Five Dallas Restaurant Openings Diners Need to Know About Right Now

Dallas is home to literally hundreds of restaurants, and even in the midst of a pandemic, new spots are popping up constantly. It’s tough to keep up with every single new eatery that’s debuted in recent weeks, but here are five brand new openings to know about right now, plus more from earlier this summer.

Thursday, November 5

Heim Barbecue
One of Fort Worth’s most beloved barbecue joints has finally arrived in Dallas. Heim Barbecue opened at 3130 West Mockingbird Lane on October 22. Expect barky brisket, breakfast tacos, bacon burnt ends and sides like mac and cheese and baked beans. Scope out a photo tour of the new location here.
Heim Barbecue, 3130 West Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

Swizzle
After more than five years in the works, Swizzle finally has permanent digs on Greenville Avenue. The rum-focused bar, which began as a series of pop-ups, also serves up Polynesian-inspired dished and Hawaiian comfort food, like kalua pork, deep fried lumpia and SPAM pupu platters. It opened November 4 at 1802 Greenville Avenue, Suite 110.
Swizzle, 1802 Greenville Avenue, Suite 110, Dallas

Nickel City
Austin’s 2017 Bar of the Year has expanded to North Texas with a location that opened on October 30 at 212 South Main Street in Fort Worth. Nickel City is known for its frozen cocktails and laid back vibe, and dishes out buffalo wings with sauces created by a monthly rotation of local chefs. Try the budget-friendly Boilermaker, a draft Coors beer and a shot of Jim Beam for just five bucks.
Nickel City, 212 South Main Street, Fort Worth

Yo Lobster
Chef Nick Badovinus continues his year of experimentation with the opening of a new lobster roll restaurant dishing out some seriously decadent menu items. Yo Lobster, at 33B Highland Park Village, opened on November 3 and includes several variations on the classic lobster roll, like a Connecticut version that’s slathered in butter and a California roll with avocado and pico de gallo.
Yo Lobster, 33B Highland Park Village, Dallas

Fatburger
Diners can get Fatburger’s famous made-to-order burgers delivered to their doorstep with the launch of FAT Brands new ghost kitchen operating out of Garland. In addition to Fatbuger, the ghost kitchen also offers dished from FAT Brand restaurants Buffalo’s Express, and Hurricane Grill & Wings, with Yalla Mediterranean to be added soon. Food from the restaurants can be ordered on Fatburger.com and most delivery apps.
FAT Brands Ghost Kitchen, Garland

Monday, October 19

Velvet Taco
Creative taco chain Velvet Taco just opened its newest location in Plano on October 12 at Park and Preston. The Dallas-based chain is known for dishes like the chicken and waffles taco, and Korean pork taco, topped with kimchi. The new location boats mural by Dallas artists Caleb Cannon and Eder M honoring the Plano Balloon Festival.
Velvet Taco, 5013 West Park Boulevard, Plano

Palmer’s Hot Chicken
Palmer’s joins the Nashville-style hot chicken trend currently taking over Dallas with a location at the Hillside Village shopping center in East Dallas. The restaurant, which opens today, October 19, serves chicken in four spice levels, from “naked” to “napalm”, alongside fried catfish, street tacos and pimento cheese grits.
Palmer’s Hot Chicken, 6455 East Mockingbird Lane, Dallas

Basic Taco and Yellow Rosa
This casual Deep Ellum taco shop also features a hidden “cocktaileria” serving up mezcal and other spirits in atmosphere meant to evoke the beaches of Tulum and cantinas of San Miguel de Allende. Basic Taco and Yellow Rosa both opened on October 13 , and will start serving brunch on the outdoor terrace on October 31.
Basic Taco and Yellow Rosa, 2901 Commerce Street, Dallas

Cheba Hut
This stoner-themed sandwich shop in Deep Ellum offers “toasted” subs on perfectly-baked, hand-rolled bread. Dishes include the chichen-and-ranch White Widow, named after a popular marijuana strain, and a California club topped with fresh avocado. The restaurant, which opened September 21, also sell cocktails, including a brass monkey, made with PBR and orange juice. Their full menu is available for pickup.
Cheba Hut, 2808 Main St, Dallas, Texas

Taquero
This tiny taco stand has grown into a full-fledge restaurant on Greenville Avenue, offering pre-Hispanic dishes like tlayudas alongside ceviche, enchiladas and mole, according to the Dallas Observer. The restaurant opened in late September.
Taquero, 5434 Ross Avenue

Scrambler Cafe
A new breakfast and lunch joint with an extensive menu has arrived in Plano. Scrambler’s namesake dish is a kind of deconstructed omelet with all manner of fillings, including chicken apple sausage, spinach, onions and mushrooms. They also serve a corned beef hash eggs Benedict, paninis and wraps fro lunch, and chicken fried steak and chicken. Scrambler opened October 7, according to CultureMap.
Scrambler Cafe, 7000 Independence Pkwy, Plano

Wednesday, September 2

Jollibee
The first DFW outpost of this Filipino fried chicken chain was met with major enthusiasm, including hours-long drive-thru lines and tons of hype. The crunchy fried chicken here is definitely worth the wait, and the rest of the menu — which includes dishes like sweet spaghetti, palabok pancit, and peach-mango fried pies — is definitely worth exploring.
Jollibee, 1016 Preston Road, Plano. Right now, Jollibee is drive-thru only.

Korean Street Eats
A self-described “one-stop-shop for nostalgic Korean street foods,” Korean Street Eats is now slinging its tteokbokki, pork belly gimbap, bulgogi bowls, and more snacky favorites in Carrollton. Delivery isn’t available just yet, but diners can pre-order online and pick up their takeout orders at the restaurant.
Korean Street Eats, 2625 Old Denton Road Suite 812, Carrollton

True Kitchen and Kocktails
This Downtown Dallas newcomer is a true brunch destination, with dishes like fried chicken and Champagne and shrimp and grits on the menu. The cocktail list is also interesting, with options like a fruity rum punch and watermelon froze. Call the restaurant at 972-764-8783 to order takeout.
True Kitchen and Kocktails, 1933 Elm Street, Dallas

Marugame Udon
The first Texas outpost of this Japanese chain just made its debut in Carrollton, and diners are already lining up to get their hands on these noodles. Keep it simple with the classic kitsume udon, a brothy bowl that’s topped with crispy fried tofu, or order one of the restaurant’s massive katsu sandos, stuffed with egg salad, crispy chicken, or Wagyu cheeseburger. Takeout orders can be placed online via Marugame Udon’s website.
3450 East Hebron Parkway, Carrollton

LaVui
A newcomer to Dallas’s vibrant Vietnamese cuisine scene, LaVui will open its doors on Wednesday, September 2. A project from the minds behind Oiishii Sushi, look forward to dishes like spring rolls stuffed with smoked duck and poke-style ahi tuna, banh mi, and clay pot beef stew.
LaVui, 5321 Maple Avenue, Dallas