DC Export Amsterdam Falafelshop Lands In Deep Ellum This May

The constantly growing restaurant scene in Deep Ellum shows no signs of slowing down, and many of the neighborhood’s recent entries have brought a more global flair. Last year, Armoury D.E. brought Hungarian cuisine, Pho Bowl just began slinging Vietnamese beef noodle soup, and a new concept will bring Middle Eastern cuisine this May.

Announced yesterday, Amsterdam Falafelshop will open its first Texas outpost in Dallas at 2651 Commerce St. The Washington, D.C.-based eatery first opened in 2004, and has since planned an "aggressive" expansion schedule across the country. Local entrepreneur and U.S. Army veteran Chris Kline has franchised the concept to Dallas after trying its falafel and shawarma while visiting a friend in D.C.

"I was in Washington, D.C visiting a friend, who told me I have to go to the Amsterdam Falafelshop," said Kline,  in a release. "I saw all these people standing in line and then that delicious smell hit me. I thought, ‘I’m going to have to try this.’ After my very first bite, I exclaimed ‘Oh man, we have to bring this to Dallas!’"

The concept features freshly-fried falafel that diners can top with up to 22 different sauces and other accoutrements, including hummus, tzatziki baba ghanoush, and fresh veggies. Also on offer is shawarma, made with house-roasted Halal lamb. Either option is served in warm pita or a bowl with plenty of room for as many toppings as one’s heart desires.

Amsterdam Falafelshop is expected to open its doors in May, at which time it will bring another late-night dining option to Deep Ellum. The restaurant will be open from 11 a.m. to midnight on Sunday through Tuesday, and 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. on Wednesday through Saturday.