of restaurant closures, some of which were pretty devastating. Fortunately, there’s plenty for Dallas diners to look forward to.

In the coming months, we’ll see the arrival of a brand new East Dallas “chef-driven smokehouse,” a brand-new ice cream shop headed for Trinity Groves, and the second DFW outpost of The Halal Guys, among plenty more exciting openings to come before Spring makes its appearance.

Smoky Rose

Location: East Dallas

Details: This “rustic-refined” chef-driven smokehouse, helmed by Chef David Gauthier, is set to make its debut in the coming weeks. Gauthier, a Tennessee native who moved to Texas for this gig, earned plenty of praise in his home state for his approach to Southern cuisine. Look forward to smoked meats by the pound, refined dinner plates, and plenty of veggie-focused options inspired by the nearby Dallas arboretum.

Expected opening date: “Sometime around Christmas.”

The Halal Guys

Location: Richardson Restaurant Park (Belt Line & 75)

Details: The second DFW location where you can score all that infamous white sauce (and rice, chicken, falafel, pita, fries and gyro meat) will open on the west side of 75, south of Belt Line. This time, folks standing in the inevitable lines will be shivering in the cold rather than melting in the sweltering heat. Missing that Texas summer heat? Warm up with the red sauce – very sparingly.

Expected opening date: Early 2017

Circo/Facebook

Circo

Location: One Uptown Building, 2619 McKinney Ave

Details: NYC’s most ridiculous restaurant is set to make its Dallas debut in early 2017, complete with a massive glass-bottom pool, bartenders in the bathrooms, spa treatments, and plenty of upscale Tuscan cuisine to its incredible new space at One Uptown.

Expected opening date: February or March 2017

Roots Southern Table

Location: Trinity Groves

Details: Local celebuchef Tiffany Derry brings back her famous duck fat fried chicken – and this time it’s headed to Trinity Groves. Roots Southern Table will settle into the non-incubator area next to Off-Site Kitchen, and will feature family favorites including pies made by Derry’s mother and grandmother.

Expected opening date: Early 2017

Gus’s/Facebook

Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken

Location: West Magnolia, Fort Worth

Details: This Memphis-based chain has earned acclaim across the country for its “eggshell crisp,” spicy fried chicken. After a long wait, Gus’s will finally make its debut in Fort Worth in the coming days. Don’t be surprised if the lines don’t quickly form — Gus’s generally lives up to its pretty impressive reputation.

Expected opening date: Tentatively scheduled for December 16.

Freshfin Poke Co.

Location: Lower Greenville

Details: This new poké concept from Culinary Institute of America-trained chef Joon Choe brings sustainably sourced, healthy fare to the former Zini’s Pizzeria space on Greenville Ave. Look forward to fancy poké bowls topped with chef-inspired sauces (like coconut-lime Freshfin sauce and black sesame emulsion) with a ton of fresh fish options.

Expected opening date: February 2017

Greenville Avenue Pizza Company

Location: Peavy & Garland Road, East Dallas

Details: After a decade of successfully slinging pizza on Greenville Avenue, GAPCo owners Sammy & Molly Mandell will debut their second outpost at the uber-popular Peavy & Garland intersection early next year. Notably, this spot will largely focus on delivery and pick-up, only offering 16 seats for folks to dine in.

Expected opening date: Originally Fall 2016, now early 2017

Betty Ringer/Facebook

Betty Ringer Ice Cream

Location: Sylvan Thirty

Details: Nib Chocolates founder Stephen Smith brings his chocolatey pedigree to this Sylvan Thirty newcomer. Look forward to classic flavors like Mexican hot chocolate and vanilla bean alongside some of Smith’s more unique creations, like strawberry ice cream infused with jasmine green tea.

Expected opening date: March 2017

Is there an exciting opening we’ve missed? Drop it in the comments or, as always, hit up the tipline.